Color and Everyday Quilting Inspirations...

Victoria Gertenbach, an expert Quilter, is inspired by most everything around her. In her latest blog posting she features a small quilt that was inspired by Blood Oranges. WOW. A quick trip to the produce section and this gal is cookin' along on the train of creativity. Have you sometimes been "blocked" and can't seem to get inspired or in the mood? Victoria and Quilting Artist's like her can be great mentors/teachers.
Her blog thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com present and past is wonderful inspiration to anyone who is curious and interested.
The following is her current post...
Color Inspiration: Blood Oranges.
Color inspiration truly is everywhere and if you are ever in need of a quick fix, just visit your local produce supplier. Blood Oranges. Are they not gorgeous?! I have been enjoying this delectable fruit for the last few years, and am always delighted when they become available. The deep reddish, purple coloring comes from the presence of anthocyanins, which are a type of plant pigments found in many different flowers and fruits, but generally not found in most citrus fruits.... which makes these babies extra special.
For this quilt, I used colors found in the blood oranges and for some pop and zing added some contrasting greens and blues.
I continue to be enamored by the Moda Grunge fabrics, (by Basic Gray). Love that they work as solids but have that layer of added interest, which reminds me of worn and exposed paint. (You may remember I first started using the Grunge fabrics when making this quilt in shades of off-white and brown.)
This colorful little quilt is now available in my shop. (Now SOLD)
Hope you all have a joyful and colorful week! xo

Wow, thanks Victoria, I think you may have delighted and inspired our Mary Jo's Cloth Community and we thank-you.

The update on our recent email campaign, We hear YOU!
Change is a sometimes slow process. We are currently working with some new and different manufacturers (suggested by YOU) to supply the items on your wish lists.
MODA, Riley Blake, Fatquarters, Higher-end Woolens and possibly some buggies (shopping carts). You never know, some of these wishes could become reality. We had an overwhelming response. Know that we read every letter. We could not respond to each letter, but we tallied the wants and needs of YOU our customer We really appreciate your feedback and continued support. So, thanks ever so much, YOU are all such treasures.
By the way if you would like to see our newest collection of paisley's, like the one in the title block at the beginning of this article, it is only 7.99 per yard. Check it out. Enjoy the day and take a moment to shop at www.maryjos.com, we are always posting new choices and updating our SALE page.
Happy Sewing.

WE HEAR YOU !!!

We asked, you answered. Boy did you answer! We have received hundreds of emails, detailing what you would like us to carry, in addition to the many lines of fabric we have available at all times!
We will be taking suggestions through the end of the month, please send us a note TODAY!
So to sum up our current findings, we heard a resounding request for MODA. 60% of you requested MODA. We are working on this being our first addition, but we need your help.
If you agree that MODA would be a fine addition to our lines of Fabric, send us a note. Make sure to tell us how you are using this line and why you love it. You and your project could be featured in our next article!
It was delightful to read all of your emails.
We loved hearing all of your kudos, ideas, thoughts. We are paying very close attention to improvements that could be made.
Some of our favorites:
I’m sorry, I know you are quite serious, but I can’t resist. How about some invisibility fabric so we can all make our own Harry Potter invisibility cloaks? You have so many wonderful fabrics that I could not begin to list a favorite!!!!
Thanks for all you do!
Shirley Knack
Miss Shirley, unfortunately we do not have a vendor to source your "dream fabric". Seriously, you are funny!!!

The next letter is sweet, heartfelt and filled with some great suggestions. Thanks for weighing in...
Hi!
I'm so excited about you adding new fabric. I would love to see a higher
end quilt fabric line like MODA (if you have that, I haven't found it!), I'm always looking for sock monkey fabric. Also AMY BUTLER Fabrics and patterns would be great. More solid backing fabrics that are wide would be
a nice addition, too.
Have you ever thought of having quilting workshops? There are a lot of quilters in this area looking for a good "Quilt" Store. Another thing, since I'm on a roll here. Have you ever thought of making shopping easier by having buggies? It wears me out to lug all my bolts of fabric to the tables then have to stack them.
I drive from Hickory to your store, but would come more often if the atmosphere was better! I haven't been since you have made the changes to the store, maybe all my wishes have come true and I just don't know it. AND.....why not have a discount for folks that have prayer quilt ministries? I have a group of ladies at church, Abernethy UMC, in Newton.
We would love to buy more from you for that ministry.

Thanks for listening to my ideas! I really appreciate being able to give
input!
Have a blessed day,
Joy

Joy, You are on a roll, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.!

So to re-cap this posting, the following are the top requested fabrics we should add to our selection...
MODA is leading the charge by 60%.
then in the order of requests, Amy Butler/Tula Pink/Riley Blake/Stonehenge/Kaffee Fassett/Red Rooster/Benetex/Andover/Primitive Gatherings

Do you have a minute to send us your thoughts on this subject? You can BE the change you want to SEE. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Email us TODAY!

We Need Your Help...

Do you have a favorite fabric that we should be selling in at Mary Jo's Cloth Store?
We would love for YOU to send your top picks and recommendations to us in the next few days. We are looking at expanding our lines of Fabrics so we can better serve YOU.
Be the change you want to see, send an EMAIL today.

Tour Mary Jo's Cloth Store...

Have you ever been to Mary Jo's Cloth Store? It is 32,000 feet of Fabric, Notions and possibilities! You would not believe what we have done. We have been working on this project for a while and we are finished! The store has been re-organized and set up a bit differently.

It is easier to find things and it seems by shaking it up that we have even more fabric, on the Sales Floor! You will love the new check-out area and waiting area in the front of the store. We decided to install a television for all of the patient fellas waiting by the door for their sewing divas to finish shopping the aisles of their favorite fabric mecca.

Yes the store looks different but the prices are as low as ever, you will not be disappointed. Nope, not at all. Stop by if you have not been, you will LOVE it! Our address is 401 Cox Rd. Gastonia, NC

If you cannot stop into the store, you can always log onto our website, www.maryjos.com., we are open 24-7 and the selection and prices cannot be beat. Just a reminder, check out the SALE page, it is always filled with deeply discounted fabric and other items.

Quilting, Gee's Bend, Flags and Levis...

Art, Quilting, Sewing and Creativity. Sometimes a storm of perfection happens, this is a story about that Perfect Storm. A few years back we featured an article on the Gee's Bend Quilt Collective. Recently we stumbled on a fun video featuring many pairs of re-purposed Levi Jeans that had been transformed into flags, in the Gee's Bend signature style. They were hung in the windows of Levi Stores across America. They were made by two gals, Hannah Sitzer & Sarah Snyder who have an overabundance of vision and an adventurous spirit. More about these gals in a while.
The ladies of Gee's Bend, pronounced "jeez" have been creating quilts since the late 1800's, in a small little hamlet in Alabama. Their style is distinct, unique and graphic. Their quilts are shown in Museums and Galleries all over the country. The color, style and workmanship are fantastic. The interesting thing is that these quilts have inspired Artist's and Quilter's the world over. It is a feast for the eyes to go online and search Gees Bend Quilts and take time to really look at the images. WOW. The colors and graphic punch of these very special pieces is truly brilliant. Imagine how a quilt like this, on a bed, hanging on a wall or placed over a banister could change the look of a room and punch up the art and color in any space. It could easily be placed in a modern/contemporary style home as easily as a traditional/historic home. The possibilities are endless.
Many Quilter's and Artist's are using this particular line of quilt design for inspiration. The look is both Contemporary, Historic and Artful and apparently timeless.
So maybe now you will be inspired you to create your own version of a Gee's Bend Style quilt, painting, wall-hanging or???

A Group of talented window dressers whose client was in this instance, the Levi Store, came up with a fun and creative idea, inspired by the Gee's Bend Quilts. They created "Flags" from old pairs of Levi's. Many of the Gee's Bend quilts have old denim in their patterns, some quilts are entirely made from re-purposed denim.

Want to learn more? Click on these links. 1 2 3 4 5

Click and watch this 1 minute video. Fun.


Boy, it has been BUSY here at the store. We can only guess you all are inspired and have "creating fantastic projects" on your minds! First we would like to tell you some good news. The SHIPPING NEWS. We are offering a maximum $4.99 shipping cost for ground orders sent within the continental US!
For many of you that is cheaper than the gasoline to get to Gastonia and shop the store. We know it is super fun to come in and spend a good part of the day, in 32,000 square feet of cloth. Bolts and bolts, aisles and aisles oh yes, fabric, everywhere. But you can also have a great time on our Website. We would like to remind you to visit the SALE page and SEASONAL SPECIALS. The prices are lower than our everyday prices and you will save a bundle, guaranteed. Log on today, peruse our online fabric collection, you will have a great time, be inspired and probably find exactly what you have been looking for at a great price!
Do you have a project, made with Mary Jo's Cloth? Would you like to be featured in a future blog article? Now is the time, email us a few photos and a few words about your project, you and your blog or website. We thank-you in advance.

Fashion Week and a Blast From The Past...

Charleston Fashion Week is a BIG deal in the south. This is the show that can make and break talented Fashion Designers careers. It is not exactly "The Devil Wears Prada" but sometimes you might think so! Competition is stiff and for new and emerging designers who apply to be in this show it is a coup and an honor to be accepted. Well, do we have some news, one of our favorite Mail Order Customers was chosen to be a part of this Annual event, which will take place March 20th-24th, 2012.


She will be launching her Pret-A-Porter (Ready To Wear) 2012 Fall Collection for Children!!!
Nancy Faw Crowell is from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. She has every reason to be over the moon excited about this very special week. "My design philosophy for this collection is to create high quality children's clothing with hints of vintage styles but completely modern for today's fashion conscious children and parents." She is one talented gal. Nancy has been shopping with Mary Jo Cloth for at least 17 years, according to Maggie, who helps run our Mail Order Department. Nancy has been buying cloth for custom children's clothing and other projects for over 17 years, Maggie says she just thinks the world of her. She is one talented designer and we are so happy that she has this great opportunity with Fashion Week in Charleston. Miss Nancy, we at Mary Jo's wish you all the luck in the world, but we think you don't need luck, what, with all of your hard work and talent, you are going places. Congratulations and kudos to you.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to post on our Mary Jo's Cloth Facebook Wall, wishing Mary Jo a Happy Birthday and to all of you who dropped a note or/and a story about your experience over the years with Mary Jo and her Cloth Store! We are going to share a note from a longtime customer named Marge Crunkleton. Read on, it is delightful.

"Enjoyed reading about the "big eighty" Mary Jo experienced recently...I know how she feels. Time certainly does pass quickly. I too, am 80 and a long time friend of Mary Jo.
My first shopping experiences were much different than shopping at Mary Jo's today.
I was 23, (from the big city) married a southern boy and settled in Dallas, North Carolina...no malls, no movie theatre,no, no, no anything.
However, it was not long that I found a wonderful wonderful cloth store in Dallas and being a creative sewer...the void in my life was filled. I was in "sewers heaven."

I would put the baby in her stroller and trudge the long walk to "downtown" Dallas, to the first Mary Jo's Cloth Store in Dallas, NC.
Mary Jo's was the place to find unusual fabrics...and priced cheap ! In those days, I had only a dollar or two to spend...so "cheap" was very important to me.
A friendships developed between Mary Jo, her husband Polie, sales clerk Addie and myself since I was there looking and shopping a time or two each week. This was in the early 50's and where else could I shop for an hour, spend only a dollar ....and get my creative juices flowing.?
Mary Jo's was a haven for creative people. She had impossible to find, mill end fabrics...exclusive to the retail industry only. For example: she had, in the 50's waterproof tan trench coat fabric. Making it possible for me to copy "store bought" trench coats for my 3 year old.
I loved Mary Jo's Cloth Store. Now and then, I would cut my own yardage... when clerks were busy. Several times Polie would hand me a small remnant of fabric and say "here, make something for the kid".
As I reflect, while writing this ... It feels like all this was just yesterday. Suddenly reality steps in and I realize this story happened some sixty years ago. I stop remembering and come back to today....and think "man, was it that long ago?"
Yes, time does march along.
To Mary Jo: Thank you for all your efforts, providing all of us, sewers and creative people, a place where we can gather to exchange ideas, get ideas and suggestions to make our ideas and dreams become reality.
HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY TO YOU MARY JO ...you are appreciated by us all.
Sincerely, Marge Crunkleton"
Sweet! Thanks Marge we appreciate you taking the time to send such a lovely note.

Do You have a story to share? A project we could feature? We would love to hear from you. Post on our Facebook page or send an EMAIL today! By the way if you click on the word FACEBOOK, you will be directed to our page and if you click "like" you will be notified of specials, blog articles and Fabric news items on your Facebook wall.

Mary Jo Celebrates the BIG 80!!!

This week we have a lot to share. Did you know that on Monday we helped Mary Jo celebrate her 80th Birthday? Wow, where does the time go? Things in the fabric business have changed greatly over the years and Mary Jo is still around to tell the tale. Remember, she started Mary Jo's Cloth Store when she was a mere 18 years old! Her Cloth Store has grown tremendously over the years. We not only have a huge Retail and Mail order operation but in the past several years have added Online/Web shopping. We ship orders all over the world, every day. Want to know more about "The Cloth Queen"? The Gaston Gazzete did a fine article about Mary Jo recently, click here to read all about it.

Today we would also like to talk a bit about our shipping department. Anyone who has placed an order, may not know this, but it arrives at your door because of Beth Cobb and her crew of devoted workers. Beth heads up the Mail & Web Order Department. She is the gal who makes sure your order is not only filled properly but is billed and shipped. What a big job. Beth has been with Mary Jo's Cloth Store just over 20 years. Wow. She does a terrific job. We are always receiving notes, letters and kudos in general, directed to Beth and her "Mail Order" Department.
We would like to thank Beth and her crew of folks who make this department work like a well oiled piece of machinery. Thank you ladies.
Oh and on another shipping note we are extending our FREE SHIPPING for a bit longer. It won't last forever and it sure is an easy way to save some cash, so log onto the website and keep Beth busy, pulling an order just for you! She will be delighted, as always.

We recently received a nice note from our customer, Karen May, read on...
My adorable fabric came yesterday! The packaging worked; the outside was scuffed and slushy but it held up, especially with the inside bag.
I was amazed at the promptness of my delivery, I had to look at your address again because I thought you were local. If you have any more of this fabric I may purchase more, I have another project in mind.
I would be happy to post feedback at a public site for you, or you can use this. Thanks..good stuff!!

So there you have it. No driving, no waiting all you need to do is log onto www.maryjos.com anytime of the day or night and have yourself a good ol' time. It is always so much fun to find some great bargains and dream up some cool projects. Hmmm new Quilt? Drapes or slipcovers? Tablecloths or some new Throw Pillows? Dresses, Wedding Gowns and Dance Costumes. If you can dream it up, we more than likely have the fabric you have in mind and usually at an outstanding price.
Do you have a story or project to share? Now is the time. Send a photo and a brief description of your project. You may be featured in a future article.
All for now, enjoy these quiet winter days. Great weather for sewing, don't you think?