Sew Your Own Grommet Curtains

If you would like to try sewing curtains, but lack the confidence to tackle a complex project, grommet curtains are a great place to start!  They require less fabric than pleated styles and are simple to make. Plus grommets are a hot trend; used in purses, tote bags, garments and home décor. Grommets are everywhere!

Here are a few tips before you get started:

1. Select a rod that is a smaller diameter than the grommets, so the curtain will slide easily.
2. Install the rod above the window first, so you can measure the finished width and length for your curtains.  Remember the top of the rod is where the top of the inside of the grommet will be – the curtain fabric will be above the rod.  If you are unsure of the correct length, install the rod and make the curtains but leave the bottom hem unfinished.  Hang the curtain on the rod to mark the length, then remove and finish the hem.
3. Always plan for an even number of grommets so the curtain will begin and end facing the wall.
4. Space the grommets around 6 to 7 inches apart on center.  If you space them too far apart the curtain will hit the wall when it folds back behind the rod.
5. If you want to open and close your grommet curtains, allow for at least one and a half times fullness across the width of your rod.
6. Allow 16 inches of extra fabric for top and bottom hems.

Purchase everything you need to make grommet curtains at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store:

Home décor fabric

Lining fabric

Plastic snap-together grommets

Fabric glue (choose a glue that dries clear)

Basic sewing tools and supplies

Making the curtain panel:

1. Cut fabric allowing for top and bottom hems. With the fabric face down on your work surface, fold and iron a 4 inch doubled hem (allow 8 inches total) at the top and bottom of the curtain material, measuring for the correct length. Fold and iron a 1 ½-inch doubled hem down each side (allow 3 inches total). To add lining to your curtain, cut lining fabric allowing 6 inches for the hem and fold a 3 inch doubled hem in the bottom and iron. Machine stitch the hem. With the curtain face down, place the hemmed lining face up and inset 1 inch from the bottom edge. Trim the lining to fit the curtain panel, tuck the edges under the side and top hems and pin. (The bottom of the curtain and lining will be free hanging).  Sew all the hems by hand or machine stitching, or you can wait until after the grommets are set in the top to sew the hems.

Adding grommets to the curtain:

1. To plan the grommet spacing, measure and mark 1 ½-inches from each end on the backside of the top curtain hem.  This will be the center of each end grommet.  

2. Measure in-between the marks, and divide by an odd number (so that you will have an even amount of grommets).  For this curtain, the measurement between the marks is 40 ½ inches, divided by seven for eight grommets spaced at 5.785 inches apart. 

3. Mark for each grommet in the center of the top hem. 

4. Pry apart each grommet using a small, flat head screwdriver and use one side of the grommet to draw a circle at each mark.

5. Cut out each circle slightly larger than the line that was drawn – this will keep the fabric from being too tight around the neck of the grommet.

6. To set the grommets, add a little glue around the inside of the grommet front piece (the front of the grommet is the piece with the longer neck) and place it into the cut circle so the neck of the grommet is coming through to the back side.  Add a little glue to the back piece and snap the front to the back.

7. Once all the grommets are set, the curtain is ready to hang at the window.
   
   

Renew Chairs with Slipcovers

Slipcovers are a great way to update and renew a chair, without tearing off old fabric or adding staples and tacks, which can be time consuming and messy.  If you are not planning to reupholster your chairs, think about making a slipcover instead.

Simple slipcovers are practical for homes with pets and children because they can be removed and washed.  If you plan to make slipcovers, pre-wash the fabrics before sewing, and serge all the seams so that they will be more washer-friendly.

Museums use slipcovers to protect original textiles and padding while still allowing the furniture to be on display. 

  

One of the current trends in dining room décor is a skirted chair.  You will see this in decorating magazines and websites with gathered, or tailored pleats along the bottom of the chair seats. A skirted slipcover is also perfect for side chairs at a desk or vanity.

Here is a look at a slipcover being sewn from start to finish.  This slipcover has a ruffled skirt to compliment the ribbon print fabric.

Begin by making a pattern of the chair seat using paper or a remnant of fabric.

Use the pattern to cut the fabric, centering the motif and adding seam allowances.  Cut another piece for the back (which can be a plain fabric).  Cut the boxing strips, which are the pieces that will connect the chair seat to the skirt.  For this chair the boxing strips are cut 3 ½ inches, for a finished boxing of 2 ½ inches using ½ inch seam allowances.  Two pieces are cut – one for the front and one to line the inside.

Tip: To match the boxing strip to the top seat section, use an iron-on tape to secure the fabric at the center-front before sewing.   The boxing strip will not match around the sides.

Cut the ruffle pieces.  Measure on your chair to determine how long you would like the ruffle to be.  Allow two times fullness for gathering.  For this chair, two pieces were cut at 11 inches.  Sew the pieces together, fold in half and iron.  Gather the top edge to fit around the chair seat.  Assemble the parts by sewing the boxing strip to the top piece, and the ruffle to the bottom of the boxing piece. 

Cut four pieces 4 inches x 19 inches for the ties.  Fold in half lengthwise, right sides together and sew down the side and across the bottom and turn right sides out.  Iron the ties and pin in place.  Fold skirt and ties to the front and pin the back piece around the edges.  Sew together, making sure the skirt and ties do not get caught in the seam.

Turn right sides out.  If needed, add batting or foam to create a softer seat and then hand stitch the opening closed.

Pretty Window Valance with Wood Finials

When designing and making curtains or valances, you need consider so may things: style, fabric, trim, lining and hardware.  Often you can find exactly what you are looking for!  But it isn’t always that easy to match colors and finishes in you home with what is available in the store.

This is especially true with decorative hardware. You will find a wide selection of wooden pole rods, rings, finials and brackets at Mary Jo’s, but what if you wanted a certain color to match your wall or trim, or an unusual color to match a fabric or piece of art? 

Don’t worry – be creative!  Purchase unfinished wooden hardware and paint it yourself.

Here is an example of wood finials painted to match the fabric.  This creates a truly custom design, and uses finials in a new and different way.

Colorful wooden finials are used to accent this playful, swaged valance

Create custom hardware by painting it yourself

Trims and details make the difference

 Covered welt cord is used to make ties which are sewn inside the pleats

The valance is simply tied to the finials for an easy installation

Sewing, Quilting, and Home Decor in March!

Quilting
	Saturday, March 1st Block of the Month Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 9am to 10am Fee: $55
This is the second month of 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, this quilt will measure 100"x100".
	Tuesday, March 4th Victory Garden Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $35
This fun quilt is perfect for your favorite whimsical fabric, or you can make it a traditional Union Jack in blue, red and white. In this class, you will learn how to make templates and how to use them correctly.
	Tuesday, March 4th Paper Piecing Instructor: Patti Hayden Time: 6pm to 9pm 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”!! We’ll focus on one star block per session. Book: 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars by Carol Doak
	Wednesday, March 5th Quilt with Aimee (Beginning Quilting) Instructor: Aimee Griffin Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $75 plus supplies
Learn the fundamentals of quilting in this 4 session class. You'll be on your way to becoming a master quilter. Pattern: Window Boxes This is a 4 session class Continued Dates: March 12th, 19th, and 26th This series is offered at another time as well: March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. Time: 6pm to 9pm
	Thursday, March 6th Cranberry Chutney Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee: $25
This quilt is an amazing refresher from geometry class, but don't worry, there will not be a quiz. Eight inch squares have never been so much fun. Learn how to make an 8" square and placing 1" strips in each square.
	Saturday, March 8th Quilter's Day Out! Instructor: Aimee Griffin Time: 10am to 5pm Fee: $65 plus supplies
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, March 11th Twilight Weave Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm 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 themselves or the intermediate that is ready to learn some new tricks.
	Thursday, March 13th Stiks and Stones Instructor: Cindy Jahnke Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee: $25
Learn how easy making half square triangles can be while making this fast and easy quilt.
	Friday, March 14th Intro to Thread Painting Instructor: Karen Ponischil Time: 10am to 2pm Fee: $55
Learn the basics of painting with thread. In this class, students will learn how to add color, shading and highlights to a flat area to give it dimension. Students will learn about stabilizers, what threads work well for thread painting, how to build color and how to add overall color, shading and highlights.
	Friday, March 14th Pet Portraits Instructor: Karen Ponishcil Time: 3pm to 6pm Fee: $75
Create a beautiful portrait of your best friend, your pet. Student will learn what pictures will work well for a pet portrait, how to trace an image of pet, how to create pattern from tracing, what fabrics work best for portrait and thread painting techniques to bring your pet to life. This is a 2 session class. Continued Date: March 21st
	Friday, March 14th Sonoma Stars Instructor: Aimee Griffin Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $55 plus supplies
This quilt pattern is reminiscent of a quiet summer evening in the beautiful wine country of California. With just 5 half yards, this pattern is just one of 6 projects you can make from this book. Book: Six Halves Make a Whole Lot More This is a 2 session class Continued Date: March 21st
	Thursday, March 18th Lucky Stars Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $35
This fat quarter friendly quilt is a great way to learn to make flying geese. Not sure what "flying geese" are? Even more reason to take this class! Come work on some of those fundamentals with me and make your own Lucky Stars quilt.
	Tuesday, March 25th Finishing Class Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm 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 that you can bring your won project and work at your own pace!
	Tuesday, March 25th Machine Quilting Instructor: Karen Ponischil Time: 6pm to 9pm Fee: $45
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.
Sewing
	Saturday, March 1st Wrapped Baskets Instructor: Patti Hayden Time: 10am to 1pm Fee: $25
Learn to make these amazing bowls, baskets and purses from clothesline and fabric, using simple wrapping and coiling methods and zigzag stitching. You'll make one project in class, but you'll learn the techniques to make any project. These projects are easy and FUN to make and they make great gifts! Anyone and everyone can do this! Book: It's a Wrap (book is not necessary for class)
	Monday, March 3rd Fun for Kids Learn to Sew Instructor: Melanie Stiwalt Time: 2pm to 4pm Fee: $25 plus supplies
Calling all kids 10 years and older. Come learn how to sew with Melanie. This week learn how to make a pillowcase using the tube style. Learn how to make hidden seams and a French seam. Book/Pattern: provided in class
	Thursday, March 6th Cooking up Spring Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 10am to 2pm Fee: $30
Looking to brighten the kitchen this spring? How about adding this cute apron to your kitchen wardrobe?
	Friday, March 7th Stabilizer Class Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 12pm to 3:30pm Fee: $30
Take your embroidery to heights by learning about stabilizers, needles and more in this lecture! We will discuss the what, when and why of stabilizers, needles and thread.
	Monday, March 10th Fun for Kids Learn to Sew Instructor: Melanie Stiwalt Time: 2pm to 4pm Fee: $25 plus supplies
Calling all home school kids 10 years and older. Come learn how to sew with Melanie. This week learn how to make an apron with pockets. Book/Pattern: provided in class
	Wednesday, March 12th It's in the Bag Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 10am to 2pm Fee: $30
Week 3: Pleats, straps and pockets. My very first purse is the one I still carry today. As I have learned more and come to understand bag making I often look at it and think, I need to make this one again! So here is (my) your chance to join me. We will be working together to create this fabulous pleated handbag created by one of my favorite authors. The main handbag is a simple structure featuring pleating along each side. We will ad several structured pockets as well as a key hook to keep your keys close at hand. This class is offered later in the month on Saturday, March 22, 10am to 2pm
	Saturday, March 8th Stitch-by-Stitch Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 2pm to 5pm Fee: $100 includes Book/DVD
Learn to sew one project at time. Book included. This is a 4 session class Continued Dates: March 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
	Saturday, March 15th Sun and Fun Hat Instructor: Vickie Clontz Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $60
Whether your look is Downtown Abbey "shabby chic" or contemporary, this is the hat for you! With only 3 pattern pieces and 2 brim widths, this attractive style can be made up in lots of different fabrics to suit your fancy. The fun is in the embellishments! All skill levels welcome.
	Monday, March 17th Fun for Kids Learn to Sew Instructor: Melanie Stiwalt Time: 2pm to 4pm Fee: $25 includes supplies
Calling all home school kids 10 years and older. Come learn how to sew with Melanie. this week learn how to make a small tote. Book/Pattern: provided in class
	Saturday, March 22nd Girl Scouts Project Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $15
Two hours of learning and fun with the girl scouts. New project each month.
	Saturday, March 24th Fun for Kids Learn to Sew Instructor: Melanie Stiwalt Time: 2pm to 4pm Fee: $25 plus supplies
Calling all home school kids 10 years and older. come learn how to sew with Melanie. This week learn how to make a table runner - great for Mother's Day! You can never be too early! Book/Patter: provided
	Thursday, March 27th Drawstring Backpack Instructor: Jessica Trimmer Time: 10am to 3pm Fee: $30
Drawstring Backpack is "bigger on the inside" with an oval base this bag will quickly become your go to bag when you are headed out for the day! Measures 14" Tall x 12" wide x 5" deep. Pattern: provided in class.
Home Decor
	Saturday, March 8th Grommet Drapery Instructor: Susan Woodcock Time: 12pm to 3pm Fee: $40
Grommet draperies are a popular style, and are simple to make once you learn the basic steps and techniques. In this class, you will make one sample size grommet top drapery panel with lining. You will leave class ready to make grommet draperies for your own home!
	Saturday, March 8th Home Dec Days Instructor: Susan Woodcock Time: 10am to 11am Fee: FREE
Join Susan Woodcock, AKA Home Dec Gal at Mary Jo's Cloth Store every second Saturday of the month for free home décor mini-workshops starting at 10:00am. 10:00 - 10:30 Cord Free Window Coverings for Children's Rooms 10:30 - 11:00 Learn How-To Retrofit a Cord Operated Traverse rod into a Baton Operated, Cord-Free Rod
	Wednesday, March 19th Pleated Ruffles Instructor: Susan Woodcock Time: 10am to 12pm
Learn how to create a variety of beautiful pleated ruffle embellishments that you can add to tote bags, pillows, curtains, lampshades, jackets, t-shirts and even jeans! In this class you will make samples of the following ruffles: accordion pleat, box pleat, pick-up box pleat and bow-tie box pleated ruffles.
Clubs
	Saturday, March 8th Serger Club Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 9am to 11am Fee: $10
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 this fun new twist on quilt making!
	Saturday, March 15th Embroidery Club Instructor: Pam Carter Time: 9am to 11am Fee: $10
Description: New techniques each month To sign up for any of the above classes, call 704-861-9100!