All About Trims

At Mary Jo’s you will find all kinds of trims, trims and more trims!  From fringe to banding, braid and decorative cord, there are many different types of trim to choose from.

This is just one section of the trim area in the home decorating department.  Any decorating project can use a little trim: draperies, valances, pillows, upholstery and bedding.

Shopping for the perfect trim can be a little overwhelming!  Here is a look at the most common types, and a few tips for applying trim. To learn more, visit Mary Jo’s on February 8, 2014, 10:00 – 11:00 am for a free workshop about trims with Susan Woodcock. Even more exciting, enjoy 10% off all trims throughout the day! 

Tassel Fringe

Usually constructed of a braid with attached tassels, this trim is available in solid or mixed color combinations.  Tassel fringe can be adorned with crystal, metal or wood accents.  A variety of methods can be used to apply tassel fringe.  The braid edging can be sewn by hand, machine or applied with hot melt glue, or fabric glue, letting the tassels hang free.  Tassel trim is beautiful on drapery panels, across the bottom of valances, and on decorator pillows.  

www.milesredd.com

Bullion Fringe

This heavy trim is woven with long cords.  It comes in a variety of sizes and in solid or combined colors.   Bullion fringe is most often applied with glues or hand stitching. Look for bullion fringe along the bottom of  sofas, chairs and ottomans.

Brush Fringe

This trim is machine sewn in seams of pillows and cushions for a soft edging.  When you purchase brush fringe it has a chain stitch holding all the threads together.  Leave this stitching in place until all sewing is finished, and then pull the threads away and fluff up the fringe.

 

Bead Trim

Trims with pearl, glass, acrylic, wood and metal beads are very popular and an alternative to tassels.  Most have a simple tape across the top, which is usually hidden in a seam, or under edges. Bead trims can be sewn by hand, machine or applied with hot melt glue, or fabric glue.  Use bead trims on draperies, window valances, or around lampshades.

Gimp Braid

This small braid is so versatile and commonly used because it turn curves and corners easily, and lays flat without any pleats or puckers.  Gimp is used in upholstery to cover tacks and staples, and is often combined with other trims for creative pillow styles.

Flat Banding

Clean and neat, flat banding has a classic look that can blend well with contemporary décor.    Flat banding can be solid, or woven with patterns.  The Greek Key design, shown in the pillow above is a current trend.  Add flat banding to draperies, framed around pillow fronts and on duvets and bed skirts.  Flat bandings can be machine stitched, or glued in place.

Twist Cord

Decorative cords come in many styles and diameters.  The most common is twist cord, which has individual cords wound together to create one cord, in solid or variegated colors.  Twist cord with an attached lip, as shown above is machine sewn into the seam of pillows or cushions.  You can also find twist cord without a lip, which is used for tiebacks, formed into decorative knots or as an edging along interior moldings.

When sewing twist cord around a pillow or cushion, there is a trick to making a seamless join.  This will be one of the professional techniques Susan Woodcock will share in her workshop at Mary Jo’s on February 8, 2014, 10:00 – 11:00 am.  We hope to see you there!

Luxurious Velvet

Soft and sumptuous, velvet has an unmistakable appearance and rich history.  Velvet is historically the cloth of opulence and wealth, worn by nobility and used to adorn castles and estates all over the world.  

Mary Jo’s cashier Donna Layel is ready
for a night at the opera in this Renaissance
inspired dress that she created from velvet remnants. 

When you think of fabrics from the Renaissance or Victorian eras, velvet immediately comes to mind.

Today velvet is more affordable and widely used.  It can be made from many different fibers including silk, cotton and polyester.  

The plush, napped surface is easy to love.  A little bit of velvet can add luxurious details to clothing: collars, cuffs and buttons. A velvet clutch is the perfect accessory!

Mary Jo’s class instructor Jessica Trimmer created this elegant velvet purse.  www.xojessica.com

One of the beautiful characteristics of velvet, the fine napped surface, also makes it a tricky fabric to warehouse and store.  At Mary Jo’s, velvets are rolled on special racks that allow the layers to be spaced, preventing the nap from being crushed which could permanently damage the pile.  Long-term folding can create creases, which are difficult to remove so plan to use velvet soon after purchasing.

A sneak peek into the velvet storage area at Mary Jo’s

Interior designers are crazy about velvets because of the rich colors and soft texture, but also because it reflects light so beautifully.  Velvet is popular for upholstery, throw pillows, table skirts and curtains.  One velvet pillow can make you feel like royalty!  Here is a pillow that is easy to make, and showcases the beauty of velvet fabric with a center ruched panel.

Velvet Pillow with Ruched Panel

Fabric cuts:

1 piece muslin or cotton lining at 17 inches x 17 inches (base piece for pillow front)

1 piece velvet at 9 inches x 32 inches (center ruched panel)

2 pieces velvet at 5 inches x 17 inches (side pieces on front)

1 piece velvet at 17 inches x 17 inches (back)

Step one:

Mark two lines inset 4 inches from each side of the base piece for the pillow front.  Using a needle and thread, sew a running stitch down the 32 inch side of the velvet piece cut for the center ruched panel, gathering the fabric along the stitches to fit the pillow base.  Pin in place centered on the base piece, next to the marks.

Step two:

Sew the ruched panel along both sides using a 3/8-inch seam allowance, taking small tucks and gathers by hand to create a horizontal gathered design.

Step three:

After the center ruched panel is sewn, pin each sidepiece face down, along the edge of the ruched panel.  Pay attention to the nap on the velvet, to make sure both pieces are pinned with the nap running in the same direction.  Sew the side panels to the ruched panel using a ½-inch seam allowance.

Step four:

Turn the side piecesover, and pin to the outer edges of the base piece.  Sew or serge around the outer edges.  Note: Serging the edges will prevent fraying and is also recommended for the back piece.

Step five:

Pin the back piece to the front piece and sew around all four sides.  Leave an opening at the bottom for turning right sides out.  Turn the pillow right sides out, insert a pillow form and hand stitch the opening closed.

No Sew Fleece Blanket

By Jenny T 
Simple Sewing Projects 

The finished dimensions of this fleece blanket are 48″ x 58″ which includes the 5″ fringe on all sides. 

Gather your supplies: 
(2) 48″ x 58″ rectangles of fleece. Choose a fun pattern for one side and a solid color for the other side. Or choose 2 solid colors. Choose whatever you’d like! 

Editor’s Note: 
You can make your fleece blanket any size you want. Use the dimensions here as a guideline… but you can make it longer, wider, smaller… whatever! 

Sharp fabric shears or a rotary cutter 

Straight edge and measuring tape 

Lay the 2 pieces of flannel wrong sides together, aligning the edges and smoothing flat. 

Cut out a 5″ square from each corner. 

Cut in 5″ from the outside edges every 1″. Your edges will look like fringe.

Tie each set of 1″ strips into knots. 

Curl up and stay warm!
If you liked this no-sew fleece project… then take a look at our other no-sew fleece projects: 

Happy No-Sewing! 
 Jenny T.

Sewing, Quilting, and Home Décor in February!

Quilting
	Saturday, February 1st Savannah Instructor: Patti Hayden Time: 10am to 2pm Fee: $30
Description: Curved piercing is easy and fun; learn the technique for making this Savannah quilt top.
	Saturday, February 1st Block of the Month Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 9:00am to 10am Fee: $55
Description: 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, quilt will measure 100"x100".
	Tuesday, February 4th Ms. Hogan Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $35
Description: If you’re looking for a new idea to use on your precut fabric, this is a class you will enjoy. Get out a pack of 10” stackers and come make one of these beautiful quilts. Daniela will introduce you to an easy technique that is the key to getting these blocks done quicker than you thought possible. Pattern: Ms. Hogan
	Thursday, February 6th Paper Piecing: Alaska 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
	Saturday, February 8th Quilter's Day Out Instructor: Aimee Griffin Time: 10am to 5pm Fee: $65 plus supplies
Description: It's a Party! Be the host of your own Quilting party. Your fee is free when you have 6 paid friends. Pattern: The Strip Quilt
	Tuesday, February 11th Galleria Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $35
Description: This quilt design is great to showcase a favorite fabric line. Join Daniela to learn how to put together these off set blocks. The appliqué centers add just the right touch to make the quilt complete!
	Tuesday, February 18th Gray Matters Quilt Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $35
Description: Clean lines and a restrained palette make this quilt a stylish focal piece for any space. This project will be done lickety-split using a fresh new piecing method. You’ll be pleasantly pleased at how little time it takes to complete this quilt top.
	Tuesday, February 18th Stain Glass Quilt Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee:$25
Description: Learn the technique in cutting through multiple layers.
	Thursday, February 20th Simply Strippy Quilt Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee: $25
Description: Come have some fun and bring your 2 ½” pre-cut strips. This quilt is fast and easy and you’ll learn how to add triangles to corners with ease.
	Saturday, February 22nd Machine Quilting Instructor: Karen Ponishcil Time: 3pm to 6pm Fee: $45
Description: Curvy, Geometric or Both? Learn what style you like best in this free-motion quilting class. Students will learn the basics of free motion quilting. This is a no mark technique workshop where you will be introduced to several different free motion quilting patterns.
	Wednesday, February 26th Feathers Machine Quilting Instructor: Karen Ponischil Time: 2pm to 5pm Fee: $45
Description: Feathers are the classic quilt motif. Learn the basics of creating feathers from the “shell/teardrop” shape in this free-motion quilting class. This is a minimal/no mark technique workshop where you will be introduced to several different feather patterns. Student will learn about thread, machine feet, needles and batting , as well as how to ready your machine starting and stopping. You’ll also learn several free-motion quilting feather motifs - with spine, without spine, free form and funky feathers.
	Thursday, February 27th Fiona Quilt Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee: $25 plus supplies
Description: Pull your pre-cut squares for this easy breezy quilt top.
Sewing
	Saturday, February 1st Faux Nuno Felted Scarf Instructor: Vickie Clontz Time: 10am to 5pm Fee: $75
Description: Create your own unique wearable art scarf in this felting class; we’ll start out needle felting and finish our scarf with wet felting to add lots of drama and texture! The beauty of this technique is in the versatility of fabrics you can use; we’re not limited to silk, but other fabrics such as polyester will work just as well. Washable, colorfast fabrics work best. Scarf shown measures 42” long x 15” wide, not including the fringe. Scarf size can vary according to the size of fabric you start with, or how much texture you want. All skill levels will enjoy this class.
	Wednesday, February 5th Wristlet Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $25
Description: Fabulously sized wristlet perfect for a quick trip to town, you will create a small pocket inside perfect for your ID on the go.
	Wednesday, February 12th It's in the Bag Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 10am to 2pm Fee: $30 each
Description: 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. This multi-week class will prove to be an invaluable resource for you as you venture into bag making on your own. Each week Jessica will highlight different aspects of bag making, important tools, and invaluable resources. Taking all 5 classes will give you the ability to confidently create a bag that fits all your wants and whimsy! Pattern: Provided by Instructor This class is scheduled later in the month. Date: Saturday, February 22nd Time: 10am to 2pm
	Thursday, February 13th A Line Dress Instructor: Carmen Baugh Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $35
Description: This adorable dress is perfect for the winter season. You will learn dress construction with lining, cover buttons, how to make a buttonhole and how to make and add a ruffle to the dress. This class is also scheduled later in the month. Date: Friday, February 21st Time: 10am to 3pm
	Tuesday, February 25th Stitch-by-Stitch Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee: $130 includes book/CD This is a 5 session class Continued Dates: March 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
Description: Learn to sew one project at a time.
	Thursday, February 27th Lunch Bag (It's a Cinch) Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $30
Description: Cute lunch bag with a cinched top and handle make this an ideal choice for both kids and adults. Using lightweight interfacing, the bag is easily flattened for ease of storing when school is out, or once you have finished lunch. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Saturday, February 22nd Girl Scout Project Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 3pm to 5pm Fee: $15
Description: Two hours of learning and fun with the girl scouts! New project each month. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
Home Decor
	Tuesday, February 4th How To Dress your Windows Instructor: Susan Woodcock Time: 6pm to 8pm Fee: $25
Description: Are you redecorating your home, and you need inspiration for window treatment ideas? Would you like to learn more about planning and sewing curtains and valances? Join home décor sewing expert, Susan Woodcock, for a fun and informative look at window treatment styles and sewing techniques. Learn how to measure your window, choose the best fabric and lining, create a custom style for your window, select hardware and the supplies and methods used in making window treatments. Pattern: Instructor will provide a list of available patterns
	Thursday, February 6th Shower Curtains Instructor: Sindy Burges Time: 10am to 1:30pm Fee: $35
Description: Spruce up any bathroom with a custom shower curtain by learning the basics of making your own with any home dec fabric and learn to make perfect button holes on our Baby Lock machines.
	Saturday, February 8th 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 10am. 10am to 10:30am: Choosing Trims for Your Projects 10:30am to 11am: Learn How-To Apply Trims
	Tuesday, February 11th Dust Ruffles Instructor: Susan Woodcock Time: 6pm to 8pm Fee: $75 This is a 3 session class Continued Dates: February 18th & 25th
Description: 3-part class you will make a custom gathered and lined dust ruffle for your bed. You will learn how to measure the bed, figure yardage and sew together the fabric and lining for a high-end, beautiful finished dust ruffle. A sewing machine at your home is needed to complete required work between classes.
	Saturday, February 15th Goblet Pinched / Pleated Panel Instructor: Sindy Burgess Time: 10am to 2pm Fee: $40
Description: Ready to spruce up your home? This class will get you on your way to making beautiful drapery for your home.
	Friday, February 28th Fabric Framed Pillow Instructor: Susan Woodcock Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $40
Description: Do you have a needlepoint, tapestry or embroidery and can’t decide if it should be framed or made into a pillow? Combine both with a fabric framed pillow! In this class, you will learn how to make pillows with framed borders for square or round needlework. Pattern provided by instructor
Clubs
	Saturday, February 8th Serger Club Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 9am to 11am Fee: $10
Description: There are some things a serger can do for your sewing projects 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. You will be able to do some hands on work and explore fun new ideas with a serger machine. Book /Pattern: None
	Saturday, February 15th Embroidery Club Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 9am to 11am Fee: $10
Description: Join us and learn embroidery features in this monthly club. New project each month. No need to bring your machine as this is a lecture style class with hands on using our machines. Book /Pattern: None

Carolina Pride at Mary Jo's

It's not too late to get your Panthers fleece and show your Carolina Pride! Get a 2 yard cut for $19.99 (Reg Price $21.98). Order yours today by calling Mary Jo’s Cloth Store at 704-861-9100 or 1-800-627-9567 and it will be ready for pick up today at the front register. Yes, you read that correctly - TODAY! Get your Panther fleece before it’s all gone!

Available for purchase here: http://whirly.it/N87Dyv

(Other NFL fleece also available. All orders will be prepaid.)