Celebrating 65 Years at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store!

Mary Jo’s Cloth Store was founded in 1951 by a young lady with a simple dream to own her own cloth shop. Now, 65 years later, we are celebrating the journey of the South’s Fabric Queen (Mary Jo) in conjunction with her 84th birthday! January 16, 2016 marks Mary Jo’s Cloth Store’s 65th Anniversary, and we have tons of fun events and offers in the works to celebrate Mary Jo’s favorite people, her customers, that day!

Mary Jo’s Cloth Store Memories

In honor of 65 years, we are looking to find videos, pictures and stories our customers have about their times at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store. With 65 years of history behind us, we know there have to be a few good ones! Did your mother purchase the fabric for all of your back to school clothes from Mary Jo’s or did you spend hours upon hours contemplating the perfect lace for your wedding dress in our store with your closest friends? Do you have an adorable picture of your grandson asleep in his stroller at Mary Jo’s? Then you’re exactly who we are looking for!

Ready to be a part of Mary Jo’s history? 

Share your videos, pictures or stories with us on Facebook by January 8th and we’ll feature them on the TV’s in our store during our 65th Anniversary Celebration on January 16! After the celebration, we’ll add your submissions to our blog for a permanent online feature!

February Classes at Mary Jo's

Quilting Classes

	Tues, Feb 2 MISTY MORNING BARGELLO Time: 10am to 4pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $40
Don't let the complex look of bargello quilts intimidate you! This class will teach you a great technique to make this quilt efficient and enjoyable. You will be ready to tackle any bargello pattern after finishing this class.
	Tues, Feb 9 BLUE MOSAIC Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $35
In this class you will learn to streamline making 9 patches as well as making perfect snowball blocks. We will have lots of fun learning these techniques that are great to have in your arsenal of tricks.
	Sat, Feb 13 ROCKY ROAD Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Sandy Cleasby Fee:$35
Use a layer cake, charm packs, coordinating fat quarters or even scraps to make this quick and easy quilt.* This class will include precise cutting and pressing techniques, 'nesting' of squares and learning how to square up your blocks so your quilt will come together perfectly. This is a great class for beginners and intermediate quilters alike. Quilt size: 36” x 36” (baby quilt) OR 60” x 60” (lap quilt)
	Tues, Feb 23 QUILT FINISHING CLASS Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $25
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 that you can bring your own project and work at your own pace!
	Wed, Feb 24 BEGINNING MACHINE QUILTING (Free Motion Quilting) Time: 10:30am to 3:30pm Instructor: Jean Cable Fee: $35
Learn the basics of machine quilting including straight-line techniques and free motion quilting designs. Discussion about needles, batting, thread, marking tools and techniques.
	Thurs, Feb 25 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 in the method used to piece and cut everything. It's a great technique and once you know it…the sky is the limit.

Sewing

	Wed, Feb 3, 10 & 17 INTERMEDIATE SEWING CLASS Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $75 (includes 3 sessions)
he Beginning Sewing Class is NOT a prerequisite for this class. Learn more advanced techniques for sewing clothing and crafts. We will discuss when to use certain interfacings, matching plaids and stripes, and directional fabrics. Learn when to clip inner curves, when to notch outer curves, trim corners properly, stay-stitching, reinforced stitching, ease-stitching (for set in sleeves), under-stitching, princess seams, and sew a curved piece of fabric to a straight piece of fabric. Hand sewing: Hand-make thread eyes, attaching hooks and eyes, buttonhole placement, and sew on snaps.
	Thurs, Feb 4, 11 & 18 INTERMEDIATE SEWING CLASS, Evening Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 6 to 9pm Fee: $75 (includes 3 sessions)
The Beginning Sewing Class is NOT a prerequisite for this class. Learn more advanced techniques for sewing clothing and crafts. We will discuss when to use certain interfacings, matching plaids and stripes, and directional fabrics. Learn when to clip inner curves, when to notch outer curves, trim corners properly, stay-stitching, reinforced stitching, ease-stitching (for set in sleeves), under-stitching, princess seams, and sew a curved piece of fabric to a straight piece of fabric. Hand sewing: Hand-make thread eyes, attaching hooks and eyes, buttonhole placement, and sew on snaps.
	Sun, Feb 7, 21 & 28 BEGINNING SEWING Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 1pm to 5pm Fee: $95 (includes all 3 sessions)
If you have always wanted to learn to sew, now is your chance! Mary Jo's is offering hands on sewing classes that will get you comfortable with all the basics of sewing. This class is great for first timers as well as those who just need to revisit the fundamentals.
	Wed, Feb 10 & 17 CONSTRUCTING A READY TO SMOCK BISHOP DRESS Instructor: Kathy Dykstra Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $45 (both sessions)
In this class the student will learn how to construct a ready-to-smock bishop dress. Tiny French seams as well as beautiful bias bands will be mastered in this class. After sewing the fronts, pleat their bishop dress with confidence under the watchful eye of the instructor. Those without a pleater will have their dresses pleated by the instructor. Although bias band sleeves will be sewn in class, a quick and easy way to stitch an elasticized puff sleeve will also be discussed for use in future projects. An easy, self-placket with 2-button closure finishes the back of the dress. With the bishop dress fully constructed, smocking and keeping stitch tension even is much easier to accomplish. This is not a smocking class; rather it is a construction class. Students will smock the dress at home after the construction is completed.
	Sat, Feb 13 ZIPPERS, ZIPPERS, ZIPPERS Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 1 to 4pm Fee: $25
Learn various techniques on how to put in a Zipper. Zippers have never been so easy with these tried and true methods! You will learn how to out in a Centered (Dress) Zipper, Lapped Pants Zipper and Invisible Zipper.
	Mon, Feb 15 CROSS POCKET BAG Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 10am to 3:30pm Fee: $35
This cute bag measures 10"w x 10"h x 1"d and it is Fat Quarter friendly! You will love making this easy bag so much you will probably want to make it again and again. Great class for kids 9 and up!
	Wed, Feb 17 HEMMING BASICS Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 2 to 5pm Fee: $25
Save money and headache by learning what TO DO and NOT TO DO when hand hemming dress pants, dresses, jeans, and skirts. You will learn at least 3 different hand hemming techniques and how to use your blind hem stitch on your sewing machine and other useful hemming tips.
	Thurs, Feb 25 GET IT DONE Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 10am to 2pm Fee: $25
Need some help finishing an apparel or home dec project? Too many distractions at home? Join us for a "Get it Done" sewing class with our expert Mary Sue Christenbury.
	Wed, Feb 25 PAJAMA BOTTOMS Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee: $25
Adult, Teen or Childs' Pajama Pants or Pajama Shorts

Clubs & Events

	Fri, Feb 5 KIDS CLUB Chenille Pillow Instructor: Melanie Stiwalt Time: 4 to 6pm Fee: $25
Decorative pillows are a great way to personalize your space! These pillows use chenille to give them even more pizzaz. They are easy to make and easy to customize. Join Melanie as she teaches you how to make your own chenille pillow!
	Sat, Feb 13 EMBROIDERY CLUB Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 9am to 10am Fee: $10
We will review the new software from Designer's Gallery. I will take simple shapes and turn them into beautiful embroidery designs quickly and easily. All the essential tools you need to digitize designs for breathtaking embroidery can be found in one place.
	Sat, Feb 13 MAKE IT CUSTOM FREE DEMO Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 11am to 12pm ROD POCKET CURTAIN PANEL
This week Mary Sue will show you how to measure, cut and sew rod pocket curtain panels. You can customize these to fit each window in your home. Join her for this free demonstration in our Drapery Department.
	Sun, Feb 14 MAKE IT CUSTOM FREE DEMO Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 11am to 12pm ROD POCKET CURTAIN PANEL
This week Mary Sue will show you how to measure, cut and sew rod pocket curtain panels. You can customize these to fit each window in your home. Join her for this free demonstration in our Drapery Department.

Owner Classes

Overlock Owner's Guide Class 1 Tuesday, February 2, 2-5pm Saturday, February 20, 2-5pm	Overlock Owner's Guide Class 2 Tuesday, February 9, 2-5pm Saturday, February 27, 2-5pm
Owner’s Guide Class 101 Tuesday, February 2, 9:30am-12:30pm Saturday, February 13, 9:30am-12:30pm Tuesday, February 23, 9:30am-12:30pm	Owner’s Guide Class 201 Tuesday, February 9, 9:30am-12:30pm Saturday, February 20, 9:30-12:30pm
Owner’s Guide Class 301 Tuesday, February 16, 9:30am-12:30pm Saturday, February 27, 9:30am-12:30pm

Block of the Month

Saturday, Jan 9 – Oct 8 Amish with a Twist III Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 9:30am-10:30am Registration Fee: $25 Fee: $29.99 monthly or $250.00 upfront

This essential basic now includes a group of vibrant colors with year-round appeal for quilters of any age or style. These colors are featured in Nancy Rink's new Amish With A Twist III, block of the month, entitled Best of Friends! Each participant can choose from a traditional pieced center or an appliquéd center medallion design. During this 10-month Block of the Month program, you will receive a color pattern and fabrics needed to complete your block each month. It also includes fabric for the borders and binding. As a bonus there are 2 free project patterns included.

Class Policy:

Class Policy The class fee must be collected when you sign up for the class to guarantee your seat. Each fee is listed next to the class listing. If you cannot attend a class for which you have registered you must let us know 7 days prior to class time. We will be happy to refund you class fee and/or register you in another class. If you cancel after the 7-day time allowance, up until the day of the class, your class fee is nonrefundable. A minimum of 3 students is required for class. If this requirement is not met, usually the class will be canceled and you will be refunded your class fee. Mary Jo's' reserves the right to cancel classes for any reason. If this happens, you will be refunded your class fee. There are no refunds on class fees for 'Special Event' teachers/classes within 30 days of class date unless we can fill your spot with another person. NO EXCEPTIONS! We reserve the right to substitute fabrics based on availability.

January Classes at Mary Jo's!

Quilting Classes

	Sat, Jan 9 TOWN SQUARE Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Sandy Cleasby Fee: $35
This is another Scrap Basket Sensations pattern! It combines 2.5" precut strips with background fabric to make this unique and beautiful design. If you don't have a precut set this is a perfect scrapbuster! Raid your scrap bin and come learn to make this flirty quilt.
	Sun, Jan 10, 17, 24 & 31 BEGINNING QUILTING Time: 1pm to 4pm Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Fee: $95 (includes all 4 sessions)
This class will teach you all the basics for making your first quilt from start to finish. From pressing to binding you will 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.
	Tues, Jan 12 & 19 RAISE THE ROOF Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $70 (includes both sessions) Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
If you love stars or log cabins then you'll want to take this class. If you love them both, even better! Join me as we learn to pair sawtooth stars with log cabins to create this stunning layout.
	Sat, Jan 16 MACHINE QUILTING BASICS (Free-Motion Quilting) Time: 10am to 1pm Instructor: Karen Ponischil Fee: $45
Curvy, Geometric or Both? Learn what style you like best in this free-motion quilting class. You 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.
	Sat, Jan 16 INTRO TO THREAD PAINTING Ginkgo Mini Time: 2 to 5pm Instructor: Karen Ponischil Fee: $55
Learn the basics of painting with thread. In this class student will learn how to add color, shading and highlights to a flat area to give it dimension. Student will learn: learn about stabilizers what threads work well for thread painting how to build color how to add overall color, shading and highlights
	Tues, Jan 26 QUILT FINISHING CLASS Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $25
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 that you can bring your own project and work at your own pace!
	Mon, Jan 25 TAKE 5 Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $35
This class is amazing! Get 5/8 of a yard of 5 coordinating fabrics and in 5 hours your quilt top will be complete…Unless you're like me and you talk when you should be sewing! Either way we will have a great time learning this technique.

Sewing

	Wed, Jan 6, 13, 20 & 27 BEGINNING SEWING Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $95 (includes all 4 sessions)
If you have always wanted to learn to sew, now is your chance! Mary Jo's is offering hands on sewing classes that will get you comfortable with all the basics of sewing. This class is great for first timers as well as those who just need to revisit the fundamentals.
	Thur, Jan 7, 14, 21 & 28 BEGINNING SEWING, Evening Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 6 to 9pm Fee: $95 (includes all 4 sessions)
If you have always wanted to learn to sew, now is your chance! Mary Jo's is offering hands on sewing classes that will get you comfortable with all the basics of sewing. This class is great for first timers as well as those who just need to revisit the fundamentals.
	Jan 22 & 29, Feb 5, 12 & 19 PATTERN DRAFTING I Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $125 (includes all 5 sessions)
Learn how to take exact body measurements and make a Body Glove Pattern out of muslin. Learn to cut & spread body glove to make a pattern that fits you perfect. Adapt body glove to make your own pattern. If you have always wanted to learn to sew, now is your chance! Mary Jo's is offering hands on sewing classes that will get you comfortable with all the basics of sewing. This class is great for first timers as well as those who just need to revisit the fundamentals.
	Sat, Jan 23 HEMMING BASICS Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $25
Save money and headache by learning what TO DO and NOT TO DO when hand hemming dress pants, dresses, jeans, and skirts. You will learn at least 3 different hand hemming techniques and how to use your blind hem stitch on your sewing machine and other useful hemming tips.
	Mon, Jan 25 ZIPPERS, ZIPPERS, ZIPPERS Instructor: Mary Sue Christenbury Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $25
Learn various techniques on how to put in a Zipper. Zippers have never been so easy with these tried and true methods! You will learn how to out in a Centered (Dress) Zipper, Lapped Pants Zipper and Invisible Zipper.
	Sat, Jan 30 BEGINNING SMOCKING Instructor: Kathy Dykstra Time: 10am to 4:30pm Fee: $45
In this class the student will learn how to smock, from the preparation of tying off the pleated fabric to reading the graph and learning the different smocking stitches. Basic smocking stitches and simple flower embellishments will be learned in this class.

Clubs & Events

	Sat, Jan 9 EMBROIDERY CLUB Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 9am to 10am Fee: $10
Embroidery Computer Skills. In this class you will work on downloading an embroidery design.
	Fri, Jan 8 KIDS CLUB Fleece Scarf Instructor: Melanie Stilwalt Time: 4pm to 6pm Fee: $25 (includes 2 scarves)
Stay warm this Winter with a beautiful fleece scarf you make for yourself. You will love it so much you will want to make one for every day of the week! Pattern: Included in class

Block of the Month

Saturday, Jan 9 – Oct 8 Amish with a Twist III Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 9:30am-10:30am Registration Fee: $25 Fee: $29.99 monthly or $250.00 upfront

This essential basic now includes a group of vibrant colors with year-round appeal for quilters of any age or style. These colors are featured in Nancy Rink's new Amish With A Twist III, block of the month, entitled Best of Friends! Each participant can choose from a traditional pieced center or an appliquéd center medallion design. During this 10-month Block of the Month program, you will receive a color pattern and fabrics needed to complete your block each month. It also includes fabric for the borders and binding. As a bonus there are 2 free project patterns included.

Class Policy:

Class Policy The class fee must be collected when you sign up for the class to guarantee your seat. Each fee is listed next to the class listing. If you cannot attend a class for which you have registered you must let us know 7 days prior to class time. We will be happy to refund you class fee and/or register you in another class. If you cancel after the 7-day time allowance, up until the day of the class, your class fee is nonrefundable. A minimum of 3 students is required for class. If this requirement is not met, usually the class will be canceled and you will be refunded your class fee. Mary Jo's' reserves the right to cancel classes for any reason. If this happens, you will be refunded your class fee. There are no refunds on class fees for 'Special Event' teachers/classes within 30 days of class date unless we can fill your spot with another person. NO EXCEPTIONS! We reserve the right to substitute fabrics based on availability.

Sign Up Now - Space Limited for the New Block of the Month for 2016 - Amish with a Twist

Amish with a Twist

SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

JANUARY 9 - OCTOBER 8

9:30am-10:30am

This essential basic now includes a group of vibrant colors with year-round appeal for quilters of any age or style. These colors are featured in Nancy Rink's new Amish With A Twist series III block of the month, entitled Best of Friends! Each participant can choose from a traditional pieced center or an appliquéd center medallion design.

Join us in 2016 for this exciting new 10 month program where each month you will receive the pattern and fabrics needed to complete your block. You will also receive binding and border fabric with only the backing to purchase when your masterpiece is complete. As a bonus there are 2 free project patterns included. There is a $25 reservation fee and then only $29.99 per month. You also have the option of paying $250 for the entire program in advance, which is a $50 savings

to you! Beginning in January 2016 classes are on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30am - 10:30am.

Program Includes:

• Color Patterns (a $ 50 Value!)

• Free color guide to match fabrics to

   pattern instructions

• Choose the Pieced Center or the

   Applique Center

• All fabrics for the top, borders & binding

• 10-month program

• Reservation Fee $ 25

• Monthly step by step instruction with tips,

   tricks and shortcuts

• For your convenience we have 2 easy

   payment options for you:

   10 months @ $29.99 (plus tax) per month

   OR

   $250.00 in advance. A $50 savings to you!

New at Mary Jo's today! Little House on the Prairie collection

Little House on the Prairie collection by 

Andover Fabrics

When Laura Ingalls Wilder published the first of her Little House on the Prairie books in 1932, a touchstone of American tradition was born. Decades later, it became a defining TV show for countless Americans. It also inspired new generations to learn to quilt.

With Little House on the Prairie, we got back to our roots, and began to find our passion for quilting. Even today, we still quilt with fabrics and patterns inspired by the frontier lifestyle. These fabrics are a cornerstone in the world of quilting, and are uniquely American in their style.

Scenes and Icons

Inspired by the illustrations found in the novels, this collection features the iconic imagery that resonates throughout Little House on the Prairie. The running girl, the wagon, the little house, and the majestic scenery are all here. This natural finish fabric pays homage to rustic roots of the story.

Prairie Flowers 

The quilts of Little House on the Prairie featured bold, bright prints that gave the show its life and color. Our Prairie Flowers collection is a rainbow wave of gorgeous calicos, inspired by the quilts that inspired us from the show.

Walnut Grove

Named for the town in Minnesota where Laura’s family settled in 1874, our Walnut Grove collection features prints from the era that their quilts would have been made from. The rich, sophisticated hues in this collection beautifully capture the fabric of the time.

We are so excited for the launch of this versatile collection. We cannot wait to see the beautiful quilts, garments, and accessories you all create. These fabrics are in store NOW and will be available at www.maryjos.com 

Source: http://blog.andoverfabrics.com/2015/08/little-house-on-the-prairie-preview/

Mary Jo's will host Baby Lock Educator Joan Clemmons for a 3 day Embroidery Retreat

Reserve your spot now to learn from the best!

Baby Lock Educator Joan Clemmons will be at Mary Jo's for a 3 day Embroidery Retreat.

NOVEMBER 19-21 | 9:30am - 4pm

Experience new sewing and embroidery techniques and features while you complete several creative and wonderful projects! Our goal is to open your mind to exciting embroidery and machine techniques with samples. No experience needed.

Sewing Techniques:

• Bobbin Work
• Circular Sewing
• Applique
• Decorative Sewing
• Button Holes
• Lateral Sewing

Embroidery Techniques:

• In the Hoop Projects
• Lettering & Embroidery Designs
• Free Standing Appliques
• Using Embroidery Software with Silhouette Cameo for Appliques and Designs
• Free Standing Lace
• Sew Much More!

Space is filling up! 

Call now to reserve your spot!

704.861.9100

Must Have Sewing Supplies!

New to sewing and unsure what you need to stock your sewing space with? Well, keep reading for a list of must-have sewing supplies that will get you going on your sewing journey. Every sew-er has their specific preferences when it comes to sewing necessities, but here are a few of our favorite sewing supplies! 

Glass Head Pins

Keep two cushions full of pins, so if you have one project all pinned up, you can work on other projects too and still have plenty of pins to use. 

Wonder Clips

Having plenty of Wonder Clips around to use is great in place of pins on bulkier or tricky fabrics.

Fabric Scissors

Find what you prefer and ONLY use them for fabric. This will help them stay sharper longer! 

Rotary Cutter and Mat

Yes, if you want to take up sewing as a hobby, then you’ll probably want to have both fabric scissors AND a rotary cutter. Use the rotary cutter and mat for cutting larger amounts of fabric. This method will save time and increase accuracy.

Steam Iron

Ironing fabric and pressing seams makes a huge difference in the look of the final product when you’re done working on a project. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to have a decent steam iron in your sewing space.

Clover Hot Hemmer 

We use this thing almost every time we sew. It makes folding and pressing seam allowances so much easier and definitely more accurate. We can’t live without it.

Variety of Thread

If you’re just starting out, you may only want to buy thread as you need it. But, when you sew more regularly, you’ll probably want to have a stash of thread on hand to use for different projects. Start with all purpose machine thread, then add quilting, embroidery and serger thread as needed.

Seam Ripper

We love this particular seam ripper because it does double duty. First you use the seam ripper part (hidden under the cap in the photo) to undo the stitches, then you use the rubber-like end to grab and remove the threads. 

 (Click the photo to watch how it works!)

Zirkel Magnetic Pin Holder 

This magnetic pin holder repels and seperates items to the edge in a fanned out pattern placing them in a ready to pick up position! Talk about saving time and no more pricks to the finger tips!

Ready to get started? Come into Mary Jo’s to pick up these sewing must haves today!