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

This week we are featuring holiday sewing projects and kits from our classes; a soft Santa chenille fabric panel and “Feather Fancy”, a quilted, applique wall hanging.

Santa Chenille Panel

In this class students learned how to make chenille by sewing and cutting layers of fabric.  Before sewing, multiple layers of fabric are basted together. 

Then the panel is sewn with rows and rows of parallel seams and the top layers are carefully sliced between the stitching. 

The secret is to sew on the bias or diagonal of the fabric grain. 

This allows the cut fabric edges to slightly fray and soften without completely unraveling.  

As you can see this Santa is very warm and fuzzy!  The same technique can be used to make throws and baby blankets.

Feather Fancy Quilted Wall Hanging

This beautiful Christmas wall hanging is made with a technique called raw-edge appliqué, where the pieces are cut and applied to the base fabric with an iron-on fusible. 

This saves time and is so much more accurate than trying to pin all those small pieces in place.

Imagine how long it takes to cut all those little shaped pieces!  Students were lucky to have a faster process, a wonderful tool called the AccuQuilt® Go! fabric cutter.  If you have a quilter in the family, this is probably at the top of their Christmas wish-list! 

If you would like to make the Feather Fancy wall hanging, the kit is available at Mary Jo’s and includes a full size layout diagram, illustrated instructions, and sewing tips.

Bring a friend and join us for a class this December!  You can learn how to make Christmas projects, gifts and so much more.  

Be sure to check the Mary Jo’s class schedule online or call 704-861-9100 to sign-up today.