Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Join A New Class For The New Year


Isn't designing and creating your own unique quilt something you'd love to do? Then reserve your spot in our Rag Quilt class today, by calling or emailing Aimee at aimeeg@maryjos.com!


Home Dec Demo Returns in 2014


Are you sewing draperies, valances or bedding for your home? Are you confused about all the different lining and interlining materials and which one is best for your project?

Our home dec sewing expert is here to help!  

Stop by and visit with Susan Woodcock on Jan. 11 for a free "All About Linings and Interlinings" workshop.  

Susan will help you learn about the different lining materials available at Mary Jo's Cloth Store, and share how to use linings to achieve light control, insulation and to enhance the beauty of your home dec project.

You will also see how to create a French blackout drapery; a unique layering method that creates a high end and luxurious finish.



New Year’s Resolutions


As we say goodbye to 2013, it reminds us all to reflect on what we have accomplished in the past year and what we hope to accomplish in the new one. Below are some of the top resolutions for any fabric lover, seamstress and anyone in between!


Clean – It has been a year already; why not clean your sewing machines, craft closets and fabric stashes?  There is no time like the present. Plus you never know what you may find hiding in the back of that shelf buried under bobbins, tulle and glitter.

Sharpen -  Gather your scissors, rottery cutter blades and even your kitchen knives! You will be shocked at the difference a nicely sharpened pair of fabric scissors can make.

Separate out old or different bobbins – For Mary Jo’s Cloth Store, 2013 was the year of the sewing machine. If you are like us and purchased a new machine, be sure you are not using those old bobbins for your brand new baby!

Take inventory – Don’t fall prey to shopper’s remorse! How often have you come home with a new set of sewing needles only to discover you had already purchased the exact same needles 3 months ago? Stop the madness and take inventory of what you already have, you will not only save yourself money but a few stress wrinkles along the way.

Designated idea container – A desk, corkboard or folder, are all great options for your designated idea holder. Use this space as your go to place to catalogue your to-do lists, inspirational clippings and even your weekly recipes.  This way when you want to start a new project you will have plenty of ideas to choose from.

Sign up for a class – Challenge yourself, and learn something new! It is a new year, why not dare yourself to tackle new obstacles and expand your sewing knowledge.

Take on a new project - You know that dress you always wanted to make, but never had the time to, or that chair you wanted to design, but couldn’t bring yourself to finish it? Make 2014 the year you actually complete your dream task! If not now, then when?

Monday, December 30, 2013

Happy New Year from Mary Jo's


It is hard to believe another year has come to an end.  It has been a very special year for Mary Jo’s Cloth Store. 

We have added new products, started in-store sewing classes and had spectacular sales events, but our mission remains the same; to offer a wide selection of fabrics and sewing supplies at the best prices. 

As we reflect on the success of this past year, what we treasure the most are our customers.  People who come from close by and far away, to purchase sewing machines and equipment, fabrics, notions, and sewing supplies in-person, and on our website.

Our customers are incredible people: creative, talented and fun.  Magic happens when sewing and fabric enthusiasts come together!  Thank you for making our year magical.

To celebrate the arrival of 2014 Mary Jo’s is setting off fireworks in the store.  Fireworks fabric that is!


Ring in the New Year with fabrics embellished with sequins and metallic embroidery. 

Give a toast in honor of materials that sparkle, shimmer and shine.
In the quilting department you will find punchy and bright firework themed cotton fabrics.
Photo credit: www.marthachellingerhoudquilts.com
We just had to share these fireworks quilt designs. What a creative inspiration from www.etmcreative.com

 


All of us at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store wish you and your family a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.  





Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Sewing, Quilting and Home Décor in January!

Sewing



Friday, January 3rd

Open Sew
Instructor: None
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Fee:Free

Description: Call up your friends. Come sit and sew at Mary Jos. Work on any project you need to finish.




Saturday, January 4th

Wrapped Baskets
Instructor: Patti Hayden
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Fee: $25

Description: Learn to make these amazing bowls, baskets and purses from clothesline and fabric, using simple wrapping and coiling methods and zigzag stitching. You’ll make one project in class, but you’ll learn the techniques to make any project. These projects are easy and FUN to make and they make great gifts! Anyone and everyone can do this!!

Book: It’s a Wrap by Susan Brier (Not necessary for class)




 Saturday, January 4th

Groovy Bag
Instructor: Patti Hayden
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Fee: $40

Description: This bag is huge. Finished size is 12”x 24”x 40”. It’s perfect for whatever you need to carry; it’s fun to make, with lots of room for you to be creative and let your personality shine. These basic construction techniques will build a base for lots of future projects and you’ll have this great bag to carry everything you need to and from your classes. Bag is great for teachers, moms, picnics, yoga, the beach and weekend getaways; a full size quilt fits inside. BEWARE: all of your friends will want one!



Tuesday, January 7th

Stitch-By-Stitch
Instructor: Pam Carter
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Fee: $100 includes Book/CD

This is a 5 Session Class
Continued Dates: January 14th, 21st, February 4th, and 11th
Description: Learn to sew one project at a time.

Book: Included




 Thursday, January 9th

Children's Pants
Instructor: Carmen Baugh
Time: 10am to 3pm
Fee: $35

Same class offered again later in January, Thursday the 16th
Time: 10am to 3pm
Description: Good quality, well-made children’s pants can cost anywhere from $32 - $66 a pair from stores like Ragsland, Best Dressed Child, Chez Ami and Orient Expressed of New Orleans. You will be able to make your own pants for a fraction of the cost. There are four versions of pants you can make from this new awesome Children’s Corner Parker pattern with 1 yard or less of fabric. In class, we will be making View A Long Pants. Once you master the techniques of making pants for children, you will be able to use this pattern all year round. The pattern includes Pants, Capris, Long Shorts and Shorts. Pattern comes in two size sets (1-4) and (5-8). This pattern is awesome because each size is a separate pattern piece, not tiered as other pattern companies do.

Pattern: Parker’s Pants by Children’s Corner


Saturday, January 11th

Serger Club
Instructor: Pam Carter
Time: 9am to 11am
Fee: $10

Description: There are some things a serger can do for your quilts that an ordinary sewing machine cannot, and you do not have to be an expert at sergering or quilting to get good results. This is a demo lecture so no need to bring your machine. Explore Serged Scarfs this month!

Pattern: None


Wednesday, January 15th

It's in the Bag
Instructor: Jessica Trimmer
Time: 10am to 2pm
Fee: $30 each
Same class offered later in January, Saturday the 25th
Time: 10am to 2pm

Description: Do you enjoy sewing? Carrying a purse or bag? Have you ever thought about making one for yourself? In this new series "It's in the Bag" I will teach you just that.

Week 1: Bag Making Basics
This class will cover the basic information you will need to create a bag of your own. There are a lot of tools that make the task easier including the right fabric, interfacing and thread. Please join us for this class as we take a hands on tour through Mary Jo's and talk about the items that you "can't live without" for creating your perfect bag.

Pattern: Provided by Instructor


Saturday, January 25th

Girls Scouts Project
Instructor: Jessica Trimmer
Time: 10am to 3pm
Fee:$15


Description: Please join us for “Bookmarks are Fun.” During this class you will learn: how to use a rotary cutter, pick the best fabric for your project, and how to thread your sewing machine as well as use at least 3 different stitches.

Pattern: Provided by Instructor


Thursday, January 30th


My Favorite Tote
Instructor: Jessica Trimmer
Time: 10am to 3pm
Fee: $30 each
Description: Create a tote made to fit your needs. Great size for carrying fabric, groceries, books and more!

Pattern: Provided by Instructor


Quilting

Tuesday, January 7th

Rag Quilt
Instructor: Daniela Hogan
Time: 10am to 3pm
Fee: $35


Description: Pull out the flannel and let’s make a rag quilt! This warm and comfy quilt is a must have in every home.

Pattern: Supplied in class



 Tuesday, January 7th

Paper Piecing: Tennessee Star Block
Instructor: Patti Hayden
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Fee: $25

Description: Learn paper piecing, a foundation technique that will allow you to create blocks that are all the same size - each with precise, sharp points and perfectly matched intersections. This easy to learn method will open up the world of quilting to include designs you thought you couldn’t do. You’ll be seeing “stars”! We’ll focus on one star block per session.

Book: 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars by Carol Doak



 Tuesday, January 14th

In a Pinch Quilt
Instructor: Daniela Hogan
Time: 10am to 3pm
Fee: $35 per session or $70 for both days


This is a 2 Session Class
Continued Dates: January 21st
Description: This class will teach you all the basics for putting your first quilt top together. From pressing to borders, you’ll learn it all. Whether you’ve never made a quilt before or you want to freshen up on the fundamentals, this class is for you.

Pattern: In a Pinch by College Bound Quilts


Thursday, January 16th

Quilt with Aimee
Instructor: Aimee Griffin
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Fee: $75 plus supplies

This is a 4 session class
Continued Dates: January 30th, February 6th & 13th
Description: Learn the fundamentals of quilting in this 4 session class, you’ll be on your way to becoming a master quilter.

Pattern: Window Boxes by College Bound Quilts




 Wednesday, January 22nd

Beginning Quilting
Instructor: Kaye Carr
Time: 10am to 4pm
Fee: $75

This is a 2 session class
Continued Dates: January 29th
Description: In this basic class, you will learn how to baste your backing so that you have no puckers or pinches. You will also learn to mark your quilt top and quilt simple but elegant straight lines. This class is just what you need to learn to quilt your first quilt top.

Pattern: None needed


Home Decor



 Saturday, January 11th

Home Dec Day
Instructor: Susan Woodcock
Time: 10am to 11am
Fee: Free

Description: Join Susan Woodcock, AKA Home Dec Gal at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store every second Saturday of the month for free home decor mini-workshops starting at 10:00 am.


10:00 - 10:30 All about Lining & Interlining
10:30 - 11:00 Learn the French Blackout Lining Method


 Thursday, January 23rd

Decorative Throw Pillow
Instructor: Sindy Burges
Time: 10am to 1pm
Fee: $25

Pattern Provided by Instructor


 Friday, January 31st

Tab Top Valance
Instructor: Sindy Burges
Time: 10am to 2pm
Fee: $35

Description: Learn to make a tab top valance suitable for any kitchen bathroom or even a nursery. With the right fabric and optional trim and buttons to set it off, this valance will make any room.

Pattern: Provided by Instructor


Meet the Sew Sistas!

'Seams' our Mary Jo's Instructors want to meet you

Join Mary Jo's on Saturday, January 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the Class Instructor Meet and Greet event! Meet and mingle while enjoying refreshments, plus everyone who signs up for classes that day, will receive 10% off class supplies. Bring a friend and get half off your next class fee!

Mingle : Inspire : Enjoy Refreshments

Prairie Rose Block of the Month Club


What do you get when you mix Jo Morton fabrics and 9- 12” pieced blocks? This gorgeous quilt called Prairie Rose! 

Now mix in Daniela Hogan, and a monthly lecture and you have the Block of the Month Club.


Why join this club? Not only will you get great step-by-step instructions for building the block, you’ll also learn tips, tricks and perfect your piecing skill. No need for hauling your sewing machines, as this is a lecture styled club.

This is a 10 month program, each month you will pick up your block fabrics along with the block pattern and get full verbal and visual instructions. Once finished this quilt will measure 100”x 100”. 

All of the club meetings will be held in Mary Jo's classroom.

Date: 1st Saturday of every month. Starting in February
Time: 9am to 10am
Fee: $55 for the first Month and $19.99 for each month.
Price includes all fabric needed to make the 100”x 100” quilt plus monthly instructions and patterns. 
10% off the price if you pay for all 10 month’s ahead 
Space is limited to 12 spaces

If you are interested in joining please call Mary Jo's and ask to speak with Aimee or email her at aimeeg@maryjos.com to book your spot today!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Geometric Ribbon Pillows

Have you seen the wall of ribbon at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store?  It is amazing! This is where you will find satin, grosgrain, velvet, printed, lace and sheer ribbons, plus ric-rac, sequins and other decorative trims.

Ribbon has so many uses!  You can tie ribbon around a jelly jar, use to hang pictures or ornaments, sew to hems in skirts or pants, make hair bows, decorate presents, use to make necklaces, tie-back curtains and much more.

Ribbon makes a wonderful trim for your home decorating projects.  The pillows below were created with cotton fabrics and colorful grosgrain ribbon.


Here are the steps to make geometric ribbon pillows:

Start by cutting the front and back pieces to the size needed (adding for seam allowances).  Apply blue painter’s tape to the front piece of the pillow; inset the distance you would like the ribbon to be.  This will give you a nice line to follow. 
Place the ribbon along the inside of the tape, folding a miter at each corner and pin.  A 7/8” wide ribbon was used for this pillow. 
Continue around the pillow, creating a geometric design.  You can make the pillow as simple, or complex as you would like.  When you have finished pinning the ribbon in place, you can remove the tape.
Add more color by weaving a second color ribbon into the design.   This gets a little tricky!  Pin the ribbon in place and hide the beginning and end under a solid piece of ribbon. 
For the smaller, rectangular pillow only one color ribbon was used, with a less complicated design.
Sew carefully along each side of the ribbon using a matching thread. Sew the front and back pieces of the pillow together. 

You can add an invisible zipper at the bottom or hand-sew closed after adding the pillow form.

The finished pillows are colorful and trendy!  Stop by Mary Jo’s today to see all the ribbons and fabrics that you can use to make your own geometric ribbon pillows.


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Free Pleated Ruffle Mini-Workshop

Join Susan Woodcock AKA Home Dec Gal for a free Pleated Ruffle Mini-Workshop, Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Learn how to add pleated ruffle details to your home decorating projects, and see a hands-on demo of how to make a variety of styles including knife edge, boxed, and pick-up boxed ruffles.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Fabric Makes Us Happy, Happy, Happy

Hey Jack! Our latest fabric are in, and just in time for the holidays! The infamous bearded family of Monroe, Louisiana, the Robertsons, has taken over the country with their hit TV show Duck Dynasty on AETV. 

The Robertsons built a multi-million dollar sporting empire manufacturing duck calls. Phil, Willie, Jase, Mrs. Kay and Uncle Si continue to charm TV viewers with their special brand of down-home practicality, southern charm and occasional wacky antics. 

Now you can take home your own little piece of Duck Dynasty with our four new fabrics.
                            
 Duck Dynasty - Duck Camo Brown 48870 2160715 
(Springs Creative)
$5.99 / Yard/Row
Color: DUCK DYNASTY
CAMO - Brown(Springs)
Width: 45"''
Repeat: V-'' x H-''
100% Cotton

(Springs Creative)
$5.99 / Yard/Row
Color: DUCK DYNASTY
CAMO - Pink (Springs)
Width: 45"''
Repeat: V-'' x H-''
100% Cotton

(Springs Creative)
$5.99 / Yard/Row
Color: DUCK DYNASTY
CAMO - Face Sayings Toss (Springs)
Width: 45"''
Repeat: V-'' x H-''
100% Cotton

Duck Dynasty - Brothers of the Beard 49542 F330715 - Panel 
(Springs Creative)
$5.99 / Yard/Row
Color: DUCK DYNASTY
Width: 45"''
Repeat: V-'' x H-''
100% Cotton

Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Quilting Classes at Mary Jo’s


Our store has been a flurry of activity with customers buying fabric and supplies to make Christmas gifts and buying gifts for a special sewing someone on their list. 

Our sewing lounge has been humming like Santa’s workshop with students cutting, sewing, laughing and creating beautiful things! 

We thought you would enjoy a peek inside at one of our recent classes, where quilters gathered together to work on this cheerful Christmas tree quilt design.

Class instructor Aimee Griffin has years of experience as a quilter and teacher.  Students love Aimee’s fun personality, enthusiasm and extensive sewing knowledge.  Here Aimee is helping a student with the layout of her quilt pieces.

In our quilting classes you will learn techniques for selecting fabric colors and patterns, how to cut and use your fabric efficiently, sewing methods and the tools and supplies used by quilters to make quilting easier.

One of the exciting parts of attending a class is that you get to be with others who share your love of sewing and quilting.  

It’s fun to chat about your finished (and unfinished!) projects, ooh-and-ahh over fabrics and make new friends. You will be inspired by each other’s creativity!

Would you like to learn to quilt?  We have the perfect class to help you get started!   In addition to quilting, Mary Jo’s also has classes that will teach you how to make clothing, crafts, tote bags, curtains, pillows and more.   Be sure to check the class schedule often, as new classes are added every month or call 704-861-9100 to sign-up today. Click [here] to view the latest class schedule. 


Countdown to Christmas: Faux Fur Throw


We continue our countdown to Christmas with a great gift idea that you can make for your family and friends. Faux fur throws are a hot trend in home décor because they add a texture and romance to any room. 

You will see them them thrown over the back of a sofa, draped over a leather chair or at the foot of a bed. Faux fur throws are the perfect, cozy little blanket for watching television, reading a book or taking a nap. 

To make your own faux fur throw, begin by selecting your favorite faux fur for the front.  There is a tremendous selection at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store, from solid colors to realistic animal prints.  Keep in mind that faux fur with a short pile will be easier to sew, especially if you are inexperienced with sewing faux fur.  

We selected a faux chinchilla that is silky, soft and oh-so irresistible! For the lining we chose a red satin from the Mary Jo’s bridal department. Red is perfect for Christmas, but any color would be lovely.  

If you don’t want to make a color-statement, choose a warm brown or black lining.

Step 1:
Cut a square for the front and back.  We cut this throw 54 inches x 54 inches, which used exactly 1½ yards of the fur and satin material.  Serge the edges of the fur, and the satin if needed.  Mark the center of each side.  Place the fur and satin face-to-face, line up the corners and center marks and pin together.   Then secure in-between the pins, keeping the fur stretched taut between the pins while pinning together.

Step 2: 
Sew around the edges using a ½-inch seam allowance.  (Test stitching on a remnant of fur and satin to determine the best settings for your machine).  Leave a small opening along one side for turning.

Clip corners and turn right sides out.  Hand stitch the opening closed with matching thread. Your fur throw is finished!  

You will want to keep this gift for yourself, or make two, one for you and one for a friend, even your furry friends will love this cozy throw.