Where did the infamous ‘bow tie’ get its start and what purpose did it serve? It wasn’t to keep a man’s neck warm and it surely wasn’t to make him feel more comfortable. Maybe it was designed to simply keep his collar closed or strategically draw attention to the length of his beard (which in some cultures is a measure of wisdom). Whatever the reason it first made its debut, we found its presence in history and fashion important enough to do a little research and share our findings.
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.
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?
As a fabric lover who also works at a fabric store, I am privy to not only the latest and hottest top shelf fabrics as soon as they come off the truck, but a plethora of textiles that I may not normally have come in contact with along my journey. From popular new novelty cotton prints for 2011, to elegant mid-century Maharam decorator designs, if you were to ask me to list my favorite, it might just take a few days. But such a question shouldn’t go to waste , and so the crew at J&O Fabric Store decided to let our curiosity be fed as we posed this poll to our fabulous facebook fans. Afterall, knowing what our craft customers like most, gives us an idea of which fabrics we should purchase more of to keep our customers satisfied.With so many fabric-holics as fans of our J&O facebook page, it didn’t take any time at all for the feedback to start pouring in. From faux furs and brocades to Michael Miller and Amy Butler, the selection was as diverse as the people who voiced them.
From avant garde designer Issey Miyake and the beautiful traditionally inspired oriental fabrics, to fashion textile deconstructionist Rei Kawakubo of Comme de Garcons and the use of monochromatic dress fabrics, the Japanese have made their mark and pushed the limits of the imagination with their degree of talent, skill, and courage over the decades; attributes Japanese based designers and will have to pull on now more than ever in light of the recent atrocities suffered on multiple levels, and a rather uncertain future since the devastating earthquake almost a month ago.
In little more than 30 years of life, Alexander III of Macedon – better known today as Alexander the Great – conquered much of the known world of his time, including the mighty Persian empire. He extended the reach of Greek culture further than anyone before him. In his spectacular military victories against often numerically superior forces, Alexander and his armies demonstrated tactical genius that is still analyzed in military academies.
“1920’s…my grandma’s old house dresses, saved to do quilts with….maybe someday:( ” ~ Sara Elmore
An abundant selection can lead to an abundance of indecision, particularly when it comes to neckties. The colors, patterns and even textures can leave you wondering where to begin.
Perhaps you’ve begun culling the collection of your significant other. Or if you are very disciplined maybe you’re weeding out ties from your own collection. The question then becomes what to do with those old neckties?
At J&O Fabric Store we’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide you with some ideas of how to recycle old or unwanted neckties without throwing them away. Here are our top ten ideas for giving old ties new life.
More than ever before caring for the environment is at the forefront of the news. People are asking themselves what they can do to be more environmentally friendly. The Robert Kaufman fabric company has an answer for quilters, dressmakers and crafters looking for more ecologically responsible fabrics. To that end they have introduced a varied line of organic fabrics. All of these fabrics are part of Kaufman’s greenSTYLE collection. Here are some examples:
Sea-Tiva Cotton/Seacell Fabrics
These exclusive organic textiles are produced using seaweed derived fibers together with cotton.
Sea-Tiva Seacell Fabric: Black
With 2009 right around the corner, thoughts of how to celebrate the New Year in style come to mind. From a night of partying on the town, to an evening surrounded by good friends, good food and lots of laughter in the comfort of your own home, finding the perfect material to decorate your body or home can be a challenging and timely experience; but rest assure, help is on the way at J&O Fabrics’ online store. As one the largest fabric stores with one of the widest selection of designer fabrics around, J&O is your No#1 source this holiday season. So put your worries behind, and jump on our user friendly site before the countdown to 09′ begins.
