Strawberry Basket

  Free Patterns!!!  We all like free patterns.  I was looking at some patterns today some free and some you have to purchase.  It is the free ones that I want to suggest.  
  Most fabric manufacturers have patterns on their website.  Some of the patterns are free for you to download.  There are all kind of ideas available because the manufacturer wants you to be inspired, then purchased their fabrics.  Check out the fabric manufacturers websites.  Get Inspired!!!  For the names of manufacturers, look at the salvage on your fabric.
  Today's block is Strawberry Basket.  I pieced the rectangles to the triangles, then trim to create a large triangle.

Strawberry Basket

Cutting
  Light fabric
    nine  1 1/2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    two  2 1/2" x 4 7/8" rect.

  Dark Medium fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once  you will use only 1 of the triangles

  Dark fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    three  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    six  1 1/2" sq.

Keep quilting,
  Terry

Crosses & Losses Quilt

  As the cleaning continues, I came across a picture of a quilt.  As I looked at it, I recognized it as Crosses & Losses.  That is when I knew that I needed to create the pattern for it.  Today, I put the pattern together and decided to share it with you.
  Some changes from the 6 1/2" blocks is that they are 10 1/2" blocks and very scrappy.  The quilt is 90" x 100", a 7 blocks by 8 rows layout with a 10" border.  The sequence of the dark fabric verses light fabric alternates in each block.  You can change the border to what ever you would like.  Also, if you made the 6 1/2" block in the same layout and add border or borders, you will have a nice lap size quilt.  So, dig out those scraps and start quilting.

Crosses & Losses Quilt

Yardage
  1/2 yd. of 20 fabrics or lots of scraps

  Border   2 3/4 yd.
  Binding  3/4 yd.

Cutting per block
  Fabric 1
    one  5 7/8" sq.  for large HST
    two  3 3/8" sq.  for small HST

  Fabric 2
    one  5 7/8" sq.  for large HST
    two  3 3/8" sq.  for small HST
    four  3" sq.
  
  HST means Half Square Triangle

Keep quilting and enjoy,
  Terry
  

Gretchen

  I don't know about you but I have enjoyed going through all of these blocks.  Some, I would have never picked to make and others I may have liked but would not have ever tried.  Even though the YouTube tutorials are all potholders, I have several ideas that I hope to pursue.
  Today's block is one of those that I liked but may not have tried.  It is Gretchen.  Here is a couple of hints.  Look at the block as 4 identical sections.  The center strips of each section is made similar to flying geese but it is longer then what you needed.  Center the triangle and sew to the side.  Then sew the two part to each other.  Square up to a 3 1/2" sq.

Gretchen

 

Cutting
  Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    eight  1 1/4" x 2 1/2" rect.
    four  1 1/4" x 3 1/2" rect. 

  Dark fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    eight  1 1/4" x 2 1/2" rect.
    four  1 1/4" x 3 1/2" rect.

Keep quilting,
  Terry
  

Storm Signal

  Well, I did it.  I finished my son, Ryan's quilt after 15 plus years.  Or rather it is in the rotation to be quilted.  My quilts are always quilted in the store.  There are 4 of us that do all the quilting on store's long arm quilting machines.  The turn-around time is quick so I will be binding it shortly.
  Today's block is--Storm Signal.  Think of this block as four sections.  Sew the triangles to the square first to make a larger triangle.  Then sew the larger triangle to the dark fabric triangle.  Hope this helps.

Storm Signal

Cutting
  Light fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice
    three  1 7/8" sq.  cut only one diagonally once for the center 

  Medium fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice
    three 1 7/8" sq.  cut only one diagonally once for the center

  Dark fabric
    two  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for the outer corners

Keep quilting,
  Terry

Hither & Yon

  There is nothing like going to a Middle school band concert.  The middle schoolers are not ready for Carnegie Hall but it is better.  It is better because they are kids from the neighborhood, kids of friends or the best, grandkids.  Of course, my grandson was the best sax player there.
  Today's block is--Hither & Yon.  It looks like a spool with pinwheels.

Hither & Yon

Cutting
  Light fabric
    six  2 3/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    two  2 3/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for the pinwheels

  Medium fabric
    two  2 3/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for the pinwheels

  Dark fabric
    two  2 3/8" sq. cut diagonally once
    one  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

Hope you get the chance to attend a school concert.
  Terry

Indian Puzzle

  As I sit here thinking, another soup night with the grandchildren is over.  I have forgotten how much work it took raising 4 kids.  The grandchildren keep me busy and we have fun but it is nice to send them home.  I have come to enjoy the quiet after the storm.
  Today's block is Indian Puzzle.  It has a little of everything in it.  The center is a square in a square, flying geese on the sides, squares and HST in the corners.

Indian Puzzle

Cutting
  Light fabric
    five  1 7/8" sq.  use 4 for HST and 1 for the center
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect. for flying geese
    twelve  1 1/2" sq.  use 4 for corners rest for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    four  1 7/8" sq.  for HST
    four  1 1/2" sq.

  Dark fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect. for flying geese
    two  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for Sq. in a Sq.
    eight  1 1/2" sq. for flying geese

Enjoy,
  Terry 

Churn Dash

  Friday night, my husband and I went to the HS basketball games.  That is something we hadn't done in a long time.  Both the girls and the boys played great games with one losing and one winning.  It reminded me of when we would go to all the activities when our kids were in high school.  Now, we get to relive those days as the grandchildren get older, none are in high school, yet.
  Today's block is a timeless one--Churn Dash.

Churn Dash

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for HST
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.
    one  2 1/2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.
  
  Dark fabric
    two 2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST

  Check out our posting of the 6 1/2" blocks on youtube.  We hope that the tutorials will help you if you have any questions about the blocks.
  Terry    

Spinner

  Well, I finished my book, the quilter's mystery that my daughter gave me.  It was a nice, easy read who-done-it.  This is the kind of book that I enjoy for a change of pace.
  Another thing that I like, in quilting, is the pinwheel.  I like the movement that it creates in the quilt.  With that in mine, today's block has a pinwheel theme.  It is called Spinner.

Spinner

Cutting
  Light fabric
    four  2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    two  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Dark fabric
    four  2 3/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

Have fun quilting,
  Terry

Return of the Swallows

  Another week, another dollar and another week closer to spring.  I don't mind the 4 seasons but I would make winter shorter if I could.  Anyway, it does make great quilting weather.  So let it snow and a quilting I will go.
  Today's block is Return of the Swallows.  It is flying geese all around.

Return of the Swallows

Cutting
  Light fabric
    sixteen  2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    four  2" x 3 1/2" rect.

  Dark fabric
    four  2" x 3 1/2" rect.

  For extra help, check out our flying geese tutorial at Fabric Junction on youtube.
  Terry

No Name Patch

  For Christmas, my daughter gave me a book that is a quilter's mystery.  She thought that it would be something that I would enjoy.  She was right.  I enjoy quilting and also a good mystery.  What more could one ask for in a book.  Anyway, I started reading Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks over the weekend. So far so good.
  Today's block is No Name Patch.   It is made of 4-patches and square in a square.

No Name Patch

Cutting
  Light fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq.
    four  1 7/8" sq.  for the sq. in a sq.

  Light Medium fabric
    eight  1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch

  Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" sq.  for 4-patch
    eight  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for the sq. in a sq.

  Dark fabric
    four  1 1/2" sq. for outer corners in sq. in a sq. 

  Have fun and find a good book.
  Terry 

Merry Kite

  As I have been working with the different blocks, some of them I think would make some interesting quilts.  If I only had the time to make them all.  As the year proceeds, I will see how many of them get made.  I would like to see what you are coming up with using the blocks.
  Today's block is Merry Kite made from flying geese and squares.

Merry Kite

Cutting
  Light Fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect. for flying geese

  Light Medium fabric
    eight  1 1/2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    twelve  1 1/2" sq.  eight for flying geese
    one  2 1/2" sq.  for center

  Dark Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" sq.  for outer corners

  Dark fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.  for flying geese
    eight  1 1/2" sq.    

Double Pinwheel

  The end of the year is counting down.  One of the things that I have always tried to do is to complete the lingering projects from the year.  That does not mean that I finish all my quilt projects.  These are the ones that I am making for the shop or was commissioned to make for a customer.  This gives me a good feeling to begin my year anew.  Since Christmas has pasted, I have been able to concentrate on them.  Tomorrow, I have one quilt left to bind.  Yeah!! Next, on to the projects that came in this month that have 2018 deadlines.
  For now, it is block time.  Double Pinwheel is one of my favorites and a great one for any skill level.

Double Pinwheel

  Cutting
    Light fabric
      one  4 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice

    Medium fabric
      two  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

    Dark fabric
      one  4 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice

  Well, there is still time to finished one more before the new year begins.  Have fun.
  Terry

Crosses & Losses

   Talen stopped by to help me make salads for Christmas eve.  His favorite thing to make is the pinwheels made from jello and marshmallows.  He is going skiing tomorrow so I am on my own baking pies.  Before he left, he made his request for an apple pie.
  Today's block is-- Crosses & Losses.

Crosses & Losses

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 3/8" sq. for HST
    four  2" sq.
    one  3 7/8" sq. for HST

  Medium or Dark fabric
    two  2 3/8" sq. for HST
    one  3 7/8" sq. for HST

Enjoy your weekend,
  Terry

Fancy

  Almost forgot to blog but as you see I did remember.  I spent the day making candy for Christmas.  This is something that I enjoy doing each year.  It is not good for the waistline but it is the holidays.
  Gentleman's Fancy is today's block.  It looks much like a square in a square.

Gentleman's Fancy

Cutting
  Light fabric
    three  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for 12 triangles

  Medium or Dark fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for 4 triangles
    four  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for 8 triangles
    one  2 1/2" sq. for center

Take time to make something fun.
  Terry

Triplet

   Well, I didn't get my tree decorated.  I spend the day sewing Christmas gift for my family, that was more important.
If I keep up the work, I may have everyone taken care of by Christmas.  I hope that you are getting your holiday ready to enjoy with family and friends.
  Today's block is--Triplet.

Triplet

Cutting
  Medium fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice creating 8 triangles, you will use 6 of them
      two  2 1/2" sq.

  Dark fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice creating 8 triangles, you will use 6 of them
    four  2 1/2" sq.

  Terry

More Blocks

  Well, I spent the day getting ready to leave town for the weekend.  My husband will be going with me to help vend at a quilt retreat.  I will be spending my time teaching.  Hopefully, I can remember everything for the project to go together easily.  So Pierre here I come.
  Before I leave, here is today's block.  It look like Card Trick but there are some slight differences.  The block is called Color Wheel.

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for the HST
    one  3 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice for HST variation

  Four different Medium fabrics
    one  2 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for HST & HST variation
    one  3 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice for HST variation (you will only use one triangle from each fabric)

  Dark fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq. for the center

  I will return next week to post the next block.  Enjoy your block and the weekend.
   Terry

YouTube!

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

We have been super busy creating new YouTube tutorials for you.  In the past week, we have posted 3 new videos plus our BOM tutorial.  Whew!  You can click on the pictures to see the videos:

Rock and Roll Quilt

Summer Time Placemats

Summer Time Table Runner

As we wrap up this week, we are looking forward to our Batik Fat Quarter sale next week.  You can buy 20 Batik FQs for $38.90 on June 20th.  Come in and pick out your batiks or let us choose them for you online.  Brands include Batik by Mirah/Princess Mirah, Robert Kaufman, and Timeless Treasures Tonga line.  Perfect for creating a Turning 20 quilt.

                                                                                        

We are looking for your quilts and finished projects!  Please send us pictures of your finished projects using Fabric Junction supplies or patterns.  We would love to feature you on our blog!

                                                                                        

We hope you're enjoying our blog.  We would love to hear what your feedback.  What would you like to see?  What projects would you like help with?    We'd love to know!

New Sale for New Items!

Here at Fabric Junction, we love to get new stuff.  We want you to be able to try our new stuff.  So we will be offering some of our new stuff at a discount.  Right now, we are offering our P&B Textiles Shades of Autumn Line for $9.75/yard.  Regularly $12.60.  Take a look at these fabulous colors.  Then click here to take you to these fabrics on our webpage.  

The Quilting Expert.

In our first post, we will introduce you to the founder and creative professional of Fabric Junction, owner Terry Koontz.

Terry was born and raised in South Dakota.  She met her future husband in college, where she completed a degree in business management.  After college, the couple married and moved to Sturgis and raised four children.  Terry sewed clothes for her children, then expanded into quilting for friends and family.

Terry opened Fabric Junction in 1998 to offer customers a wide variety of products and services. Starting out in a 600 sq ft space, the store eventually grew to fill a spacious 2400 sq ft store. It carries a wide variety of designer fabrics, books, patterns, quilt kits, finished projects, gifts, and more. Along the way, Terry also added qualified sales of Baby Lock sewing machines, and custom quilting services to her stores growing list of store specialties.

Because of her arthritis, Terry cleverly invented a rotary palm cutter that is easy on wrists and hands.  It is a one-of-a-kind tool that we use here in the store.  Terry assumed other quilters might need this convenient tool, so she offers it here and on our website.

Terry's customers come from all over the U.S. and the world.  The store has had guests from the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and more.  Terry gets to chat with many visitors during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  There are so many people that come into the store during Rally that Fabric Junction has printed an exclusive Sturgis Rally fabric.  

Because so many of her customers aren't local, Terry decided to provide YouTube tutorials to help her friends who couldn't come into the store and ask questions.  Over 18,000 people now subscribe to our YouTube channel!  

Terry loves getting pictures of our customer's completed projects through YouTube, Facebook, or email.  She is always impressed with the creativity of other quilters.

When Terry isn't thinking up patterns or helping customers in the store, she enjoys volleyball, traveling, watching old movies, completing word puzzles and watching her grandchildren participate in their favorite activities.

Come back next week to meet our resident Babylock expert, head embroiderer, and all around know-it-all (in a good way, of course!), Chris Koontz.

Welcome to our Blog!

Fabric Junction store in Sturgis, SD

We have taken the plunge!

As we gain more of a following from our YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, we thought maybe you would like to hear from us on a more personal level.  So we plan on updating our new blog with thoughts and ideas regarding quilting, our store, our town, and our customers!

This will be a place where you can link up to our tutorials, see finished projects from our customers...heck, we might even throw in a picture of our pets.

We would, of course, love ideas from you on what you would like to see posted.  We'd be happy to oblige.  Plan on checking in every Wednesday for updates!