Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Satisfying Sentiments of Christmas

Christmas Countdown

Zoom
No need to panic.  Just thought I'd take a screen shot of a Christmas Countdown page I had found.
We hope you are enjoying your Christmas holiday, whatever that looks like to you.  We have been having extremely cold weather, even for South Dakota.  Last week we experienced two days that didn't get above 0.  And the wind chills had us in the -20s and -30s.  It's not my favorite.  But to be honest, once it hits a certain temperature, cold is just cold.  It reminds me to be thankful I have a warm house to come home to.
Here at the shop, we have been enjoying filling our customers' orders while they browse the store.  They look over finished quilts, table runners and even some infinity scarves made from Cuddle material.  The TV runs Terry's YouTube tutorials quietly while Christmas music plays on the radio.  Our classes have been suspended until the new year.  Christopher is working on a sewing machine that has been brought in to be fixed.  Our ladies industriously work on the long-arm and embroidery machines.  They efficiently finish gifts to be given over the holidays.  Customers arrive and leave carrying their machines, finished projects, and a few items to be used for their next project.
As busy as these last few days are, there is a sense of satisfaction in getting things done.  Crossing items on our To Do list off.  Every finished task for us means another customer has what they need to help with their holidays.  We are grateful to see these customers regularly.  We are also grateful for our customers we don't see personally, but who we get meet through our online presence.  The comments on YouTube, Facebook, and email are always read with a discerning eye.  We want to make sure we are meeting the needs of the people who watch and follow us.  
Our website has been a great way to reach out as well.  We are one of very few stores that have a website that allows you to order online.  We have shipped all over the country and internationally.  Our shipping department gets a kick out of all the addresses in which we get to label and send supplies.
I hope you have gotten a little glimpse of what's going on in the store this week.  We also hope you understand how important you are to us.  Thank you for supporting this local store.  We look forward to serving you throughout the holiday and the upcoming new year.
Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 5, 2016

My Spin on a Holiday Classic



Have yourself a quilting little Christmas.
Pour yourself some wine.
From now on your fabric can be bought online.


Have yourself a quilting little Christmas.
Make your new quilt green.
From now on your new stuff will be shipped for free.



Here we are shivering in the snow,
Happy summer days behind.
Quilting blocks for our blanket now.
Yes, we'll show them how, we bind.


Through the years we all will sew together,
If the fates allow.
So have yourself a quilting little Christmas now.


Free shipping from Fabric Junction within the US. Now through Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Credit:  Brad Lebrun


This is the view of an elementary school building about an hour west of us.  The snow fell yesterday.  Needless to say, the kids got a break from school in that town.  We have gotten some snow here, too.  Enough that the kids have missed two days of school.  Well, I'm not sure they've missed it.  But you know what I mean.

Yesterday, we couldn't even open the store.  The snow was blowing sideways.  The streets weren't plowed.  It was cold.  Walking to the car reminded me of those old cold medicine commercials.  The one where people have their heads bowed down, pushing through the blizzard, shivering in their coats.  The snow has finally died down today.  Only the wind continues to blow.

While we were closed, we missed our customers who come to visit us.  Thankfully, they could still order online if they needed to.  Our website is up 24/7, every day of the year.  If you ever need anything, please check on our website.  Flannels, thread, fill, widebacks, and more.  You can even place an order for quilting services.  We may have exactly what you're looking for!  www.junctionfabric.com

If you do get a chance to visit, bring your scissors.  In addition to cleaning and servicing machines, we now have the ability to sharpen your scissors.  Let us help you make the season bright by keeping your equipment shiny and new feeling.

Wherever you are, we hope you are having a fantastic festive season.  We would love to see your holiday creations and feature them on our blog!  Send them to junctionfabric8@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Planning Ahead

I might be a planner.  I really don't like to fly by the seat of my pants.  I don't accomplish much and I usually get a hole in my pants.  Having children has altered my plan making abilities a little, but it still makes me uncomfortable.  

Terry is the same way.  She loves to plan ahead.  And she loves to help you plan ahead.  If you're that kinda person.  That's why she has taken on our new Block of the Month.  In November, it's hard to think about summer.  Or at least next summer.  I'm still thinking about last summer. <sigh>  But by getting this BOM started now, you will have a beautiful, patriotic quilt done just in time for the 4th of July.




To help you out, Terry has started her YouTube video tutorials for this project.  The first month is right here:



You are welcome to join us every month.  We can ship right to your door so that you can follow along.  Here's the sign-up:



Our holiday sale is getting better and better.  Don't forget to look at our sale page for cute fabrics and panels.  Or sophisticated.  Whichever side you lean towards.  We have fabrics for everything from quilts to wall hangings to table runners to placemats.  And we have the videos to help you make them.  If you make a mistake, we have tools to help you with that, too.  We just got in new scissors, snips and tweezers by Famore Cutlery.  Take a look on our Notions page.  We're hoping you might want some.  If not, maybe a sewer in your family needs a stocking stuffer.

Thanks for following along.  We really appreciate everyone who reads our blog, views our YouTube channel, and surfs our website.  Feel free to comment, call or email us if you have any questions, need some supplies, or want to provide feedback.  Have a great week!



Wednesday, November 9, 2016

A Nation....Tired.


I'm not one to comment on the political process.  I believe both sides have some ideas worth value and some that should be tossed in the trash.  God in heaven rules and nothing is a surprise to him.  But wow, am I tired!  Are any of you taking a huge breath of relief that it's all over?  What will we ever fill our time with now?  

I know!  Let's fill it with quilting.


How cute is this?!


A customer of ours from Virginia sent us this picture.  She used our panels to make an adorable baby gift.  I love these Northcott Connector Playmat panels.  The kiddos can even run their cars and planes and boats on them.  It's like a soft, portable train table!   

Need some ideas for home decor for the holidays?  Come look at our Thanksgiving and Christmas items.  Currently on sale.  Saving money on gifts just means you can make more gifts, right?  I'll also let you in on a little secret.  We still have a few Halloween items in stock.  They are 50% off.  Want to plan ahead?  Or just like Halloween?  Pick up a few things before they are sold out.

Terry has posted a brand new YouTube tutorial.  If you have a bunch of scraps laying around, this might be your ticket to de-cluttering.  You can watch this quick, 7 minute video here:





I hope that this week brings you interesting things to create, a friend or family member that loves your work, and the energy to get it all done!

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

November has Begun

I am a fan of the Farmer's Almanac.  They are so smart and insightful.


Usually.

This year, they said that winter would start early, be colder, but end early.
I got ready.

I put away my summer clothes and hung up my winter ones.  I had the dog groomed in October so she would be nice and wooly (and warm) by December.  I found our winter hats, gloves and scarves and made them accessible to the kids.


Then I waited.  

I waited for the cold, cloudy days and the small hard snowflakes that would attack our cheeks in the turbulent South Dakota wind.  I waited with furrowed brow and a cranky attitude.
And this is what happened:



The leaves started turning.  The temperature dropped a few degrees.  The sun set earlier.  And my eyebrows became unfurrowed.  At least temporarily.  It was, after all, only October.

A few days ago, the US National Weather Service forecasted November to be above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.  So now I feel really, really, over prepared.  And a little silly.

Regardless of the weather, November is a time to be thankful.  And a time to think of our loved ones and what they mean to us.  And darn it, what are we going to get them for Christmas?!  We have tried to help you out be discounting our Thanksgiving and Christmas fabrics 30%.  You can look here to see if anything catches your eye.  So much to choose from!  And if you need any patterns, don't forget to check out our Free Pattern page.


In other news, Chris and Terry just got back from the Quilt Market in Houston yesterday.  It is an amazing 3 day trade show dedicated to the sewing and soft craft industry.  They have come back with some exciting ideas and new fabrics ordered.  I can't wait to show them to you when we get them in.

In the meantime, don't forget to check our YouTube channel for our free tutorials.  These tutorials can really help you visualize how your finished project could look.  If you have any suggestions for what you would like to see, just let us know!

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Working It All Out

So.  I have decided to work out a little.  I've let it slide for awhile, and it's time to get going.  Every week, my daughter has dance lessons for an hour in another town.  This week I decided to use this time to walk/jog around a park close by.  I accomplished my goal.  Well aware that I am in the worst shape I've been for at least 20 years, I was happy with my initial effort.

The next morning, I wake up and feel like I am moving a 500 pound pillow with the front of my legs every time I take a step.  I've never had shin splints, but I may have them now.  Feels like muscle soreness so I just push through the day.  Until about 5:00.  Then, as I am running errands, I lose my voice.  By the time I go to bed I have a fever of 101 and feel like I've been run over by a truck.


That will teach me to start working out.  :)  Just kidding.  I know from experience that the better shape I'm in, the lesser my illnesses will affect me.

Enough about me.  

Let's talk about you.  And YouTube.  Did you know Terry just posted a quick new tutorial on our YouTube channel?  It's called The Rainbow Quilt.  It's a great way to use a retro panel from Northcott that we carry at the store (and online).




It's a 6 minute video that is sure to be interesting for you.  We hope you enjoy it.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Pumpkins and Turkeys and Trees, Oh My!

Normally, I balk at the idea of Christmas sales before the first snow.  


But seeing as how this is a quilt shop, and you need time to finish your gifts, I think it's perfectly appropriate to be having a sale now.


So, as some of you know, our holiday sale is in full swing!  This week, Halloween is 30% off with panels starting at $5.75 and yardage at $7.55.



Thanksgiving is 20% off, with panels starting at $6.55 and yardage at $8.35.




Christmas is 20% off, with panels starting at $6.55 and yardage at $9.15.

Click here to go to the sales page.

Check back every week throughout the season to see how low we can go.
                                                                                                            





Tis the season for falling leaves and football.  
Just three short years ago this area went through a little something called Atlas.  On October 3-5, 2013, Winter Storm Atlas swirled through the area with gusts of 70 mph.  Within a 30 mile radius, snow accumulations ranged from 14-58 inches.  Here in Sturgis, we received 29 inches in roughly 24 hours.  And rough it was.  Residents of the areas impacted reported more than $1.7 billion in damage, including lost livestock, downed trees, and structural damage.  A week later, it rained.
Was there a positive to all the chaos?  Most definitely.  The agricultural community immediately banded together to help their brothers and sisters.  People donated time, dollars, and even cattle from their herd to families in need.  And the people that donated weren't just from South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.  Local charities set up donation sites so that national and international residents could give.  


Every year about this time, we are reminded of the extreme weather that can occur in these parts.  We also remember the extreme care that our community gives to each other.  We are proud to be part of a community that withstands blizzards without complaint, provides for each other, and rises again.




Thursday, September 29, 2016

Contest Time!

Otherwise known as, Whoops!  It's Thursday.




Sorry that I'm late in updating our blog!  We are having so much fun at the store that it kinda slipped my mind.  Here's what is going on:

  • Lots of customers are coming in to stock up on their fall projects.  
  • Our Christmas flannels are starting to be delivered.  
  • We are in the process of installing a Smart TV for our live Baby Lock Destiny II Launch Party.
  • We are smack-dab in the middle of teaching our 8-12 year old sewing students how to make headbands, key chains, baby blankets, pin cushions....and well, you get the picture.
  • We are finishing 20 quilts this week for our awesome local customers.
  • Terry just posted another YouTube video with an Easy Twist technique for your next project.

Do any of these things sound fun?  Click on the links that interest you for more information.

On top of all that, we are having a contest!  Like and Share our Facebook page for an entry to win an exclusive Sturgis Rally Gift Pack.  It includes a Sturgis Rally fat quarter, nail file and key chain.  If you follow us on Pinterest and/or Twitter, you get an extra entry.

Thank you for allowing me to be late this week.  I hope you are having a beautiful autumn season and are filling your calendar with enough projects to keep you busy as it gets cooler.  Don't forget to call or contact us online if you have any questions or need anything!


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

It's Getting Prettier!

Fall is coming quick.  We live in a beautiful part of the country that is a photographer's dream during the changing seasons.  Here's a quick peek of Spearfish Canyon.  
Photo Credit:  Mike Gussiaas


In other news, did you know we have a YouTube channel?  Over 21,000 subscribers viewed Terry's 85 tutorials over 2.5 million times.  To get inspiration, instruction, or just a chance to watch an expert, try our YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Bq6lhcBXmSxk3FZr73iNw


Here is our most popular video.  It's called Fun & Done-A Quilt As You Go Technique.  We hope you get a chance to watch this one, or any other tutorial that Terry teaches.






I know I've been talking a lot about the sewing classes we're offering at the store.  I can't help it.  My oldest daughter is a new sewer and I was so excited to have her take a class.  This week they are getting familiar with the Baby Lock machines and working on a very basic project.  She came home with a pin cushion.  She loved it.  Right now, the classes are for 8-13 year olds.  We hope to be able to offer classes to more age groups in the future, based on interest.  Here's the setup we are using this week.



We have lots of fun items we carry in the store and online.  Gifts and small projects are a great way to show people you have been thinking about them.  One of the exceptional lines we carry is Goat's Milk Stuff soap and gifts.  GMS is made by a family in Southern Indiana and their soap is one of the best we've seen.  Made with just a few ingredients, they keep hands and skin moisturized during the harsh South Dakota winters.  Lip balms, bath fizzies, and candles complete the experience.  When you're in the store, please check out our GMS line in aromatic scents like Hazelnut, Lilac, Almond, and Vanilla.  We also carry seasonal scents like Cider Press, Frankincense and Myrrh, and Evergreen.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Baby Lock Destiny II Launch Party!

We are so excited to be a part of the Baby Lock launch party for their new machine, the Destiny II!  Join us in the store on October 1, 2016 from 12:30-3:30 to see Nancy Zieman introduce the Destiny II live from Baby Lock headquarters.  If you bring your smartphones, you can get your questions answered live by the experts.



In other news, our very first Row by Row customer came in with her project.  Doris brought her quilt by yesterday and showed us her beautiful creative design.  Thank you, Doris, for letting us see it!





Did you know we provide long arm services?   

We own two long arm machines and lots of quilting experts to help you finish your projects. We welcome you to come in or call to learn more about how we can help with every stage of your quilt.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

September Happenings

Labor Day is over.  The kids are back in school.  And we are getting ready for our inaugural sewing classes for kids.

Over Labor Day Weekend, Sturgis has become the home of a different kind of rally.  The Sturgis Mustang Rally celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.  Over 1,000 Mustangs showed up to barrel race, burn out, and drag race their way through the holiday weekend.  Here's a picture of the group photo from two years ago.  It has only grown since then.  This is a great event that provides a chance for families to see Sturgis and the surrounding areas in a safe and fun environment.


Living in Sturgis, we get plenty of use out of our city snow plows.  One of the activities our school kids get to do in the fall is called Paint the Plows.  The city partners up with our Middle School to freshen up the snow plows that will be used all winter.  I think this is a fantastic way for kids and adults to work together to beautify the community.



Another activity that we are offering the community is sewing lessons for kids.  Starting in a week, we will be instructing 8-13 year olds on basic sewing machine knowledge, embroidery, and sewing.  We have had so much interest that we will soon be adding adult classes.  We are so excited to see 4-Hers, homeschoolers, and Girl Scouts (and more) come in and learn our craft!


Terry has created another YouTube video tutorial.  This one is our last Block of the Month from Marcus Fabrics.  You can watch it HERE. She will soon post a video showing you how to make a quilt using all the scraps from the entire 9 month project.  We are excited to start our next Block of the Month in October.  You can see the project and sign up HERE.  

We hope you had a meaningful Labor Day weekend.  We look forward to seeing all the creative projects you have going on right now.


Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Quilting Hacks

You know all those life hacks you see on Facebook?  


Like how to freshen stale potato chips or 


How to remember a stranger's name? 

Or 101 ways to use a lemon?  


You get the idea...

Terry wanted to provide a quilting hack, so she made a tutorial called "How to Square Your Quilt Blocks."  For all the times, you know, you want to square up your quilt blocks.

Let's face it, as much as some of us quilt, we all still need a little help sometimes.  Terry has so many tools to square up blocks, along with some really great advice.  Take a look.  Let us know what you think.





This nine minute video is a great time investment to help you with your quilting project.  Beginner or professional, we're here to help.  If you like this video, we have more.  There are over 80 tutorials to help you with anything from Disappearing 9 Patches to mesh bags to doll blankets to Simple Pineapples.  Our YouTube channel is easy to find and easy to follow.

Thanks and if you see a life hack that works, drop us a line!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Sewing Classes and Customer Pictures

Remember Judie?  She's our resident genius.  She will be teaching sewing classes starting in September!  Kids aged 8-13 will receive basic Sewing 101 lessons and then have the option of multiple projects throughout the fall and winter.  They will be using our Baby Lock Sofia brand sewing machine, which will allow them to personalize their projects.  Classes will run $10 plus the cost of materials.  We start 9/19/16.  Classes will run Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:30-5:30 pm.  If you want to sign up or have any questions, please let us know!


A few customer pictures:

This one is a of a favorite family of ours-Mrs. Jean Rounds and her husband, Mike.  Jean is a regular customer at our store.  Mike happens to be one of our state's US senators.  We appreciate their patronage and their service to our country.






This picture is one of a completed project that our customer sent in.  She got her instructions from our YouTube tutorial called our Last Minute Table Runner.



We love the colors and the crispness of her lines.  She did a fantastic job!


We hope you get a chance to visit the Black Hills Quilters Guild booth at the Central States Fair this week.  We love seeing all the finished quilts and demonstrations.  OK.  And the funnel cakes might be calling my name.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Baby Lock Sale and Other Stuff


Sturgis hosted its annual motorcycle rally last week.  Around here, we start counting the days until fall after the rally ends.  (Sometimes it's a short count.)  This fall and winter are promising to be colder than usual, so we are going to make sure our sewing machines are tuned up and ready to go.


If you need a new machine, this might be the time for you to buy one from us.  We are running a great promotion on two of our Baby Lock machines.

Baby Lock was the first to introduce the world to sergers with easy air threading and no tension knobs.  The Baby Lock Ovation Serger brings you the largest workspace in the home serger industry.  The Ovation has other innovative features like a knee lift and six bright LED lights to make every sewing project easier.  Plus, you get 87 stitch combinations including the Baby Lock Exclusive Wave Stitch.  

MSRP-$5,999.00  
Sale Price-$3,999.00


We are also offering the Baby Lock Ellegante3.  With hundreds of built-in embroidery designs including exclusive Nancy Zieman designs, the Ellegante3 makes it easy to make every project unique.  Baby Lock IQ Technology works with the "brain" of the Ellegante3 to help you transition between sewing and embroidery.  Plus the IQ powered LCD Color Touch Screen lets you effortlessly change your machine settings.  Additionally, with on-screen editing, you can put a unique spin on designs from your personal library.


MSRP-$6,999.00
Sale Price-$3,888.00

Supplies are limited.  Sale ends September 5, 2016.  You can order your machine by calling the store at 605-347-2235.


Our Wednesday fabric sale is our brand new Studio E Mariposa Meadow line.  This line includes beautiful blues, purples and pinks with a butterfly design.  These would make a great option for those of you who watched the Disappearing 9 Patch tutorial and liked the fabric we used.  (Which has since sold out.)


Regular Price-$12.50/yard
Sale Price-$10.00/yard

As school gets started and you have a little more free time, we hope you come and visit us in Sturgis.  Or browse our website for free patterns, tutorials, and of course, our high quality quilting supplies.




Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Our Greatest Asset

Well that would be you, of course.

Our customers come in with an idea or two.  














They go home with some raw materials.  


 




And they create masterpieces.











(These customers used our Sturgis fabric and our Row by Row kit.)

We love seeing our customers' finished projects.  They show us the brilliant creativity that our sewers possess. 
If you come in to the store for fabric, notions, or just help, we would love to see what amazing quilt you come up with.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Sew Much Stuff

So.  It's Rally time.  There's a lot of traffic going on in our little town.  Some of those cars are stopping in the store to pick up their Row by Row Experience kits.  Make sure you stop by and get yours before they run out.



We're proud of our contribution to the South Dakota Row by Row Experience.  :)

Today is Wednesday!  Our new Wednesday fabric line sale is Riverwoods Whispers.  Regularly $12.00.  Now only $8.60 per yard. 




We are getting in the cutest Christmas fabrics right now.  I love these penguin and polar bear buddies in our Arctic Antics line.  You can click on any of the pictures to order on our website.








Our new Block of the Month is coming soon!  We will start Marcus Fabrics' Star Spangled Liberty series on September 15.  Check on our website in the coming weeks to sign up!



Did you know we also sell finished projects?  If you need a quilt, wall hanging, or table runner on the double, order one from our website.  We have multiple patterns and sizes available for all of your gifting needs.

As we get closer to Rally, we will post some pictures of the great crowds.  Have a great week!




Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Judie

This is Judie.  


Judie is our newest employee.  Judie should really be named Jack (Of-All-Trades), because she can do just about anything we ask her to do.

Judie has extensive sewing experience, along with a retail and teaching background.  She is patient and knowledgeable, and she will be educating many people in the coming months.  We will be offering a sewing class soon and Judie will be the teacher.  Judie is also becoming the expert in our Baby Lock machines.  If you have any questions, or need a new machine, Judie would be happy to help!

Judie has lived in the Black Hills area for the last 30 years.  Her hobbies include quilting, writing, and enjoying her grandchildren.  Judie is excited to meet everyone when they come into the store.  Please make sure to ask for her when you come in!

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

July 6th.

     My oldest daughter's favorite holiday is the fourth of July.  I'm not sure why.  It could be the city fireworks display, the late bedtime, the middle of summer freedom from school, the buying and prep time of lighting our own fireworks with her Dad. 

    This year in Sturgis, there was a ban on fireworks because of our extremely dry weather.  We've already had two fires in the last month that decimated over 14,000 acres of beautiful forest and ranch land.  So my Patriotic Beauty had to be content with a short program the city put on, complete with the full attention of the fire department.  To add insult to injury, the city decided to have their program on the 2nd. 

    Now, I didn't think much of it, but my girls were thoroughly confused.  

     We decided to distract them on the 4th with a movie in Rapid City.  We figured a little bit of screen time would heal our daughters' wounded souls.  We could have gone to Lead, SD  to see their fireworks display.  And we seriously considered it.  But we knew there would be a huge crowd to see the explosions being lit from the bottom of the Open Cut Gold Mine.

Credit:  Chris Huber via AP

     The movie was great.  The girls were appeased.  They were also delighted to see some sparkling fireworks going off on our way home, as the 25 miles between Rapid City and Sturgis often provides striking weather differences.  There were no bans in the area we drove through because of some rain that had kept that area wetter.  It felt like a win-win situation.  And it was.  
 
     And then I saw some beautiful pictures from the City of Lead's program.  And it made me rethink the crowds...



For as long as I have lived here, I never get tired of the beauty of Western South Dakota.  And this July 4th, I have to agree with my daughter-this holiday is one of the best.