J&O Celebrates National Keep Kids Creative Week 2014

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Celebrated the last week of September,  National Keep Kids Creative Week was started in the fall of 2003 by illustrator and author Bruce Van Patter. Bruce created National Keep Kids Creative Week to encourage kids to use their ideas and imaginings instead of relying on video games and television to do it for them. Once word got around, teachers began to celebrate it in their classrooms and since 2006, KKCW (Keep Kids Creative Week) has been listed in Chase’s Calendar of Events, a high-profile, national directory of holidays and celebrations.

Quilting With Calico

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Originally produced in Calicut on the southwestern side of India by traditional weavers  called Chaliyans before becoming popular in Europe during the 1700’s, calico fabric is one of the most popular fabrics for quilt projects and hand crafted creations. Made from unbleached cotton, calico consists of a plain-woven textile featuring miniature prints in an assortment of  delightful designs, patterns and colors making it a great accent or base for many quilting projects as well as dresses, blouses, skirts, purses, bed sheets and more.
Also known as Chintz, calico is truly a fabric rich in history, pride and legend. Because of it’s natural fibers, calico offers a harmonious union between fiber and flesh, is washable, durable, and eco-friendly (if non-gmo based). Quilting with calico has never been so much fun, and at J&O Fabrics we carry a selection of both vintage and modern day calico to suit almost every creative nitch.
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Check out some of our selected calico:
j&o fabrics

cal33490

Organic Bamboo! Best Summer Fabric In Town.

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With the summer quickly moving along and temperatures running high, naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant organic bamboo fabric which is breathable even in the hottest weather, is also one of the coolest summer fabrics in town and we have Mother Nature to thank for that!

Traditionally used in China and Japan to make hats and shoes, and in the South Pacific for housing and utensils, bamboo has undergone many processes to create the fiberous form found in modern day wear.  Whether you’re decorating your summer home, designing a collection, or simply making a few pieces for yourself, be beckoned by bamboo and keep your cool at the same time.

Celebrating July 4th, Food, Fabrics and YOU!

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With summer quickly passing by and sun worshipers trying desperately to slow her pace down, many find themselves scrambling to prepare for one of the seasons biggest festive occasions… the Fourth of July.

Celebrated on that day with fireworks, cook outs, commemorations, and trips to the shore, Independence Day offers a time for reflection, human connection, great food and so much more. At J&O we keep our special occasion fabrics stocked year round for our quilters and artisans to gather and coordinate their projects and quilts well before the rush. Here are a few such popular themed prints and designs to fit the holiday theme and offer nostalgia.

Go Green! Top 10 Eco-Friendly Terms To Look For On Your Next Shopping Trip.

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We are living in a time when the rich resources our loving Mother Earth has provided us with are now, as a result of abuse and misuse by man, in need of sustaining to ensure their provision not only for her living inhabitants now, but for future generations to come. It is because of this, that a growing awareness in and ‘go-green’ consciousness of creative ways to assist in this precious recycling of resources has developed. From Number 1 PET or PETE soda and water bottle plastics recycled into polar fleece, to the use of natural fibers, dyes and chemical free cleaning processes on our textile goods, being eco-friendly has become as necessary as it has trendy!

J&O Crafty Customer: Isidora Designs

jandofabricsAt J&O Fabrics we are constantly running coupons,  sending out gift cards, and even giving away free fabric. As such, one of our lucky customers became a recipient of a $50 gift card that she won through a cool giveaway we ran on our Facebook page.  With it,  Connie Lawton Andrade purchased several fabrics along with enough yardage to make a fun Bucket Bag for the summer to add to her already creative inventory of  Isidora Designs bags found on Etsy. When asked what inspired her recent manifestation, Connie had this to say.

J&O Crafty Customer: Nydia’s Creations

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mini apron / bag sets

 

It never ceases to amaze me, the amount of raw talent and creativity that exists in all of us. Yes, all of us. To one degree or another, whether nurtured 110% or simply left to play with now and again, the ever flowing creations that our imagination manifests into this reality reflect the power of the mind in truly amazing ways indeed.

Connecticut Huskies Win NCAA 60-54 Over Kentucky Wildcats

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When the final buzzer rang at the end of the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium last night, it was the Connecticut Huskies 60-Kentucky Wildcats 54, a win that would earn UCONN’s fourth NCAA title and Connecticut’s  Shabazz Napier, his second All-American title. In a game featuring the highest combined seeds in the history of the national championship game, the Wildcats were looking for their ninth NCAA title, instead they lost for the fourth time. UConn is now 4-0 in championship games.

Ask Netfah: Special Care for Cotton Tube Fabric

jandofabricsDear Netfah,

I recently purchased a cotton jersey knit that came in a tube. Aside from pre-washing, do I need to do anything in particular to the fabric before cutting the pieces into a garment?

~Sandy / Detroit-MI

 

 

 

Dear Sandy,

Once you have pre-washed the fabric to reduce any additional shrinkage, simply cut along one of the folds and steam or press  to remove the fold line. If it won’t press out or if the fold line is unfortunately somewhat faded due to overexposure to light over time, you will want to be mindful to utilize your fabric strategically so as not to reveal any defects on your final garment.

Celebrate Women’s History Month With J&O Fabrics

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March 8, 1911 marked the first celebrated International Women’s Day in many European nations as well as the United States. Women from around the globe gathered to talk about women’s rights and their place in society. From their historic presence in the Bible and contributions throughout history, to their movements in modern day society, many womens’ groups focused their energies around areas of substance, passion and purpose.  Books were written, organizations were formed, many even sparked protests and debates that created lively conversation and shifts in the norm that some were not ready for.