Let's Get Organized with Rubbermaid Bento Boxes at Jo-Ann

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Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers help you divide and conquer your clutter.

• Bento’s Flex Dividers allow users to customize the inside of the box, creating organization solutions that are perfect for a variety of needs. Flex Dividers pop open when needed, and simply pop back when not.
• Bento Toppers™ can be used in two distinctive ways: as a tray to contain items you frequently use, such as scissors or tape or as a lid for the Bento Box by simply flipping over the Topper! 

The Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers are available at select Jo-Ann’s Fabric and Craft Stores and on joann.com in Chadwick, Loose Linen and Lombard patterns (shown above).

Let's Get Organized with Rubbermaid Bento Boxes at Jo-Ann

To contact us Click HERE
Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers help you divide and conquer your clutter.

• Bento’s Flex Dividers allow users to customize the inside of the box, creating organization solutions that are perfect for a variety of needs. Flex Dividers pop open when needed, and simply pop back when not.
• Bento Toppers™ can be used in two distinctive ways: as a tray to contain items you frequently use, such as scissors or tape or as a lid for the Bento Box by simply flipping over the Topper! 

The Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers are available at select Jo-Ann’s Fabric and Craft Stores and on joann.com in Chadwick, Loose Linen and Lombard patterns (shown above).

Let's Get Organized with Rubbermaid Bento Boxes at Jo-Ann

To contact us Click HERE
Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers help you divide and conquer your clutter.

• Bento’s Flex Dividers allow users to customize the inside of the box, creating organization solutions that are perfect for a variety of needs. Flex Dividers pop open when needed, and simply pop back when not.
• Bento Toppers™ can be used in two distinctive ways: as a tray to contain items you frequently use, such as scissors or tape or as a lid for the Bento Box by simply flipping over the Topper! 

The Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers are available at select Jo-Ann’s Fabric and Craft Stores and on joann.com in Chadwick, Loose Linen and Lombard patterns (shown above).

Simply for Baby Nursery Contest Winners!

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We had a ton of great submissions for our Simply for Baby Nursery Contest! Congrats to Ali Rockwell and Teresa Brown who tied for First Place! Thanks to everyone who entered, and be sure to take a look at all of the amazing nurseries for inspiration, too :)
Check out the winning nurseries below: Ali Rockwell's Nursery
Teresa Brown's Nursery
Honorable Mention (with gift baskets) goes to:Amy BellCamila Duque-EstradaNicole Palacios

Let's Get Organized with Rubbermaid Bento Boxes at Jo-Ann

To contact us Click HERE
Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers help you divide and conquer your clutter.

• Bento’s Flex Dividers allow users to customize the inside of the box, creating organization solutions that are perfect for a variety of needs. Flex Dividers pop open when needed, and simply pop back when not.
• Bento Toppers™ can be used in two distinctive ways: as a tray to contain items you frequently use, such as scissors or tape or as a lid for the Bento Box by simply flipping over the Topper! 

The Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers are available at select Jo-Ann’s Fabric and Craft Stores and on joann.com in Chadwick, Loose Linen and Lombard patterns (shown above).

Get Excited -- New Stores!

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We have some new stores opening this week -- check to see if we're coming to your area.
Mark your calendars for our Grand Opening celebrations August 9-11 to the stores below for giveaways, demos, make it-take its, hot offers, and an education open house! Click on the cities below to find out more information about your new store!

San Leandro, CA.  Greenhouse Marketplace, 699 Lewelling Blvd.
White Lake, MI.  White Lake Market Place, 9052 Highland Rd.
Kohler, WI.   Deer Trace,  4079 Highway 28
Wooster, OH.  Wooster Crossings, 3786 Burbank Rd.
McKinney, TX.  Towne Center, 2050 W. University Dr.
Glen Mills, PA.  Concordville Town Center, 600 Town Centre Dr.
Sherman, TX. Sherman Commons, 4127 N Hwy 75
Billings, MT. Market Place, 2833 King Ave West
St. George, UT. Cotton Mill Shopping Center, 720 W Telegraph St.
American Fork, UT. American Fork Shopping Center, 640 E State St.
Clinton, UT. Clinton Towne Center 1803 W 1800 N.

Let's Get Organized with Rubbermaid Bento Boxes at Jo-Ann

To contact us Click HERE
Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers help you divide and conquer your clutter.

• Bento’s Flex Dividers allow users to customize the inside of the box, creating organization solutions that are perfect for a variety of needs. Flex Dividers pop open when needed, and simply pop back when not.
• Bento Toppers™ can be used in two distinctive ways: as a tray to contain items you frequently use, such as scissors or tape or as a lid for the Bento Box by simply flipping over the Topper! 

The Rubbermaid Bento Boxes and Toppers are available at select Jo-Ann’s Fabric and Craft Stores and on joann.com in Chadwick, Loose Linen and Lombard patterns (shown above).

Root Candles @ Jo-Ann

To contact us Click HERE

What's your favorite scent: Vanilla Bean, Ginger, Apple Cider, Pear, or Lemongrass? Loving these scents from Root Candles! Find these completely domestic candles -- from the beeswax to the glass jar -- in select Jo-Ann stores.


Since 1869, Root Candles of Medina, Ohio, has been an industry-leading, family-owned company renowned for innovative ideas, aesthetic enhancements and the highest standards of quality. Now in its fifth generation, the Root family continues to extol the virtues of honesty, integrity, and diligent craftsmanship.

Find Root Candles, now at select Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store locations! 
Find out more about Root Candles.

August Grand Opening Celebrations

To contact us Click HERE

We have some new stores opening this week -- check to see if we're coming to your area.
Mark your calendars for our Grand Opening celebrations August 9-11 to the stores below for giveaways, demos, make it-take its, hot offers, and an education open house! Click on the cities below to find out more information about your new store!

San Leandro, CA.  Greenhouse Marketplace, 699 Lewelling Blvd.
White Lake, MI.  White Lake Market Place, 9052 Highland Rd.
Kohler, WI.   Deer Trace,  4079 Highway 28
Wooster, OH.  Wooster Crossings, 3786 Burbank Rd.
McKinney, TX.  Towne Center, 2050 W. University Dr.
Glen Mills, PA.  Concordville Town Center, 600 Town Centre Dr.
Sherman, TX. Sherman Commons, 4127 N Hwy 75
Billings, MT. Market Place, 2833 King Ave West
St. George, UT. Cotton Mill Shopping Center, 720 W Telegraph St.
American Fork, UT. American Fork Shopping Center, 640 E State St.
Clinton, UT. Clinton Towne Center 1803 W 1800 N.

Ruffle Aprons Tutorial

To contact us Click HERE

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• 4-5 different coordinating cotton prints, 3/8 yd. each
• Coordinating thread
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
• Pins
• Chalk or marking pen
• Ruler

DIRECTIONS:
SEAM ALLOWANCES 5/8".
1. Cut one front bib following pattern
2. Cut one apron 19 ¾" x 22 ¼" (LxW)
3. Cut one bib ruffle 4 ¼" x 24"
4. Cut one top ruffle 8 ¼" x 30" (LxW)
5. Cut one bottom ruffle 11 ¼" x 30" (LxW)
6. Cut 2 waist ties 4" x 27"
7. Cut 4 neck ties 2" x 21"
8. Make ¼" narrow hems on angled front bib sides and top edge. Set aside.
9. Make ¼" narrow hems on bib ruffle at short sides and one long edge.
10. Gather top edge of bib ruffle. Pull bobbin threads so bib ruffle fits to top edge of front bib.
11. Stitch ruffle to bib. Press.
12. Make ¼" narrow hems on short sides of apron front and one long edge.
13. Make ¼" narrow hems on top ruffle at short sides and one long edge.
14. Gather top edge of top ruffle. Pull bobbin threads so top ruffle fits to top edge of apron.
15. Stitch ruffle to apron, raw edges even.
16. Make ¼" narrow hems on short sides of bottom ruffle and one long edge.
17. Gather top edge of bottom ruffle. Pull bobbin threads so bottom ruffle fits edge to edge on apron. Pin ruffle edge approx 4" below top edge of apron. Stitch.
18. For waist ties, fold each lengthwise, right sides together and stitch along one short edge and long edge. Seam allowance should be ½".
19. Trim seams and clip corners. Turn right side out and press.
20. Pin ties to wrong side of apron at top edge. Raw edges even. Stitch.
21. For neck ties, fold all edges to wrong side ½". Press.
22. With wrong sides together lay straps on top of each other with folded edges even. Edge stitch along folds.
23. Stitch to top edge of apron bib at sides with raw edge and folded edges even.
24. Press seam allowance to wrong side. Edge stitch along top edge.

Misty Lace Tote Tutorial

To contact us Click HERE
Get an instantly cool effect on a tote or t-shirt using a doily and Tulip Fabric Spray Paint. It’s so fastand easy to do…once you try it, you’ll be wanting to spray your entire wardrobe! Find full directionson our site along with a downloadable PDF!
http://www.joann.com/misty-lace-tote/prod280330
For more fun project ideas using Tulip and Aleene’s products visit here:http://facebook.com/lovetocreate

Fabric Cabana & Pillows Tutorial

To contact us Click HERE
Supplies & Tools: 

• 4½ yds 45" home decor fabric: canopy sides
• 13⁄4 yd fabric: canopy top, 1 pillow
• 3 print fabrics, 5/8 yd ea: pillows
• Four 18" pillow forms
• 34" hula hoop
• 1" plastic curtain grommet
• 6 yds clothesline rope
• 12 yds Simplicity® 1/2" twill tape
• Duck® brand duct tape
• 9 wood clothespins
• 1pkg wood circles: 11⁄8" dia
• 1 pkg wood circles: 1½" dia
• Acrylic paint: 3 colors
• Paintbrush
• Tacky glue
• Basic sewing supplies
• Sewing machine
• Iron & pressing surface


DIRECTIONS:
1. Cut three pieces side fabric 54" long. Hem 1" on top and bottom and sides.
2. Cut twenty-four 15" pieces of twill tape. Fold each tape in half. Evenly space and securely stitch the fold of 8 pieces
along the top hem of each side panel.
3. Paint wood circles and clothespins. Allow to dry. Glue circles to the pins. Use to clip the flaps open or closed.
4. For top cut one piece 49" and add a piece to the side to form a 49" square. Cut a 48" circle. Overcast the edges.
Turn edge for a 1/2" hem. Mark center and finish with a 1" plastic curtain grommet (hole for rope).
5. Cut three 6-ft lengths of rope. Divide & mark hoop into thirds (36½"). Knot one end of each rope at mark on hoop.
Secure with duct tape.
6. Tie one side panel to each third of hoop.
7. Knot ropes in center and pull through grommet on canopy top.
8. Make 4 envelope-style pillows from remaining top fabric and each of the 3 print fabrics.

Adding Ruffles -- From Christopher Straub

To contact us Click HERE

A. Decide how long you want your ruffle and cut strips TWICE as long. Fold in half, so the fold is on the bottom, and make marks along the top edge. For this project I am making a mark at intervals of 5" followed by 2" sections. Make marks the entire length of the strips.

B. Join the dots together to form the pleats. Fold down the pleats in the same direction.

C. At this step you can either:
1. Stitch along the top to secure everything before attaching to the skirt.
OR
2. Pin along the top before attaching to the skirt.

Watch the video (below) or enter our Sew Unique Contest here: http://bit.ly/QXbXOW

Sew & Tell with Christopher Straub -- Sept. 10 Edition

To contact us Click HERE

Christopher during his video shoot for our Sew Unique Contest

Thank you for taking the time to post questions for designer Christopher Straub last week -- we asked him to pick his five favorites to answer, and he picked 11!

Be sure to stop by our Facebook page Sept. 18 for another chance to ask Christopher your questions! Find him on Facebook here.

Shelly Millikan-Kleve I have heard of designers who have a hard time making clothes for fuller sized women. Do you know why this is?
Christopher: Well, I can only speak for myself when I say that I have dressed everyone including missy, junior, petite, children, maternity, plus, and men.  So when it comes to why other designers have reservations about fuller figured designs, all I can say is that I cannot relate to their thinking. :0) I will attest to the fact that I still have not mastered the fit on a big bust. Still working on it, though. 

 Mary Beck My husband's jeans, dress pants, etc. need to be shortened, I have the sewing machine to do it. However, I'm not sure the best way to measure pants, so the inseam is long enough, but not trailing in the dirt on the back or bunched up, funny looking in the front. Help please.
Christopher: Here's what I do...have him put on the pants AND the shoes. Then, turn any extra length to the inside and pin.  Have him walk and see if there is any drag or if too high. Readjust pins, as necessary, and sew when it all looks perfect. GOOD LUCK!

 Rebekah Alureah Burble Smith Do you use patterns or does an image come to your mind and you just design from it? (because that's what I do, I can't use patterns)
Christopher: I like to start with the design that comes into my head and then try to work out all the details that will go into making my sketch into reality. 

 Phyllis M Lampe Blackwelder when creating all these beautiful dresses with all those flouncy ruffles what product do you use to keep the material from going all crazy on you when either cutting your pieces or sewing them together, starch?
Christopher: HAHA!  I wish I could say that I have a method but I just, repeatedly, find myself buried in ruffles.  I don't use starch because I want the fabric to remain fluid.

 Rebecca Sims Caplinger WHEN YOUR MAKING CUSTOMIZED CLOTHING, WHAT IS THE INTIMIDATING PART OF THE PROCEDURE FOR YOU? I make custom items
Christopher: The most intimidating part, for me, is that the client might not agree with your design and then they want to make a lot of changes.  You see this ALL the time on Project Runway.  Sometimes your customer is just looking for a tailor to recreate other designers' work...and I don't do that.  :0)

 Shannon Smith What is the best way to draw the eye away from areas of the body that aren't your favorite area (extra full hips, etc)? Frills? Color?
Christopher: What I always ask my private clients is "What parts of your body do you want to maximize and what parts you you want to minimize?" That way, you know where to put volume, accessories, or busy prints. Examples: If you have larger bust ... draw attention to your waist or legs. If you have larger hips then wear a ruffled top or add a statement necklace ... or wear sexy, eye-catching heels. Either way, love your body and wear what makes you comfortable. Confidence is ALWAYS in style and goes with every body-type. 

 Carolina Galindo What is the best material to use for dresses?
Christopher: This really depends on the type of dress that you are wanting to create. If you want a flowy look use lightweight fabrics like chiffon and organza. If you want a more structured dress you can use brocades or or other heavy wovens. Form-fitting and casual dresses call for stretch fabrics like jersey and sweater knits. 

 Tiffany Arrington like many others I wish to become a designer but I can't afforded to go to college . what could I do or where should I look to teach myself the tricks if the trade ?
Christopher: I'm a self-taught designer and didn't go to school. Being a hands-on learner, I've just kept teaching myself new tricks while getting a grasp on the fundamentals.

 Lacie Dotson What is your favorite thing to design
Christopher: I LOVE doing artful, special occasion dresses. I'm able to have a lot more fun with them. 

 Cheryl Campbell R there any two fabrics that u would not use together in a garment?
Christopher: mixing knits and women's in one garment almost never works out.  Best to stick to one or the other. 

Sew & Tell with Christopher Straub -- Sept. 24 Edition

To contact us Click HERE

Gown by Christopher Straub

Thank you for taking the time to post questions for designer Christopher Straub last week -- we asked him to pick his five favorites to answer, and he picked 8! Find him on Facebook here.

Don't forget to view his videos, and check out the entries in the Sew Unique Contest, before Sept. 30 :http://bit.ly/QXbXOW

 Shireen Harris GORG!!! What kind of fabric is this??? I love it!!
Christopher: This is simply teal organza stitched onto teal satin.  The sash belt is satin.  Even though there is 20+ yards of material in this piece it is very light weight.

 Sarah Disney What was your inspiration for this dress? °o°
Christopher: Great question!  This look is supposed to represent a beautiful flower.  It has a circle-skirt s there is a lot of movement as the model walks.

 Mary Vandeleur Schweitzer I loved you on Project Runway. I have no sewing experience, but I would love to make altered clothing. But for some reason I am hesitant to cut into anything. Any advice?
AND
Stephanie Isseroff yes, how DOES one overcome the innate fear many of us have to make that first cut into something that could be altered?
Christopher: Stephanie and Mary, JUST…CUT!  When I was young I used to be a florist and I was scared to cut the stems off of the roses…even though I only needed the bud for the arrangement.  I soon realized that I was never going to get to my goal if I didn’t make that first cut.  Don’t be afraid…Just cut.

 Rani Weatherby Oh, I forgot to ask a question! Any tips for someone who has sewed only non-clothing items (purses, pillows, etc) who wants to venture into sewing clothes? What are some good items to start with?
Christopher: Start working with patterns to begin the understanding of how pieces flow together to make a dress, for example.  Once you have a grasp on how pieces look on the human form then you should be able to let your imagination go wild.  :0) 

 Helen Ceron When you make a structured gown with a bodice ending at the waist, how do you keep the boning from bruising and stabbing your hips?
Christopher: 3 options: What I’ve done is have the boning stop an inch or two before the bottom and top hems.  Otherwise, you can taper them or round the edge of the boning to soften it.

 Christiana Haskins Instead of buying a new foot for my sewing machine, is there a way to cheat on a rolled hem? I really don't want to buy more stuff.
Christopher: I don’t use any special foot, either.  I just take the time to roll and press the hem into place before stitching.  OR, if you have a serger, serge the edge and then roll.  It gives the edge a little more stability and makes it easier to hold on to.

 Catherine Fowler Is that organza? And rotary cutter you say? Wow. Okay, how did they get the organza not to shred everywhere? I can never seal my edges if they are tight curves with a roll hem....
Christopher: I used the zig-zag blade on the cutter so it, significantly, reduces the shedding.  I still have to do a bit of shaking once the garment is done to get rid of any leftover pieces.

 Diane Zubik Love watching protect runway but the never show the transition from using the tape on the dress form to what actually comes next…MY QUESTION…what is the tape representing? Is it seamlines???? I should mention that I'm a quilter not a garment sewer but I can follow a pattern and make a garment. It's the designing and making the pattern part that intrigues me!
Christopher: You are correct!  The tape is the seamlines as well as the neckline, hemline, sleeve length, etc.  After you tape the form you, then, drape muslin over the form to create the pattern pieces.

Ruffle Aprons Tutorial

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• 4-5 different coordinating cotton prints, 3/8 yd. each
• Coordinating thread
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
• Pins
• Chalk or marking pen
• Ruler

DIRECTIONS:
SEAM ALLOWANCES 5/8".
1. Cut one front bib following pattern
2. Cut one apron 19 ¾" x 22 ¼" (LxW)
3. Cut one bib ruffle 4 ¼" x 24"
4. Cut one top ruffle 8 ¼" x 30" (LxW)
5. Cut one bottom ruffle 11 ¼" x 30" (LxW)
6. Cut 2 waist ties 4" x 27"
7. Cut 4 neck ties 2" x 21"
8. Make ¼" narrow hems on angled front bib sides and top edge. Set aside.
9. Make ¼" narrow hems on bib ruffle at short sides and one long edge.
10. Gather top edge of bib ruffle. Pull bobbin threads so bib ruffle fits to top edge of front bib.
11. Stitch ruffle to bib. Press.
12. Make ¼" narrow hems on short sides of apron front and one long edge.
13. Make ¼" narrow hems on top ruffle at short sides and one long edge.
14. Gather top edge of top ruffle. Pull bobbin threads so top ruffle fits to top edge of apron.
15. Stitch ruffle to apron, raw edges even.
16. Make ¼" narrow hems on short sides of bottom ruffle and one long edge.
17. Gather top edge of bottom ruffle. Pull bobbin threads so bottom ruffle fits edge to edge on apron. Pin ruffle edge approx 4" below top edge of apron. Stitch.
18. For waist ties, fold each lengthwise, right sides together and stitch along one short edge and long edge. Seam allowance should be ½".
19. Trim seams and clip corners. Turn right side out and press.
20. Pin ties to wrong side of apron at top edge. Raw edges even. Stitch.
21. For neck ties, fold all edges to wrong side ½". Press.
22. With wrong sides together lay straps on top of each other with folded edges even. Edge stitch along folds.
23. Stitch to top edge of apron bib at sides with raw edge and folded edges even.
24. Press seam allowance to wrong side. Edge stitch along top edge.