Stock up on craft felt fabric to be prepared for those rainy days! The ideas are endless for using felt in crafting projects. 

This oversized felt flower really pops when placed over a decorative fabric canvas like this chevron. It can be made in any size, color and print for optimum personalization. It seems the felt flower petals would be simple enough to draw onto a tracing paper and cut out, and you could use a sturdy fabric adhesive to secure the decorative fabric to the canvas and staple the petals to the finished piece!

Make coffee or tea time more cozy with a felt fabric place setting! Felt is super easy to layer, so this project could be made using two different shades of fabric. It looks like they started with a solid piece of felt and added an additional layer of cut out pieces to the top. The overall effect is 3D and even provides a nice slot for a coffee mug to rest without spilling. Match your felt fabric to your favorite tea set and create your own setting! Soon you will have the urge to invite a friend over for relaxing conversation….and by that I mean to show off your stuff.

Small stuffed animals are always better with felt fabric accents. This cute mouse has a clean striped pattern paired with bright red felt ears and a yarn tail. You can use felt to make ears, tummies, tails and more on your next stuffed animal project!

Post by J&O Fabrics

Creative Ways to use Craft Felt Fabric was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Get inspired with the following discount vintage fabrics for your next fabric refresh:

Striped Garden Vintage Fabric (Product ID: vint36150)

This is a great mauve and dusty rose fabric. This print features delicate flowers, dewdrops and leaves paired with parallel stripes. It is printed on a medium weight 100% cotton, making it important to wash and press prior to crafting. This fabric is ideal for custom drapery, table dressings, decorative throw pillows and other home accent pieces.

Charm Paisley Dress Fabric (Product ID: vint35811)

Add instant charm to any space with this intricate vintage fabric. Printed on a soft poly/rayon blend, the bold colors pull out other hues in the room. We love the pinks, reds, violet and blue tones contrasting with the emerald green backdrop. This is an eye-catching mix of floral and paisley that works wonderfully for women’s clothing items, handmade bags, men’s neckties and home décor ideas like lampshades, curtains and more!

Crimson Red Vine Allover Vintage (Product ID: vint36147)

Adding a pop of red to a room is exciting! The red can be a brighter, bolder hue, or a deep crimson, like this fabric. If you are daring to go red, but not exactly ready for a stop-sign shade, this is ideal! Printed on a slightly polished 100% cotton, it features delicate vintage paisley and floral. The soft pinks in the paisley tone down the crimson for an incredibly beautiful effect. This fabric works for taupe, coral, wine and antique white color mixes, as it has a bit of each to pull from. Use this unique vintage fabric to create stunning window dressings, home décor pieces and even women’s accessories and clothing.

Post by J&O Fabrics

Get Glam with Affordable Vintage Fabric Options! was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Tips for adding or replacing buttons: (Note: the following tips are for sew-through buttons, not shank buttons)

• From the start, remember that you need to leave a bit of space between the button and the fabric if it is an article of clothing. That space will be required in order for it to ‘button’ upon completion! So while the button will need to be sturdy, leave a gap.
• Most sew-through buttons have at least 2 holes, while most feature 4. Standard thread is usually all that is needed, though something more durable is ideal for denim fabric and other thick materials.
• Begin by threading your needle. Puncture the fabric on the side where the button will be. Start pulling through to the knot and create small knots to mark the base, where the button belongs. This will help make sure it does not shift around during the process.
• Next, pull the needle through one of the holes from the backside upward. Now choose another hole and pull the thread back downward. Alternate the holes in a pattern, pulling the thread up and then back in. Try to follow the same pattern of holes for a stronger hold.
• Pull the thread through each hole about 8-10 times in this fashion.
• When you are satisfied that the hold is firm, pull the needle up through the fabric, but not by going through a buttonhole.
• Now wind the thread 3 times around the threads beneath the button, the starting point. Pull the needle through the threads beneath the button and then tie a tight knot to secure it.
• Trim excess thread and you are finished!

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Tips for Sewing on Buttons was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Dainty little fabric craft ideas that are adorable and fun to make

Fabric flowers are among the most versatile little crafts out there. Any favorite fabric can be transformed into a bloom! Fabric flowers can be turned into hair accessories, necklaces, brooches, pinned to handbags, sewed onto clothing and so much more. Decorative fabrics are wonderful for making flowers.

Fabric is great for making cute little creatures. You can create your own bird using denim fabric mixed with felt and decorative prints! Make sure the bird is lightweight so that the wire legs will hold it up. Ribbon is also a nice touch to an animal craft.

Lace tones down bolder prints for items like this wallet/coin purse. Adding a few fabric buttons (or any decorative button) in an unexpected and contrasting print will add much more to the project. They stuck to the same overall color, blue, and added texture with the lace and contrast with the polka dot buttons for an artistic finish that is certainly a crowd-pleaser.

Felt fabric is an easy way to exaggerate the prominent features of animal crafts. We love the oversized Mohawk on this sweet little rooster, and the tiny felt beak. The use of a plaid fabric for the body transforms it from drab to fab–it is just that easy to use fabric to make a statement.

This little flower blends decorative and felt in layers. Using different colors, layers and fabrics can make even the most simple craft pop. Notice the use of ribbon for a stem and a bright center button. The stitching around the petals finishes the overall look.

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Cute Little Fabric Craft Ideas was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Painted Stripe: Tempura fabric

Burgundy Denim

Pick 1:

The Painted Stripe: Tempura fabric (Product ID: mah32992) features a few key colors. Pair it with our Burgundy Denim (Product ID: den34578) to tone down the hot pink tones while adding desirable texture to the mix. This pairing would make an eye-catching throw pillow, comforter or curtain.

Baby Dinosaurs Allover Flannel Fabric 

Canary Polar Fleece 

Cherry Red Polar Fleece

Pick 2: 

Pair this Baby Dinosaurs Allover Flannel (Product ID: fla35542) with some solid soft polar fleece for a pair of children’s PJs! We recommend Cherry Red Polar Fleece (Product ID: pol00020) or Canary Polar Fleece (Product ID: fle31212) to bring out the bright primary colors found in the flannel dinosaur fabric. The fleece would make a wonderful and warm inner lining for the perfect pair of winter pajamas that would certainly become a child’s favorite!

Contrary: Reveal Fabric

Camel Linen fabric

Pick 3:

An elegant take on black and white, our Contrary: Reveal fabric (Product ID: mah32926) pairs well with most any solid color or texture. It looks wonderful when offset with a nice Camel Linen (Product ID: lin004) or colors like eggplant, deep red, or navy blue.

Voila Chenille Upholstery Fabric

Rouge Chenille fabric

Pick 4:

Bring out the color that is your favorite by pairing. Our Voila Chenille Upholstery fabric (Product ID: reu30246) can be paired with the Rouge Chenille (Product ID: che00006) to bring out the red tones. Picture this combination with a two-sided sofa pillow or entire sofa fabric pattern.

Post by J&O Fabrics

Tips: Pairing Fabrics for Color and Texture was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Wrapping gifts with fabric is simply more fabulous

Choosing a black and white fabric and adding a pop of color is an easy way to create a work of art. There are so many different fabrics featuring black and white, and you can use any color under the sun as the accent shade!

This idea features a neutral theme. We love the various textures at play here, from the specialty paper to the polka dot fabric. Adding dried or fresh flowers is a wonderful idea. The string wrapped around the entire project gives it a whimsical and old-fashioned feel. Notice the use of the gift tag rather than a standard sticker.

This approach folds the fabric and finishes it off with an attractive knot. Experimenting with different folds will lead to new looks. While the knot serves as a bow, you can certainly add some embellishments like wooden tags or beads.

Fabric flowers are great for gift wrapping. This one features neutral flowers and a paper wrap. This could also be made using a bright base fabric and multi-colored fabric flowers, the possibilities are endless.

There are many ways to tie the knot. If it is a gift for a child, you can add a small stuffed animal or other item into the mix by tying it to the top!

Pro-tip: Use a variety of different fabrics for a bundle of gifts! The end result is more exciting and artistic. Who would not want to receive such a thoughtful array of packages or be the one giving them?

Post by J&O Fabrics

Fabric Gift Wrapping Ideas was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

This cute fabric necklace uses an existing chain. Any style of fabric will work for this look. Pro-tip: Making several different pieces to use with the same chain will expand your collection!

Add a bit of lace or other unexpected fabric to a plain scarf. A scarf adds an element of sophistication or even playfulness to ordinarily dull tops. Not just for warmth from winter’s chill, scarfs are making statements in almost every climate lately.

This lace cuff spells fashionista. Cuffs look great with anything from dressier outfits to tee shirts. They can be stacked with different types of bracelets or stand-alone. This grey lace version can pair well with many colors, making it a collection staple.

Felt fabric necklaces are so easy to make and fun to wear! This butterfly version can be recreated using any shape, animal or color. These are ideal for kids and adults, adding a whimsical vibe to certain outfits. You can make a no-sew felt necklace using various strips of leather and ribbon. For added texture, cut the felt fabric using pinking shears.

Beads and fabric blend well together. Covering beads with various decorative fabric prints allows you to be the artist and craft truly unique pieces. Fabric pieces like this will generate many compliments and leave friends wondering where you found such a treasure. Hint: These also make excellent gifts!

Post by J&O Fabrics

5 Fabric Accessories You Can Create Yourself was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

We found the following pillow designs on Pinterest and they can all be easily re-created with your own choice of decorative fabrics, felt fabrics and more from J&O:

Add pizzazz to a plain-Jane pillow with an oversized felt flower. Consider the room it will be in and try to make sure the color chosen will stand out for maximum effect. For example, if the room has a few purple accents, this bright yellow flower will add plenty of color and interest without clashing with the dominant color in the room.

When you have a collection of fabric pillows featuring different prints, you can add a plain felt pillow into the mix. This one has some ruffle for texture and a ribbon in the center that ties it to the rest of the bunch!

Covering a pillow with fabric flowers gives it a 3D look and feel. It also makes it far more glamorous. The flowers do not necessarily need to be the same size or color to achieve this look, experiment with different ones and indulge your creative side.

This pillow would look festive for the holiday season. The oversized floppy leaves look fantastic and you can play around with different embellishments for the center. Picture this option with a red or green base pillow for Christmas time.

Felt makes great backing for decorative fabric. Find a cute base fabric for the pillow, like these polka dots, and cut out textured felt fabric for your embellishments. The final effect is absolutely adorable!

Post by J&O Fabrics

Inspirations for Do-It-Yourself Felt Fabric Pillows was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Decorating with fabric in eye-catching spots helps to transform any room in the house. Show your creative side when you choose coordinating fabrics and place them in great places!

Fabric furniture upholstery 

While this idea seems easy, many forget that they can fashion their own chair using whatever fabric desired. While some very cool chairs and furniture pieces can be found at places like Pier One, they are cookie-cutter and a touch overpriced. With the right discount designer fabric, your furniture will be getting compliments for years!

Open new drawers

Line the inside of drawers and storage spaces with a great fabric. You can even use a different fabric for each drawer. This is a way to make furniture feel truly unique and also to protect certain items you may be storing inside.

Timing is everything

When you stop to consider how much time is spent checking the time, this idea is a no-brainer! Clocks are typically plain. Why not embellish with a bold fabric and make the clock pleasing to look at and an addition to the room? If you are not comfortable with adding fabric to the actual face of the clock, you can use it to create a great border. Pro-tip: you do not have to use the existing border. You can add a larger one for more emphasis on décor.

Post by J&O Fabrics

Top 3 Unexpected Spots to Decorate with Fabric was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Add a gold chain for added elegance. Any size or style will infuse an air of luxury to the fabric.

Use colors that pop together, like turquoise and red. There are various degrees of color in both turquoise and reds, play around until you find the ones you love best! Note: You do not always have to pair a dark color with another dark—a deep red will really bring out an icy blue!

Fluffier flowers add a whimsical vibe and dress up casual items.

A bright pop of yellow will wake up green hues. Mustard is a very popular shade this year and looks fabulous with many outfits.

Use a few different fabrics for texture and interest.

Plain is not always boring! This white version presents a clean look that will work well with nearly any outfit.

Diminutive flowers bring these fabric beads new life. Experiment with sizes and shapes.

Use different styles of fabric flowers to create a true work of art that is sure to generate many compliments. Use a rose, tulip and daisy medley, you are free to create!

Lime green is a color every woman needs in her wardrobe. It instantly wakes up an ensemble and pairs well with darker hues like charcoal and deep purple.

Glam it up by adding sparkling embellishments to the flowers! This necklace looks like it is a halter-top when paired with a tube style top!

Post by J&O Fabrics

10 Fashionable Fabric Flower Necklace Inspirations was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

See also: novelty prints and USA inspired fabrics

Stars on Red (Product ID: sta33945)

Like our other selections of star themed fabrics, this festive fabric brings out the Independence Day spirit. Stars on red is printed on 100% quality cotton with a 1 1/8 H 1 V repeat. The tan stars are 1/8”. We offer a variety of star styled fabrics in our online store.

Mount Rushmore Flags Allover Novelty (Product ID: usa35777)

This unique fabric features iconic Mount Rushmore intermingled with the American flag. Bright and vivid, this would make an excellent table setting for the 4^th of July. It is printed on 100% cotton with over 200 repeated images. This offers maximum patriotic print per yard and pairs well with solid broadcloth and quilting fabrics.

Declaration of Independence: Panel (Product ID: usa000106)

Bring a sense of history to the table with the Declaration of Independence fabric! Informative and attractive, it is printed on quality 100% cotton against a rich wine canvas. It boasts an antique looking scroll with the signatures of the founding fathers and a full 17” version of the Declaration of Independence.

Patriot Rows (Product ID: usa31724)

This patriotic print features stars, stripes and fireworks! It is printed on 100% cotton with a 9 1/2” h x 3 ½” repeat. This fabric looks great on throw pillows, fabric napkins and more. Note: 4 rows of flags with 48 flags per yard.

First President: George Washington Novelty (Product ID: usa36170)

This 100% cotton fabric depicts George Washington and American flags. A true picture of American history, it has a 27 H, 15 ½ V repeat. Why not add a touch of presidential history to your spread this year?

Mount Rushmore Panel Novelty (Product ID: usa35776)

Here is another version of the famed Mount Rushmore, accented with a clear blue sky. This is quality 100% cotton and the image measures 18.5 x27” and is surrounded by excerpts of various presidential speeches. Use this fabric as a conversation piece at your holiday celebration!

Post by J&O Fabrics

6 Fabulous 4th of July Fabrics from J&O was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

5. This four pocket organizer looks great and uses a few coordinating fabrics to achieve a cool look. Imagine the possibilities!

4. These cute fabric totes can serve any purpose, from sewing kit to lunch tote. We love the pockets lining the inside, ideal for anything. Additional storage is always a good idea.

3. This divided storage basket is ideal for baby. This would be a thoughtful and personalized baby shower gift that could also be filled with newborn items. Find your favorite fabrics from J&O for inspiration.

2. Who says a first aid-kit must be red and white? This fabric first-aid kit is kind of cute—and likely made by someone who must carry it often! These would be ideal to tuck into a child’s schoolbag, a purse, or give as gifts to your nurse friends.

1. Pencil bags remain popular even with tablets taking over. This fabric pencil holder looks great because it employs a variety of fabrics for added texture and appeal.

Note: Some patterns for these items can be found on Pinterest while others cannot. We are simply sharing ideas, so we won’t always have access to the patterns and tutorials.

Post by J&O Fabrics

5 Cute Fabric Storage Ideas from Pinterest was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Tips for new crafters on how to pin fabric properly. Fabric crafting requires frequent pinning and planning–this is how to do it accurately.

• Begin with pressed fabric and line up raw edges
• To avoid puncturing the fabric, you can place the pins on the outside of the seam allowance. This method also allows you to sew without having to remove the pins first.
• Do not sew over pins. While some do not remove pins prior to sewing, this practice can dull or even ruin a sewing machine. Sewing over pins can destroy the needle, damage pricey fabric and even jam the machine. Machines are quite an investment, so it is best to develop good sewing habits from the start.

• Many pin at a perpendicular angle to the raw edge, this provides more strength but may leave holes in fabric.
• Pinning parallel with the raw edging removes the risk of damage to the fabric. The direction you need to pin will depend largely on the project at hand. The more you sew, the more trial and error will become a valuable teacher.
• No matter what direction you are pinning, leave a 1” gap between pins. This will keep the dimensions of the project correct. Larger gaps can lead to spacing errors that can be timely to correct.
• Never use bent pins. Remove ruined pins from your stash before they wreak havoc on your next project by tearing the fabric or securing the wrong spot.
• Using clips will add binding
• Happy fabric crafting! Share your tips and tricks with us on Facebook.

Post by J&O Fabrics

How to Pin Fabric for Beginners was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Items for the basic hand sewing kit, like the cute pin cushion above

The ideal starter sewing kit should include the following items:

• Needles. Hand sewing needles in a variety of sizes and lengths. Make sure you have at least one large, heavy-duty needle for fabrics like denim.
• Fabric pens. These are priceless for nearly every project and assist with ensuring accuracy.
• A threader. Threading needles can test your patience–a needle threader is a handy way to avoid that stress.
• Measuring tape. This must-have comes in a variety of cute colors, making it an attractive addition to your sewing kit.
• Straight pins. The straight pins with round heads work best.
• Pin cushion. You will need a spot to stick all of those sewing needles and pins. There are also magnetic pin holders available that are fun to use.

• Fabric shears and sewing scissors. Not just any pair of scissors will do! You will be spending good money on your crafting supplies and fabrics–the wrong scissors can easily ruin them. Invest in quality cutters.
• Seam ripper. There will be mistakes, this tool makes it far easier to correct them!
• Thimbles. This nifty crafting tool will defend your digits against the sharp pins and needles when you are lost in the moment and accidently prick your finger! Ideal for working with dense and heavy fabrics.
• A collection of thread. Buy thread in every color of the rainbow. It is inexpensive and ideal to have on-hand in the event that the urge to create strikes, much like fabrics. Remember to also buy invisible thread!
• Buttons, beads and other embellishments. These you can buy as you wish, or even make your own adorable fabric buttons for your stash!
• Sewing kit. Last but certainly not least is a sewing kit to hold all of the items. Personalize it and make it your own!

A whimsical sewing kit by Zuzu’s Petals, so fun!

Post by J&O Fabrics

Top 12 Must Have Sewing Kit Items was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Below are 10 fabric craft ideas we adore: Found on Pinterest!

10. These fabric balls can be made with a variety of fabrics to suite any style of décor.

9. Adding felt embellishments to a solid pillow is a fun way to transform it!

8. Creating a Fabric section on a wall can serve as an oversized tack board or even a stylish headboard.

7. Covering books, wallets and other ordinary items with fabric makes them pop.

6. Fabric takes gift-wrapping to the next level!

5. A few fabric designs on a plain painted wall add texture and color.

4. The boring belt is a thing of the past! No more searching for unique accessories in stores, just cover existing belts and more with your favorite fabrics from J&O!

3. Do-it-yourself aprons offer so much versatility and the opportunity to mix and match fabrics.

2. The standard tote bag is suddenly eye-candy when adorned with a variety of contrasting fabrics. This style of tote is perfect for so many occasions, including school, beach, shopping and more!

1. Fabric flowers come in all shapes, sizes, styles and fabrics. Create a batch of blissful fabric flowers for your living space—they will never perish and need not be watered!

Post by J&O Fabrics

Top 10 Fabric Craft Ideas Found On Pinterest was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters