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.

Quilting Basics: Selecting Fabrics

Are you new to quilting?  You are probably very excited about starting a quilt project, but do you feel confused by all the different colors and styles of fabric?  How do you know what to choose and where to start?  You are not alone, even experienced quilters can be overwhelmed by the enormous selection of quilting fabrics at our store!

We asked Aimee Griffin, owner of Overall Quilter and Sewing Director at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store to share some tips for selecting fabrics for quilts. Aimee has been quilting, and teaching for many years and has easily picked out hundreds of fabric collections for quilts. Here are Aimee’s tips for narrowing down the choices.

Our first example is a quilt made in one of the beginning quilting classes at Mary Jo’s; the Window Boxes pattern. This quilt has large blocks, medium sized blocks and vertical and horizontal lines.

1. Begin by selecting a “focus print”. This will be the fabric used for the biggest areas and largest pieces in the quilt. In the quilt below, the white background fabric with the red motif is the focus print, used in the 12 ½- inch squares and around the border. This is also where you can use a large scale print: larger blocks = larger prints.

2. Next, select “secondary fabrics” for the next largest sized blocks to tie in with the focus print. On this quilt, the 6 ½-inch blocks are where the secondary fabric will be used. Note that the scale of the print is not as large of a pattern motif but still a pretty design.  For this quilt Aimee chose a gray background fabric that is not “matchy” and is a little unexpected – this makes it pop or float over the other colors.

3. Last are the tertiary fabrics, used for the horizontal and vertical lines. This is a place for the eye to rest. Aimee recommends using small-scale prints and tone-on-tone fabrics for this part of the quilt. 

Aimee put together a collection of fabrics to illustrate the three rules above. Primary fabric = large floral print

Secondary fabric = coral swirl print

Tertiary fabrics = small blue floral and lime green tone-on-tone

Here is an example of the same quilt in different fabrics, shared by students in a recent class.  The same three steps were used but with eye-catching red and green fabrics. 

Can you identify the primary, secondary and tertiary fabrics in this quilt?

To learn more about how you can join us for beginning quilting classes, click here: http://maryjos.com/sewing-class-schedule

Another popular style of quilt is a monochromatic design, where fabrics from one color family are combined together.  An example is the “Twilight Stars” pattern from Wilmington Prints.  This design comes in a kit with the fabrics included so you are ready to go!  But you can use the same idea with other quilt patterns. 

To replicate this monochromatic look, select fabrics that are all the same scale and colors.  Batik fabrics work great for this because they are subtle and blended, and often have hints of other colors within the design.  For monochromatic quilts choose fabrics from color families such as purple, blue and green or red, orange and yellow or create a quilt with neutral fabrics such as tan, cream, and ivory.  Many of our quilting fabrics are grouped together by color, this makes selecting fabrics for monochromatic quilts easy! 

We have discussed the fronts of quilts, but what about the back? Aimee suggests having fun with the backing material, “it doesn’t need to match the front”. For new quilters she recommends choosing a busy, all over pattern for the back, which doesn’t require precise stitches – the stitches will be hidden in the pattern. Aimee’s last piece of advice for choosing fabrics, “of course there are not rules”! 

When Bad Things Happen to Good Quilts: How to Fix Mistakes and Mishaps

The dog ate my handiwork…

The family dog found this quilt too hard to resist and chewed a hole into the edge.  Bad dog! We consulted with Aimee Griffin, owner of Overall Quilter and Sewing Director at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store for advice on how to fix this, and other quilt mistakes and mishaps.

For this quilt, Aimee suggested downsizing and adding new binding.  By doing this, the border will be consistent around the entire piece and the slightly smaller size will not be noticeable.

First step to repairing this quilt was to cut away enough from the edge to remove the bad area.  Aimee is using a rotary cutter and mat with a clear quilters ruler to make accurate cuts.  After the edges are cut away, new binding can be applied and it’s as good as new!

Oops!  Spills and stains…

Before cleaning you should always spot-check on remnant fabric, or on a small corner of the quilt to make sure the materials are colorfast.  For small spills and stains try spot cleaning with a mild soap and water, using a cloth or soft toothbrush to work the stain out of the fabric and air-dry flat.   If the entire quilt needs to be washed, use a fabric friendly detergent like Forever New, which is mild cleaning solution, free of bleach and petroleum products and rinses clear without any soap residue.

To machine wash, use a front load washing machine set on the delicate cycle and air dry or tossed in a delicate, low heat dryer. Machine finished quilts are obviously sturdier and take machine-washing well.  Hand quilted quilts can also be gently washed, but may require repairs to the hand stitching after multiple washings.

That doesn’t look right….

It is a proud moment when you finally finish a new quilt!  You can’t wait to show it off to your friends and family but while admiring your creativity and hard work there it is, in the beauty of the blocks and stitches you see it for the first time – a mistake!  How did that happen?

Did you spot it? One block of four squares a quarter turn the wrong way.   Don’t despair! Aimee has a great method for fixing this type of mistake without taking apart the finished quilt.

Begin by sewing together a new block out of remnant fabrics.  All you need is that one small section of four squares.

Aimee suggests using Wonder Tape with an iron, and a Press Perfect stiletto to carefully set the new square in place, covering the mistake.

The seam allowances are pressed under using Wonder Tape to hold the edges down.  

More Wonder Tape is used to temporarily secure the new quilt block over the mistake with an iron.  Use the stiletto to hold the fabric in place, keeping your fingers away from the hot iron.

Aimee is excited to show off the repair!  The new block can be stitched in place, and only you will ever know the mistake was ever there!

Enjoy Summer Camp at Mary Jo's

Experience something different this summer, and learn how to master a new skill at summer camp at Mary Jo's Cloth Store!

Mary Jo’s Quilting Summer Camp

Who: Kids 9 and up

When: Monday – Thursday, June 23 – 26 & July 21 – 24

Camp includes fabric kit and thread

*In this camp kids will learn all key steps while making their first quilt. Camp includes fabric kit, with thread, and a BL9 Bbay Lock sewing machine.

Pricing: $230 with take home machine and fabric/thread kit

Mary Jo’s Sewing Summer Camp

Who: Kids 9 and up

When: Monday – Thursday, June 16 – 19 & July 14 – 17

Camp includes fabric kit and thread

*In this camp kids will learn all key steps while making fun projects. Camp includes fabric kit, with thread, and a BL9 Bbay Lock sewing machine.

Pricing: $230 with take home machine and fabric/thread kit

New Life for Vintage Tablecloths

Vintage tablecloths from the 1940 - 50’s are colorful, fun and unique. You might have old tablecloths stored away and not being used and enjoyed.

Here is an idea to reuse and re-purpose Grandma’s tablecloths. Create fresh and bright window treatments for you kitchen, breakfast area, laundry room or back door.

 Etsy.com

Make a cute gathered valance by cutting the tablecloth to the size needed and sewing a rod pocket in the top and shirring onto a tension rod.

 www.onegoodthingbyjillie.com

Or, hem the top and use clip on rings.

Country Living magazine

A simple triangular top treatment can be made by stapling the corner of a tablecloth to the top of a board.

 Dottie Angel blog

 www.SewaFineSeam.com

Create charming curtains for the window or tub by adding ribbon ties or tabs.

www.campinglivez.com

If you are sprucing up a camper for this summer, think about using vintage tablecloths for curtains! So cute and easy to make plus your curtains will be washable.

If you don’t have any old tablecloths, that’s okay. You can find delightful vintage print fabrics at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store,  and you can purchase enough fabric to make a tablecloth to match!

Calling All Home Schoolers

Want to learn how to sew? Our new class, Fun for Kids starts Monday, March 3 from 2 pm to 4 pm. Learn how to master the art of sewing, while having fun! From creating your very own pillowcase to design your own tote bag, each week is an exciting new project.

Date: Mondays in March

Time: 2 pm to 4 pm

Fee: $25 plus supplies (per class)

Instructor: Melanie Stiwalt

Ages: 9 years and up

only 6 available seats

Please contact Aimee Griffin at aimeeg@maryjos.com for more details or to sign up today!

Here Comes the Bride!

Mary Jo’s Cloth Store has a huge bridal department.  We can’t even imagine the thousands of brides that have worn dresses made with fabrics from our store.

Shopping for wedding fabrics can be fun, and a special part of the process of designing and creating the perfect dress, but it can be overwhelming with such a wide selection to choose from.

After you say “yes”, plan to visit the store for an overview of what is available and to become acquainted with all the different materials used for bridal dresses.  At Mary Jo’s you will see brocade, crepe, embroidered net, lace and lace trim, organza, satin, shantung, sheer, silk chiffon and charmeuse, silk dupioni, taffeta, tulle, velvet and more.  Fabric styles vary from modern and trendy to traditional, timeless and elegant.

You might fall in love with a fabric at first sight - it happens!  Or you might only buy a few sample pieces on your initial visit to Mary Jo’s, but this will make the ultimate fabric purchase much easier.  Here is a link with helpful tips for sewing wedding dresses from Sewing.org. http://www.sewing.org/html/weddinggowntips.html

In addition to fabrics you will find wedding dress patterns and all the notions you will need to complete your dress like pearls and sequins, buttons, zippers, seam binding and hook-and-eye closures.  Plus you can find fabrics and ribbon to use as decorations, table linens and favors.  We haven't even mentioned dresses for brides-maids, mothers and grandmothers, flower girls…   Yes, of course we have fabric for them too.

We are thrilled when brides share wedding pictures with us.  It is exciting to see fabrics that once lived on bolts in our store transformed into the most exquisite dresses.   Thank you to Deanna and Zoltan for sharing photos of their special day with us.  The dress, and the bride are beautiful! 

  

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.