Ring of Fire Runner

  As a reminder, we have been putting the blocks on youtube at junctionfabric.com.  Someone asked about all the potholders that I have been sewing.  As with all the samples that I make, when they have served their purpose, they are sold, given away or I keep my favorites.  The potholders and other small projects are a great way to make a block without committing to a larger projects.
  Since the last post, I have been playing with the different blocks.  Here is a table runner that was made

Ring of Fire Runner

from End of Day block.  As you can see I left the dark fabric out three of the block.  I cut an angle on each end to give it a runner look. 
  I hope that you are enjoying the blocks.  I am slow but I will be back.
  Happy Quilting,
    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 

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

Jacob's Ladder

  Winter has really arrived.  We had a white Christmas, just a dusting.  Three of my children and their families made it for Christmas Eve.  It was wonderful to have them here.  My youngest, Nicholas is in school in New York.  He and his wife could not make it back so hubby and I will go visit him in a couple of weeks.  
  The cold has hit us hard.  We have been 20 to 30 degrees colder then normal.  Hopefully, it will warm up at least a little.
  Jacob's Ladder is the block of the day.  It is very simple with the HST and four-patches.

Jacob's Ladder

  Cutting
    Light fabric
      two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
      ten  1 1/2" sq.

    Medium fabric
      two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

    Dark fabric
      ten  1 1/2" sq.

Keep warm,
  Terry

Soup Night

  It was soup night with my grandchildren.  It was an enjoyable evening.  Some of them are starting Christmas vacation tomorrow and some had homework to get done.  Their vacation starts Saturday.  We will all be together again on Sunday.
  Even though things are busy, here is today's block--Aunt Sukey's Choice.  You will make it in sections of 2 squares and rectangle,  2 flying geese and a center square.

Aunt Sukey's Choice

Cutting
  Light fabric
    eight  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" four rectangles for flying geese
    twelve 1 1/2" sq.  eight squares for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles for flying geese
    twelve 1 1/2" sq.  eight squares for flying geese

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

Don't stress out, relax,
  Terry

Quilting

  Our quilters are busy, busy, busy like Santa's elves getting everything ready for Christmas.  Today was their day off so Christopher and I stepped in.  We spent the day long arm quilting to make sure that everyone's quilt is finished on time.  It is always fun to see what others have made.  The variety that our customers create is great.  We are not to the bottom of the list but just a little closer.
  Today's block is Windblown Square.

Windblown Square

Cutting

  Light fabric
    one  4 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice
    two   2 3/8" sq.  cut diagonally once
    one  2 7/8" sq. for center

  Medium fabric
    one  4 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice, use 2
    two  2 3/8" sq.  cut one diagonally once, other one use in HST

  Dark fabric
    one  4 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice, use 2
    two  2 3/8" sq. cut one diagonally once, other one use in HST

Have fun.
  Terry

     

One More

  I can't believe that November is half over.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming fast.  My Grandmother always told me that as you get older, the years seem to go faster so enjoy every moment.  I feel that she may be right.  

  Buckwheat is the next block.  To sew this one, I did the four-patch in the center first.  Then, cut the large squares twice to make the HST.  Lastly, matching the triangle in the corners.  I sewed this block in 3 sections at an angle.  Normally, we sew in horizontal rows.

Buckwheat

  

Cutting

  Light fabric

    two  3 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice for HST

    two  1 7/8" sq. for center 4-patch

  Medium fabric

    three  3 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice for HST

  Dark fabric

    two  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for HST

    two  1 7/8" sq. for center 4-patch

Terry       

Another Day

  Sometimes, it is hard to think of what to write.  I spend most days quilting.  That is not very exciting for some but that is my job and I enjoy it.  I sew samples for the shop, create for Fabric Junction's youtube channel and make quilts that I have been commissioned to do.  Today was not any different.  I was hoping to have my 6" block quilt finished by now to show you what could be done.  No, I am still working on it.  The good thing is that the blocks are all picked and my fabric is cut.
  Today's block is At the Square.  Use your favorite method in making the hourglass units that are in the corners.  Either cut the squares diagonally twice then sew or mark them diagonally, sew and cut, repeat twice.

Cutting
Light fabric
  one  2 1/2" sq.

Medium fabric
  two  3 1/4" sq. for the hourglass
  four  1 1/8" x 2 1/2" rect.
  two  1 1/4" x 2 1/2" rect.

Dark fabric
  two  3 1/4" sq. for the hourglass
  four  1 1/8" x 2 1/2" rect.
  two 1 1/4" x 2 1/2" rect. 

Hope that you get to spend your time doing what you enjoy.
  Terry

  

November Days

  As the days get colder, the more I enjoy sewing.  I can sit at my sewing machine and look out the window watching as winter comes this way.  The leaves have fallen, the nights are colder and frost is on the windshield of my car but I am warm and safe at my sewing machine.  Have you ever noticed how time goes quickly when you are busy working on that new project or finishing an old one?  I lose track of time all of the time.  
  Time for the next block--Card Basket.  I don't understand why it is called Card Basket for it doesn't look like cards or a basket.  There are 3 great types of squares in Card Basket.  HST are in the corners, hour glass units on the sides and a square in a square in the center.

Cutting

Light fabric
  two  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice then sew or sew then cut (pick you favorite method for making the hour glass)
  one  1 7/8" sq. for the center

Light Medium fabric
  two  2 7/8" sq. for HST

Dark Medium fabric
  one  3 1/4" sq. for hour glass
  two  1 7/8" sq. for sq. in a sq.

Dark fabric
  one 3 1/4" sq. for hour glass
  two  2 7/8" sq. for HST

Stay warm,
  Terry  

MOVING ONWARD

  For me, if it is Wednesday, it is soup night with the grandkids.  Tonight, it was turkey noodle soup, crackers and monster cookies. With Grandma's help, we did homework.  Thank goodness, they are in elementary school.
  We have had a busy week following the grandkids activities.  Attending football games, cheerleading competition, and black belt testing has been tiring but lots of fun.  
  Now to the second most important topic.  Today's block--Arkansas Crossroads.  This is a simple block with 12 squares and 4 HST.

Cutting
  Medium Light #1, Medium Dark & Dark
    four  2" squares of each fabric
  Light & Medium Light #2
    two  2 3/8" squares  cut diagonally once to make HST or use your favorite method
  
  I have been working on some ideas to use the blocks besides the lap quilt that I am working on.  I hope to have them finalized shortly.
Until the next time,
  Terry

Safely Home

  It is nice to be home after a great weekend in Pierre.  The ladies were wonderful and lots of quilts and food.  I enjoyed myself and met some great quilters.
  Today was soup night with the grandkids.  They came and went.  The mess is picked up.  I thought this would be a great time to share another block.
  Cat's Cradle was picked so that you can do half square triangles that will be sewn into larger triangles.  They are then sewn to another triangle to make the square used in the block.

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 1/2" sq.
    three  2 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once
    three 1 7/8" sq. use with the dark fabric   1 7/8" to make HST

  Dark fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq.
    nine  1 7/8" sq.  use 3 of them with the light fabric 1 7/8" sq.
    cut the other 6 diagonally once to make the larger triangle

I think that this is a fun two color block.  Enjoy
    Terry

Another Soup Night

  Another soup night is over.  The grandbabies were over for chili and chocolate cookies. Fun and games was played by all until the parents came to pick them up.  It is wonderful to have them so close.
  Tomorrow I need to get everything ready to go to Pierre.  I will be teaching at a retreat this weekend.  I have to make sure that I am prepare for the class and truck show.  
  Today's block is made of half square triangles and 4-patches.
Here is Prairie Queen.

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. for the HST
    eight  1 1/2" sq. for the 4-patch
    one  2 1/2" sq. for the center

  Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. for the HST
    eight  1 1/2" sq. for the 4-patch
  Reminder  HST--half square triangle

  Prairie Queen is a block that I used in a lap quilt.  The size of blocks that I made were 9 1/2".  The light fabric was the same throughout the quilt.  The medium fabric was different in each block.
  Have fun.
    Terry

Block 3

Good Day Quilters,
  Survived another soup night with the grandkids.  We played cards and legos until they all left.  This afternoon Owen has a football game that we will attend.  Thus the life of a grandmother.

  Today's block is Twin Star.
Cutting
  Light fabric
     five  2 1/2" sq.
     one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice  

  Medium fabric
     two  2 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once
  Dark
     one  3 1/4" sq. cut diagonally twice

  If you are planning on making a lap quilt, you may want to make two of each block.  In future post I will add some pictures for quilt or project options.

   Have fun,
       Terry

August is Motorcycle Rally Time

  In Sturgis, if it is August, it is time for the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic aka Sturgis Rally.  For those who are not aware of what I mean.  Short version:  Sturgis, a town of 6,600 people, plays host to 350,000 to 400,000 motorcyclists.  No, I did not get to many zeros.
  It is a very busy week for us in the shop.  Among all those bikers are quilter, who knew. 
  Just a snapshot of Main Street.





  The best part of the rally for me is that some of my grandchildren stay with me so that their parents can work.  Christopher, my son, runs the shop and his wife, Shawn works for the school district, is working at one of the bars for extra money.  I get Owen and Talen for the week and I enjoy having them.
  Because of the rally, Fabric Junction has it's own fabric printed.  Many stop in to get some because it is not found anywhere else.  Here is a sample of one of the current fabrics.  

     

  To check out the whole line click HERE.
  If you are in the area, do stop in, we would enjoy visiting with you.
  Terry
  
  

Questions

Hey Everyone!  
Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated the blog.  We are chugging along this spring.  We finished our Shop Hop last week.  We are getting ready for a quilt show in Rapid City.  We are planning our summer sewing programs and retreat.
In the meantime, I'd love to ask you a few questions...

1)   What's your favorite sewing machine?
2)    Are you already wearing shorts or are you still bundled up in your winter coat?
3)   When does school get out in your area?
4)   What are your plans for this summer?

I'll stop there.  We would love to know where our readers are from and what's going on in their lives right now.  It's fun to learn about our internet friends.

To get us started, I'll answer the questions, too.

1)  My favorite sewing machine was the one my Grandma used when I was growing up.
2)  I am currently wearing a winter coat.  I am very jealous of my family members who live in Texas and North Carolina.
3)  School gets out the last week of May.  I'm hoping the snow will have melted by then.
4)  The store is planning our children's sewing classes and adult retreat.  We always have a fun time getting ready to see our Rally friends, too.  Personally, I'll be sending the kiddos to basketball camp, softball practice, and the pool.

If your kiddos are a little younger, make sure to check out our panel of the week.  We have Quilting Treasures What Little Boys are Made of panels for $5.25.  There are some really cute coordinating fabrics that would make somebody a darling quilt.  Check it out here:

We hope you have a great weekend!  I can't wait to come back Monday and learn more about you!

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!

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.

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.

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!

Mill Girls

I'm sorry, but these fabrics are darling.  Does anyone say "darling" anymore?  I don't care.  I love the tiny floral prints, the rustic colors, the dainty calicoes.  Apparently I like classic, traditional colors and quality fabrics.  To top it all off, it's all on sale.

Marcus Fabrics Mill Girls Line.  Regularly $11.30.  Now only $9.05.

Make a rag doll, an apron, a vintage looking quilt.  Whatever it is, it will portray the look of years gone by.  Venture over to Fabric Junction to take a look.