Tropical Textile Treasures at J&O Fabrics

Vacation in the tropics year round with our hot selection of exotic, themed tropical textile in an array of styles and colors.  Using some of our easy NO-SEW techniques, it’s a breeze to create this island oasis. Simply deck out bamboo and wicker furnishings in coordinating tropical and animal themed prints. Accent your home sanctuary with customized, self-adhesive lampshades in floral or leopard print and beaded trim. For a carefree coastal comfort, trim a sisal rug by hot-gluing strips of tropical print fabric along the edges. Topped with complimentary prints and fun fringe, a wicker trunk adds practical storage to this private paradise. Complete this tropical environment by framing the windows with burlap drapes hung by leather strips and accented with beaded tassels. Even these tailored treatments are made using another quick and easy NO-SEW fusing methods

 

DIY Knickers


YouTube Preview Image

With my skill set primarily in drapery, one of the more intimidating projects I have yet to undertake is the making of knickers. Not the kind that can be mistaken for mens’ underwear because of their boxy, boyish cut, but truly form-fitting, feminine lingerie that make a woman look and FEEL sexy! I’m not sure which of my concerns surrounding such a seemingly simple feat is stronger…getting the cut just right or properly manipulating the stretchy knits required in the way needed to keep them from sagging. But with several ultra-feminine silk and floral poly rems to play with, this DiY video courtesy of Delia and Erika at Flo-Jo Boutique in Bristol, was just the inspiration I needed to boost my courage up a notch and at least try my hand at a pair or two.

D.I.Y. Fleece Hat and Scarf set

 YouTube Preview Image

 

If you’re children are like mine, half of the school year is spent searching for their missing homework while the other is spent searching for their winter fleece hats, missing gloves,  and countless hand-knitted scarves from Grandma. And if you’re a mother like me, you eventually discover the benefits of saving time and money through the creation of D.I.Y. fleece hat and scarf sets rather than the purchasing of new winter wear yet again.

J&O Fabrics Now Carrying Trimland String Curtains

jandofabrics trimline string curtains

 

Originating out of Istanbul, Turkey and one of the leading manufacturing mills for window dressings and trim, Trimland is making a name for itself  with their versatile, eye-catching selection of trims and funky string curtains for home, work, or play.

Available in more than 500 assorted styles, colors and specifications, their curtains come in made-to-measure customized widths of between 30-500 cm and heights between 45-1100 cm allowing the imagination to dictate just how creative you may want to be with your design vision. With their easy to hang options even the novice do-it-yourself-er can turn an ordinary space into an EXTRA-ordinary experience.

A Fleece For All Seasons

With the infamous sighting of the groundhogs shadow predicting another six weeks of winter still left to go, the desire for all things warm and cozy is still in demand. Luckily for those on the hunt, there is a wide array of wonderful fleece material in popular NFL teams, novelty prints, notable characters and solids still stocking the shelves of local fabric stores to wet your whistle and please your creative sewing palate. From apparel and accessories to no-sew-fleece-throws, pillows, and crafty makings, fleece offers a lightweight warmth combined with the kind of ease-of-care that those who seek during the wintry months enjoy year after year.

Caring For Your Foam Cushions

jandofabrics

 

Foam plays a large part in the life of your outdoor cushions since any outdoor fabric is only relatively water proof in a rain storm, and will eventually let water into the cushions one day. Water sitting in the foam of your cushion can mold your fabric and create harmful mildew.  If you are willing to cover your cushions or bring them in to protect them from rain and moisture then do so. If however you are not, then here are a few types of outdoor cushion foams that may work for you.

 

 

Top Summer Wedding Color Trends 2014

jandofabrics

With June still reining as one of the most popular months for marriage ceremonies despite February’s National Wedding Month ownership, color and fabric trends for 2014 are the main question inquiring minds want to know as the month unfolds. According to Pantone and several leading wedding planners around the country, the top 5 colors  for 2014 are mint, dark blue, pink, black, and emerald with mint taking center stage. From bold shades to lighter hues, the summer bridal palate offers its own statement against the traditional white of the bride and black tux of the groom.

2014 Color Trends

jandofabrcs

 

Twice a year, color forecasters go into research mode to predict and dictate the palates that the fashion industry and ultimately, we as consumers, will prescribe to for the season ahead.  One of the most respected and established is Pantone. With almost 2,000 colors in their index of tile colors and over 20 years of setting the color standards used worldwide to create a unified communication code for international use, they have become one of the leading global authorities on color.  Once their forecast is set, textile manufactures produce specifically dyed fabrics that designers inturn purchase for their collections. For them, these forecasts are viewed as a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ where those who choose to follow will become part of what ultimately becomes the trend….and what designer wants to be irrelevant?

Celebrate Love, The Heart, And National Go Red Day!

jandofabricsThis Friday (February 7 2014) is National Go Red Day, a day dedicated to the education and prevention of heart disease. And with heart disease still continuing to be the number one killer of Americans overall and women in particular, the need for us to take better care of our beating organ is the order of the day, year, and rest of our life. From proper diet and excersize, to sufficient rest and room for play, it is often the little things when applied overall that can make  the biggest difference and bring about the most profound change.

The Dressmaker’s Thread Arsenal

jando sewing threads stockxchng thea0211

Ever visited a website or fabric store and stumbled upon the notion, sewing supply and thread selection? Do you get puzzled trying to sort through what thread you need for a project? Let’s face it, we all want to get home and get sewing and not be scratching our head over thread. Yet, thread is just as important as the project itself. If you don’t purchase good quality thread or purchase the wrong type for the fabric you are using your project is in jeopardy of not lasting as long as you might like or not cooperating with the sewing machine itself. So, dressmaker’s often amass a thread arsenal that includes a rainbow of their most turned to threads as well as some specialty types for special projects. Check out my listing below for a guide to threads for your next project.