Two things I have become obsessed by…

Topic One: Zipper Bags (Yes, Those Zippers)

Let’s rewind.
Fifth grade. Clothing class at a local Benjamin Franklin. A side-set zipper in a pair of shorts. Epic failure.
I will not be taking questions at this time.

That single zipper traumatized me for decades. Apparel sewing wanted exact sizes, perfect placement, and a level of precision that did not fit me literally!. So when I started sewing again later in life I happily stayed in the quilting lane where it did not have to FIT my body.

Fast forward to now—and wow, things have changed.

Not because I suddenly became wildly more skilled (let’s be honest), but because videos and how-to tutorials make everything feel possible.

The real turning point? Watching Center Street Quilts videos on Instagram. Kristine makes it look so easy and her projects are so polished.

She convinced me I could do it. And she was right. ( pictured above- Kristine’s visit to Dallas- Sample room)

I started with scraps from quilting projects (because scraps deserve a second act), followed along, and before I knew it—I had a finished zipper bag and a shocking amount of confidence. Her patterns are approachable, encouraging, and dangerously empowering.

The best part?
There are so many different ways to add zippers that once you start, it turns into a learning journey you don’t want to end.

Some other bag patterns I make over and over:

Knot and Thread

Chrissy from Sew Lux made this bag for me! Since then I have made several! Stock up on Ruby Star Society selvedge fabric.
Sew Lux Fabric
…and a growing stack of “just one more” patterns I swear I needed

My Notion Favorites

If you decide to tackle zipper bags, fair warning:
the accessories will multiply.

My current favorites:

Stitch Supply Co two-color zippers
Their colorful hardware, hooks, lobster claws and more.
Zipper pulls, labels, tags… all the tiny things that make bags feel finished and fancy

One of the biggest lessons for me was realizing:
Zippers do NOT have to be exact the exact length.

This is not apparel sewing. No one is fitting a hip. For most bags, the zippers are larger and cut down to the size of the bag. So buy big!
That single realization opened up a whole new world—and yes, I am now probably considered a zipper collector.

INSIDE the Bags

Another deep dive? Batting for bags.

There are so many options, and my best advice is simple:
Start with what the pattern recommends.

Once you’ve made a few, then you can experiment based on the finished look you want—structured, soft, slouchy, or somewhere in between.

One of the most widely used options is Soft and Stable from ByAnnie.
It comes in multiple sizes and colors and gives bags that perfect amount of structure.

I have pieced yardage using scraps and left overs from quilts and sent it off to my long armer along with yardage of Soft and Stable. They quilted everything, and suddenly I had quilted yardage ready to turn into lots of bags. Efficient and satisfying. You can do this with actually running yardage also if you are not into quilting your own fabric.

Final Warning (You’ve Been Told)

I can start quilting projects in the evening without a second thought—fabric, tools, everything ready to go.

Bags need different supplies that I did not normally have on hand.
I’ve fully stocked my sewing room so I can throw together a zipper bag anytime.

Labels.
Zippers.
Batting.
Pulls.
Hooks.

just a few bags made for my daughter to have as gifts for her labor and delivery nurses. The Knot and thread duffel bag was for her of course.

Because once you make one…
You absolutely cannot make just one.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

NEW YEAR 2026

No Comments

January 4, 2026

New Year-2026

There’s something about a brand-new year that makes us want to reorganize everything—our schedules, our studios, our inboxes… maybe even our lives. This year, though, I’m trying something a little more daring.

I’m slowing down.

Less hustle. Fewer shoulds. More joy. If quilting has taught me anything, it’s that rushing only leads to crooked seams ( ha ha)—and I’ve made peace with the fact that life (and quilting) looks better when we ease up a bit.

A Softer Kind of Goal-Setting

This year’s inspiration is coming not from a planner packed with checkboxes, but from a book currently living on my nightstand: The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad—a creative practice for an inspired life. It’s gentle, reflective, and encouraging… which feels exactly right for the season I’m stepping into.

So instead of resolutions, here are my intentions:

Take it easy and enjoy life
Quilting is about the process, the people, and the stories stitched between the seams. I want to linger there a little longer.
Journal daily
A few thoughts, a spark of inspiration, maybe a note about what’s happening on my design wall—or what’s been sitting there a very long time. No pressure, just presence. During the writing of my books, I started a journal for each. The minute I received a phone call from the publisher to the process of writing the book was logged. I skipped a few pages and then used this same book to start my daily life journal in. So cool to go back and read through it. My favorite is the Moleskin soft cover notebooks. So easy to write in no matter where you are with the soft cover. the Pen I hoard for pretty much everything is the Sharpie click. pens. For a while I could not find them anywhere, but they are back and available almost everywhere. No bleed!
Blog bi-weekly
Consistency without chaos. Enough to stay connected and inspired without turning blogging into another full-time job. Not sure I have much to say but just thinking about this as my personal journal on quilting. If there is anything you want me to share about quilting, feel free to leave a comment.

Color of the Year: RED (Is there any other color?)

My color of the year is red.
Honestly, it’s always red.

I’m hoping to make a red and white solid quilt this year—just like I hope to every year. I’ve long been inspired by the legendary red and white quilt show in New York, Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts.

This Year’s Quilty Theme: Cuddles

Over the years, I’ve given myself a “quilty theme” for the year:

one year of striped bindings
one year of dot backings
one year of pieced backings

This year?

It’s the Year of Cuddles.

Soft, cozy, sink-into-the-couch cuddles.

Moda is working with Shannon Fabrics to create designer-branded Cuddle fabrics, and let me tell you—my family is already cheering. They love Cuddle on the backs of their quilts. Between Moda’s upcoming Cuddle prints and Shannon’s existing 50 Cuddle solids, I’m pretty sure I’ll have enough options to keep everyone wrapped up and happy all year long.

If joy had a texture, this would be it.

What You’ll Find Here This Year

As I settle into this slower, cozier rhythm, blogging here on Modalissa will cover all the things I truly love:

Real quilting experiences—the wins, the lessons, and the “what was I thinking?” moments
QALs (because quilting together is always better) I have 3 lined up to start the year.
Favorite fabrics (old loves and new crushes)
Notions I actually use and swear by
Quilt patterns and techniques I’m exploring
And yes… plenty of talk about backings, bindings, and cuddles
And if you have anything you want me to add my two cents to, leave a comment.

Here’s to 2026

Here’s to a year of red and white quilts or quilts of any color, cozy finishes, thoughtful stitching, inspired journaling, and enjoying the view along the way.

Happy New Year, friends.
Let’s make it a good one—one stitch, one cuddle, and one blog post at a time.

Another QAL Is Coming-Celebrating 250 Years of America Quilt Along

No Comments

December 31, 2025

Celebrate with Quilts Meets Fig Tree’s Rosie’s (and Yes… you can join in!)

If you’ve been craving a quilt project that feels classic, meaningful, and just plain fun to sew, Fat Quarter Shop has a good one lined up. An upcoming Quilt-Along will feature Celebrate with Quilts by myself & Susan Ache, stitched in Rosie’s by Fig Tree & Co. for Moda Fabrics—and the quilt being remade is Peppermint Twist, a sampler-style beauty with a variety of block sizes. (In other words: you won’t get bored. Not even a little.) Ask for this book at your favorite quilt or specialty quilt retailer.

What we know so far (dates + the vibe)

Fat Quarter Shop has shared that their Celebrate with Quilts-featured Quilt-Along is scheduled for February 2026 through December 2026, Mark your calendars! The featured fabric is Rosie’s by Fig Tree & Co. with a background option of Eyelet Ivory (20488-11). I am making mine using Rosie’s and mixing up the backgrounds with a variety of prints and adding some taupes for something different.

And here’s the timing sweet spot: Rosie’s is expected to ship January 2026, which means it’s perfectly lined up for a February start. (Nothing like a fresh box of fabric to make you suddenly believe you have unlimited free time.)

Why Rosie’s is such a dreamy match for Peppermint Twist

Fig Tree describes Rosie’s as an Americana-leaning collection with denim blues and soft pinks—a fresh, vintage-meets-modern palette that still feels timeless. The original color way in the book featured lots of assorted Fig Tree Fabrics soothes new line is a perfect fit. This QAL is named Celebrating 250 Years of America Quilt Along which is perfect way to celebrate America.

That combination is chef’s kiss for a quilt like Peppermint Twist—especially when you’re working with multiple block sizes and want strong contrast, sparkle, and that “each block has its own moment” sampler energy.

Why you’ll want the Celebrate with Quilts book on your shelf (and in your sewing room… and maybe in your travel bag)

This isn’t a “make it once and forget it” kind of book. Celebrate with Quilts includes:

12 quilts (not just one hero project)
60 sampler blocks
Four block sizes ranging from 3″ to 12″

That block-size variety is exactly why a quilt like Peppermint Twist is so satisfying: it’s structured, but it still feels playful and creative—like a sampler with a party invitation attached.

And because the book is built around celebrations (holidays, milestones, life moments big and small), you’ll keep coming back to it when you need:

a baby quilt idea,
a “quick but special” gift,
a memory quilt for a family event,
or just a reason to sew something cheerful when the world feels noisy.

Reasons to join this QAL (even if you already have a few irons in the fire)

1) Built-in momentum

Quilt-alongs keep you moving—no lingering UFOs giving you side-eye from the closet. I have a few started for the year so thought I would do a blog for each to keep me on track and a teaser here of some of the blocks.

2) Community + encouragement

Fat Quarter Shop QALs are known for clear steps, steady pacing, and lots of “you can do this” energy across social and video. (You’re never quilting alone unless you want to.)

3) A stash-friendly format

Sampler quilts are sneaky that way: you can follow the official fabric plan with Rosie’s, or you can mix in favorites from your stash while still keeping a cohesive look.

4) You’ll learn (or sharpen) real skills

Multiple block sizes = more piecing variety, more chances to level up accuracy, pressing, and consistency—without it feeling like homework.

Quick “get ready” checklist

Based on what Fat Quarter Shop has shared so far, here’s a simple prep list:

Celebrate with Quilts book (you’ll need it for the QAL)
Rosie’s by Fig Tree & Co. for Moda Fabrics (expected January 2026 ship timing—perfect for a February start)
Background fabric: Your choice or Eyelet Ivory (20488-11) is the one FQS is referencing.
A place to share progress (photos are basically part of the quilting tradition at this point)

More updates as we get closer….

Final nudge (the friendly kind)

If you love quilts that feel nostalgic but still fresh… if you like blocks with personality… if you want a project that carries you through most of 2026 with a clear plan and celebrating America—this one is worth putting on the calendar. Both Susan Ache and myself will be sewing along!

Peppermint Twist + Rosie’s + a sampler-style mix of block sizes is the kind of combo that becomes a keepsake and a story. And that’s the good stuff—quilting the way it’s always been: meaningful, useful, and made with heart (and maybe a little seam-ripper humility).

Can’t wait to see your progress!

-Modalissa

Ready for a QAL?

11 Comments

December 22, 2025

True Blue: A Quilt-Along to start 2026

There’s something timeless about a blue quilt. It feels familiar, comforting, and steady—like a favorite pair of jeans or the well-worn steps of a front porch. And that’s exactly the spirit behind True Blue, my upcoming Quilt-Along created in partnership with the wonderful team at American Patchwork & Quilting.

I’m thrilled to invite you to sew along with me and the APQ staff as we work through this beautiful project together. That is not all, the team at Accu-Quilt is also featuring dies to be able to cut this quilt using the Accu-Quilt machines.

About the Quilt

True Blue is a scrap-friendly patchwork throw that celebrates classic quilt blocks with a fresh layout and calming blue palette. It’s the kind of quilt that looks just as good tossed over a sofa as it does folded at the foot of a bed—and even better when you know it’s made from fabrics you already love.

This project is all about:

• Using your stash (yes, the good blues or any color)

• Enjoying a steady, manageable pace

• Building confidence block by block

• Creating a graphic set vintage quilt.

No rushing. No pressure. Just good, honest quiltmaking.

Join the Quilt-Along

The True Blue Quilt-Along runs January 15 – March 11, and you’re invited to stitch right alongside the editors and fellow readers of American Patchwork & Quilting and little o’me.

Here’s how it works:

• Weekly steps released over 8 weeks

• Clear instructions broken into bite-size units

• No set in Seams

If you’ve ever wanted to sew “together” with a magazine team and quilters from all over the world—this is your moment. It is the beginning of the year, so lot’s of good QAL’s are starting and hope you join in on this one.

The Weekly Schedule (mark your calendar)

• Week 1: Gather & cut fabrics

• Week 2: Assemble Unit 1

• Week 3: Assemble Unit 2

• Week 4: Assemble Unit 3

• Week 5: Assemble corner units

• Week 6: Assemble blocks 1A, 2A & 3A

• Week 7: Assemble blocks 1B, 2B & 3B

• Week 8: Assemble the quilt top

Quilted by Michelle Parker of Sew Many Quilts.

True Blue feels like a bridge between generations of quilters. The blocks nod to tradition, the layout adds a graphic layout, and the process invites you to enjoy each step. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, creativity, and community.

Whether you’re sewing from a neatly organized stash or digging through bins of “someday” blues, this QAL is start off the year using up some stash..

So sharpen those rotary blades, warm up your sewing machine, and join us. I can’t wait to see your version of True Blue in any color!

Ask for this magazine at your local quilt shop and if they don’t have the magazine can be bought on line here.

Happy sewing and 2026,

-modaLissa

Moda Blockheads 6: Sweet Pea by Heather Briggs

No Comments

October 1, 2025

This week’s Moda Blockheads 6 block is blooming with charm! Say hello to Sweet Pea, presented by the ever-talented Heather Briggs of My Sew Quilty Life. With its delicate angles and graceful lines, Sweet Pea is one of those blocks that instantly adds a gentle, polished beauty to your quilt.

Blockheads- Heather Briggs

Sweet Pea – Petal-Perfect Piecing

The Sweet Pea block comes together with a thoughtful combination of flying geese and pieced units, resulting in a softly structured layout that mirrors the form and flow of the sweet pea flower. It’s elegant, subtle, and perfectly balanced—like a blossom just opening in the morning light.

There’s a lovely movement to this block that keeps it interesting without feeling overwhelming. I liked it so much I had to create a few options.

This is one of those designs that shines on its own but also plays well with others—quietly stunning and turn into an allover quilt design.

Meet Heather Briggs – Fresh, Floral & Sew Sweet

Heather Briggs is the designer behind My Sew Quilty Life, where she shares joyful, beginner-friendly patterns infused with vintage charm and soft, floral flair. Her aesthetic is sweet, gentle, and always full of heart.

Heather designs fabric for Moda Fabrics, writes thoughtful blog posts, creates beautiful quilt-along content, and inspires quilters of all levels with her approachable style and fresh color palettes. Her passion for quilting shines through in every design, and she’s especially beloved for her feminine, romantic look that still feels modern and fun.

Follow Heather and her soft, swoon-worthy quilting world here:

Instagram: @mysewquiltylife
Facebook: My Sew Quilty Life
YouTube: My Sew Quilty Life Channel
Blog & Shop: mysewquiltylife.com

If you’re drawn to floral prints, vintage-inspired designs, and feel-good sewing, Heather is someone you’ll want to keep on your radar.

Sew Along with Moda

Head over to the Moda Blog to download the Sweet Pea block pattern and watch the step-by-step tutorial. Heather always brings insight and encouragement to her projects, and seeing her color choices is always a treat.

Pick Your Sweet Pea

Have you made your Sweet Pea block yet? Whether you’re creating a garden-inspired layout or just need a peaceful pause in your sampler, this block brings softness and symmetry in the sweetest way.

Share your block using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and don’t forget to tag @modafabrics and @mysewquiltylife—we’d love to see how your blossoms are taking shape.

Until next week… keep stitching, and let your creativity bloom.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Barb Groves – Download the pattern here.

Janet Clare-Download the pattern here.

Lisa Bongean-Download the pattern here.

Corey Yoder-Download the pattern here.

Betsy Chutchian – Download the pattern here.

Camille Roskelley-Download the pattern here.

Crystal Manning-Download the pattern here.

Debbie Maddy– Download the Pattern here.

Jessica Rose– Download the pattern here.

Thank you for following along!

-modalissa

Moda Blockheads 6: Ninth Wonder by Jessica Rose

No Comments

September 17, 2025

We’re back with Block 17 in the Moda Blockheads 6 series, and this one is a true celebration of clean lines, thoughtful design, and fresh talent. Meet the Ninth Wonder Block, by Jessica Rose of QuiltD Studios—a brand-new Moda designer with a bold and modern creative voice.

Jessica’s block is a perfect example of how simplicity and structure can come together to create something striking. Her take on the classic nine-patch is elevated, elegant, and incredibly versatile—just like her design aesthetic. Since I am not quite sure how I am going to set my quilt together, just call me slacker, I am using this block as an improv opportunity to use a variety of lights/low volumes.

Ninth Wonder – Modern Balance with Classic Roots

The Ninth Wonder block blends nine-patch units with angular setting pieces to create a layout that feels both grounded and dynamic. The result is a block with crisp lines, mirrored movement, and a subtle rhythm that echoes the logic and charm of traditional piecing—refreshed for the modern quilter.

The repeating shapes give the block structure, while the negative space allows it to breathe. It’s a thoughtful design that adapts beautifully across styles—equally stunning in low-volume neutrals, high-contrast brights, or a curated scrappy mix.

This block is based on the math of a basic 9patch so I will be playing with that for my filler low volume blocks

Meet Jessica Rose – A Fresh Face at Moda

Jessica Rose is the founder and designer behind QuiltD Studios, where she creates fresh, modern quilt patterns that balance tradition with clean design. With a background in fine art and graphic design, Jessica brings a contemporary perspective to her quilting that is both intentional and approachable. She also has a monthly block club you can join, here.

As one of the newest designers for Moda Fabrics, Jessica is stepping into the quilting world with confidence and clarity—already making her mark with smart, stylish patterns and her signature creative eye.

Follow Jessica’s journey and find inspiration here:

Instagram: @quiltdstudios
Facebook: QuiltD Studios
Website & Shop: quiltdstudios.com

Her site is full of inspiring projects, thoughtful design tips, and her growing collection of beautifully modern patterns. She has some freebies also including a duffle bag How-to using her newest fabric line, PEACHY, in store November 2025.

Download, Watch & Sew Along

The Ninth Wonder block pattern and video tutorial are both available now on the Moda Blog. Don’t miss the chance to see how Jessica approaches color, layout, and movement in her own version—it’s a beautiful preview of the fresh design energy she brings to the Moda family.

A Wonder-Filled Addition

Be sure to share your version using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and welcome Jessica to the Blockheads community by tagging @modafabrics and @quiltedd.

It’s always exciting to see a new designer join the Moda family, and with Ninth Wonder, Jessica Rose is off to a strong—and beautiful—start.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Barb Groves – Download the pattern here.

Janet Clare-Download the pattern here.

Lisa Bongean-Download the pattern here.

Corey Yoder-Download the pattern here.

Betsy Chutchian – Download the pattern here.

Camille Roskelley-Download the pattern here.

Crystal Manning-Download the pattern here.

Debbie Maddy– Download the Pattern here.

Thank you for following along!

-modalissa

Moda Blockheads 6: Cloud Nine by Debbie Maddy

No Comments

September 10, 2025

Block 16 of Moda Blockheads 6 is here, and this one feels like a breath of fresh air. Say hello to Cloud Nine, designed by the ever-inspiring Debbie Maddy of Tiori Designs. Great story about where Debbie came up with name Tiori name- down below and sign up for her newsletter, here.

Known for her soothing indigo palettes, shibori textures, and slow-stitching philosophy, Debbie brings a sense of peace and presence to her work—and this block is no exception.

Blocksheads 6- Debbie Maddy

Cloud Nine – Light as Air

The Cloud Nine block combines classic flying geese units with a central four-patch, resulting in a design that feels like it’s gently floating across the surface of your quilt. The layered structure gives it just enough depth, while the soft directional movement evokes a dreamy, carefree feeling—like drifting on a cloud on a quiet day.

It’s structured but never rigid. Elegant but still playful. For my version, I featured the main colors of my quilt, reds and blues and added pinks and light blues as the backgrounds. But I can imagine this block looking just as lovely in Bella Solids, moody grays, or bold colors—it adapts beautifully to your palette and mood.

Meet Debbie Maddy – Indigo Dreamer & Textile Storyteller

Debbie Maddy is a fabric designer for Moda Fabrics, and the founder of Tiori Designs, known for her work in Japanese resist dyeing (shibori), natural indigo dyeing, and the slow-stitch movement. Her collections are often inspired by her travels and her deep love for ancient traditions and textiles. I was fortunate to visit Debbie’s studio for a class in Shibori dyeing.

Debbie’s quilting philosophy encourages creativity without stress—she invites quilters to embrace the process, breathe deeply, and connect with their materials. Her teaching style is encouraging and mindful, and her designs radiate simplicity, balance, and quiet beauty and she is the sweetest gal!

Connect with Debbie here:

Instagram: @debbie_maddy
Facebook: Debbie Maddy Tiori Designs
Blog & Website: debbiemaddy.com
WORKSHOP INFO: debbiemaddy.com under teaching tab
Debbie’s Book: Discover Shibori

Her blog is filled with travel notes, dyeing tutorials, and reflections on how to slow down and enjoy both quilting and life. If you ever get a chance to take Debbie’s Shibori class it is amazing!

Float on Over to Moda

Head to the Moda Blog for the Cloud Nine block pattern download and video tutorial. You’ll also find Debbie’s own thoughts on the design and likely see her block stitched up in her signature blues—it’s always a treat to see how her serene style translates into patchwork.

On Cloud Nine

Share your version using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and be sure to tag @modafabrics and @debbie_maddy—we’d love to float along with your creativity.

Until next week… breathe, stitch, and enjoy the view from up here.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Barb Groves – Download the pattern here.

Janet Clare-Download the pattern here.

Lisa Bongean-Download the pattern here.

Corey Yoder-Download the pattern here.

Betsy Chutchian – Download the pattern here.

Camille Roskelley-Download the pattern here.

Crystal Manning-Download the pattern here.

If you are not a member of the Blockheads 6 Facebook group, you can join here.

I can’t wait to see your progress each week.
Thank you for following along!

Moda Blockheads 6: Block 14 – Carousel Waltz by Camille Roskelley

No Comments

August 27, 2025

Week 14 of Moda Blockheads 6 has arrived, and this one comes with a swirl of charm and motion—say hello to Carousel Waltz, by the effortlessly chic Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms.

Elegant and playful all at once, Carousel Waltz feels like it could twirl right off your design wall. If you’ve been looking for a block with movement and grace, this one’s for you.

Blockheads 6- Camille Roskelley

Carousel Waltz – Spinning in Style

The Carousel Waltz block features half-square triangles and a central pinwheel, coming together in a design that has both rhythm and poise. The rotating shape (center pinwheel) creates a subtle spiral, like the graceful motion of a carousel in mid-waltz—steady, gentle, and beautifully balanced.

This block is one of those satisfying builds that starts simple and ends in something quite magical, super quick and so many options to play with color. Whether you lean into a two-tone palette or go scrappy for a bit of sparkle, Carousel Waltz offers a beautiful opportunity to showcase soft contrast and symmetry.

I loved working on this one—it fits so well with my vintage-faded theme and brings a little extra joy to the center of the block.

Meet Camille Roskelley – Fresh, Fun, & Flawlessly Classic

Camille Roskelley is the creative force behind Thimble Blossoms, a beloved designer for Moda Fabrics, and a quilter known for clean lines, bold simplicity, and a sweet vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. Her fabric collections are playful yet polished, and her quilt patterns are favorites for their timeless appeal and thoughtful construction.

Camille’s style always feels effortless—she brings lightness and clarity to her work, whether she’s designing a block, styling a photo shoot, or chatting with followers about life and quilting.

Connect with Camille and be inspired by her sunny studio life:

Instagram: @thimbleblossoms
Facebook: Thimble Blossoms
Website & Shop: thimbleblossoms.com

Give her a follow for sneak peeks of new patterns, tutorials, family life, and lots of quilting joy.

Spin into Moda

You can find the Carousel Waltz block download and a step-by-step video tutorial over on the Moda Blog. Don’t miss Camille’s version—her fabric choices and crisp piecing are always a masterclass in color and layout.

Let the Carousel Spin

Be sure to share your block using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and tag @modafabrics and @thimbleblossoms so we can admire your waltzing stitches!

Until next week… keep spinning, keep stitching, and let the quilt tell its story.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Barb Groves – Download the pattern here.

Janet Clare-Download the pattern here.

Lisa Bongean-Download the pattern here.

Corey Yoder-Download the pattern here.

Betsy Chutchian– Pattern link here.

Thank you for following along!

-modalissa

Moda Blockheads 6: Block 13 – Toadstool Twist by Betsy Chutchian

No Comments

August 20, 2025

This week’s Moda Blockheads 6 block comes with a sprinkle of magic and a twist of tradition—introducing Toadstool Twist by the always-inspiring Betsy Chutchian.

Known for her deep love of quilting history and rich reproduction fabrics, Betsy brings a sense of storytelling to every design. And Toadstool Twist? It feels like a little adventure stitched into fabric—a block full of movement, mystery, and just the right touch of whimsy.

Blockheads 6- Block 13

Toadstool Twist – A Walk Through the Woods

The Toadstool Twist block combines flying geese units with diagonal piecing to create a dynamic, layered composition. The clean intersections and rhythmic lines suggest the winding turns of a woodland path—one you might find in the middle of a fairy-tale forest.

This block is all about balance and play. There’s enough structure to give it a solid framework, but just enough irregular movement to keep your eye bouncing around. It’s lively without being busy—exactly what you want in a sampler quilt.

For my version, I leaned into primary colors with the Magic Dot Basic by Lella Boutique. I am a huge fan of anything dot and these dots are magical. They come in a huge variety of colors, so ask for them at your favorite store. You will want to stock up!

Meet Betsy Chutchian – Keeper of Quilting Stories

Betsy Chutchian is a master of blending the past with the present. She designs lush reproduction-style fabric collections for Moda Fabrics, writes quilt books inspired by antique blocks and Civil War-era quilts, and shares her love of all things historical through lectures, trunk shows, and patterns.

Her work always has that heirloom feel—blocks and quilts that look like they’ve been passed down through generations, even when they’re brand new. Betsy brings an authenticity and reverence to her craft that makes each design feel like part of a bigger story.

Connect with Betsy here:

Instagram: @betsy_chutchian
Facebook: Betsy Chutchian Quilts
Blog: betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com

If you’re a fan of history-rich fabrics, Civil War-era inspiration, and hand-crafted charm, you’ll love following along with everything Betsy does.

Toadstool Twist Tutorial & Pattern

Head over to the Moda Blog to download the Toadstool Twist block pattern and watch the step-by-step video tutorial. Betsy’s insight into construction and block placement always adds a little more depth to the sewing experience. This week it is my turn to host the video so it is a down and dirty quickie version to make this block.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpwt-FQD18E

Share your makes with #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and tag @modafabrics and @betsy_chutchian—we’d love to see your twist on this classic-meets-whimsy design.

Until next week… keep wandering, keep stitching, and enjoy the journey.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Barb Groves – Download the pattern here.

Janet Clare-Download the pattern here.

Lisa Bongean-Download the pattern here.

Corey Yoder-Download the pattern here.

Thank you for following along!

The Smiley Face Quilt That Took the Scenic Route

2 Comments

August 19, 2025

Quilting Retreats, Lost Quilts, and Lessons Learned

I just got back from my annual retreat with my quilty friends. This year we spent the week at Box Car Quilts, and while I can’t show you what I worked on just yet (two secret samples for Market!), I thought I’d share one of my all-time favorite retreat stories instead. It happened three years ago, and it still makes me laugh every time I think about it.

The Year of the Smiley Face

That retreat was at Lisa Bongean’s of Primitive Gathering’s retreat named The Gathering, and let me tell you, I was on a roll. I cranked out three or four samples, including a Smiley Face quilt using Maureen McCormick’s fabric and a yellow version just like the pattern. I was feeling pretty smug about all that productivity. One of my friends made a quilt from a One Sister pattern, and we were both pretty excited to send our tops off to the quilter as soon as we got home.

One of the quilts was on a rush order so it would be ready for Quilt Market. Easy enough, right? Box it up, ship it off, check it off the list.

Well… not exactly.

The Case of the Missing Quilt Tops

Turns out, the quilter had moved. She told me. I knew she told me. But in the Market hustle, I mixed up the addresses and sent them to the wrong place.

When the package didn’t arrive, I begged. I pleaded. I asked if maybe a neighbor or even the realtor could check. Nothing. Crickets. Finally, after far too many unanswered calls, I gave up.

So, I did what quilters do when time is short—I made another sample in record time. I reimbursed my friend for her quilt by paying for her next retreat, and I mourned the yellow Smiley Face quilt as lost forever. I felt horrible for doing such a knucklehead move.

Three Years Later…

Fast forward almost exactly three years, and I get a phone call from a New York number. A sweet woman named Julie was on the other end, and she said, “I think I have something that belongs to you.”

Turns out Julie had bought the quilter’s old house online. She moved in, had hip surgery, and hadn’t been upstairs in months. When her daughter came to stay, she started going through some boxes left in the hall closet. Mine was at the bottom of the stack—complete with my long-lost quilt tops!

Can you imagine the surprise of opening a box of quilts when you’re not a quilter yourself? Julie even had a few questions about quilting, which made the whole thing even sweeter. She boxed them back up and I am thrilled today they have arrived at home!

Moral of the Story

So here’s what I learned:

Never give up—sometimes quilts find their way home years later.
And for goodness’ sake, always double-check the mailing address!
Always include your contact infant return address inside the box.

Back to This Year

The quilts I worked on at Box Car Quilts this year are still hush-hush for now, but I promise there are some AWESOME projects I can’t wait to share—mine and my friends’. Because really, the best part of retreat is not just what you make, but the stories and memories you bring home. It was a blast! I laughed so hard and ate so much and will catch up on my sleep sometime!

-modalissa