Much to the chagrin of quilters and other fabric enthusiasts prices for fabric are on the rise as never before. Furthermore, a number of well-respected mills have gone out of business reducing the selection of novelty fabrics. If you have felt the pinch you may very well have asked whyprices are on the rise now. In a previous blog we outlined how manufacturers blame their elevated prices on the cost of the “grey goods” they print on. This trickles down to customers who pay more for the fabrics from said mills. Nevertheless, there is more to the question than the cost of “grey goods”. The absence of Wal-Mart in the fabric industry has been a contributing factor in shutting down some mills and encouraging others to raise their prices. How so?

Let’s take a look at one example: Shamash & Sons Fabrics. Shamash had been one of the original novelty fabrics mills and had been in business for decades. Wal-Mart eventually became one of the primary purchasers of Shamash’s novelty prints. When Wal-Mart dropped fabric from most of its stores, Shamash couldn’t cope with the lack of volume and closed shop.

Individual mills are also responsible for rising fabric costs. Spectrix is using higher quality “grey goods” than previously. This is reflected in the cost of their product. So even though Spectrix’s quality is not at the same level, they are still charging as much as Alexander Henry and other high quality novelty mills.

VIP Cranston is another example; at one time the VIP line was sold almost excusively to Wal-Mart, while the Quilting Treasures line of novelty fabrics was for smaller retailers and more expensive. Since the demise of Wal-Mart’s fabric department, both lines have gone up in price considerably despite not using as high quality “grey goods” as Timeless Treasures or other premium mills.

On the other hand, Timeless Treasures, Alexander Henry and Robert Kaufman either never sold to Wal-Mart or never allowed themselves to be engulfed. Not coincidentally, those three companies have raised their prices the least among the major mills.

Unfortunately, the rising costs to manufacturers translate into higher prices for retailers. In turn, the consumer pays more. Because of that, J&O Fabrics has been making every effort to keep our prices low. It’s what we’ve been known for for over forty years. We look forward to providing our customers with the best products, selection and prices available for another forty years and beyond.

What’s going on with novelty fabric prices? Is Walmart to Blame? was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

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

Panda Cotton/Bamboo Fabrics

Panda Washed Poplin: Earth

 Kona Organic Cotton Fabrics

Kona Organic Cotton: White

 Bermuda 100% Bamboo Fabrics

Bermuda Bamboo Dobby Fabric: Sand

 These organic fabrics allow our customers to choose fabrics with which they can invest in the environment.

Organic and Environmentally Friendly Fabrics was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Starting in 1951, I Love Lucy revolutionized television and made the sitcom the primary tv vehicle for decades to come. The series starred real life spouses Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball as husband and wife Ricky and Lucy Ricardo, along with their neighbors and friends Fred and Ethel Mertz (played by William Frawley and Vivian Vance). The couples’ constant bickering and hilarious adventures (or misadventures) kept viewers tuning in until 1960. Here are stills from some of the classic episodes:

I Love Lucy took the ditzy blonde cliche and elevated it to high comedy. Now you can elevate your fabric projects with our I Love Lucy series of cotton novelty fabrics. Here are some of the fabrics in this series:

Lucy's Swing Fabric

Lucy Hollywood At Last Squares Fabric

Lucy Hollywood At Last Stripes Fabric

Lucy's Crowd Fabric

If you simply love the I Love Lucy series of fabrics, you will also enjoy our Wizard of Oz fabrics and our Dr. Seuss prints.

I Love Lucy Comes to Life on Fabric, Thanks to Cranston Village was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Far be it from me to judge another on their sense of style and dress, but I have to say, out of all the interesting and creative design concepts that walked across the red carpet during Sunday nights 62nd Annual Emmy Awards, the very mod retro yet slightly DIY inspired dress and shoe set worn by the lovely Rita Wilson kind of rubbed me the wrong way. It wasn’t the crystal mesh gown from Prada that struck a cord with me as much as the coordinated crystal drop chandelier heels that really had me reminiscing about the art and craft classes from my youth. And though I was pleased to see Rita with a little less cleavage showing, I was a bit disappointed at the visual decadence none the less.

But who can blame Rita really. I mean, it’s Prada for crying out loud! And no matter how gaudy the design of their limited edition italian shoes might be to me, try to tell that to the list of heel hungry fashionistas waiting for a pair to miraculously fall into their hands. Word on the street is that only three pair of these femme fetales were sent to the US to be sold at no less than $1,800 a pop. Can’t tell you how many truly gorgeous shoes I would rather slip on my feet for that price!

At the end of all the glitz and glamour, I guess there’s really no accounting for taste as it pertains to fashion and style sense. Luckily for us, what’s in today is out tomorrow, so express let’s express ourselves and vive La Difference!

dress fabric

satin fabric

cording, trims & tassels

J&O Fabrics 2010 Emmy Worst Dressed Award Goes To… was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Garish colors, strange patterns and terrible stitchwork will make for an ugly quilt. Yet very few people will ever admit to making an ugly quilt. A few brave souls admitted as much and posted their quilting failures online. Following is a list of Another Top 10 Quilting Failures. They may not be uglier more original than the chicken with full lips, but they can certainly try:

10. The Disinterested Dog Quilt

9. The Nightmare Quilt

This quilt could've starred in its own '80s horror movie

8. Getting the Seasons All Wrong Quilt

(Apparently the idea of this quilt – its essence if you will – is to depict each month of the year. Sadly, each month seems to be out of order and completely unrelated to the next.)

7. Ugly Quilt Car

(Carrying the gospel of ugly quilts to all corners of the country.)

6. The Angry Bees Quilt

5. Fuchsia Overload Quilt

4. Big Eyed Boy Quilt

3. The Evil Green Quilt

2. Thomas the Ugly Train Quilt

1. The Never Should be Allowed to Quilt Again Quilt

Are you tired of looking at ugly quilts yet? If so, check out our Novelty Fabric categories, especially our Sewing, Hobbies and Crafts Fabric. If you’d like a little help with your quilting projects check out the following categories:

Quilted Fabric

Notions and Sewing Supplies

Another Top 10 Quilting Disasters was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

In between getting my son ready for bed, doing a late load of clothes for the week, and sipping on a very satisfying glass of mango juice, I managed to sneak in an occasional peak or two of the 2010 Emmy Awards this past Sunday night. Much to my disappointment, I found myself loosing excitement as one by one, presenter, nominee, and winner were captured on camera in designer threads and do-it-yourself selections. And as the human side of my nature created its own ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ list in my head at the ensembles that appeared before me, my appreciation for individual expression and sympathy towards those who just don’t know any better when it comes to dressing the bodies they have been blessed with, silenced my ego’s desire to judge to harshly. Instead I either shook or nodded my head as a sign of my silent approval or there lack of, and kept to my business at hand. That is, until Kelly showed up.

Not making the initial connection between the stylish and confident woman in front of me and the less than lady like daughter of Ozzy himself, I found myself pleasantly surprised and quietly amazed! Dressed in a black Tony Ward couture gown complete with draped bodice, plunging neckline, scoop back and honeycomb textured skirt, I could tell one thing…Ms Osborne was growing up and she knew just how to marry the slightly rebellious and slowly maturing woman she was becoming, with a metamorphasized body in a way that reflected an inner sense of self and a look that was both stunning slenderizing, and stylish.

A designer after my own heart who’s creation encompassed the kind of texture, drape, and coloring that appealed to my senses, Tony Ward was represented lovely by Kelly on the red carpet last night in a way that was most rewarding, yet undeniably unexpected.

A definite thumbs up for Kelly and Tony and the wonders that never cease.

dress fabric

cording, tassels & trim

satin fabric

J&O Fabrics 2010 Emmy’s Best Dressed Award Goes To…. was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

When I was learning how to sew, I would buy the easiest patterns from McCalls or Simplicity. You know, the 12 outfits in one patterns. I was young, on a budget, and couldn’t see myself spending a bunch of money on a bunch of different patterns when I could get one or two to make three or four.  I would unfold the neatly packaged beige colored tissue paper and carefully pin to my fabric with the hopes of not accidentally ripping important instructions or seam indicators. Once done with, I would struggle to reinsert my fragile blueprints back into their respective envelopes, now seemingly three sizes too small, for use another day. Twenty years and many tattered patterns later, I discovered a much easier and more preserving way to store them that has them looking as good as new, use after use. My trick, transferring the flimsy tissue weight patterns along with necessary blueprints onto heavyweight craft paper, grabbing a few plastic pant hangers, and hanging them up in my storage closet for reuse. Now wrinkle and rip free, I pin without caution to my beautiful dress fabrics as if the patterns were as new as the material they were laying on.

Tricks of the trade or simply a trick for frugal seamstresses like me? Curiosity would lead our J&O team to wonder and our Facebook Fans to respond with a few helpful tips for how they preserve their patterns. Whether expert or novice, what it comes down to is what works for you?

Top 5 Tips for Pattern Reuse

1. ” Spray a little adhesive glue on the back of your patterns and secure to a poster board. Then with a hole punch, make little holes at the tips of each of the pieces and hang. When you are ready to cut the pattern out of the fabric, simply place weights on top to keep from moving.” – J&O Fabric Team

2. “ I actually use fusible interfacing on my patterns, then they still fold, and store in large ziplock bags.” – Diana Tiebout Albrecht

3. ” I copy mine to freezer paper so I don’t have to cut the original apart.” – Carla Heller Finley

4. ” I copy onto cardstock, save the master copy…cut the cardstock.” – April Hinton

 
5. “ I copy mine to poster board and then cut them out. I save the original. I also reduce or enlarge and copy them on a different color poster board.” -Michelle Hays Vanden Berg

 
6. ” I perfect my pattern then cut the perfectly fitting one from felt. I just lay the felt on the fabric and cut. I roll the pattern pieces up and store in ziplock bags. The felt holds up well and I buy my felt at the thrift” – Linda Selke

7. ” I’ve made all my patterns out of heavy butcher paper. I fold them and keep them in large manilla envelopes with info on the outside as to sizes and measurements, etc. When I lay out my patterns to cut – I use old glass insulators as weights to hold my patterns down. They are pretty and work fabulously!” – Sandie Russo

novelty fabric

craft felt fabric

sewing supplies

J&O Fabric Store “Top 7 Tips for Pattern Reuse.” was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

One of the most popular sections of our online fabric store is our 70s Mod/Retro Fabrics section. All of our craziest and most vibrant prints are found here, and the designs from Robert Kaufman Fabrics are among the most inspired! These fun Robert Kaufman fabrics can be given a multitude of uses. They are especially suited for quilts. They are also great for Hawaiian shirts and other garments, window treatments, and crafts.

Here is a glimpse of our extensive selection of retro Robert Kaufman fabrics.

Flower Child Fabric: Garden

Mingle Jumble Fabric

Peace, Power Bright

Vera's Garden Jitters Fabric

 If you enjoyed these retro cotton novelty fabrics from Robert Kaufman, then take a look at our Retro Decorative Fabric section for more vibrant textiles!

Retro Fabrics from Robert Kaufman Fabric Company was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Tempting Treasures that are Hard to Resist!

This is just some of our Timeless Treasures Fabrics.

Quality combined with beauty and style most starting at $7.98 a yard.

Whether it’s funky gorilla’s or retro flowers, Timeless Treasures Fabrics has something to please all of us. High quality 100% cottons are a favorite among quilters. The variety of designs and colors work wonderfully with children clothes and home decor.

Check out our full line of Timeless Treasure Fabrics, Novelty Fabric and more of our fabrics on our website.

Check us out on:

New Arrivals from TIMELESS TREASURES Fabric Company August 2010 was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Ugh…. August is rushing by and soon it’ll be time for kids to hit the books and get back to school. Just in time for the back to school season we have fabrics available to celebrate (for parents) or mourn (for kids) the return to school. Check out some of these fabrics. They are guaranteed to put a smile on every parent’s face:

Back to School Alphabet Fabric

Back to School Supplies Fabric

Chalkboard Letters Fabric

Colorful Pencils Fabric

Diploma Owls Fabric

School Buses Fabric

Sesame Street School Time Fabric

With summer rushing to an end jump on the opportunity to pick up a few yards of our back to school fabrics!

You know what else is about to begin? Football! Be sure to check out our NFL Fabrics and College Fabrics so that you’re ready for the upcoming football season.

Back to School Fabrics from J and O Fabric Store was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Every once and awhile we come across a blog other than our own that speaks to the ideas and topics we as seamstresses and craftsmen(women) have interest in. Whether it’s a new technique, sewing gadget or application, or the latest trend in fabrics and textile goods, if it has to do with our livlihood, we want to know!

It would be just the other day that I would stumble across this blog as I was searching for ideas to expound on for our own Facebook sewing tip of the day. For both novices and experts alike, this simple breakdown of four basic stitches has its way of coming in handy long after our first needle has been thread many years ago.

Four Basic Survival Stitches

Backstitch: Viewed from the top, backstitching appears as a continuous line of even stitches; viewed underneath, the stitches are twice as long as those on top and they overlap at the ends. Use a single knotted thread, and work from right to left. Insert the needle from the underside of the fabric layers 1/8 inch to the left of where your stitching will begin. Pull the thread through to the knot. Insert the needle 1/8 inch behind where the thread emerges (that is, where your stitching will begin). Bring the needle up 1/4 inch beyond this insertion, and pull the thread snugly. Bring the needle up 1/4 inch beyond the insertion, and pull the thread through. Continue in this manner, forming evenly spaced stitches about 1/8 inch long.

Basting: Basting is used to hold two or more layers of fabric together temporarily during fitting or construction. You may want to baste a hem or cuff to make sure you like the length before completing the hem with a more permanent stitch. Use an unknotted single thread, so it will be easy to pull out, and work from right to left. Insert the needle from the right side, and weave the point of the needle in and out two or three times. Basting stitches may be as long as 1 inch. Pull the thread partially through, securing the unknotted end between your thumb and forefinger so that you don’t pull it through entirely. Reinsert the needle, and repeat the process. Leave the thread loose at the end so that it can be easily removed.

Running stitch: The running stitch, used for delicate repairs, topstitching, and gathering, is worked in much the same way as basting, but the stitches are shorter and even. Secure the thread at both ends with a knot. Use a single knotted thread, and work from right to left. Insert the needle from the wrong side, then weave the point evenly in and out of the fabric two or three times. Pull the thread through firmly, but avoid puckering the fabric.

Overcast stitch: This stitch is used to keep a fabric edge from fraying. Use a single knotted thread, and work from right to left. Insert the needle from the underside of your work. Pull the thread through to the knot, and insert the needle from the wrong side again, 1/8 to 1/4 inch to the left of the knot. Pull the thread through, but not too tightly or the fabric will curl. The more your fabric frays, the closer the stitches should be. Keep the depth of the stitches uniform, and make them as shallow as possible without pulling the fabric apart.

There you have it, four basic techniques to practice and perfect when a sewing machine is not at your fingertips, but a needle and thread are. Source: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/sewing-tips.htm/printable.

 Notions

Sewing supplies

novelty fabric

trims & cording

J&O Fabrics Tip: Four Basic Handsewing Stitches was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

When you are working on a fabric project it’s easy to focus in on just the fabric you want to use to the exclusion of everything else. Nevertheless, with our selection of notions and tools, you won’t be at a loss for when you do remember these important items. Here is a selection of the notions that we have to offer:

Fiskars Heavy-Duty No.8 Bent Scissors

Gingher Knife Edge 8" Dressmaker's Shears

Fiskars SewSharp Scissors Sharpener

Seam Ripper: Deluxe

Tracing Wheel: Smooth

Sewing Kit

Dress Shield

Fabric Marking Kit

Yellow 60" Tape Measure

Heat N' Bond Iron-On Adhesive

Besides the necessary fabrics to finish your projects, at J&O you will always be able to find the notions you need make your fabric projects a success. What notions do you need? Click on the links to find them:

Scissors and Cutting Tools

Fusible and Sew-In Interfacing

Tape and Binding

Velcro

Measuring Supplies

College Team Ribbon

The Perfect Notions for Your Project was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Firefighters risk their lives every day in the service of others. In addition to fighting headline-grabbing fires, each day they make myriad calls in response to smaller emergencies. Robert Kaufman Fabrics has created a number of indelible prints that display heroic firefighters and other emergency responders along with the tools they use.

Fire Department Vehicles Fabric: Blue

Firefighting Equipment Fabric: Black

Rescue Vehicles Fabric: Black

Police Tape Stripes Fabric

If you ave enjoyed viewing these fabrics, check out the following novelty fabric categories:

Flames Fabric

Pirate Fabric

Firefighter Fabric from Robert Kaufman Fabric Company was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

Can you tell if something is exotic just by its name? Luau,  aloha, kahuna and other words are reminders of far-flung places by their mere sound and the associations they convey. Kona is such a word. With it you can almost see imposing Hawaiian volcanoes, clear turquoise waters and resplendent tropical birds. But the questions remains: what exactly is kona cotton?

Kona is a trademarked 100% cotton broadcloth made by Robert Kaufman, a premier novelty fabric mill. Kona cotton was introduced by the company in the 1980s in response to the rapidly growing quilting industry. The thread count for kona cotton is 60 by 60. This high thread count is what allows kona cotton to balance durability with a soft hand and light weight.

Kona cotton fabrics are ideal for such apparel as children’s clothing, shirting, dresses, applique and decorating for the home. Following is a look at some of our kona cotton fabrics from Robert Kaufman:

Kona Organic Cotton: PFD Bleached White

Vera's Garden Bright Flowers Fabric

Kona Organic Cotton: White

Bayshore Lobsters Fabric: Black

Sewing Machines Fabric

Corkscrews Fabric: Sand

Canine Portraits Fabric

North American Bears Fabric

Enjoy our huge selection of printed kona cotton fabrics from Robert Kaufman! You will also enjoy Robert Kaufman’s extensive selection of pima cotton fabrics.

What is Kona Cotton? was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters

As a child growing up, I remember my mother calling me to her side to teach me how to sew a button back on a shirt, mend a hole with a handstiched patch, or hem a pant leg with needle and thread. As I got a little older, she would encourage me to sit at her old Singer machine and stitch a line or two of a garment she was working on. Usually it was a pair of trousers for my dad, or a skirt of her own that needed alterations. I remember being somewhat intimidated by the power of the grey and black metal machine as it ran thru rows like it was on a racetrack. “Watch your fingers and mind your petal” she would stress, knowing all to well of the risk of the stitch loosing its course or even worse, me loosing the tip of my finger to an unforgiving needle. Though I simply LOVED to design clothing, I wasn’t yet interested in actually doing the work of constructing a garment of my own. In fact, it wouldn’t be until I had to make a clothing bag for a project in my local Brownie Troop, that I would express any interest in manning the helms of the “Singer”. With my moms assistance, I completed one, two, three whole seems and a handstitched opening to allow a drawstring to pass thru. No fingers lost, no fabric destroyed,  and best of all, a finished project that I was not only proud of, but my mother was too.  And though my biggest fan and teacher has traded her vessel of flesh for beautiful Angelic wings, memories of both her and my first time sewing are still ingrained today in the very bag I made over 30 years ago.

It would be memories like these that would prompt our family of crafters and seamstresses here at J&O Fabrics, to venture out of our own circle of conversation and extend our curiosities to our customers as well. So, a few weeks ago, we posted a people pole on our Facebook Page asking our valued fans and seamstresses the age old question…

“Who first taught you how to sew?”

Since we have both novices as well as veterans, some had to really dig deep into their memory banks to recall, but once they did, the flood gates came down! From moments of nostalgia and endearing recollections, to the down right humorous filled our comments list as one by one, our devoted fans shared their stories with us and one another. Many owed their skills to their loving and patient mothers, while almost all gave credit to our long lost Home Economics classes (whatever happened to those?!) For our readers who may have missed out on the exchange, we’ve gathered a few of the more memorable ones with the thought that you might find reflections of your own first experiences in one or two of them. So sit back and enjoy.

” My mom was my first teacher. Then I had a GREAT home ec teacher in jr. High, Miss Craig. Both were very patient. Too bad I didn’t pay much attention!”  -Betty Mikie Bocell Rust 

” My mom and 7th grade home ec teacher…and then it became an obsession because i wanted those dang “hot pants” lol – now I’ve moved on to sewing quilt tops.”  -Cindy Derryberry

“ I took all of the home EC classes that my schools offered. My oldest sister had the most patients teaching me on weekends. She is 20 years older than me, so I would go stay with her and she would give me projects to work on. We still have the best relationship and still enjoy sewing together. I make my living as an upholstery seamstress for a Custom Furniture and Interior Design company.
I also make purses and sell them at craft fairs.”  -Jackie Lake

“Me! and McCalls’ “learn to sew” patterns. Didn’t get home ec classes in my high school, but in the late 70′s I stumbled on these patterns that introduced basic concepts like buttons, zippers, gathering, set-in sleeves just a couple at a time, with a very detailed instruction booklet. After a while, if I thought I could make it better/cheaper, I wouldn’t buy it. Even made a wool coat and a custom pair of jeans, using a favorite pair as a pattern.” -Eileen Kelly-Meyer

” My mom started teaching me when I was five. By the time I got to home ec in high school, my technique improved and I started teaching her….” -Amy Reynaud

“My mom taught me to sew…im now trying to teach my 5yr.old Sadie!!!!!” -Joann Rhine

” My mom and then later in school. Sure enjoyed my mom as the teacher though! ” -Donna Pheneger

” 4 H projects, my mom and a wonderful high school home ec teacher who actually developed additional courses just for me. Clothing Construction 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Etc.” – Sandy Boaz Brown

“My sweet and tireless grandmother taught me. I developed more skills in home ec, and I just practice. Sewing is good, fitting is harder!” – Eldonna Ashley

“ My mom. And now I teach people how to sew. ” -Jennifer Ziehl Vacca

Check out our novelty fabric

Check out our NFL fleece

Check out our NFL cotton

Check out our sewing notions & supplies

J&O People Pole…’Who Taught You How to Sew?” was posted at J&O Fabrics Store Newsletter Blog. | http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters