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

Shooting Star

  To much time has past.  I must apologize for getting sidetracked and forgetful.  Since the last posting, I have been busy with several quilts and helping in the shop.  The 6" block quilt has been quilted and bound.  Next step is to take a picture.  Then, it will be posted to the blog to show it off.  I must admit it is much better then I expected.  Until then, here is another block for you.
  The block is called Shooting Star.  Sew the 2" light sq. to the end of the rectangles at an angle similar to making flying geese.

Shooting Star

Cutting
  Light fabric
    twelve  2" sq.

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

Keep quilting,
  Terry

Jackknife

  Yea, I have all my blocks sewn.  Now, to put them together.  Today is the day to lay them out.  There are several ideas that I have, so we will see what happens.  As soon as it is finished you will see the end results.
  But onward to today's block called Jackknife.  Sew the triangles made from the 1 7/8" sq. to the center of the 2" x 4 " rect.  Finish the block.  Then square them to 2 1/2" sq.

Jackknife

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq. use for Hourglass
    four  2" x 4" rect.
    one  2 1/2" sq.  for center
    two  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Medium fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq. use for Hourglass
    four  2" x 4" rect.
    two  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once 

Keep quilting,
  Terry  

Braced Star

  The goal when I started blogging was to post sixty 6 1/2" blocks.  We are slowly approaching that goal.  This does not mean that I will stop.  It does mean that it is time for new ideas.  I have a few in mind so we will see what will happen.  
  As for the 6 1/2" blocks, I have been piecing them but I have just over half of them made.  I hope to have it finished this year, not in 20 years.  haha  We will continue to tape the blocks for youtube.  That helps me in getting the blocks sewn.  Thank goodness.
  Today's block is Braced Star.  Sew the center first, then the star points.  Sew the block together at an angle.

Braced Star

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

  Medium fabric
    two  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice  star points

  Four Medium to Dark fabrics
    cut one  1 1/4" x 2 5/8" rectangle from each of the four fabrics

Keep quilting,
  Terry  

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 

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

Weathervane

  Our customers have picked up their quilts in time for Christmas.  So the next couple of days will be slow with the exception of a husband or friend purchasing a gift certificate.  This gives us the time to get some of those odd and ends done before the new year starts.
  On New Year Day, check out our online only fat quarter sale at junctionfabric.com.  
  Moving on to today's block-- Weathervane.  It is made of an array of HST, flying geese, squares and rectangles.  You have done all of these before.

Weathervane

Cutting
  Light fabric
    four  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    twelve  1 1/2" sq.  use 8 for the flying geese

  Medium fabric
    eight  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles  use 4 for the flying geese

  Dark fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq. for center
    four  1 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for HST
    four  1 1/2" sq.

Have safe trip if you are traveling for the holidays.
  Terry  

Album

  The good thing is I work from home but the bad thing is I work from home.  Most of my married life, I have been very fortunate to be a stay at home mom.  I started doing craft shows and clothing alterations when my children were very young.  This became my work but it gave me the freedom to be at home with my children.  Eventually, I open the shop which Christopher has taken over.  I quilt and design in my sewing area at home for the shop.  The point is that I don't get out much so sometimes it feels like nothing ever happens.  My days are full with sewing which I really enjoy.  Again, today I spend my time designing a couple of quilts that I will be making after the holidays.  I wished that I could write the patterns as quickly as I can design them.
  Today's block is called--Album.  There is one odd piece in the corner section.  I used 2 triangles of equal size.  I sewed one triangle to the small block. The triangle was bigger then needed but after I sewed the second triangle to the other side, I could trim off the extra.  Hope this helps you.

Album

Cutting
  Light fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq.
    four  2 1/8" sq.  cut diagonally once

  Medium fabric
    four  2 1/2" sq.

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

Enjoy,
  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

Maple Leaf

  The snow has melted or maybe the wind has blown it away.  I forget how windy the fall can be.  The leaves have all moved to the next state.  So how appropriate that today's block is Ozark Maple Leaf.  Once again a great block of squares and HST.

Ozark Maple Leaf

Cutting

  Light fabric

    two  2 1/2" sq.

    four  1 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for HST

    six  1 1/2" sq.

  Medium fabric

    one  2 12" sq.

    two  1 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for HST

    three  1 1/2" sq. 

  Dark fabric

    one  2 1/2" sq.

    two  1 7/8" sq. cut diagonally once for HST

    three  1 1/2" sq.

Enjoy the block,

  Terry 

Post Thanksgiving

  It is after Thanksgiving and I need to get back into a routine.  I have been very busy this week finishing other people's projects for Christmas.  This has caused me to neglect the things that I want to get done such as blogging and my own Christmas.  It is time to get organized.
  To the more important thing--another block.  To ease back into it, the block is Contrary Wife, a simple block with squares and HST.

Contrary Wife

Cutting

  Light and Dark fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  use to make HST

  Medium fabric
    five  2 1/2" sq.

  Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
  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

  

Quilting

  Have you picked your fabric, yet?  I am making my blocks from Northcott's Toscana line of blues and purples.  Also, using white solid as my light.
  Here is today's block.  It is Album Star.  The star points are made from flying geese.  I used the stitch and flip method.  You place the square in the corner of the rectangle and sew it diagonally.  Trim the extra off the corner and press.  You can check out the technique on youtube.com at Fabric Junction under making flying geese--3 different methods.

Cutting
  Light fabric
    one  1 1/2" x 3 1/2" rectangle
    four  2" x 3 1/2" rectangles
    four  2" sq.

  Medium or Dark fabric
    two  1 1/2" x 3 1/2" rectangles
    eight  2" sq.

Enjoy the block,
  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  

Busy Week

Greetings,
  It is late.  I was going to post earlier but I was busy long arm quilting.
  Here is today's block--Greek Cross.

Cutting
  Dark fabric  
    two  2 7/8" sq. for half sq. triangles
  Medium fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq. 
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq. for half sq. triangles
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.
Use your favorite method to make your HST.
  Check out our tutorials on youtube at Fabric Junction.

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!

It's Wednesday!

My desk is full of things to do.  I love being busy at work.  To me, if I'm not busy at work, I may as well not be here.  How about you?  How is your week going?

I'm not the only one who's busy around here.  Terry posted another YouTube tutorial this week.  It's called "Binding with Cuddle Fabric."  Cuddle (or Minky) fabric seems to give people some trouble when working with it.  Terry's video will help explain how to use it for binding without making yourself crazy.  Here's the tutorial:

If you're running out of ideas for your next project, we might be able to help!  Our Robert Kaufman Botanical Beauty is on sale this week.  It's regularly $8.20.  This week it is $6.50.  What a beautiful start to a striking quilt.  

These are the coordinating fabrics to help finish your quilt.

March is a fun month for all of us here in South Dakota.  We've been sweating at 70 degrees one day to shivering in our boots at 30 the next.  Just this week we had snow blowing sideways in 50 mph gusts of wind.  With these teasers of spring, I'm getting antsy to start my garden.  I always say I'm going to start with seeds inside.  By the time I finally get to plant them, the seedlings have dried up and died.  So then I go buy starters from the store, get them in the ground, and then it snows.  Or a deer eats them.  Or something.  I can't decide if I'm determined or crazy when I do this every summer.  I'm still trying to figure out how those clever Canadians grow their beautiful gardens. Maybe I'll go visit sometime and find out.  Until then, maybe you can comment below on some gardening tips for me.  Thanks!