Caring For Your Foam Cushions

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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.

 

 

J&O Fabrics Outdoor Fabric Guide

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With the summer season officially here, time to put procrastinating aside and start pulling out those patio cushions, polishing up table tops and dusting off umbrellas in preparation for outdoor entertaining,  fun in the sun, or simply relaxing poolside in the shade.

For many, this process will look more like an arduous chore  rather than a easy task as the winter hibernation season seemed to drag on forever. And if your beautiful cushions weren’t packed up properly, you could be in store for some cleaning and revamping ahead of you. Worse case scenario, you’ll find yourself tossing the old for the new…. DIY or BUY style. Best case, with a little help from J&O fabrics, you’ll find just the right tips, tricks and fabulous fabrics to make your dreams of your backyard living space come true!

Picnic Prints!

Now that the weather is warm it is time to fire up the grill and pack up the picnic basket. Eating outdoors at a park or by a lake this time of year is so refreshing. You just can’t beat the beautiful weather, not to mention having a place for the kids to run off all their energy. It’s not hard to see why picnics are such an iconic summer activity.

After years of use, spills and stains it’s probably about time to update your linens and blankets. We carry a great selection of prints that are perfect for your next picnic, including some classy outdoor fabric!

Fascinating Fabrics: Scorching Sun Savior

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We at J&O Fabrics know a thing or two about outdoor fabric. For two generations, we have been selling top quality material for all of your deck needs. We really thought we had seen it all until we heard about Sunbrealla.

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This incredible fabric’s claim to fame is that it does not fade in even the most intense sun. However, that is not the only trick it has up its sleeve hem. This miracle fabric is also completely stain proof. If that wasn’t enough to win you over, Sunbrella is also a dedicated member of the green movement; all of its products are made without the excessive use of harmful toxins.

“Sewjo Off? How To Know When It’s Time to Put the Needle Down!”

jandofabricsHave you ever noticed how challenging even the simplest sewing projects or most routine steps suddenly become when our emotions come into play? Seems when our mood is light and upbeat, our  fabric  flows thru our machine with more ease, our stitchwork is more on point, even little nuances like ripping out a seam or altering a mistake just seem par the course. But when our mood is heavy and our ‘sewjo’ is off, all hell breaks loose. It’s almost as if our sadness, anger, stress or residue from the day, is emitted off of us and then reflected back to us the same. As a result,  what normally takes five minutes to repair, can take fifteen or even fifty. That dress fabric that you sewed together the wrong way, is now being fixed for the umpteenth time, and it’s almost as if a naughty little elf came and swiped the piece of Baroque trim from the table you placed it on less than two minutes ago. Yeah, the same trim that you scoured the local craft marketplace all day for to complete your sitting room valance. In the midst of all the madness, now it appears your mind is playing tricks on you!

How to Transform Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Fabric - Online Fabric Store The good news about outdoor fabric is that it’s long lasting; the bad news about outdoor fabric is that it’s long lasting. It’s only bad news for the sewers among us who delight in changing out our décor, inside and out, on a regular basis.

But we’ve found a solution, so you don’t have to worry about sewing withdrawal — make cushion covers!

Creating slipcovers has been an inexpensive solution to disguising many furniture monstrosities, including that burnt orange crushed velvet couch that followed you home from college. But, they can be a lot of work. Since, most outdoor furniture is made of weather-resistant material, like bamboo or rattan, you’ll generally only need to make seat covers or back covers to fit cushions, rather than an entire slip cover.

Fresh Spring Fabric Finds

Spring is in the air, love is in bloom, the green shoots of Daffodils, Crocus and Tulips are sprouting. At J and O Fabrics the new spring arrivals are here. Whatever spring means to you, however you see yourself spending a lovely afternoon in the sun. Whether you spend your days at a ball game, having ice cream in your backyard or just hanging at the Dog park, we’ve got a fabric that says Spring.

Nature's Poetry Birds Fabric Product ID: bir33283

Songbirds at the nearby feeder.

Fervent Love Garden Outdoor Product ID: out33353

I Got My Fabric, Now Give Me Spring!

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I don’t know how the weather is affecting folks around the nation, but on the east coast it  is clear, we are ready for the spring!

Fabric of the Future: Fabric That Can’t Get Wet

 

jandofabrics, waterproof, nanotech, polyesterSwimsuits that don’t get wet. Clothing that is self-cleaning. These are just some of the perks of a new waterproof material developed by Swiss Chemist and lead researcher Stefan Seegar at the University of Zurich. The fabric is made from polyester fibres coated with millions of tiny silicone filaments, and is said to be the most water-repellent clothing appropriate material ever created.

So what’s the secret to this fascinating fabric of the future??Protective spikes.

Ask Netfah: Which Plastic Vinyl Gauge Is Best for My Project?

Dear Netfah,

I am covering my sitting room sofas with a clear plastic vinyl and was not sure what gauge was best suited for the job. I have seen thicknesses ranging from 10-30 online, but am still not sure. Please advise.

Perplexed About Plastic, NE

Dear Perplexed About Plastic,

Your inquiry is a common one for crafters looking to cover or design anything from outdoor furniture and outerwear, to boat cushions and indoor furnishings. In your case, a good thickness or weight as some people call it, is 12-16 gauge. This size will offer you a durable enough material that is still pliable and easy to sew or heat bond. Remember, the higher the gauge number on clear plastic vinyl, the thicker it is.