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!

Meet the Sew Sistas!

'Seams' our Mary Jo's Instructors want to meet you

Join Mary Jo's on Saturday, January 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the Class Instructor Meet and Greet event! Meet and mingle while enjoying refreshments, plus everyone who signs up for classes that day, will receive 10% off class supplies. Bring a friend and get half off your next class fee!

Mingle : Inspire : Enjoy Refreshments

Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Quilting Classes at Mary Jo’s

Our store has been a flurry of activity with customers buying fabric and supplies to make Christmas gifts and buying gifts for a special sewing someone on their list. 

Our sewing lounge has been humming like Santa’s workshop with students cutting, sewing, laughing and creating beautiful things! 

We thought you would enjoy a peek inside at one of our recent classes, where quilters gathered together to work on this cheerful Christmas tree quilt design.

Class instructor Aimee Griffin has years of experience as a quilter and teacher.  Students love Aimee’s fun personality, enthusiasm and extensive sewing knowledge.  Here Aimee is helping a student with the layout of her quilt pieces.

In our quilting classes you will learn techniques for selecting fabric colors and patterns, how to cut and use your fabric efficiently, sewing methods and the tools and supplies used by quilters to make quilting easier.

One of the exciting parts of attending a class is that you get to be with others who share your love of sewing and quilting.  

It’s fun to chat about your finished (and unfinished!) projects, ooh-and-ahh over fabrics and make new friends. You will be inspired by each other’s creativity!

Would you like to learn to quilt?  We have the perfect class to help you get started!   In addition to quilting, Mary Jo’s also has classes that will teach you how to make clothing, crafts, tote bags, curtains, pillows and more.   Be sure to check the class schedule often, as new classes are added every month or call 704-861-9100 to sign-up today. Click [here] to view the latest class schedule. 

Countdown to Christmas: Faux Fur Throw

We continue our countdown to Christmas with a great gift idea that you can make for your family and friends. Faux fur throws are a hot trend in home décor because they add a texture and romance to any room. 

You will see them them thrown over the back of a sofa, draped over a leather chair or at the foot of a bed. Faux fur throws are the perfect, cozy little blanket for watching television, reading a book or taking a nap. 

To make your own faux fur throw, begin by selecting your favorite faux fur for the front.  There is a tremendous selection at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store, from solid colors to realistic animal prints.  Keep in mind that faux fur with a short pile will be easier to sew, especially if you are inexperienced with sewing faux fur.  

We selected a faux chinchilla that is silky, soft and oh-so irresistible! For the lining we chose a red satin from the Mary Jo’s bridal department. Red is perfect for Christmas, but any color would be lovely.  

If you don’t want to make a color-statement, choose a warm brown or black lining.

Step 1:

Cut a square for the front and back.  We cut this throw 54 inches x 54 inches, which used exactly 1½ yards of the fur and satin material.  Serge the edges of the fur, and the satin if needed.  Mark the center of each side.  Place the fur and satin face-to-face, line up the corners and center marks and pin together.   Then secure in-between the pins, keeping the fur stretched taut between the pins while pinning together.

Step 2: 

Sew around the edges using a ½-inch seam allowance.  (Test stitching on a remnant of fur and satin to determine the best settings for your machine).  Leave a small opening along one side for turning.

Clip corners and turn right sides out.  Hand stitch the opening closed with matching thread. Your fur throw is finished!  

You will want to keep this gift for yourself, or make two, one for you and one for a friend, even your furry friends will love this cozy throw.

Tailored Linen Table Runner

Turkey, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, table décor…. 

What?  TABLE DÉCOR! 

Don’t worry!  You still have time to make beautiful linens for your holiday table.

Sign up today for the “Table Setting” class with Sindy Burgess on Monday, November 4, 2013 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm and learn how to make a tablecloth, placemats and napkins. 

Create the perfect look for your dining table from the wide variety of fabrics available at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store.  Turn your table into an elegant affair with velvet, silk and fringe or create a fun, conversation-starter by using quilt fabrics printed with just about theme from food to football.

One of the most popular trends in home décor is to use burlap or linen for table linens.  The woven texture and solid colors give a neutral background for dishes, candles and floral designs. Add antique china and it’s romantic,  pottery and wooden bowls it’s natural and earthy or set the table with square, white plates and platters and it will be chic and modern.

Above is a little inspiration we found online at Facebook.com/OnSuttonPlace.

Here is a simple table runner that you can create with linen, or a linen blend fabric. It features a box pleated ruffle with button details that you will enjoy all year long, not just at Thanksgiving. Use this to decorate your dinning table or buffet, with our without a tablecloth.

Sewing step-by-step:

Measure across your table and add 8 inches.  This is the length you will cut the main piece of the table runner by 16 inches wide (includes seam and hem allowances). 

For the pleated ruffle on each end, cut two pieces 26 inches by 8 inches. 

 1. Sew a doubled ½ inch hem along the edge of one long side and both short sides of the ruffle pieces. 

 2. To create the pleats, fold under 2” on each end and press. Then mark the center and measure 4 inches from the center on each side and fold the fabric to meet in the center, creating a box pleat and press. The ruffle will be 12 inches across.  

3. Place the ruffle pieces face down and centered on each end and pin in place.  Fold the extra fabric on each side over, and then back and pin in place.  

4. Sew the ruffle to the table runner and then serge the raw edges.  

5. Turn the ruffles right sides out and press.  Fold a doubled 1-inch hem down each side of the table runner and sew. 

6. Make 4 covered buttons (or use purchased pearl or wooden buttons) and sew to the center of the pleat on each end.