6" Block Quilt

  What to do with those 5" sq. whether they were cut from scraps or are left over from a charm pack, sew them.  As I continue to clean my sewing area, I found a box of 5" sq.  Yesterday, I sewed them into disappearing nine patch.  It is very scrappy but looks like I put more work into it then I truely did.  Now, the quilt becomes one of those quilts that I will not have a stroke when my husband misuses it.  If you are not familiar with the disappearing 9-patch, check out my video on how to make them.  
  Here is a couple of pictures of the 6 1/2" block quilt.

 They are not the best pictures but it does give you the idea of what I did.  It is a queen size quilt with a piano key border.
  I hope you have figured out what you are going to do with the blocks.  It doesn't have to be a queen quilt.  They are a good size for most anything that you can think of.

Keep 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

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
  

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

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

Four Crowns

  Christopher  and I did some taping today.  He should start posting the videos to youtube of some of the blocks that we have been piecing.  In the tutorials, I show you how I put the blocks together and the blocks that I have made for the quilts.  I am still picking out and sewing my blocks so the quilt is not finished.  Check out Fabric Junction on youtube for the new tutorials.
  Today"s block is--Four Crowns.  It reminds me of bear's paws.  It is made of nothing but HST.

Four Crowns

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

  Medium fabric
    ten  1 7/8"  sq.  cut diagonally once

  Dark fabric
    two  2 7/8"  cut diagonally once

Enjoy,
  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

Babies

  Friends and family are adding to their grandchild numbers.  This is wonderful.  I currently have 10 grandchildren.   I feel very fortunate.  Please, add these new babies to your prayers.  One of the babies came a month early, so far everything is alright.  Another one, the mother is having problem and they think the baby may come early.  We pray that baby and mother will be fine.  Last, but most important is my nephew and his wife.  They just found out that the baby will be born with heart problems.  Pray that mother makes it close to term and that the doctors know how to help the baby.  Thank you for your prayers.
  Today's block is--Peace & Plenty.  More HST and a few flying geese.  I know that it is not new but look at all the different ways in which they are used.

Peace & Plenty

  Cutting
    Light fabic
      four  2 3/8" sq.  for HST
      eight  1 3/4" sq. for flying geese

    Medium or Dark fabric
      four  2 3/8" sq. for HST
      four  1 3/4" x 3 1/2" rectangles for flying geese

Thank you,
  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 

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

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  

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!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Sturgis, South Dakota!  We are having a great start to 2017.  How about you?

I don't know about you, but personally, I am already looking forward to spring.  Temps today will be topping off at a whopping 5 degrees.  I love winter.  I really do.  I don't even mind some cold temps.  But when April rolls around, I'm ready for some green grass and blooming flowers.  Only 86 more days....

Terry is getting ready to make her annual trek to Phoenix for the Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival.  January 26-28, Terry will be one of 350 vendors that warm themselves in the Arizona sun.  Oh, and provide their tips, tricks, and wares to the public.

Just a few pieces of information for you this week--Our online store is still offering free shipping.  I'm not sure when the boss is going to take this one off the table.  If you need something, order it soon.

We just got an Instagram account.  

I know.  If you're under 35, you're asking, "What took you so long?"  For the rest of us, Instagram is another newfangled app we're not sure we need.  But to be honest, it's the best for showing off pictures of all the beautiful things we sell and create.  We hope you'll follow us at @junctionfabric8.  


In case you missed it, Terry posted a new video called the 3-in-1 Baby Quilt.  She goes through the tutorial on YouTube.  After you watch the video, you can buy the kit or the pattern on our website.

We had a Facebook drawing over Christmas.  Readers posted their Christmas projects and we drew a winner from our entries.  Congratulations to Milissa Stockholm!  She won two free fat quarters for her quick post to our Facebook page.  We like to offer contests from time to time over there.  Hope you'll take a look around sometime.

As we look forward to this brand new year, we look forward to writing more about topics in which you're interested.  Don't be afraid to comment on topics you would like to see addressed.  Thanks!

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.

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!