Krazy, Kooky, Fun and Lacey, Spring Sale...

Browsing through the sale section of the website is always fun. I am always amazed at the variety and the price points. If you are making a wedding dress, we have lace on sale. Going to the prom or know a young lady who is? Wow, do we have some sequined beauties for the perfect sparkly dress. Thinking about making new curtains, drapes, roman shades or a valance? The choices are many and the possibilities are, well, truly endless with colors and prints galore. We even have fun fabric printed with happy elephants, scottie dogs and laughing children, perfect for a sundress or a child's room. We also have many choices of lace collars and lace embellishments that are not only inexpensive (some as low as a $1.50!) and beautiful.
Quilters, you could have a field day, with prices as low as $3.50 a yard you could design and dream up a quilt that will not only be exquisite but very affordable.
Now is the time to grab a cup of coffee or tea, go to your computer and noodle around in the sale section. Oh, it is also fun to click around and see what other treasures you can uncover to add to your fabric collection!
Mary Jo's online selection is terrific, but if you are anywhere near Gastonia, NC., stopping by the store is always a treat.
Be well, Be happy and know we at Mary Jo's Cloth Store are always working very hard to bring you the very best quality fabrics for the absolute lowest price.
Thanks for shopping at Mary Jo's.
Do you have a quilt or a fabric project you would like to share? Send us an email with a photo and we may feature your beautiful project in a future article.

June Brides, Happily Ever After...

June is fast approaching and it is traditionally the month of sweeping changes in family dynamics. Our children graduate from High School and College and others are saying "I Do" and marrying their sweethearts. A lovely month filled with many traditions. So the question is how do you impact your family's future history? Here are a few ideas, how about a "Wedding Ring Quilt" for the special couple or a Quilt for a recent Graduate? There is also the lucky Bride who's Mother, Grandmother, Sister or Aunt will help in the making of her wedding dress. The future is filled with the memories of these milestone events. Quilts, dresses and the like are mementos of these milestone occasions.
So let's start with the dress. Lace, Satin, Taffeta and Organza? Ahhh, the mind swirls around with all of the choices and possibilities. Mary Jo's Cloth has a Bridal Department filled with all that you will need. When you are contemplating making your very special Bridal Gown and Veil we can lend a hand. Our Bridal Department has a section devoted to Headpieces and the tulle and netting for the veil.
This would not only save you some cash it will make the Brides day that much more memorable and heartfelt to know that someone she loves has helped to create her "Perfect Look" for this very special day.

Now let's talk Quilts. If a couple dear to you is getting married what could be more traditional and thoughtful than a "Wedding Ring" quilt? Frequent Mary Jo's customers Bob & Sharon Kennedy sent us a photo of a beautiful quilt they recently finished. They are thrilled to be able to give their Grandson a gift that will become a treasured family heirloom.
The possibilities are endless, we have tons of great fabric and prices that are often times too low to be believed. Log on the website or stop into the store today. We are always happy to help you find what you are looking for and exactly what you need.

The World Is A "Quilting" Garden...

Spring. Trees are bursting with the most magical blossoms, Daffodils are everywhere, Azaleas are happily showing off their spring colors and the fields of grass are the most spectacular shade of emerald green. Spring never fails to delight, with it's vibrant and interesting color palette. At Mary Jo's it feels like Spring on the main floor. Whether you are at the store or shopping online, wow, do we have some fab choices. We have quite a selection of fun colorful florals and other patterns and designs that are inspired by the bright and cheery colors of Spring.
Today we are featuring a quilt by Debbie Clarke that was inspired by a garden, possibly her own. Debbie put much thought and effort into the delicate color blending that the different fabric pieces offered her. It is quite wonderful.
"I have been shopping MJ's since 1984. What a treasure trove of fabric.
My first photo is "The World is a Garden" done in a colorwash technique of all florals.
The second is "Turning 60" to celebrate my 60th birthday. It is a scrappy memories quilt and includes strips of fabric saved from my sewing past. Fabric from the first vest I made for my daughter (that I remember purchasing at MJ's) is there, as well as lots of other garments. Around the vines and leaves are favorite sayings and words I live by.
Thanks for being my favorite destination.
Debbie Clarke"
We are blessed to have folks like Debbie send in stories and photos of the pieces they create with Mary Jo's Cloth. Thank- you for sharing your lovely and inspired work. Do you have something to share? Please email us with your project today, you may be the next featured article. Also a big thank-you for all of you who responded to last weeks article "A Call for Quilts". It always feels so good to give to those who need it most. Thanks, from all of us at Mary Jo's Cloth Store.

A Call For Quilts...

It has been said that unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. Indeed. Recently we received a note from one of our Sewing Community members, Catherine Moran. She lives in Santa Rosa, California and has committed this phase of her life to community work. She works with several different organizations in her county. Catherine is all about her work, "Presently, I am the president of the Women's Club for our church and the coordinator of our Sewing Guild. Most of our sewing is quilting for our local Men and Women's shelters. I am also very active in, "The Living Room" which is a homeless shelter for mother's and their children, "Memorial Hospice" which serves the poor and elderly, "Kids Place" which is a a high risk elementary school and "Valley of the Moon Children's Home"." She is also a member of ASG (American Sewing Guild). Whew, this is one busy lady!

We were lucky enough to have a phone chat with Catherine, she is very passionate about her volunteer projects. "Everyday, I am amazed at the generosity of the people here who care about these folks big and small. The other day a young woman told me the story of how one of our quilts that we donated to the homeless shelter that she had stayed in as a child had given her so much pleasure and comfort over the past several years. These stories always remind me that making a difference in someones life is very important. I love my work"

All of you Quilting folks and other Sewing Community members,
we have a question for you. Do you have an extra quilt or fabric that you may want to donate? Think of the impact this simple act could have. A family that is staying in a shelter or someone who is poor or elderly, homeless or terminally ill, would truly appreciate such an act of kindness. Take a moment and think about your cupboards that are possibly full of fabric, maybe you can donate some to this cause. It is as easy as popping the fabric or quilt into a shipping box and sending it out to Catherine in Northern California. We are sure that she and her sewing brigade will quickly turn your generous donation into a quilt for someone who could really use something made with love and goodness.
If you are so inclined you can email Catherine and she will give you the shipping details.
We have faith that some of you will respond to this very special "Call for Quilts". We thank-you for your generosity in advance.

By the way, lots of new items on the sale page, perfect for quilting, tablecloths or a pretty little sundress. Log on soon for the best selection. Do you have a story or a project you would like to share and possibly have featured on our blog? Now is the time, email today!

Birdies, Bees & Flowers, Spring has Sprung...

After a wild weekend of crazy weather, Spring has blown into town. Now that the storm has past we will happily enjoy this special "Springtime" of year! Mild temperatures, sunny skies and the landscape is ablaze with intense colors.
The fields around Gastonia are an incredible Emerald Green, which is the perfect backdrop for all of the flowers blooming in a riot of color on trees, bushes and vines. Easter is less than a week away. So now is the time to embrace fresh, new, colorful ideas in design and fabrics!
At Mary Jo's Cloth Store, flower patterns are bursting out on the shelves and on the website. It is delightful to see such an array of color, patterns and style. But sometimes making a choice can be overwhelming. So let's start with color. Bright, muted, rich, pastel or various tone on tone? Now you need to consider the spring favorites, flowers, butterflies and other spring themed patterns. Yes, we have quite a selection for you to choose from.
This is the season to stitch up a simple skirt, blouse or tote-bag in a moment of creative genius! Easter Sunday is always so colorful and festive and it is always fun to absolutely embrace the season! Consider choosing some bright floral fabric for a large bow or sash to brighten up a dress or hat, it is a fun tradition for Easter Sunday Celebrations and Dinners.
It is the time of year to leave the drab of winter behind and to snap up the color in a room. We have many bright choices for a quick table topper, pillow, curtains or even a few new spring napkins to enjoy at the dinner table. How about a spring inspired quilt, beautiful to look at and satisfying to create. Life is short, embrace color!
It is always interesting and fun to find Spring themed fabrics on Maryjo's website! Click onto the "Main Floor" on the "Fabric" section of the website. Some interesting clicks on the "Main Floor" for Spring inspired fabric choices are, "Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice""Snakes, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails" "Floral""Birds, Bug & Butterflies".
At Mary Jo's our fabric prices are low and our selection is high. Remember we add to our shelves and upload new fabric choices to our website almost everyday. No matter what you are looking for you will probably find it at our Cloth Store! If you have a special request, simple, just Ask Maryjo! Shopping for what your heart desires couldn't be easier. Have a wonderful Easter Weekend.

Quilting in the Hawaiin Style...

There are so many different styles of quilting. With warm weather well on its way it is the perfect time to feature the Hawaiian Quilting Style. This is a very graphic take on traditional quilting, using mostly solids and batik fabrics. The "Quilt Hawaiian" site had some great info about Quilting and the history of Hawaiian Quilting. These are some of their top tips.

"What makes it a Hawaiian quilt?
Quilting was first introduced to Hawaii in the early 1800's by the wives of American missionaries. The art form was quickly adapted by the Hawaiian women who have since created their own quilting style, inspired by their heritage and their fondness of nature...
Even with all the stages and innovations that Hawaiian quilts have been through, the elegant simplicity in the repetition of the silhouette design commands a place of distinction in the world of quilting. Over time, new techniques, tools, fabrics and design elements were applied to the basic format of the appliqué style in Hawaiian quilts.

The Hawaiian quilt is a living art. A description of Hawaiian quilting can never be the ultimate authority on the subject, because in the writing of it, the limitations are automatically set within the snapshot of time in which it is written.

Lines have become blurred between the classic Hawaiian appliqué and more contemporary Hawaiian quilt designs with the use of techniques from other traditional American quilting styles. This may lead some to be concerned that the "traditional appliqué Hawaiian quilt" and its accompanying distinction, will be lost in the abyss of 21st century innovations.















The above quilt was created by Martha Marques...
But even with the introduction of many choices of colored threads, use of non-solid colored fabrics, machine appliqué and quilting, use of fabric piecing additions and many other innovations, Hawaiian quilting is still recognized as it's own category. There is no mistaking a Hawaiian quilt. When a quilt strays too far from the classic appliqué style that we have come to love, it then becomes a "quilt that was made in Hawaii" or a quilt made of Aloha fabrics, and not a recognizable " Hawaiian quilt". Where that line is drawn, is not to be delegated to a body of authorities, but to the viewer and admirer of the distinctive style.

At Quilt Hawaiian they use these guides for the recognition of a Hawaiian quilt:
1) the design is primarily appliqué work
2) the design is a circular repetition of 4 or 8
3) the design uses one or two fabrics (there are exceptions)
The website www.quilthawaiian.com has a great amount of info and patterns available for sale. Log on to learn more about this unique style of quilting, it could be fun.

If you happen to be in Portland, Maine in the next few months stop by "The Salt Exchange" there is a wonderful and amazing show of "Hawaiian Style" quilts. This show features the artist Martha Marques, she is a passionate Quilting Artist. Her work will inspire you to create large, colorful and meaningful quilts in the Hawaiian tradition.
This style of quilting lends itself to our collection of amazing batik style prints, check out the collection online or in the store.When you are online, just type Batiks into the advance search field in the top right hand corner. We have an overwhelming selection posted online, grab a cup of tea and enjoy the browsing!
Hey everyone, please send us your stories and projects, we are here and we are looking forward to hearing from you.

Why Shop At Mary Jo's Cloth Store?

We know you have a choice. Back in 1949 Mary Jo had a vision, simply put, it was to create a Cloth Store that had great selection, quality, service and most importantly the best prices anywhere. Mary Jo still oversees much of the buying and she remains adamant about keeping the prices low and the quality high.
We hear stories almost everyday about "The Other Stores". Just yesterday a woman was working with the gal who heads up the Upholstery and Drapery department. She was over the moon happy that the fabric she had seen at another store was here at Mary Jo's. But the story gets better, the same fabric was 18.95 elsewhere and only 8.95 here! WOW. Oh yes and we had enough for her to do her Drapery Project! She was also able to pick up some companion fabric that she will use to recover a few chairs. So all in all our Customer is happy and we were so pleased to have been able to help her to find exactly what she was looking for! A happy ending indeed.
Online you will not find a more comprehensive choice of fabrics offered at prices that are irresistibly affordable. We are always searching for only the best to offer to our customers. Did you know we now carry a line of "Green" fabrics? The idea behind Green fabric is to have less impact on the environment when the fabric is being manufactured. Green is a choice that starts with you. The more folks buy, the higher the demand and the more choices of colors and patterns will be available. Green seems a new trend however trends turn into demand. So the more you buy the more the manufactures will create and the more choices you have. It is the beautiful circle of evolution. Check out our Green selection. You will not be disappointed.

Sew, we thank you for being our customer and letting us help you to find the right fabric at the right price.
Drop an email and share your bargain moment, project or Mary Jo's story. We always look forward to hearing for you.