August Classes at Mary Jo's Cloth Store

Quilting Classes

	Saturday August 2nd Twilight Weave Quilt Time: 11am - 4pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $35
The weave look in this pattern gives it depth and interest. We will learn to streamline traditional strip piecing methods to organize and chain piece this pattern. This is great for a beginner that wants to stretch him or herself or the intermediate that is ready to learn some new tricks.
	Saturday August 2nd and 16th (2 sessions) Christmas Tree Pinwheels Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Fee:  $45
This quilt is for advanced beginners. Follow a two-step process to create this whimsical Christmas Tree Quilt. The Lil’ Twister ruler adds a fun “twist” to the Christmas tree. Warning: The Twister Rulers are addictive and come in a variety of sizes.
	Tuesday, August 5th Skipping Stones Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee:  $35
Another great pattern using 2.5” precuts! We all love those precut packets and can't resist purchasing them, now it’s time to start using them! In this class we will streamline cutting the 2.5” strips. Then we will mix them up to create this stunning quilt.
	Monday August 11th Pre Cut Playground Time: 11am to 4pm Instructor: Aimee Griffin Fee: $25
Working with pre cut fabrics lets you focus on the sewing instead of cutting. Enjoy these quick and easy patterns and create something new in each class!
	Tuesday, August 12th Simplicity Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $35
The name says it all. This pattern couldn’t be any simpler! It is another great use for 2.5” precuts. The “simplicity” comes from the method used to piece and cut everything. It’s a great technique and once you master it... the sky is the limit.
	Tuesday August 12th Paper Piecing Club (Alaska) Time: 6pm to 9pm Instructor: Patti Hayden Fee: $25
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”!!
	Wednesday August 13th Machine Quilting Basics Time: 10am to 1pm Instructor: Karen Ponischil Fee: $45
Student will learn the basics of free motion quilting. This is a no mark technique workshop where the student will be introduced to several different free motion quilting pattern designs. Student will learn about thread, machine feet, needles, and batting, as well as how to ready your machine and starting and stopping several free-motion quilting designs.
	Wednesday August 13th Paper Piecing (Alabama) Time: 10am to 1pm Instructor: Aimee Griffin Fee: $25
We will continue learning new techniques with paper piecing. This month we’ll be making the Alabama star.
	Wednesday August 13th, 20th, 27th, Sept 3rd (4 sessions) Halloween Sampler Time: 1pm to 5pm Instructor: Aimee Griffin Fee: $75
Filled with fun and whimsical touches, this wall hanging is sure to be a frightful delight that will be ready for Halloween!
	Thursday, August 14th, 21st, 28th, Sept 4th (2 sessions) Quilt with Aimee (Beginning Quilting) Pattern: Window Boxes Time: 10am to 1pm Instructor Aimee Griffin Fee: $75 plus supplies
Learn the fundamentals of quilting in this 2 session class and you’ll be on your way to becoming a master quilter!
	Friday August 15th Paper Piecing (Alabama) Time: 10am to 1pm Instructor: Aimee Griffin Fee: $25
We will continue learning new techniques with paper piecing. This month we’ll be making the Alabama star.
	Monday August 18th Cutting Basics Time: 11am to 1pm Instructor: Aimee Griffin Fee: $15
Are you terrified of cutting into your fabric? You won't be after taking this class. Learn how to properly use your cutting tools.
	Tuesday, August 19th Just Can’t Cut It Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $35
This pattern is perfect for fabrics with large prints. If you’ve been holding on to a favorite fabric because you just can’t bear to cut it, now is the time to pull it out and put it into this beautiful quilt! Once you’re done with this class you will be able to enjoy that fabric even more.
	Tuesday August 19th, 26th, Sept 2nd and 9th (4 sessions) Halloween Sampler Time: 6pm to 9pm Instructor: Aimee Griffin Fee: $75
Filled with fun and whimsical touches, this wall hanging is sure to be a frightful delight that will be ready for Halloween!
	Friday, August 22nd Savanna Time: 10am to 4pm Instructor Aimee Griffin Fee: $45 plus supplies
So many ways to set these curvy squares, you’ll be addicted to the curves. Whatever pattern you choose the curves are fun and easy to stitch.
	Saturday August 23rd Intro to Thread Painting (Gingko Leaf) Time: 2:30pm to 5:30pm Instructor: Karen Ponischil Fee: $55
Students will learn the basics of painting with thread. In this class they will learn how to add color, shading, and highlights to a flat area to give it dimension.
	Saturday August 23rd Advanced Machine Quilting: Feathers Time: 10am to 2pm Instructor: Karen Ponischil Fee: $45
Feathers are the classic quilt motif. Learn the basics of creating feathers from the “shell/teardrop” shape in this free motion quilting class.
	Tuesday, August 26th Finishing Class Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $35
Need some extra time and instruction on a project? Stumped on the next step of something you started? Join Daniela and get the help you need with those WIP’s (work-in-progress). This is a free form class so you can bring your own project and work at your own pace!
	Wednesday August 27th Advanced Thread Painting: Poppy Time: 10am to 2pm Instructor: Karen Ponischil Fee: $65
Student will learn the advanced techniques of painting with thread on the poppy. In this class they will learn how to add color, shading, and highlights to a flat area to give it dimension and depth.

Sewing Classes

	Tuesday August 5th and 12th (2 sessions) Knit Mock Wrap Dress Time: 6pm to 9pm Instructor: Pam Carter Fee: $45
Learn the tricks of working with knit while making this fun dress!
	Friday August 8th Esme Top Time: 10am to 5pm Instructor: Pam Carter Fee: $45
Clothing construction made easy with Pam, this Jazzy shirt will be one of your favorites!
	Thursday August 14th and 21st (2 sessions) A Line Dress Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Carmen Baugh Fee: $30
This adorable dress is perfect for the fall season, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. In this class you will learn about dress construction, lining, covered buttons, how to make a buttonhole, and how to make and add a ruffle to the dress.

Home Décor Classes

Tuesday August 5th Drapery Making Seminar Time: 6pm to 9pm Instructor: Susan Woodcock Fee: $25

Join Susan Woodcock for a look behind-the-scenes of a professional drapery workroom, and see the tools and techniques used to create custom draperies. You will learn about the supplies used in the drapery making process like buckram, weights and drapery pin hooks and all the different types of linings and interlinings. Susan will show how to turn a basic, flat drapery panel into a variety of styles with pleats, grommets and shirring tapes. After attending this class you will understand the value of custom work, and be better prepared to purchase or sew your own custom draperies.

Clubs

	Saturday August 16th (every 3rd Sat) Park Bench Time: 10am to 1pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $250
Includes book, fabric and 3 hours each month for 9 months. Hands on Block of the month.
	Saturday August 9th Serger Club Time: 9am to 11am Instructor: Pam Carter Fee: $10
In this Demo/Lecture class (machine not required) you will learn different serging techniques, new project each month.
Embroidery Club: Canceled for this month

Home Dec Days

	Saturday August 9th Time: 11am to 12pm Instructor: Susan Woodcock Fee: Free
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 11am Schedule: 11:00 – 11:30 Pillow Sham Style Ideas 11:30 – 12:00 Learn How-To Make a Flanged Sham

Tips for Sewing with Minkee Fabric

Have you heard of Minkee?  One touch and you will fall in love with this super soft material.

Minkee (also known as minky) is a polyester microfiber material with a short pile and a silky soft texture that is described as faux mink, hence the name “minkee”.  It is a popular fabric for making baby blankets, robes, toys or as quilt backings.  Minkee is available in a wide variety of colors and prints and embossed with textures like dimples, dots and chevron stripes.

Because Minkee is so soft, it can be frustrating to sew but with a little patience, and the right tools, you can create amazing things with minkee!  Here are a few tips to help make your next project a success.

1. Cut minkee using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler.
2. Never iron minkee.  Like with any nap fabric, ironing will crush the pile.
3. Pay attention to the direction of the nap when cutting.
4. Turn off the ceiling fan!  Minkee is messy and the little fibers will be all over your sewing room.  Keep a lint roller and vacuum nearby.  You may want to take the cut pieces outside to shake them out.
5. When sewing minkee to another type of fabric, sew with the minkee underneath and next to the feed dogs to help prevent stretching.
6. Pin, pin and pin some more!  Pin close together or consider basting the edges together before sewing.
7. Use a larger seam allowance; ½ to ¾ inches.  
8. Use a walking foot attachment on your sewing machine.  This will improve how the minkee feeds under the presser foot.
9. Sew slowly.
10. Set the stitch length to at least 3.5, the longer stitch will sew more evenly.

If you would like to try sewing with minkee, start with a small, simple project like this little tag blanket from Totally Stitchin, which makes a great baby shower gift.

Click here to view the tutorial.
http://totallystitchin.net/articles/tag-blanket

Wow! Look What I Found at Mary Jo’s

Mary Jo’s is known as a fabric mecca for quilting, home decor and apparel sewing. But if you look a little closer, you will discover a few surprises, special purpose materials and unique finds. Here are our top ten favorite specialty products that you might be surprised to find at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store.

1. Billiard Cloth, also know as “pool table fabric”, 66 inches wide, 75% wool, 25% nylon with backing.  This is a heavy, 21-ounce cloth, available in four colors. Used to cover or restore billiard tables and other game tables.

2. Automobile Headliner fabric, a foam back material most commonly used to restore car headliners but it is also a great product for lining shipping and storage cases, gun cases and drawers. Headliner fabric is also a popular material for making dolls and puppets.

3. Heat Resistant fabric is coated with aluminum and available in plain or quilted cloth. It is used for ironing boards, sewing tables, oven mitts and potholders. 
        

4. Cow hides also known as hair on hide. Full cow skins are used as area rugs or for upholstery or custom purses and bags. Each hide is unique. Some hides are natural while others are dyed or printed.

5. Silver Cloth is made specifically to prevent tarnishing of silver and silver plate items. Silver cloth is used to line chests or cabinets or sewn into jewelry pouches or bags for storing candlesticks and silver serving pieces.

6. Vinyl Mesh is a durable vinyl encased polyester material used for lawn and patio furniture, office chairs and shade structures and available in a wide range of colors. 
      

7. Cotton Art Canvas #10 a heavy cotton canvas, 60 inches wide and is stretched on frames by artists for paintings and also used for tarps, tents, upholstery, banners, theatrical backdrops and tote bags.
    

8. Clear Vinyl #30 is a heavy, rigid crystal clear vinyl used for windows in marine and tent windows, enclosures, table covers and crafts.

9. Ripstop Nylon fabric is light weight and water resistant. Used for making flags, kites, banners, windsocks, pennants, backpacks and outdoor apparel.

10. Rhinestone and crystal bandings are an elegant and glamorous embellishment for formal wear, costumes and decorative accessories. Available with plastic or metal mesh backing, rhinestone banding is a hot trend in wedding cake design.

Make Pompom Decorations with Knit Fabric

Decorate for your next party with pretty and cheerful pompoms! You can make a variety of sizes and colors to match the holiday or your event. Make an assortment of red, white and blue pompoms for patriotic holidays, pink and blue for a baby shower or white and cream colors for a wedding.

Hang pompoms outside from tree limbs to create a festive landscape; a beautiful backdrop for wedding pictures; or use pompoms indoors, hanging over buffet tables or grouped in clusters to make a simple centerpiece.

Making knit fabric pompoms is easy.  Just follow the instructions below.  We would love to see how you use pompom decorations.  Please share your photos with us on Facebook.com/MaryJosClothStore or by tagging us on Instagram at @MaryJosClothStore!

Easy knit pompoms step-by-step:

To make pompoms you will need cardboard and strips of knit fabric like t-shirt material.  We used Knits by Riley Blake in hot pink and ITY Jersey Knit in a soft blush color.

http://maryjos.com/fabrics/knit-solids-k100-70-hot-pink-riley-blake 

http://maryjos.com/fabrics/ity-jersey-knit-pink-spandex-house

1. Make a template from cardboard to the size you would like. We used a small plastic tub for the outer circle and an aerosol can for the inside circle.  Cut a small pie shaped piece from the circle. This will create a “C” shaped template. Cut two the exact same size.

2. Using scissors or a rotary cutter and mat, cut knit fabric into long strips. Cut ½-inch to 1-inch wide pieces. You do not need to worry about measuring and cutting accurately; the strips do not need to be perfect.

3. Stack the two cardboard templates together and start wrapping knit fabric strips around the template.  Wrap it with an even tension but not tight. When one piece ends, overlap and start a new piece.

4. Continue wrapping knit fabric strips around until you have at least 4 layers.

5. Place the wrapped template flat on the work surface and place the palm of one hand on top while cutting around the edges with scissors.

6. Cut one strip of fabric to use as a tie.

7. Carefully separate the cardboard pieces, slip the tie in-between and tie tightly, cinching all the fabric strips together.

8. After the pompom is tied, remove the two pieces of cardboard.

9. Fluff the fabric and trim to make an even shape.

10. Continue to make more pompoms! You can create different sizes and colors, or alternate colors when wrapping the template to make a multi-color pompom.