Buttons, Bows and Artful Bras...

Inspiration is everywhere. We received an interesting email from the
Quilters of South Carolina. These gals have been busy. They created a
"Traveling Art Show" to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness. I was delighted when I
went to their website. It features one of a kind "Artful Bras".







Each was created with a theme, everything from buttons and bows to hooters! The exhibit consists of 49 original works of art which are unique, entertaining, humorous, and beautiful. The goal is to make the public aware of breast cancer, to memorialize those lost to the disease and to honor survivors.
Each bra could have been created from materials purchased at Mary Jo's Cloth Store!
This exhibit has gathered so much attention that folks all over America are
forwarding the link to their friends email in-boxes.
We can all make a difference and today the winners are the
Quilters of South Carolina! They are bringing the awareness of Breast Cancer to center stage. This exhibit will tour S.C. until October, at which time
these Artful Bra's will be auctioned and the money will be donated to the
Best Chance Network. Good and inspired work, ladies.
Don't miss this show and opportunity to raise awareness. Forward this to a friend, go to see the show and consider getting a group together and attending the finale and auction party in October.
FMI log onto www.quiltersofsc.org

Quilters, Tour Buses & The Business of Quilting...

At Mary Jo’s Cloth Store we love our quilters. They come by the busloads, small groups, in pairs, and by themselves. Quilters arrive with the excitement of Christmas morning, all smiles and with anticipation of finding the perfect fabric for their projects. Quilters are a vivacious, fun and energetic group. Shopping with us is always an adventure because of our huge selection and the amazing prices. Remember to check our website often for incredible fabrics we have put on sale. Imagine saving even more money on the upcoming projects you have been dreaming up.
We receive emails almost everyday with intriguing stories. Recently Elena McDowell from Raleigh, NC is an avid quilter and has an online business selling her beautiful work.
“Quilting has been the creative focus of my life for over 30 years. I have had the pleasure of living in NC for the past 15 years, and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every visit to Mary Jo's during that time. My dear friend, Mary, and I paid you a visit about 3 months ago and between the 2 of us, spent well over4 figures on your fabulous quilting fabrics, especially your Aunt Grace and Civil War fabrics!! Over the past year my interest has changed from working primarily with Aunt Grace fabrics to "selvage quilting". My friendly local bee buddies and my internet pals from all over the country send me their selvage strips and I turn their trash into treasure! I have always loved the little color dots and interesting information that manufacturers put on their selvage edges; now that I have started using them in my quilt making, life is so much more colorful and fun!
I have become good friends with Karen Griska, who recently published a book entitled "Quilts from the Selvage Edge" (her blog is wonderful). We keep each other inspired on a daily basis!
I have won over 20 ribbons at the NC State Fair and other local quilt shows, and currently have 6 quilts in the NC State Fair in Raleigh. Wish me luck! This will be the first year that I have entered any selvage quilts, so we will see how they are received by the judges!"
You go girl. Such an inspiration to hear how quilting is a part of your daily life and that you have created a business based on your personal passion, quilting!

Everyone, do you have a story, project or Mary Jo's experience to share with us?
Send an email today and you may be featured in an article or on our community page.

Throw Open the Window...

On a bright winter's day the sun can flood a room with light. Sunshine filters in through lace curtains, a light gauze or even a bright white cotton fabric also can look fresh and soothing. Today is the kind of day to throw open the window (if even for a brief moment) and let the fresh air in.
I woke up this morning thinking of window treatments.


I ruminated on fabrics ranging from heavy Paisley's and tone on tone Damask, to the sheerest organza that can catch every breeze and fill a room not only with light but motion. Mary Jo's Cloth has an inspirational collection of fabric for all sorts of Drapery idea's. Our Home Decor Fabric buyer, Betty Cloninger, is a talented women with a knack for choosing colors and patterns that are popular and classic all at the same time.I love to spend time in her department, it always makes me feel like everything imaginable is possible!


Click on arrow to view slideshow.
Trims for Valances and Drapes are plentiful at Mary Jo's, everything from crystals to beads, baubles, ribbons, satin rope, and a multitude of other clever trims. The "color ways" work with the fabrics we have in stock so it is easy to find what you need so you have more time to create the perfect curtain for your favorite window. While you are at it you might want to think about picking up a few extra yards so you can have a companion tablecloth this will help to tie a room together.

The possibilities in home design are truly endless and with money so tight Mary Jo's Cloth can absolutely give you that "Bang for the Buck" you have been craving.
I was at a few other drapery fabric specialty stores and was shocked to see prices 3 and even 4 times higher than the prices at Mary Jo's Cloth for the exact same fabric. Log on www.maryjos.com or stop by the store and get started on your new spring project today!

This is Not Your Mother's Tablecloth...

This cold weather makes me think of those warm languid summer days, filled with friends, picnics and outdoor meals. I am remembering my Aunt Ruthie and her collection of outdoor tablecloths. The patterns were classic 40's-50's summertime cloth strewn with cherries, flowers and gingham in bright reds, blues and yellows. Fresh and fun even today.


Back in the day it was called oil cloth, the fabric repelled water and was easy to wipe off after a meal, or a rainstorm. Today's oilcloth is not your grandmother's. The manufacturer's no longer use oil they now use a type of vinyl to give it the moisture repellent qualities and the sheen that keeps it fresh looking and wrinkle free.
Mary Jo's Cloth Store has been amassing a collection of this vinyl treated fabric that makes creating a tablecloth "snappy tom". Imagine, you pick the color and pattern you would like and it is as easy as a cut with your pinking shears to be table ready! I like the instant factor because you can have several at the ready in just a moments notice. If you are a crafter or are doing any kind of art project this fabric is the perfect pick to protect your table.
We have posted some of the collection online it is easy to find if you follow these steps. Go to advanced search, type in tablecloth fabric and the collection should come up.
Quilters... I would like a few new submissions with a spring theme for an upcoming article. Your piece may also be included on our community page. Thanks in advance.
Creative Folks: The Lutheridge+Lutherock Conference Center in Arden N.C. has put together a program just for you. It is called "Create in Me" April 30th-May 3rd, check it out it may be just the ticket for your creative spirit!

A Mountain of Quilts...

It must be getting close to spring, Quilt shows are popping up all around us.
A major show is about to commence in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It will be big and filled with wonderful quilts from all over the United States and then some. How magical to be in one spot filled to overflowing with inspiration and beauty. The town of Pigeon Forge is nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee (and the home of Dollywood).
I cannot think of a more charming place to be inspired by nature and the art of quilting.
Here are the details...
The Mountain Quiltfest show draws more then 20,000 quilting enthusiasts each year from around the United States.
Learn from the world's top quilters teaching more than 85 instructional sessions and master classes for quilters of all levels. Enter your quilt to compete in this multi-category quilt show. The show is open to everyone whether you are a beginning quilter or a seasoned quilt master.
Quilt Classes
No matter what your quilt making level is, there is something for everyone. They offer more then 85 quilting classes to choose from. To see a list of all of the classes that are available, just go to Quilt Class Descriptions or click on Class Descriptions from the menu above. To check out the class schedules just go to Quilt Class Schedules or click on Class Schedule from the menu above.
Registration for Quilting Classes Online Registration is available.
Enter your Quilt into the Mountain Quiltfest Show
If you would like to show your quilt at Mountain Quiltfest, now is the time however there is a limit of 3 quilts per person that may be entered. The Deadline for entry is normally around February 21.

Are you excited? Do you have a quilt to share? Do you want to start the quilt you have been dreaming of? Now is the time. Mary Jo's Cloth has amazing colors, patterns and textures with new bolts arriving daily. Log on or stop by for all of your fabric needs and get a quilt into the Mountain Quiltfest, you could win! How much fun would you have spending a weekend with fellow quilters? Forward this email to your friends they may want to join you. By the way if you do decide to enter a quilt (or 3) into the Mountain Quiltfest make sure you send the photos onto us here at Mary Jo's it would be fun to feature your possibly prize winning beauty on the blog.
Have fun and happy quilting.

Limited Edition is a Great Value...

I was noodling around on www.maryjos.com this week, as I often do. I was particularly interested in the page called "Special Editions". I clicked onto this page and was treated to some of the best buys on fabric that Mary Jo's Cloth has to offer. She has chosen some stellar patterns and colors at prices that are unbelievable. Imagine... special Waverly Fabrics selling for only 3.50 a yard. Amazing. I was impressed with not only the selection but with the sheer volume of fabrics available at such low prices.
Quilters are you looking for some fun choices for a stack and whack project? This will make your project not only affordable but you may find some choices you have not seen at other fabric stores.
Do you make your own clothes or costumes? Special Edition has some super buys for you. Paisley's, Prints, Solids and even sequins on Chiffon. All of these choices start at $3.50 a yard however a few are $10.00. Originally these fabrics were much, much more.
Home Designers? I saw several top picks for Drapery, Curtains and those wonderful Pillows and Tablecloths we love so much.
Really if you love fabric and are a "Bargain" shopper, check out maryjos.com and click on the "Special Edition" icon which is located at the top left corner of our online store.
You must hurry these items are limited and change often, today there are 162 different fabrics to choose from and we are adding new choices almost every day.


A special note to all of you who have shared your projects, Thank-you. Remember we are always accepting new work for the community page and this blog. Thanks again, I do love hearing your stories and seeing your work you are one talented bunch of folks. Send in your beauties today.

Super Cold? Snuggle IN...

Holy smokes it is cold out there. It was a balmy 16 degrees in Uptown Charlotte this morning, Brrrr.... we might as well be living up in Maine on the Tundra! When it gets this cold I like to make soup, think of warmer days and dream up new projects. I know many of you are the same way. This cold weather got me to thinking about all of the amazing fabric Mary Jo has in the store and online to create new cozy, colorful and even sophisticated Bedspreads, Throws and Quilted Blankets. Right now the selection is plentiful and the colors and patterns are just yummy.
An ultra cold day like today makes me pine for Daffodils, Bunnies, Pansies and the sounds of little Birdies in the trees. Yes, Spring! It is not too far off, thank heavens.

So let's get back to fabric for "Bedding". I was looking at a nice collection of pre-quilted solids that could work nicely as backing for a richly colored Tapestry or Paisley pattern.
Some of the fabrics are not just printed on cloth but are different colored threads woven together to form the textures and patterns. Projects made from this fabric can quickly become a family heirloom. I love the Paisley selection at Mary Jo's Cloth Store. She stocks colors ranging from Deep Bright Blues to Oranges as well as quiet Taupes, Grays, and Icy Blues. Did you know that Paisley's have been popular since the 1600's and are ever bit as modern and popular today. Funny thing about good classic design, it never goes out of style! The patterns used in Paisley fabric are inspired by nature, the swirl patterns of leaves and flowers primarily. When you get tired of the pattern or color you could pass it on to a friend or family member or just stick it in the linen closet for a while and pull it out in a few years. Paisley is not only sophisticated and lovely, it is a piece of history!
So be thinking about your next winter project, Mary Jo's has everything you need to keep you sewing, creating and having a good time.
By the way.... I NEED you to send me your projects. We have thousands of people online and in our store every week, we know you are out there, don't be shy, share your beautiful projects with the larger sewing community at Mary Jo's Cloth Store. Send us an email, tell us about your projects and sewing tips. We are eager to post it on the Community Page and feature your project here on our blog, it is time to share your talents.
Life is short, be adventurous, show us your stuff!