Country Farm

  It was nice out today so Talon and I finished shoveling snow from the sidewalk.  Also, helped Christopher in the shop.  Not much sewing got done.  We, Christopher, the camera man, and I did get a couple of the blocks taped.  He should publish them to youtube sometime this week.  Wow, what an exciting day.  
  Today's block is Country Farm.  I like this one.  A nice 8 points star with a hourglass center.  Hope you like it too.

Country Farm

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice

  Medium fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally once
    four  2 1/2" sq.

  Medium Dark fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for center

  Dark fabric
    one  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for center 

Keep quilting,
  Terry 

Handy Andy

  Nadia, my granddaughter, is learning to crochet.  I have been helping her and decided that it is time for her to learn to read patterns.  That way she can pick any project to make on her own.  Over the years, I have crocheted just about anything.  Crocheted socks was something new.  That might be fun for a young gal but I thought I better make them before giving her the book.  Well, that is just what I did and finished them the other day.  I even have had a chance to wear them.  Definitely, different.  She now has the book so we will see what happens.
  Today's block is--Handy Andy.  It has a similar look of Gentleman's Fancy but the center is different and more fabrics.

Handy Andy

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice
    two  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

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

  Medium fabric
    one  1 7/8" sq.  for the center

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

  Dark fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice

Have fun piecing,
  Terry
   

Capital T

  Most quilts that we make are of 100% cotton.  I have a friend that uses whatever it takes to create the look that she wants  for her quilt.  She has used satin, liquid lame, burlap, tissue lame and many other mediums.  She doesn't make those very artsy quilts but they are a great twist on the everyday quilt.  My point being, step outside the box sometimes.
  Today's block is Capital T.  It has flying geese and HST.

Capital T

Cutting
  Light or Light Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    one  2 1/2" sq.
    eight  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect. for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. cu diagonally once for HST
    sixteen  1 1/2" sq. for flying geese

Step outside your box,
  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

Snowball

  Wind, wind and more wind, with all the wind I don't know if we will have a white Christmas or just wind.  Either way I am a little closer to being ready.  Just about have all my gifts made and wrapped.  
  This weekend my oldest son, Ryan will be receiving his doctorate in engineering.  A must to attend.  We are very proud of him.  Also, another Christmas program with Christopher's children.  Looking forward to see them perform.
  Snowball is today's block.  Use the stitch n flip method when sewing the squares in each corner.  Stitch n flip is when you place the smaller square in the corner and sew diagonally across the small square.  Cut off the corner and press.

Snowball

Cutting
  Light fabric
    four  2 1/2" sq.

  Medium or Dark fabric
    one  6 1/2" sq.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
  Terry

WOW

  Wow, what a difference a day makes or weekend.  Friday was the Parade of Lights.  We were outside enjoy the nice evening, no snow or wind.  Today, wake up to snow and ice with lots of wind.  School is called off because of the ice on the road and the wind is so hard that it would blow you over.  This is to be the worst day this week.  By Saturday, the snow will have melted and the sun will be shining.  We will have forgotten how nasty today had been.
  Moving on to today's block--Sawtooth Patchwork made with 4 HST and 5 square in a square.

Sawtooth Patchwork

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

    Medium or Dark fabric
      two  2 7/8" sq. for HST
      five  1 7/8" sq. for sq. in a sq.

Stay warm,
  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

  

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

Rainy Day or Quilt Day

  You get up in the morning and it is raining.  Now is it a great day for reading a book or quilting?  For me the answer is quilting but today I wanted to take the time off.  Not that I don't enjoy quilting, it is just that I sewed 7 quilt tops in the last 16 days.  That is not my usual pace but hubby was gone for a few days.  That means sew, sew and sew until he gets back.  I think I need a break.
  As I am fixing my breakfast, I remind myself that there is still things that need made.  The quilt tops are with the store quilters. The girls finished one of them yesterday so today is the day to bind it.  I also have to get a tote bag made for a gal.

  Well, today is the time to sew for tomorrow will be the time off.  I have 2 grandsons playing football tomorrow and will attend them.  It is fun to watch the grandsons play.  Talen is a 2nd grader (not sure they know what they are doing).  Owen is a 7th grader and the game is a little more serious but still fun to watch. Not to forget that Tenlee (granddaughter) is a 1st grader and a cheerleader, so cute.
  No matter what your day is like, do enjoy it for tomorrow it is gone.
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
  
  

Graduation!

Our May is going so fast.  Graduations, end of school, dance recitals, softball, track and soccer are all going on at the same time.  It is all so exciting.  We love seeing the kids doing their thing.  
(Yes, that is a coat under her uniform.  It was 48 degrees.)

A very popular attraction in our area is Bear Country.  We were able to go last week and see all sorts of animals, but the bears are our favorites.  Once you drive through the park and see the adults, you can park and walk in a separate area to see the babies.  I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area.  This guy was just hanging out. leaning on his favorite rock.

Now that school is ending, we are planning some fun projects during the summer.  This weekend, if you visit the store, we will be having a Memorial Day Weekend Fabric Sale.  May 25-27th, we will be offering a free yard of fabric when you buy 4 yards.  Or 3 yards of free fabric if you buy 8 yards.

In June, we will be hosting the Fabric Junction Juniors Sewing Camp.  From June 12-15, we will be working with kids 8 and over to create multiple projects during the week.  Beginner's classes are 9:00-12:00.  Intermediate classes are 1:00-4:00.  Project kits, machines, snacks and drinks will be provided.  We would love to have your kiddo learn to sew at our shop this summer!  Call to reserve their spot.  605-347-2235.

Later this summer, we will be hosting a Sewing Retreat for adults.  We can't wait to give you more details as they become available.

Have we mentioned that we do quilting?  One of our customers recently brought in a T-shirt topper for us to quilt.  Her granddaughter is a softball player and the quilt used many of her uniforms and t-shirts in it.  Lynette used our quilting software to create a softball stitch that is fantastic.  Take a look:

We love the creativity that our customers have and we love finishing their projects.  If you ever need someone to quilt for you, please call or go to our website to fill out the order form.  We ship anywhere!

Have a great week!

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!

Fabric Junction-A History Lesson

Fabric Junction hasn't always been this bustling quilting business you see and hear about today.  Yes, Terry has been sewing since before 6th grade.  But the store got its start when Terry wanted to sew clothes for her children, back in the 70's.  As her expertise grew, Terry was asked to create and repair clothes for friends and family.  From there she expanded to baby blankets.  In 1982, she started entering craft fairs.  Crocheted and baby nursery items were her favorite things to enter. 

Soon she started sewing formal wear-prom and wedding dresses for the ladies, and tuxedos for the men.  Along with creating original apparel, she started doing alteration work for the public.  With a daughter who was a dancer, Terry quickly learned how to make dance costumes.  She was hired to create costumes for many dance troupes in the Black Hills.  She was also asked to make costumes for an old west bar in Deadwood, and costumes for various theater productions in Rapid City.  Although she sewed clothes for other people, Terry had been quilting for herself for years. Her earliest quilts were quilted on a sewing machine, taking a week to finish after the piecing.

She opened her store in 1998.  Originally, she offered fabric for clothes and quilting.  In 1999, she bought her first long-arm machine.  This allowed her to add quilting services to her repertoire.

As the store became more successful, she spent most of her time offering fabric, notions, and service for the quilting side.  She started traveling to quilting shows all over the U.S. in 2004.  This allowed her to expand her knowledge in fabric and technique.  She also became well known here in South Dakota.  She eventually needed a business partner to help with all of the responsibilities.  She partnered with one of her sons, Chris, in 2012.  Chris soon became indispensable with his knowledge of sewing machines, embroidery, buying, and administrative duties, to name a few.  The same year, they decided to carry Baby Lock sewing machines.  The store is now an authorized dealer and a huge source of machines and support in our area.

As the store grew, the footprint of the brick and mortar store grew from 600 square feet to 2400 square feet.  At this point, we're busting at the seams with fabric, notions, two long arm machines, and multiple finished projects that beautify the walls in the store!  We boast six employees who are almost as knowledgeable as Chris about our fabrics, notions, and services.  All of our employees are sewers, so they completely understand your struggles and triumphs as you work through your projects.  Online, our store has expanded our business beyond our state borders.  We currently ship nationally and internationally on a regular basis.  It's a fun part of our day to see where all of our customers live.

Throughout Terry's journey, she has been an advocate for teaching what she knows.  Because of this she started a YouTube channel in 2013.  To date, over 24,000 subscribe to her channel to watch her clearly explain how to make quilts, table runners, scarves, pillow cases, and other beautiful projects.  We have also expanded into Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.  We hope to continue to reach people with our quality fabric art.

Terry's history with her store has been one of love, hard work, and service.  We can't wait to see what happens in the next 20 years!

50% off February

We love Baby Lock!  We love them so much we are an authorized dealer for their machines.  And we love them so much we want you to try them.  So for all of February, we are offering our Baby Lock machines for 50% off MSRP.  How good of a deal is that?  Our Destiny II, which usually sells for $15,699.99, is now half of that.  That is a serious chunk of change that stays in your pocket.  There are three machines that aren't in this sale. They are the BL-9, the Coronet, and the Tiara.  Baby Lock manufactures sergers, sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines.  If you would like to learn more about one of our machines, please call our shop at 605-347-2235.  One of our experienced employees would love to work with you to find the best machine for your needs.

Sophia 2 machines being used by our sewing class.

In other news, we have had a great 2017 so far.  January has been a whirlwind of sewing classes, trips to Phoenix, long-arm quilting for our customers, and improving our YouTube channel.  Our little sewers have made an owl craft, a drawstring duffle bag, and a pair of bowl cozies this month.  It is so fun to watch the improvement those kiddos make from project to project.  Terry and her husband made it home from Phoenix with some great stories and a little bit of a tan.  Our customers keep bringing in quilts for us to finish, and we love using our two long-arms to make that happen.  Our software gives us the ability to create some beautiful scroll work, shapes, and designs that complete a quilt in exquisite detail.  And lastly, our YouTube channel now has some new thumbnails of Terry and titles right on the screen that will help you find the tutorial you want faster.  With over 24,000 subscribers, we are excited to see more and more people watching and learning.  On that note, we should be adding new videos soon.  I'll keep you posted when they come out.

By the way, if you need a new project, find our newest quilt kit on our Facebook page.  It's beautiful.  Understated and soft.

We would love to see what you've been creating this month.  Send us your pictures and we will feature them on our blog.  You can send your pictures to our email:  junctionfabric8@gmail.com

Happy Sewing!

Shameless Cute Baby Post

Hope everyone is using their quilts this week!  After a beautiful weekend, we have had ice and snow again for the past two days.  How about you?  What is the weather like where you live?

Terry made it to Phoenix this week for the Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival.  She is setting up her booth today.  Check our Facebook page for pictures over the next few days.

When it snows, we don't have as many customers that come through the doors.  That's okay because they can always order online.  But we do love it when we get to see a few of these cuties!

What projects are you working on?  We are gearing up for a new YouTube tutorial.  We can't tell you what it is yet, but we will show it to you soon.

Do any of you use embroidery software?  We use it here in the store and love all the templates it provides.  There are some darling patterns for all uses.  We have some Anita Goodesign software that is currently 50% off.  This brand includes monkey and nautical themes, candle wraps, book clutches and more.  I love the delicate stitches of the utensil holders software.  Take a look here for all the options.  

I can't believe we're nearing the end of January!  I'm not sad.  It just went fast.  February 2nd is Groundhog Day.  

Photo Credit:  Reader's Digest

I think it's fun that we all gather around a rodent to find out weather related news.  I'm hoping he's wearing a little scarf when he pops his head out.  Probably won't happen.  But to acknowledge the fuzzy guy, we will be having our own little celebration in the store and online.  It will be a great sale with a deeply discounted price point.  We're keeping it close to the vest for now.  We hope you'll check back with us next week to find out what it is.

Thanks for following along with us this week.  We look forward to seeing any current projects you're working on.  Just post them in the Comments section.  Have a great weekend!