J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter

J&O Fabric Store Celebrates Juneteenth!

2009-07-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

During the summer months, while many Americans are welcoming in the season and celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence declaring Americas independence from Great Britian in 1776 with fireworks, bbq, parades, trips to the shore and baseball games, African Americans across the United States are also celebrating the official 1865 abolition of slavery with speeches, parades, picnics and family reunions.

June 19th, also known as Juneteenth or Emancipation Day, is an American holiday honoring African American heritage and commemorating the official day in 1865 that Union Genral Dordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston Texas to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves. Until that time, news of the Emmancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, had not made way down to Texas and therefore, slaves there were not informed of their freedom. According to those African-Americans who had been liberated from the bondage of slavery, until all slaves were emancipated, one could not be free.

For many years only twelve states recognized Juneteenth as an official holiday but as of May 2009, 31 states have recognized Freedom Day as either a state holiday or state holiday observance including:

Texas

Arkansas

New York

Massachusetts

Connecticut

Alaska

California

Colorado

Delaware

Florida

Idaho

Illinois

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Michigan

Missouri

New Jersey

New Mexico

North Carolina

Oklahoma

Oregon

Tennessee

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Wyoming

Washington, DC

In honor of Juneteenth, and the diversity of the American melting pot, J&O Fabrics offers an array of patriotic U.S.A. and African prints celebrating the liberation of a people and the fabric of a nation.

Check out our selection of USA cotton novelty fabric here!

Check out our selection of African fabric here!

Check our our selection of 4th of July fabric here!

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Fabrics Just for Girls fun novelty fabric

2009-07-02T06:45:00.000-04:00

GiRL TalK!
Whether you refer to yourself as a girl, lady, women, gal, or chick we all have something in common. We are strong, vital, people, not the weaker sex by any means.
Somethings however, are uniquely ours, and if you're like me, forever feminine - even if only a little, you may enjoy these finds.
At J&O Fabrics we have tons of designs to help bring the roar out of the kitten.
Here are a few that celebrate just us.

Radiance
to me, this celebrates life, a women with her child raising her arms in the air at the joys of the sun above and the earth below. Simple pleasures! Matching mother daughter dresses or soft comfy shorts. This lifts my spirits just looking at it.

Vintage Fashion Women fabric
I'm a big movie fan and this reminds me of the old movies I grew up with. The ones my daughter refers to as grey. Movie stars, TV mom's that wore pearls and dresses. Yikes! If I had my own personal bathroom I would use this for a shower curtain and matching drapes. However, I would love it as a lining in a jacket or handbag so I get a little grin on whenever I see it.

Cancan Dancers fabric
This is just downright gorgeous! A picture does not do it justice. At first it looks like flowers...surprise! I see myself in a long flared skirt out of this and a black top. A Duvet cover would be lovely too.

And my personal favorite

How to keep your Husband fabric
Words can't express how much I love this! It just cracks me up. I already bought some, and of course I have NO IDEA what I'm going to do with it. But then, I'm sure you understand!

You'll find more under: Womens Accessories
View broadcloth fabrics
View dots novelty fabric
View striped novelty fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

Ask Netfah: Nikki's Raincoat Material

2009-07-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Netfah,

I was interested in making a rain coat for my four year old girl, but was not sure what kind of material I should be purchasing. I would like it to be kind of see through like the rain capes from my own childhood. I saw some vinyl online, but it looked too heavy. Any suggestions?

-Rain Rain Go Away, Ellicott City MD

Dear Rain Rain in Maryland,

I used to have one with ducks on it when I was a little girl. I even had an umbrella to match. Now that I am an adult, I wish they made them for my size because they protected so well.

The kind of material that is best suited for the style of rainwear you are looking to create is a lightweight clear plastic vinyl. It is the material most often seen and affiliated with table coverings and tote bags. Well, it is a great water protectant and wipes clean for easy care.

Clear vinyl comes in varying thicknesses called gauges that range from 10-30. A 10 gauge vinyl is the thinnest and therefor lightest of the weights. Suitable for a range of uses, 10 gauge vinyl is good for cosmetic purses, storm windows, and some garments. The thicker 30 gauge vinyl is harder to sew through and is used primarily for seat covers and greenhouses.

As always, it is best to get samples before ordering any yardage if you want to be sure the material you are purchasing is suited for the project at hand.

Check out the selection of clear plastic vinyl at J&O Fabrics here!

Check out the selection of solid vinyl at J&O Fabrics here!

Check out the complete selection of vinyl fabric at J&O Fabrics here!

***Send in your Ask Netfah questions to info@jandofabrics.com. We'd love to hear from you!***

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

Burlap: Top 15 Benefits & Crafts

2009-06-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

When I was a child, one of my favorite field day games at my school was the sack race. I remember the thrill of pairing up with my best friend as we climbed into that woven beige colored bag that would soon become our mode of transpo in a race to the finish line. Though somewhat rough to the touch, the burlap material I knew back then is not too different from the one that I use today for my unique one of a kind handcrafted bags. The difference, a little less abrasive, a little more color selection.

Tough enough to be used as a building material and loose enough to place over the ground as a weed barrier, burlaps versatility and potential are as endless as the artists imagination. From flexible draping paper and decorative wall hangings, rug backings and decorative dollies, record of burlap use dates back from the biblical days, all the way up to modern times. Its durable yet flexible nature makes it a great fabric for a wide array of uses.

A natural fabric made from jute, hemp or flax fibers, burlap is grown all over Asia and Central America. It prevents soil erosion, promotes plant life, and acts as a natural soil enhancer. On the go-green sustainable planet scene, burlap is recyclable and may one day surpass cotton as the most used natural fiber. In the meantime, post consumer burlap composts create a constantly renewable product that increases soil fertility rather than depleting it.

Weave it, wet it, embroider it, shred it, braid it, mold it, stretch it, fold it.....With so many positive attributes and usage techniques, burlap offers some great crafting ideas for the decorator, seamstress, agriculturalist, and artist in all of us.

Top Ten Burlap Craft Ideas

1. Use loose weaved burlap as a carpet backing.

2. Embroider with fabric scraps, yarn and other odds and ends to create beautiful wall hangings.

3. Shred into paper pulp and add to paint for a textured look on any surface

4. Sew up ends for a rustic and natural window dressing.

5. Lay over lawn to encourage grass growth.

6. Wet into a paper mache like texture to make bowls, vases, and sculptures

7. Laminate on card stock to make beautiful cards and paper art.

8. Stretch fine weave burlap on a frame to make a textured canvas for art.

9. Braid or weave strands and add beads for creative jewelry.

10. Sew up to make cute satches for potpourri or jewelry.

11. Create a potato sack.

12. Line and paint to make unique back packs and hand bags.

13. Line to make fun hats.

14. Leave raw and create great recyclable shopping bags

15. Sew up sides for a good old fashion sack race.

Whatever you are inspired to do with burlap, have fun doing it!

See all of our Burlap Fabric

View our Drapery Fabric

View our Upholstery Fabric

View our Burlap Fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

Ask Netfah: Knit Shrinkage Prevention.

2009-06-29T06:10:00.002-04:00

Dear Netfah,

The other day I bought a cotton/poly knit, kind of like the tee shirt material, that I really love. I am planning to make a dress for a friends birthday and wanted to know if I should prewash it to allow room for shrinkage before I start cutting.

-Suzie, San Francisco CA

Dear Suzie,

I would suggest washing almost any NON dry clean only material before I construct a garment in this case not only for shrinkage allowance, but for the same reason its good to wash new clothes before you wear them; you never know where they have been stored or what unwanted pests and chemicals may have found their way into the fibers.

Knits of any kind are pretty much guaranteed to shrink, especially the common jersey knit found in tee shirts and lounge wear, even if it is blended with polyester (which reduces shrinkage). How much shrinkage to expect is not guaranteed, so to prevent as much as possible, wash your fabric in cold water and hang dry. To keep vibrant colors bright, dont hang your knit material in the sun for too long as some fading could occur.

Keep in mind that the source of your material is just as relevant to the quality of your material before you handle it as after you purchase it. A bad fabric supplier or mill is capable of stretching the fabric on purpose or possibly skipping certain finishing steps when producing the fabric to save time and money. The end result, yardage that will eventually shrink back to its prestretched state, in addition to whatever length is lost during the pre washing process.

Jersey knit is a comfortable, versatile and easy to care for fabric once the prewash step iS complete. I am sure your girl friend will appreciate her birthday garment. Especially since it is fashioned with love.

**Send in your Ask Netfah questions to info@jandofabrics.com. We'd love to hear from you!

View our Dress Fabric

View our Drapery Fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Celebrates Madagascar's Independence Day!

2009-06-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

Madagascar, a plush and awe inspiring island located off the south east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is home to not only the famous Lemur and Baobab Tree, but a uniquely diverse wild life as well. Home to over 250,000 species with 70% of them found only on the island, Madagascar.

Referred to as the Red Island due to its large amount of red soil, and considered the forth largest island in the world, Madagascar celebrates its 49th year anniversary of colonial freedom from France on June 26th.

In celebration of Madagascars Independence Day, J&O Fabrics offers a wonderfully colorful assortment of fabrics inspired by this beautiful land and many others of the south eastern region. Happy Independence Day Madagascar!

Check out our selection of African prints here!

Check out our selection of animal print novelty fabrics here!

Check out our selection of floral novelty prints here!

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

It's Raining Cats and Dogs at J&O Fabrics!

2009-06-26T09:58:00.000-04:00

Whenever it rains really hard, my auntie says its 'raining cats and dogs'. I grew up hearing this saying from not only my family, but the elders in my community as well. I never really understood where it came from or why it was used to describe a heavy rain to I did my research and this is what I found.

The metaphor or idiom (whichever you prefer) had several suggested sources ranging from a greek aphorism meaning an 'unlikely occurance', a mythological symbolism for rain (cats) and wind (dogs), to an expression of sensory overload as in the case where the loud sound of the rain caused the ears to hurt, like the loud sound of cats meowing and dogs howling. But the meaning that seemed to have the deepest roots and strongest following was the one that connects the metaphor to a period in time when the streets of 17th & 19th century Britian were so dirty and poorly constructed that many cats and dogs would drown whenever there was a storm. People seeing the corpses floating by would think the animals had falled from the sky.

Further reading gives reference to a poem by Jonathan Swift dating back to 1710 called "A Description of a City Shower " where the author describes a similar scene to that of the rainstorms in England.

"Sweeping from butchers stalls, dung, gut, and blood;

Drowned puppies, sinking sprats, all drenched in mud,

Dead cats, and turnip-tops, come tumbling down the flood."

If nothing less, my findings certainly gave new meaning to an otherwise beautiful rainy day.

Check out our fun feline novelty fabric here!

Check out our fun dog novelty fabric here!

Check out our full selection of novelty fabric here!

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

A Top Five of Money Saving Fabric Tips from J and O

2009-06-25T07:15:00.000-04:00

With an economic recession making for uncertain times, everyone is looking for ways to save money. One simple way to save some cash now without completely altering your lifestyle is by changing the way you use fabric.

Do you have old shirts that you don’t use anymore or some leftover remnants gathering dust? Put them to work for you! Not only will you be saving money but you will also have a chance to use your creative energies.

Here are five great ideas for using old fabrics and remnants to save money.

Rags: Using remnants to make rags is simple, easy and saves you from buying rags. All you need are some old clothes. First cut off the sleeves or other extremities, then mark off 12” x 12” squares and cut them out. Cotton flannel is great to use for soft, absorbent rags. By using old fabrics for rags you won’t have to worry about buying rags ever again.

Rugs: Making braided rugs out of your old fabrics is an inventive way of using remnants. You can start out by braiding three long pieces of fabric together. When the braid is done it can be formed into a coil and sewn together. These types of rugs can also be crocheted, sewn and hooked.

Bags: If you would like to use your fabric remnants without completely shredding them you can make them into fabrics bags. To begin with you will need and old shirt, two 12” x 16” scraps, and two pieces of longer, equal length fabric for handles. This is a great way to add a personal creative touch to your wardrobe.

Pillows: Homemade throw pillows are a great way of sprucing up an old couch or bed. This money saving idea can make use of old shirts or any other fabric scraps you might have around. The effect that this simple idea can have on your décor can be pretty big.

Quilts: Besides being an economical way to keep you warm, quilts also serve as a channel for creativity. By making rag quilts you’ll find a great use for fabric scraps.

With the aforementioned tips you will be able to save some of the stress your wallet might be under. Saving money often begins with small steps. Let these five money saving fabric tips help you employ your leftover fabrics to start taking those steps today.

View our Drapery Fabric

View our Upholstery Fabric

View our Fleece Fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Fabric Store Visits Jamaica for Caribbean Fashion Week 09'

2009-06-24T07:20:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, the island of Jamaica was swarming with supermodels, shutterbugs, fashion designers, international style mavericks, the media and an impressive list of celebs all wanting to be a part of this years annual Caribbean Fashion Week.

Presented by Pulse, one of the regions largest, most recognized, and internationally respected fashion and entertainment companies, CFW (Caribbean Fashion Week) has evolved from a fledgling event in 2001, to its current status as the premier event representing the marriage of a diversity of cultural and fashion influences.

Running for almost a full week and culminating with an invite only wrap party this past Monday night, the city of Kingston, Jamaica entertained over 50 designers from 25 countries as they showcased their collections for 2010 with a mix of cool cotton sheers, itsy bitsy teeny weeny flavorful bikinis, and shimmery metalic fabrics as intoxicating as the island itself. An impressive synergy of fashion, business and entertainment coupled with a line up of designers such as Deola Sagoe from Africa, Sushma Patel from India, Meiling from Trinidad, Nana Boateng from Ghana, and Britisher by way of Jamaica Sandra Kennedy, made this a show not soon to forget. And who would want to! With urban, indie and sub-culture style setting the pace for mainstream American fashions, Pulses Caribbean Fashion Week is about the most far reaching and strategically important fashion event in the region.

To find your perfect island fabrics, look no further. With hundreds of different prints and materials to choose from , J&O Fabrics is the perfect place to shop for all the hotest looks each season.

Check out our selection of new fabrics here!

Check out our selection of dress fabrics here!

Check out our selection of inspirational summer novelty prints here!

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

A History of Fabric

2009-06-23T07:35:00.000-04:00

From ancient times the value of clothing has been an essential element in human culture. Over time textiles superseded animal skins as the primary means of clothing the body (notwithstanding certain dark corners of the Vegas Strip).

Early textile fibers commonly were flax – a fine linen – and felt, a textile produced by matting, pressing and condensing fibers. While most felt is currently manufactured out of synthetic materials such as acrylic, it initially made use of the wool produced by sheep.

Wool continued to be the dominant fiber from which European fabric was woven throughout the Greek and Roman ages. Both Greeks and Romans wore garments primarily made from the readily available source of wool. Additionally, linen and hemp were common fabric fibers. At the time silk and cotton were imported in available in small quantities to the elite that could afford them.

During the following medieval period European fabrics remained basic, with styles changing mildly with the arrival of new conquerors. Despite the distances and varying languages clothing across Europe remained generally uniform.

From late medieval times through the Renaissance

During the 13th century advances were made in the production of wool fabrics. More important changes were introduced by crusaders returning from the East with exotic fabrics. By the mid 14th century fashion was starting to take shape in Europe with the introduction of curved seams and the beginnings of tailoring. Advances in dyeing also were important factors in this regard.

Throughout Europe various fabric centers began to sprout. Broadcloth was a staple export of England, while the countries of the Mediterranean were a hub of silk production. Rich silk fabrics began in the fashions of the Italian upper classes and spread throughout the elite of Europe. Influences were apparent from farther afield as floral motifs common to China crept into European designs.

Once the Renaissance was underway further development took place as fashions began to distinguish themselves from country to country. The fashions of the German and Scandinavian states developed more or less independently from those of England and the Romance speaking countries. The ensuing centuries saw fabric designs and fashions becoming increasingly elaborate, although the means of production remained virtually unchanged.

Fabric and the Industrial Revolution

Great leaps in the manufacturing of fabric occurred during the Industrial Revolution. As the production of fabrics became more mechanized, new types of fabric – such as jacquards – became possible. Great Britain in particular was at the vanguard of textile machinery from the late 18th century. The Industrial Revolution for the first time made quality fabrics widely available at affordable prices.

Fabrics today

More than simply being a craft or art, the production of fabrics involves science. During the 20th century many of the most commonly used fabrics were based on synthetic fibers. Polyester, spandex, nylon and acrylic are all widely used fibers in the production of textiles. The addition of these synthetic materials have given fabrics greater colofastness and durability.

International influences

Trading along the Silk Road facilitated an exchange of textile influences between the Far East and the Mediterranean.

Since the 20th century textile designers and manufacturers have looked overseas for inspiration. From the Far East to Africa, many places have contributed to the diverse art of fabric. Kente fabrics and African designs in general have impacted textile design as have the batik fabrics of Indonesia. Toile designs commonly make use of Japanese or Chinese motifs. A Persian and Indian influence can be seen in the continued popularity of paisley designs.

View our Novelty Fabric
View Our Upholstery Fabric
View Our Fabric Selection

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Acoustic Solutions with Fabric

2009-06-22T08:26:00.000-04:00

A problem faced by orchestras when practicing is the change in sound from when to concert hall is empty to when it is full. Since most concert hall seats have metal bottoms, these serve to reflect the sound produced by the instruments. Even to the highly trained musicians of most orchestras, the change in sound can have an effect on how they play the piece in concert.

The seating in the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Hall - home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic - incoporates a fascinating solution to this acoustic problem by employing fabric. By covering the seat bottoms in fabric the musicians are able to practice in similar conditions to when the hall is full, allowing for a sound that is closer to what they will hear when the performance begins. This simple solution allows the musicians to practice in optimum, concert-like acoustic conditions.

At J&O, we carry a wide selection of music-inspired fabrics. Whether you are a fan of classical, jazz or pop, you'll find a fabric that expresses your preference. Here are some of our amazing music fabrics.

Classical Composers

Musical G-Clef: Black

Musical Silhouettes Fabric

Rock & Roll Damask Fabric

Rustic Guitars Fabric

The Beatles Logo Fabric: Colorful

The King Fabric: White

View our Music Fabric

View our Novelty Fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

My Top Ten Reasons for Working at J&O Fabric Store

2009-06-20T09:45:00.000-04:00

As a self proclaimed yet still wet behind the ears J&O Fabrics veteran employee (2 years and going strong), I can still recall the words I heard from my now boss the day I was hired. From the door I was informed that J&O Fabrics was a family operated and oriented business that carried a proud reputation of providing all of their customers with quality top shelf fabrics for over 45 years and that while many of their current customers shop on their high volumed online store, many of their older customers still like the pleasure of coming inside.

One look down the colorful textured isles of J&Os humble yet bountiful brick and martyr store and any one can see why. From a wide display of decorative, dress and outdoor fabrics, to an extensive array of upholstery, national sports teams, and novelty prints, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the selection. Luckily J&O's friendly and knowledgeable floor assistants and expert cutters are on hand to offer their professional insight and suggestions to help any novice through an otherwise intimidating experience. For our regular customers, a weekly visit to their favorite fabric store involves sharing updates on their latest projects with the staff as well as the anticipated discovery of our new fabric arrivals.

For me, J&O Fabrics represents a reflection of American culture in textile and design from the last four decades and further, up until now. A heaven for many but a classroom for more, I have discovered I am not the only one who has found something new to learn everyday here. With so many changes in the fabric and textile industry and so many wonderfully ingenious and imaginative customers nurturing their respective crafts, to say J&O Fabrics is a source of creative inspiration is an understatement. It is no wonder my paychecks look so small; my hard earned money is continually being snatched up by organic Kona cottons, beautiful African prints and cool vintage looks.

This being expressed, after eight hours of servicing our great online customers, invoicing shipments, updating site information, logging in new fabrics, cutting trim and handling a plethora of little odd jobs that help keep the J&O ship running smoothly, at the end of a long day I can still say I like my job. And these are the top ten reasons why....

1. I get to use my BA in Home Economics to teach what I know.

2. I get to learn what I dont know.

3. I get to work with creative individuals from different walks of life who are nice too.

4. I work for a boss whose open and understanding. (as much as a boss can be)

5. I get to meet crafters and designers from all over the world.

6. I work in a family friendly and casual setting.

7. My craft is nurtured on a daily, and so is my passion for fabrics.

8. I get to see the latest fabrics before they hit the consumer market

9. J&Os dedication to satisfactory service.

10. Did I mention my passion for fabrics ??

To check out some of J&Os cool novelty fabric click here!

To check out J&Os selection of dress fabric click here!

To check out J&Os selection of hot new fabric click here!

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

How To Save Money by Purchasing Fabric: NBC NEWS and J&O Fabrics Store

2009-06-19T11:50:00.000-04:00

NBC News Aired a Segment on How to Save Money with Fabric featuring J&O Fabrics Store.

A necessity from the past,
years in collecting dust,
is humming to life again these days.

For people like Laura Ogden, it is a way to save big bucks.
"I should be a millionaire because of all the money I've saved."
Though times or not, Laura says she's always been an Arts and Crafts kind of person.
"Whether it's painting, taking photographs, sewing"
or taking on bigger projects like with this old chair, and giving it a makeover.
"I had an upholsterer come in and give me a price which I think is a fair price, $300. to recover a chair." but Laura says she knew she could do it herself for a fraction of the cost. A little know how and fabric."It will probably end up costing $100. at the most to finish recovering it"

"It's normally the craft people who know how resourceful a fabric store is."
Ryan Safady owns J&O Fabrics in Pennsauken, NJ, and says business is booming.
"Instead of rushing to a store to buy something new, they're trying to freshen up what's old." Ryan's store offers every type of fabric you can imagine, which sells for as little as 99 cents to as much as 40 dollars per yard.

To give you a sense of the kind of money you could be saving by shopping here, some Designer home interior fabrics run upwards of 75 to 90 dollars a yard. Even with small projects, take this children's apron for example you could by it for 10 bucks, or make it for 99 cents. It's one remnant of fabric."Whether little project or big, Laura says it's worth it, sewing one dollar at a time."

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Welcomes in Summer With Nostalgic Novelty Prints!

2009-06-18T06:30:00.000-04:00

With the first day of summer soon approaching, thoughts of lazy days at the shore, cruises around the world, picnics by the lake and weekend camping trips into treelined mountains start to stir our imaginings and awaken the child in us eager to experience all the sights and sounds accompanying.

At J&O Fabrics, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with nostalgic and memorable prints to reawaken the little girl or boy in all of us once again. From colorful umbrella filled beachside scenes, to unsoiled countryside landscapes, the images in print conjure images in our minds and we are instantly transported to a time way back when, or a far away dreamland soon to be discovered if only for the moment.

They say that through the art of visualization, we can create in our lives what we envision in our minds. Why not let our fabrics help inspire you to create not only unique summer themed crafts for yourself and others, but all your beautiful imaginings year round. After all, we only live once. Live your life today!

Check out our seashore novelty fabric here!

Check out our novelty summer food fabric here!

Check out our tropical novelty prints here!

Print Above is from our Tapestry Fabric Section!

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

Re-upholster Your Car With Tweed, Suede and More.

2009-06-17T07:28:00.000-04:00

Now that spring is here and summer is around the corner, it is a perfect time to think about re-upholstering your car's upholstery. Choosing a new fabric with which to upholster your car, truck or van can have a tremendous effect on its appearance.

What are some good fabric for re-upholstering your car? You can choose any fabric from our extensive selection of upholstery fabrics. Whether your preference is a retro style fabric or a plain solid one, we will have something to match your taste. Here are a few of our sturdy upholstery fabrics:

Simba Tiger Upholstery: Noir

Tenby Tweed: Green

Retro Dancers Bark Cloth

Promo Vinyl: Yellow

Crock Vinyl: Auburn

View our Upholstery Fabric
View our Tweed Fabric
View our Ultra Suede fabric

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

J&O Features the Fabric Art of Christo & Jeanne-Claude

2009-06-16T12:40:00.000-04:00

"For those who walked through the walkways, the saffron-colored fabric was a golden ceiling creating warm shadows. When seen from the buildings, it seemed like a golden river appearing and disappearing through the bare branches of the trees and highlighting the shape of the meandering footpaths."

-Christo on The Gates (1997-2005)

If you had over 116,389 miles of nylon thread specially woven into over one million square feet of recyclable rip stop fabric, what would you do with it? Artists Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon had it cut into an assortment of 7,503 fabric panels for what would one day become an awe inspiring display of commanding and sculptural vinyl poles supporting saffron colored nylon panels lining the serpentine walkways of Central Park in New York City. On February 12, 2005, this 25 year long labor of artistic love and devotion was revealed as The Gates, and revelled over for sixteen days straight by awestruck visitors and leaving a lasting impression on their minds forever.

"The branches of the "Wrapped Trees" pushing translucent fabric outward created dynamic volumes of light and shadow, moving in the wind with new forms and surfaces shaped by the ropes on the fabric."

-Christo & Jeanne-Claude, on Wrapped Trees (1997-98)

Starting on Friday, November 13, 1998, 178 trees were wrapped with over 592,000 sq. ft of woven polyester fabric and 14.35 miles of rope in Switzerlands Berower Park. The wrapping was completed on November 22. The result, a serene yet beautifully haunting landscape from one season to the next.

"The luminous pink color of the shiny fabric was in harmony with the tropical vegetation of the uninhabited verdant island, the light of the Miami sky and the colors of the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay."

"Surrounded Islands was a work of art which underlined the various elements and ways in which the people of Miami live, between land and water."

-Christo & Jeanne-Claude, on Surrounded Islands (1980-83)

If you could paint an island any color, what color would it be? On May 7, 1983 Christo and Jeanne-Claude added the last installation of floating pink woven polypropylene fabric around a total of eleven islands situated in Biscayne Bay in Florida. Simply titled Surrounded Islands, over 6.5 million sq. ft and 79 patterns were used to complete the contours of the islands. For two weeks the public enjoyed this splash of pink from air, land and sea.

And I thought 100 yards of fabric was alot!

Inspiration or intimidation? We would love to hear what you think.

Email us back at netfah@jandofabrics.com and receive a 10% discount on your next online fabric order at J&O Fabrics.

Check out our complete selection of nylon fabric here!

Check out our selection of organic fabric here!

Check out our full selection of solid broadcloth here!

Check out Christo & Jeanne-Claudes awesome website

http://www.christojeanclaude.net/

Posts by J&O Fabrics Store

What Is Naugahyde?

2009-06-16T07:45:00.000-04:00

The story is told of how composer Arnold Schoenberg -renowned for his thorny compositions- wished for his music to be whistled on the street. Similarly, inventors dream of creating products that become a constant part of peoples lives.

Occasionally, when an item or product becomes synoymous with the name it's manufactured under, that name can become a genericized trademark. Despite the best efforts of the companies involved names like Velcro, Google, Clorox, Kleenex, Q-Tip, Band-Aid, and so on have become genericized trademarks. The same has also happened to Naugahyde, a type of vinyl. Not all of our customers may know that naugahyde is simply one manufacturer's name for their vinyl product.

At J&O, you can find a wide range of vinyl -or naugahyde- styles and colors to suit your taste. These wonderful vinyl fabrics are available in textured or smooth finishes. Some are marine grade for use in marine environments, while others are ideal for picnic table covers.

Regardless of the type of vinyl you are looking for, make J&O your primary stop for your vinyl/naugahyde needs.

Retro Blue Marine Grade Vinyl

Indianapolis Colts NFL Vinyl: Field

Patent Leather Vinyl: Red

Alligator Vinyl: Suede Color

Soleil Embroidered Faux Leather: Parchment

View our full line of Vinyl Fabric

View our Marine Grade Vinyl

View our Patent Leather Vinyl

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Sewing Tip of the Week #1: Thrift Store Patterns

2009-06-15T09:05:00.000-04:00

Sewing Tip of the Week #1

I have been in love with clothing since I was a little girl. How colors looked on a model, how the fabric draped, and most especially, how their full ensemble looked once all the pieces were in place all appealed to my visual and creative senses. I would spend hours a day designing new looks and rumminging through JC Penny, Sears and Speigal catalogs imagining the day I would make manifest the ideas on the sketch pad in front of me

When I was in highschool I took my hobby to the next level by designing prom dresses for my friends and classmates. Too impatient with all the seemingly unnecessary applications to utilize the McCall, Butterick and Vogue patterns available to me, I relied on a family friend to actually sew the designs into the beautiful eye catchers they were intended to be.

As I entered college and adult hood, the money I could stand to make by creating garments on campus became a way of paying my bills and putting food in my dorm fridge. But I still struggled with patterns and soon found myself feeling like a little girl in shoes to big, trying to make sense of it all.

Eventually, I did away with patterns alltogether and found salvation at off campus thrift stores and yard sales. If I saw a design in a fashion magazine or created on in my head, I would rummage through the racks until I found similar styles that I could DE-construct and then RE-construct into the desired garment. Problem solved! A cap sleeved top here, combined with a the hoodie of another jersey there, these pieces became my new patterns with a little creativity and determination. Once I found the look and proper size for myself or my excited clients, all I had to do was purchase the fabric and voila! Not only did construction now make sense, but it saved me money too. Sure, it took more time to find what I needed, but what artsy woman with an obsession for fashion doesn't enjoy a good treasure hunt now and then?

Today I have developed enough skill to make my own patterns or even go free style with none at all; just my good eye and steady hand. I can still be found between the isles of a Goodwill or Salvation Army, but now it is for a cause. Recycling clothing is a cool way to cut back on the overconsumption of natural resources and help save Mother Earth.

My sewing tip of the week? If conventional store bought patterns do not quite work for you, find what does. But whatever you do, never give up on yourself. A little ingenuity goes a long way and natural gifts are shameful to waste. Find your unique flo and fly!

Oh yeah, if you are looking for some cool fabrics, look no further.....J&O Fabrics has it all.

For fun novelty cotton fabric, click here!

For all your collegic cotton fabric, click here!

For hot designer dress fabric, click here!

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J&O Fabrics Celebrates National Flag Day

2009-06-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

Every year, the week of June 14 is designated as "National Flag Week." During National Flag Week, the president usually issues a proclamation urging U.S. citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of that week in honor of their patriotic love for the 'land of the free' and the 'home of the brave'. The flag is often displayed on all government buildings, while parades and events in celebration of America's national flag and everything it represents are held across the country.

Here in the Tri-State area, patriotic citizens and visiting foreigners will flock to Philadelphia, PA for the numerous scenic walking tours documenting such historic and notable locations as the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin Monument, Elthred's Alley, and selected stops along the Underground Railroad looking to capture a look, a feel, even a distant genetic memory of a part of American life long ago.

Less than 10 minutes away from the horse drawn carriages and colonial costume flocked cobblestone streets of Olde City, and right over the Betsy Ross Bridge, J&O Fabrics offers patriotic tourists of a crafty nature an additional treat. Just beyond the walls of our 45 year old family run business lie some of America's most famous leaders and civilians like George Washington, Martin Luther King, Barack Obama, our soldiers and vets of the U.S. Military, and of course our beloved star spangled banner. Printed on an assortment of 100% cotton and poly fleece materials, these symbols of America are available by the yard for your decorating pleasure on Flag Day, National Flag Week, and all 365 days of the year. From America the Beautiful, 911 Remembered, and I Have a Dream Panel, to Road to Glory, Boys to Men and United We Stand, crafters and quilters alike will delight in their finds and return for more with the same sense of duty and loyalty to their patriotic fabric projects as they do to their country.

So whether it's June 14th or any day throughout the year, celebrate National Flag Day along with millions of other Americans. After all, she waves for you and me.

Check out our full selection of patriotic military polar fleece here!

Check out our full selection of patriotic USA cotton here!

Check out our selection of assorted American flag fabric here!

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TV Interview NBC News, June 4, 2009 J&O Fabric Store, How to Save Money by Going to a Fabric Store

2009-06-12T10:11:00.011-04:00

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J&O Tip of the Week: Designer Nip-n-Tuck Tips

2009-06-12T09:40:00.000-04:00

As a fashion designer and sometime seamstress, getting the perfect fit of my garments on my models during a photo shoot or fashion show is not always an easy thing. Many times I have to do a last minute nip-n-tuck adjustment to hem a pant leg, conceal underarm perspiration, or repair a snap closure in order to pull it off for the cameras and spectators. Time is of the essence and no matter how prepared I am, there is always something that comes up.

Over the years I have learned to control what I can, be flexible with what I cant, and have fun with it all. A few of the things that have made that a lot easier are Dritz Dungaree Buttons, Stitch Witchery Fusible Bonding, and Kleinerts Dress Shields. Because when the music begins and the cameras are ready, my models have to be too. Here are a few tips that have helped create just the right look without all the fuss.

Hemming a pant or skirt:

Stitch Witchery makes a nice fusible bonding web just for such an occasion. A narrow strip of tape and a little bit of heated pressure can create just the right length on a bottom that is too long for him or her. Use it for sleeves, dresses,or anywhere you want to hike it up. Though intended for permanent application and therefore washable, Stitch Witchery fusible bonding web is a great item for both personal and professional usage. There is also a NON-permanent hemming tape for a reversible application called Insta-Hem that works well for temporary fabric manipulation.

Concealing Under Arm Perspiration

Nothing is more of a turnoff than a beautiful woman in an awesome red silk dress with sweat stains under her armpits. And nothing is as challenging as trying to keep models cool in their fashionable wears when they are posing under bright lights and flickering cameras during all day photo shoots. One quick and easy way I stumbled on to conceal any unwanted perspiration and add confidence in front of the camera and off is Kleinerts Dress Shields. Around since 1869 and available in an assorted pack of universally sized regular, crescent, jiffy and pin-in styles, these sanitized dress Shields offer hygienic freshness and the added reassurance I need and my models want. Whats even better is that just by washing them in a little detergent and some warm water, I can reuse them over and over. Saving time and money never felt so good.

Repairing a damaged snap closure

We have all suffered the embarrassment and frustration that can come from a missing blouse button or pant snap. Aside from possibly revealing some very private parts, it can have us fishing for unsightly safety pins, prickly straight pins, or a favorite one from one of my more creative models, a clip on hair accessory. Luckily I caught wind of a simpler and more efficient application that not only works great, but does not require any sewing what so ever. Dritz Dungaree buttons look like the old school buttons on Levi brand jeans. They attach like a snap with tension, and are best suited as substitutes for snaps specifically. For buttons, Maggies No Sew Buttons is a thrifty and efficient way to handle those buttons hanging on their last thread, literally.

The best part about these tips is that you can find each of the mentioned aides and a whole lot more all in one spot, J&O Fabrics. Cause when you got a job to do and you want to do it right, J&O Fabrics is the place to go. From affordable furs and fabrics to trims and notions, J&O has it all. For a designer like me, it gets no better than that.

Check out J&O Fabrics notion section here!

Check out J&O Fabrics full novelty section here!

Check out J&O Fabrics cool new assorted fabrics here!

View all of J&O Fabrics

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J&O Fabrics Celebrates Black Music Month!

2009-06-11T06:52:00.000-04:00

June is Black Music Month and what better way to celebrate then with some cool novelty music fabrics in honor of the greats of the past and present who took the sonic world by storm in all the top musical genres like rhythm & blues, reggae, jazz, soul, r&b, neo-soul, classical, funk, doo wop, opera, hip hop, gospel, and rock-n-roll. From such historic greats like Nat King Cole, Billy Holiday, BB King, Leontine Price, the Supremes, Bob Marley, Chubby Checker, Fela Kuti, Mariam Makeeba, Nancy Wilson, and Jimi Hendrix, to popular entertainers of today like Seal, Beyonce, Jay Z, Keb Mo, Morgan Heritage, George Benson, Maxi Priest, Erykah Badu, Bad Brains, and Chris Brown, black music has always been and will always be influential in American culture and the world over.

In honor of the power and unifying ability that music is able to create, we at J&O Fabrics proudly support and recognize the musical contributions of a people rich in tradition, culture and creativity not only during the month of June, but 365 days of the year. Our large selection of music inspired prints are offered in an array of looks and feels that are as affordable as they are appealing. Stop by http://www.jofabrics.com/ to find your perfect print just in time for the month long celebrations today!

Check out our selection of novelty cotton music fabric here!

Check out our selection of novelty barkcloth music fabric here!

Check out our full selection of cotton novelty prints here!

Check out our full line of fabrics

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J&O Celebrates the Great Outdoors!

2009-06-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

When is the last time you walked bare foot in the grass, climbed a mountain in search of heaven, or simply sat with Mother Nature and allowed her to whisper sweet nothings into your ear while her gentle winds tickled your cheeks and filled your lungs with the sweet breath of life? How about the last time you communed with the bountiful plants and fascinating creatures around you and shared in the exchange of love that connects all living things with one another? Between our careers, our families, our bills and our schedules, remembering the last time we did any of these things can be an arduous and often times awakening experience. Too often we get caught up in the distractions of the world that we don't allow ourselves to truly enjoy our time here or the beauty Mother Nature has to offer us.

For the month of June I welcome you to take a moment and step out of the rat race we call life and REdiscover the outdoors starting with some of our favorite prints and designs inspired by Mother Nature's bountiful playground itself. June is the Great Outdoors Month, and in celebration , J&O Fabrics offers a plethora of fun outdoor inspired game and activity novelty prints to create unique crafts, garments, quilts, and home accent pieces with. From cabin curtains, outdoor throws, sports inspired pj's, fishing vests, and horse blankets, to camping gear, outerwear and bags, J&O Fabrics has fun fabric prints for everyone during the month of June and every season of the year.

They say you never miss something until its gone, and tomorrow is not promised, so take advantage of life itself while its here.With so much to discover and learn from our great outdoors, what are you waiting for? Let our fabrics inspire you to take that step back into nature. The world is yours.

Check out our animal themed novelty cotton fabrics here!

Check out our maps and world travel cotton fabric here!

Check out our nature and plant themed cotton fabric here!

Check out our bugs and insects cotton fabric here!

Check out our sea life cotton fabric here!

Check out our full selection of novelty cotton prints here!

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June 8th Fabric of the Week: J&O Fabrics

2009-06-09T06:54:00.000-04:00

If you have ever been to the Capitol in Washington, DC, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, or the Statue of Liberty in New York, then you have visited some of the most renowned landmarks in the United States of America. Each sight has its own unique history and effect on the sight seers, leaving each with a memory that will last a lifetime.

At the Capitol, visitors can explore the only exhibition in the country dedicated to telling the story of Congress and the construction of the U.S. Capitol. Highlighting rarely seen historic documents and artifacts from around the country, any visitor interested in discovering the inner workings of this great nation are in for a treat.

The Liberty Bell is another historic landmark of importance. The bell was adopted hundreds of years ago by the colonial abolitionists as a symbol of the efforts to put an end to slavery throughout America. Also known as the 'chime that changed the world', the ringing of the bell on July 8, 1776 marked the summoning of the citizens of the U.S. to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon that would unofficially end slavery in the Americas.

Finally, there is the Statue of Liberty in New York. Though taught otherwise, Lady Liberty was originally designed in the likeness of a African woman by French historian and chairman of the French Anti-Slavery Society, Edourd de Laboulaye, and was a gift from the French to the United States in honor of the role Black soldiers played in the victory American troops experienced during the Civil War. To this day, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable icons of the United States and was one of the first glimpses of the land of the free for millions of immigrants coming over from foreign.

In honor of our country, its history and its symbolic structures, J&O has selected our affectionately named, American Monuments fabric by Elizabeth Studio, as our new fabric of the week winner. Offering a kaleidoscope of color and historic landmarks. American Monuments is a beautiful and patriotic cotton print for use in a plethora of crafts and one-of-a-kind projects.

Click here for our other great novelty U.S.A fabric here!

Click here for cool maps and travel novelty fabric here!

Click here for our full selection of novelty cotton fabric here!

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J&O Fabric Store Celebrates "National Children's Day!"

2009-06-06T09:30:00.000-04:00

Before George W. Bush left office, the former U.S. President proclaimed June 6th as National Childs Day. Similar to National Childrens Day proclaimed by ex-president Bill Clinton in 2000; this is a day set aside to honor the children of America and show our gratitude to those who work hard support them including, parents, teachers, community and spiritual leaders, surrogate moms and dads, and various youth organizational volunteers. This day serves as a reminder to all of us that our commitment to the children helps make our country and future a better place.

In honor of National Childs Day and children all over the world, J&O fabrics offers a wide selection of fun and fabulous children themed prints and designs to tickle any childs fancy. From popular Hannah Barbara, Sesame Street and Disney characters for our teeny boppers, to Hannah Montana, Wizard of Oz, sports and diva fashionista fabrics for our young adults; there is truly something for everyone in between the walls of J&O Fabrics.

There is an old saying that reminds us that all work and no play makes one boring and gray. In case this proves to be true for you, what better time to re-awaken the child inside and celebrate along with the little people not only on June 6th, but 365 days of the year. With a little more laughter, a little more play, and a little more imagination, we can tap into the fountain of youth and stay young at heart forever.

Today and in all days, celebrate life. For what better gift to the world than a child!

Check out our selection of sock monkey fabric here!

Check out our selection of magical wizard and fairy fabric here!

Check out our selection of childrens novelty flannel here!

Check out our selection of childrens novelty fleece here!

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