'Sew Fun' Book Signing

Join Mary Jo's as we welcome sewing expert and Sew Fun author Debroah Fisher to our inaugural book signing event on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m.

After an exciting introduction, Fisher will be speaking about her brand new book as well as some of the projects she is currently working on. You also won't want to miss out on her project demonstration featuring her favorite samples in Sew Fun. The session will close out with a Q&A segment, followed by Fisher's book signing. 

Unlike many sewing-for-children books, Fisher's Sew Fun: 20 Projects for the Whole Family is a thoughtful approach to crafting with and for children. 

Readers will discover a variety of ways to get children involved in fun sewing projects, whatever their age or ability. Several projects are strictly for adults to make and children to enjoy. 

A piece of Mary Jo's History

Enter for your chance to win

Purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 54 x 58” wall hanging quilt, colored by Mary Jo, herself.

Tickets are being sold for $1 a piece or 12 tickets for $10. Drawing will take place on Mary Jo’s birthday, January 16, and the winner will be announced on Facebook. 

All proceeds from the raffle are going to National Lutheran Communities & Services. NLCS has been blessed with a long tradition of service to people of all faiths. Since 1890, they have helped people find wonderful choices for retirement living, new options for financial security and expert services for health care and wellness. 

10% Off online and in-store purchases

We apologize, but it looks like our website has encountered an unexpected error. It appears the 10% off and free shipping amounts are not being reflected online at check out. However, they will appear in the total amount your card is actually charged. Also, free shipping is only available for all continental US orders. We apologize for any confusion!

(EXCLUDING SEWING MACHINES)

FREE SHIPPING ON GROUND ORDERS SENT WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL US FOR ORDERS PLACED ON OUR WEBSITE NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST

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Patterns! Patterns! Patterns!

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

This week we are featuring holiday sewing projects and kits from our classes; a soft Santa chenille fabric panel and “Feather Fancy”, a quilted, applique wall hanging.

Santa Chenille Panel

In this class students learned how to make chenille by sewing and cutting layers of fabric.  Before sewing, multiple layers of fabric are basted together. 

Then the panel is sewn with rows and rows of parallel seams and the top layers are carefully sliced between the stitching. 

The secret is to sew on the bias or diagonal of the fabric grain. 

This allows the cut fabric edges to slightly fray and soften without completely unraveling.  

As you can see this Santa is very warm and fuzzy!  The same technique can be used to make throws and baby blankets.

Feather Fancy Quilted Wall Hanging

This beautiful Christmas wall hanging is made with a technique called raw-edge appliqué, where the pieces are cut and applied to the base fabric with an iron-on fusible. 

This saves time and is so much more accurate than trying to pin all those small pieces in place.

Imagine how long it takes to cut all those little shaped pieces!  Students were lucky to have a faster process, a wonderful tool called the AccuQuilt® Go! fabric cutter.  If you have a quilter in the family, this is probably at the top of their Christmas wish-list! 

If you would like to make the Feather Fancy wall hanging, the kit is available at Mary Jo’s and includes a full size layout diagram, illustrated instructions, and sewing tips.

Bring a friend and join us for a class this December!  You can learn how to make Christmas projects, gifts and so much more.  

Be sure to check the Mary Jo’s class schedule online or call 704-861-9100 to sign-up today.

Countdown to Christmas: Sew a Stocking

We continue our countdown to Christmas with this fun and easy holiday sewing project.  Christmas stockings are such a special tradition, filled with little surprises from Santa, or to brighten your holiday décor.  

We used felt to make all of the stockings shown.  Felt is easy to work with because it doesn't fray.

And whoa!  Look at all the trimmings that can be used to personalize your stocking.  From pompom fringe to ric-rac, ruffles, braid and ribbon; you will find all this and more at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store.

The pattern shown is drawn on a 1-inch grid.  You can enlarge the pattern if you think Santa is delivering something a little bigger this year, or decrease the size and make mini-stockings for your pets, as tree ornaments or as a party favor, hostess gift or as part of your Christmas table setting.

Step 1: Use the pattern to cut out two pieces for the front and back of your stocking, and two pieces for the lining.  Pin together the lining pieces face-to-face and sew around the sides and foot of the stocking, leaving the top open.  As you sew, leave a 3 to 4 inch opening along one of the sides for turning.  After you are finished do not turn it right sides out – set it aside until the other pieces are sewn.

Step 2: Sew on your trimmings to one, or both sides of your stocking, inset from the top edge.

Step 3: Place the front and back pieces right sides together and sew around the sides and foot, leaving the top open.  Turn right sides out.  Put the stocking front, inside the stocking lining so that they are face to face.  

Step 4: Pin together the top, lining up the seams and sew all the way around.  You can sew a loop of ribbon or cord in the seam during this step, or hand stitch a ring or loop after the stocking is finished.

Step 5: Pull the stocking right sides out through the hole you left in the seam sewn in step 1. 

Step 6: After the stocking face and lining are right sides out, pin together the opening and sew closed.

Step 7: Push the lining into the stocking and press.  You can secure the lining with a few hand stitches if needed.

That’s it!  You can now make fun and creative stockings for your friends and family.  We would love to see pictures.  Please share your stockings on the Mary Jo’s Facebook page so we can share in the holiday sewing spirit.

Or, if you would rather learn how to sew stockings hands-on, we have just the class for you!  Sign up today for Christmas Stockings with instructor Susan Woodcock at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store on Friday, December 6^th from 3 – 6:00 pm. Bring your friends for a fun and creative time together.

Mary Jo's December Class Schedule

	Monday, December 2 Basic Sewing: Basic and Skirt Instructor: Jackie Derr Time: 10 am to 3 pm This is a 2 session class Continued Dates: December 9th Fee:$25   Min 6
Description: Learn the basics of sewing in this 2-week class session. Week 1: Learn how to use your machine, and sewing tools. During this class, you will learn how to use each of your sewing feet and proper usage of your machine. Learn how to hem, make buttonholes, sew a zipper, and how to add elastic. This class will get you started and ready for class 2, where you’ll be making a basic skirt. Pattern: 2906 Simplicity
	Tuesday, December 3rd Take 5: Quilt Instructor: Daniela Hogan Time: 10am to 3pm           Fee: $35     Max 8
Description: You will learn to cut through 5 layers of fabric while constructing a quilt. Pattern: Take 5 by Teachers Pet
	Tuesday, December 3 Paper Piercing: Kentucky Star Block Instructor Patti Hayden Time: 6 pm to 9 pm           Fee: $25     Max 6
Description: Paper piecing is 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. Fabric requirements below are for a 12 block quilt with a finished size of 56”x70”. Book: 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars by Carol Doak
	Thursday, December 5 Sweet Treats: Aprons and Hot Pads Instructor Jessica Trimmer Time: 10 am to 3 pm           Fee: $35    Max 10
Description: Get your holidays off to a festive start, or create a great gift for a friend. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Thursday, December 5 Christmas Tree Skirt: Home Dec Instructor Susan Woodcock Time: 3 pm to 6 pm Fee: $35
Description: Is your tree dressed from head to toe? In this hands-on class you will make a round, Christmas tree skirt with trimmings to match your holiday theme or decor. Skill Level: Basic, but you must know how to use a sewing machine Book/Pattern: None
	Friday, December 6 Yo Yo Tree: Quilted wall hanging Instructor Kaye Carr Time: 10 am to 12 pm Fee: $10     Max 8
Description: Make a Christmas tree wall hanging with Yo Yo’s. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Friday, December 6 Christmas Stockings: Home Dec Instructor Susan Woodcock Time: 3 pm to 6 pm       Fee: $35
Description: In this class you will learn hands-on how to make Christmas stockings with fun and creative embellishments. Book/Pattern: None
	Saturday, December 7 Make and Take: Sewing Instructor Jessica Trimmer Time: 10 am to 1 pm - Gift bag 1 pm to 3 pm - Key Fob 3 pm to 6 pm - Embroidery Tag Fee: $10     Max 12
Description: Spend the day making gifts for the Holiday. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Tuesday, December 10 Beginning Quilting Instructor: Kaye Carr Time: 10 am to 4 pm This is a 2 session class Continued Dates: December 17th Fee:$25 plus supplies   Max 6
Description: This class is for students who want the basic information about construction of a quilt from beginning to end. It will require knowledge of your sewing machine and a desire to complete the project. This is a 2 session class. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Wednesday, December 11 Holiday Table Setting: Home Decor Instructor Sindy Burges Time: 10 am to 1 pm    Fee: $35      Max 8
Description: Learn to make easy placemats, napkins and matching napkin rings just in time to adorn your holiday table. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Wednesday, December 11 Chair Pads: Home Decor Instructor Sindy Burges Time: 2 pm to 5 pm          Fee: $25     Max 8
Description: Just in time for the holidays, learn how to make chair pads for fall. Liven up your kitchen, dining or breakfast area. Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Thursday, December 12 Sweet Treats: Wine Bag and Coasters Instructor Jessica Trimmer Time: 10 am to 2 pm           Fee: $35   Max 10
Description: Looking for a great hostess gift this holiday season? Pattern: Provided by Instructor
	Friday, December 13 Open Sew (3 Sessions) Instructor: None Continued Dates: December 20th & 27th Time: 10 am to 4 pm Fee: Free
Call up your friends and come sit and sew at Mary Jos. Work on any project you need to finish.
	Saturday, December 14 Wrapped Baskets (Sewing) Instructor Patti Hayden Time: 3pm to 6 pm Fee: $25      Max 12
Description: 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. They make great gifts! Anyone and everyone can do this!! Book: It’s a Wrap (book is not necessary for class)
	Saturday, December 14 Serger Club Instructor Pam Carter Time: 9 am to 11 am Fee: $10
Description: There are some things a serger can do for your quilts that an ordinary sewing machine cannot. 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 quiltmaking! Book /Pattern: none
	Saturday, December 14 Home Dec Days Instructor Susan Woodcock Time: 10 am to 11 am Fee: Free
Description: Join Susan Woodcock, AKA Home Dec Gal at Mary Jo’s Cloth Store every second Saturday of the month for free home decor mini-workshops starting at 10am. 10:00 to 10:30 Pleated Ruffle Embellishments 10:40 to 11:00 Learn How To Make Box and Knife Pleated Ruffles
	Thursday, December 19 Sweet Treats: Table runner and Napkins Instructor Jessica Trimmer Time: 10 am to 3 pm Fee: $35     Max 10
Description: Round out your holiday decorating with fresh new table linens. This also makes a great hostess gift. Pattern: Provided by instructor. Kits are available for purchase