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

Union Square

  Have you had the opportunity to make a t-shirt quilt?  It is a quilt type that I get commissioned all the time to make.  That is one part of my job that I really enjoy.  This time I got to make a special t-shirt quilt for my grandson, Owen.  His mom was cleaning and gathered up all his old t-shirts from elementary school.  He brought them to me and asked for a quilt.  It was fun to see all that he did, plays, sports, travel and camps.  He even had some of his dad's coaching t-shirts.  I have the quilt ready to be quilted.  Owen picked out a satin for backing, yes, a satin.  I think his dad, Christopher, will quilt it for him.  Owen is a 7th grader now.  I am sure there will be another quilt request made from his middle school t-shirts.  Hopefully, the other 9 grandchildren don't notice because that is lots of quilts.  Being grandmother, how could I refuse any of them.
  Today's block is Union Square.  It has HST, flying geese and sq. in a sq.  You will have fun with this one.

Union Square

Cutting
  Light fabric
    two  2 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for sq. in a sq.
    four  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    eight  1 1/2" sq.  for flying geese

  Medium fabric
    one  2 1/2" sq.  for center of sq. in a sq.
    four  1 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once for HST
    four  1 1/2" sq.  for outer corners

  Dark fabric
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice for sq. in a sq.
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.  for flying geese

  Enjoy,
    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

Practical Orchard

  Binding, binding and more binding.  Sometime it seems like that is all that I get done.  Thank goodness that I quit doing it by hand years ago.  I would not be able to keep up.  Besides my hands gave out some time ago so I bind only by machine.   Being busy is a good thing, not a complaint.
  After a busy day, it is nice to do a simple block.  Today's block is Practical Orchard.  You can mark your diagonals first and sew, then cut if you like.

Practical Orchard

  

Cutting
  Light Medium fabric
    four  2 1/2" sq.
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice  use 2 triangles for hour glass

  Dark Medium fabric
    four 2 1/2" sq.
    one  3 1/4" sq.  cut diagonally twice  use 2 triangles for hour glass

Relax and enjoy,
  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


 

Birds in the Air

  What a great way to start the new year with soup night with the grandchildren.  For Christmas, some of the grandchildren gave me some soup mixes that they liked.  So tonight, I fix one and had bread and crackers to go with it.  Cookies for dessert to finish it off.      
  For today's block-- Birds in the Air.  This one is a nice change of pace, made with five large triangles.

Birds in the Air

Cutting
  Medium fabric
    one  6 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once, use 1 triangle
    one  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once, use 1 triangle

 Dark Medium fabric
    one  3 7/8" sq.  cut diagonally once, use 1 triangle

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

Happy piecing,
  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  

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  

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    

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

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

Country Music

  Yes, I like country music.  Just watched the CMA awards, in which I enjoyed all the performers.  I do enjoy all types of music but country is my favorite.  I like the old twangy sound of the old singers that I listen to with my dad.  The country singers of the 60's and 70's that my mom like and everything since then.  Maybe my enjoyment is related to the memories with my parents, a little two stepping or foxtrot with my mother in the kitchen to Eddie Arnold or Charlie Pride.  My parents were avid square dancers, sometime I got to tag along.
  This block is in their honor--Square Dance.  Make the sides using the same method as making flying geese.  You will have extra fabric on the sides of the geese.  After the geese are made, check to make sure they measure 4 1/2" to match the center square.  Trim a little if necessary.

Square Dance

Cutting
  Light fabric
    four  1 1/2" sq.

  Medium fabric
    four  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.
    one 4 1/2" sq.

  Dark Fabric
    eight  1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rect.     

  I hope that you take time to dance even if it is by yourself while doing the dishes.
 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
   

In Like a Lion, Out like a Tornado

Here in South Dakota, it gets a bit windy.  Doesn't matter the season, we can have gusts of wind up to 60 mph any time.  This past week, we hit 70 degrees, and then this happened:

Granted, it was a beautiful way to wake up.  But snow, wind, and fog on Tuesday, then 60 and sunny on Wednesday?  It's enough to make me duck under the covers for a few more weeks until I see the green of the grass and the lawn mowers out.  😒  

I guess I could get a few more inside projects done while I'm waiting.  Maybe I'll start a new quilt.  Terry has just created a new tutorial to show you how to create a quilt with her newest pattern.  She calls it Under the Stars.  I think you can see why.

Click Here to Watch the Video

The quilt is beautiful.  I hope you get a chance to watch her video.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the newest videos.

Our sewing classes are so much fun.  We've seen aprons and coasters this month so far.  Next week is a pot holder and soon a really cute tote.

Apron

Coasters

Pineapple Potholder

Speaking of roosters, it is a great time to start a garden.  Do any of you start your gardens inside?  I would love to hear your advice on how to keep them going before transplanting them outside.  I don't have much success with that.  They sprout and then die before I can get them outside.  It's very depressing.  Thanks in advance for all your sage advice!

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!

Tutorials, Panels and Baby Locks

Yesterday I signed my children up for volleyball and softball.  The softball clinic is on April 1.  And to those who are familiar with South Dakota, you know there's a good chance that April 1 will still bring snow or cold weather.  My only consolation is that it will be her, not me, who will be out in that for four hours.  Is that bad?  I love that our kids have lots of options to keep them busy during the winter and spring months.  Art classes, sewing classes, gymnastics, piano lessons, dance lessons, basketball are all offered in the area for our children.  If our kids are bored, it's their own fault.  

Well, Terry isn't bored.  Since she has been back, she's been busy making tutorials for our YouTube channel.  In the last two weeks, we have published How To Use A 24" Panel in Your Quilt, and a Fabric Folding Pen Tutorial.  As always, Terry clearly explains her work in detail, making it easy for you to follow.

Since we showed you how to use your 24" panel, and we have another tutorial posted on how to use your yard panel, we decided to put a panel on sale for you.  You know, to help you get started.

Northcott Ahoy Matie Panel

This cute little panel is on sale for $6.25 this week.  We think it will make such a cute quilt for the little pirate in your life!  Click here  to take you to our website.

Speaking of sales, our Baby Locks are still 50% off!  Please call or come in to grab your next favorite machine.  You only have FIVE more days left to get one at this terrific price.  The sale ends February 28.

Our Shop Hop is coming soon.  Terry has been creating our block for this event, and it is lovely.  We can't wait to show it to you!

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!

A Nation....Tired.

I'm not one to comment on the political process.  I believe both sides have some ideas worth value and some that should be tossed in the trash.  God in heaven rules and nothing is a surprise to him.  But wow, am I tired!  Are any of you taking a huge breath of relief that it's all over?  What will we ever fill our time with now?  

I know!  Let's fill it with quilting.

How cute is this?!

A customer of ours from Virginia sent us this picture.  She used our panels to make an adorable baby gift.  I love these Northcott Connector Playmat panels.  The kiddos can even run their cars and planes and boats on them.  It's like a soft, portable train table!   

Need some ideas for home decor for the holidays?  Come look at our Thanksgiving and Christmas items.  Currently on sale.  Saving money on gifts just means you can make more gifts, right?  I'll also let you in on a little secret.  We still have a few Halloween items in stock.  They are 50% off.  Want to plan ahead?  Or just like Halloween?  Pick up a few things before they are sold out.

Terry has posted a brand new YouTube tutorial.  If you have a bunch of scraps laying around, this might be your ticket to de-cluttering.  You can watch this quick, 7 minute video here:

I hope that this week brings you interesting things to create, a friend or family member that loves your work, and the energy to get it all done!

Working It All Out

So.  I have decided to work out a little.  I've let it slide for awhile, and it's time to get going.  Every week, my daughter has dance lessons for an hour in another town.  This week I decided to use this time to walk/jog around a park close by.  I accomplished my goal.  Well aware that I am in the worst shape I've been for at least 20 years, I was happy with my initial effort.

The next morning, I wake up and feel like I am moving a 500 pound pillow with the front of my legs every time I take a step.  I've never had shin splints, but I may have them now.  Feels like muscle soreness so I just push through the day.  Until about 5:00.  Then, as I am running errands, I lose my voice.  By the time I go to bed I have a fever of 101 and feel like I've been run over by a truck.

That will teach me to start working out.  :)  Just kidding.  I know from experience that the better shape I'm in, the lesser my illnesses will affect me.

Enough about me.  

Let's talk about you.  And YouTube.  Did you know Terry just posted a quick new tutorial on our YouTube channel?  It's called The Rainbow Quilt.  It's a great way to use a retro panel from Northcott that we carry at the store (and online).

It's a 6 minute video that is sure to be interesting for you.  We hope you enjoy it.

It's Getting Prettier!

Fall is coming quick.  We live in a beautiful part of the country that is a photographer's dream during the changing seasons.  Here's a quick peek of Spearfish Canyon.  

Photo Credit:  Mike Gussiaas

In other news, did you know we have a YouTube channel?  Over 21,000 subscribers viewed Terry's 85 tutorials over 2.5 million times.  To get inspiration, instruction, or just a chance to watch an expert, try our YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Bq6lhcBXmSxk3FZr73iNw


Here is our most popular video.  It's called Fun & Done-A Quilt As You Go Technique.  We hope you get a chance to watch this one, or any other tutorial that Terry teaches.

I know I've been talking a lot about the sewing classes we're offering at the store.  I can't help it.  My oldest daughter is a new sewer and I was so excited to have her take a class.  This week they are getting familiar with the Baby Lock machines and working on a very basic project.  She came home with a pin cushion.  She loved it.  Right now, the classes are for 8-13 year olds.  We hope to be able to offer classes to more age groups in the future, based on interest.  Here's the setup we are using this week.

We have lots of fun items we carry in the store and online.  Gifts and small projects are a great way to show people you have been thinking about them.  One of the exceptional lines we carry is Goat's Milk Stuff soap and gifts.  GMS is made by a family in Southern Indiana and their soap is one of the best we've seen.  Made with just a few ingredients, they keep hands and skin moisturized during the harsh South Dakota winters.  Lip balms, bath fizzies, and candles complete the experience.  When you're in the store, please check out our GMS line in aromatic scents like Hazelnut, Lilac, Almond, and Vanilla.  We also carry seasonal scents like Cider Press, Frankincense and Myrrh, and Evergreen.