Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Meet Patrick, Mary Jo’s Sewing Machine Technician!

We are so excited to introduce our amazing sewing machine technician, Patrick McDougal! Patrick is our most recent addition to the Mary Jo’s family and our first ever sewing machine technician. Although he’s been with us for a while now, we felt a proper introduction was in order! Some of you have already come to love Patrick, as he is a sewing machine genius. Actually, we call him the “Machine Whisperer!”

Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Patrick grew up working with his best friend’s family in their sewing machine shop after school and in the summer for a little extra money. To no surprise, the time he spent working at the shop gave him the experience necessary to become an expert sewing machine technician, and our sewing machine savior!

Other than sewing machine repairs, Patrick’s passion is music. A professional bluegrass musician, Patrick is an accomplished banjo player and singer / songwriter. He has worked with several famous groups and written songs for recording musicians, including popular bluegrass band, The Dillards, whose music was featured on the Andy Griffith Show.

We are so excited to welcome such an incredible technician to our team!

“I love the environment at Mary Jo’s,” said Patrick. “Everyone is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and the customers are the best. I love to give them back their machine in beautifully working order and watch their faces light up!”

The next time your machine starts to get a little temperamental, Patrick is your go to guy! If you have any questions or concerns with your machine, don’t hesitate bring it in for a little TLC at Mary Jo’s!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Mark your Calendar for Mary Jo’s 3rd Annual Girls Day Out Sales Event!

Back by popular demand, Mary Jo’s Cloth Store’s Girls Day Out sales event is returning for a third year!

Our first GDO drew thousands of customers to our store from around the country - a line wrapped around our 32,000 sq. ft. building before the doors even opened! Dedicated shoppers camped out for up to 12 hours so they could be some of the first customers in line!

This year Mary Jo’s customers will enjoy new product launches, how-to demonstrations, tours, special discounts and amazing giveaways every thirty minutes!

Not only have we worked with vendors to negotiate special pricing on fabric, but we have secured amazing prizes that we’ll be giving away every 30 minutes all day long!

Like us on Facebook to get all of the latest event details and information! And don’t forget to sign up for our email newsletter – that’s where we’ll release the final sale items!

Don’t live nearby? No sweat! We have partnered with Hampton Inn in Gastonia for a special Mary Jo’s rate. Call (704) 866-9090 to book your room today!

Saturday, March 14, 2015

April Classes at Mary Jo's Cloth Store

Quilting Classes

	Saturday, April 11th WINDOW BOXES Time: 10am to 3pm Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Fee: $35.00
Large print fabrics aren't just for borders anymore; I've found a great way to highlight them throughout your quilt. This pattern is great for new quilters and more seasoned quilters alike. It has a quick piecing method that will have your quilt complete in no time!

	Thursday, April 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th (4 sessions) BEGINNING QUILTING Time: 10 am to 2 pm Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Fee: $95
This class will teach you all the basics for making your first quilt from start to finish. 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.

	Sunday, April 12th, 19th, and 26th (3 sessions) BEGINNING QUILTING Time: 10 am to 2 pm Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Fee: $75
This class will teach you all the basics for making your first quilt from start to finish. 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.

	Tuesday, April 14th JOSEPHINE'S KNOT Time: 10 am - 3pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $35.00
Always been a fan of the "lovers knot" quilt block with its stunning intertwining squares? This pattern has the same effect, but on a larger scale. Gerat ofr any level of quilter.

	Saturday, April 18th FABRIC PORTRAIT Time: 10 am - 5 pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee:$70.00 for both sessions ($5 kit required and not included in fee - kit includes instructions and templates)
In this class you will learn to create a fabric portrait from a set of templates created by the instructor. You will receive a kit with portrait templates of the "Green Girl" seen in this image. You will learn a step-by-step process of turning a photo into a workable template using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, how to choose fabric for portrait, how to create layers for portrait, how to combine the layers, how to free motion quilt the finished portrait, as well as binding options. By the end of the class you will understand the technique and know how to create your own fabric portrait Supplies: sewing machine with the ability to drop feed dogs (remember instruction manual, extension bar or table, foot pedal, all accessories, powercord), darning foot (open toe preferred), quilting safety pins, sewing machine needles (90/14 & 75/11 Schmetz Quilting Needles), basic sewing supplise (scissors or snips, extra bobbins, pencils, pens, etc.), Machingers quilting gloves (not required), straight pins, sharp scissors (you will be cutting both fabric and paper at the same time) Fabrics: The best fabrics for this project are values from one color family. Solid batiks work best. Please be prepared to choose and purchase fabrics during the class. Instructor will help you choose fabrics. You will need 4-5 different quarters yard cuts. Fusible: 805 Pellow WonderUnder, 1 yard Thread: Monofilament/Invisible thread (YLI suggested)

Sewing Classes

	Sunday, March 29th, April 12th & 19th (3 sessions) STITCH BY STITCH Time: 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm Instructor: Pam Carter Fee: $70
Learn how to sew by making 4 different projects. This class will teach you different sewing Techniques. Class limited to six students.

	Friday, April 3rd KIDS CLUB: Sewing Machine Organizer Instructor: Melanie Stiwalt Time: 3:30 pm - 6 pm Fee: $20
Instructional class designed to teach kids to sew by completing a project. A class kit will be available for purchase for thsi class. Students will learn to follow pattern instructions to cut and sew a Machine Organizer.

	Friday, April 10th KNIT DRESS Time: 10am - 2pm Instructor: Tina Jones Fee: $35
Make it, mix it, rock it! Come join Tina as she gives you step by step instructions on making this fun and versatile dress. Once you make the first one you'll want to mix it up and make another!

	Thursday, April 23rd FOUR-SIDED PLACEMAT Time: 6pm - 9pm Instructor: Pam Carter Fee: $20
Here's a creative approach to making table top décor A four-sided placemat offers endless possibilties for decorating. Choose seasonal prints of four different fabrics and when the season changes flip the placemat to another side. Have your kids or grandkids choose a fabric for theri own personalized side of the placemat. No into themes? Choose fabric to match your décor.

Home Décor Days

	Saturday, April 11th SEW A CIRCULAR TABLE SKIRT Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Instructor: Susan Woodcock Fee: FREE
Located in the Home Dec Department

Clubs

	Every 3rd Saturday of the month PARK BENCH BLOCK OF THE MONTH (MONTH 9) Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Instructor: Daniela Hogan Fee: $250 includes fabrics for the top, pattern and 3 hours of instruction for 9 months

	EL CAMINO REAL - NEW BLOCK OF THE MONTH WE CAN ONLY TAKE 12 PEOPLE!!! Instructor: Daniela Hogan
From Nancy Rink, this quilt paris her flair for color with prints inspired by California's rich history, a blend of Spanish Mexican and Native American traditions. Bright color and intricate motifs echo the decorative tile work of El Camino Real (The King's Highway) and the architecture fo the region. The finished quilt measures 94 1/2" x 114". During this 12-month Block fo the Month program, you will receive the patterna nd fabrics needed to complete the quilt top including borders and binding. There is a $30 non-refundable star-up fee and the only 25.95 per month. Save $90 and pay for the entire 12 months at once for $280! Classes start the first Saturday of February 2015 and continue the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am. Just want to buy the kit and patter? You MUST preorder by December 1, 2014 in order to receive your kit. Kits will arrive the first week in February, 2015 and will be available for pickup or shipment. Kit price: $195

	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 cancelled and you will be refunded your class fee. Mary Jos 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.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

New Arrival: Super Fabric, Crypton!

Mary-Jo’s is proud to announce a special new arrival, Crypton! Crypton Fabric is popular in commercial businesses like hotels and restaurants all over the world because of its durability and stain resistance – now is your chance to bring it home!

Soft, durable and resistant to both stains and odors, Crypton Fabric is available in a wide array of textures and vibrant colors. Each fiber of Crypton Fabric is encapsulated with patented technology through an immersion process, so it never breaks down its resistance to stains, moisture, mildew, bacteria, and odors. Spills bead up, stains are easy to clean and odors don’t cling.

Crypton Fabric Features:

Built-in stain repellency and soil release make cleaning easy
Protection built into every fiber for the life of the fabric
Silver Ion anti-microbial protection offers resistance to odor-causing microbes
Enhanced abrasion resistance
Passes flammability requirements for commercial upholstery

Perfect for furniture, pet beds and anything kids touch, Crypton Fabrics stay beautiful, last longer and will keep you from worrying about that grape juice on your newly re-upholstered chair! The best part? Crypton Fabric is processed nearby in Kings Mountain, NC!

With 120 million yards worth of Crypton Fabric project installations around the world since 1993 – including The White House and Buckingham Palace – it’s easy to see why Mary Jo’s is so excited about this new high-performance fabric!

Stop by Mary Jo's today to check out Crypton Fabrics!

Cross Current - $19.98/yd
Sky - $15.98/yd
Horizon - $18.98/yd
Biba - $20.98/yd
Aria - $18.98/yd
Connection - $19.98/yd