Tag: bella solids

Quiltcon 2024- part 1

QuiltCon is an annual event organized by the Modern Quilt Guild, a community of modern quilters worldwide. Each year the show is held in different locations. 2024 was n the beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina. Moda Fabrics had an exhibitors booth showcasing Moda’s Bella Solids including some of the new bright palette.

Pattern- Beasley Hollow by Lori Danelle of She Makes Joy

QuiltCon features a variety of activities such as workshops, lectures, demonstrations, Vendors booth and an assortment of industry exhibitors and a quilt show. The focus is on modern quilting, which often involves bold colors, geometric shapes, and innovative designs. Quilters from all skill levels, from beginners to experts, attend QuiltCon to learn new techniques, gain inspiration, and connect with others who share their passion for quilting.

I attended 2 lectures. We need to talk about Bertha by Mary Fons. Anytime I see Mary’s name on a class or lecture listing, I sign up. She is incredible and this lecture did not disappoint.  (description from brochure-

She called them her “sculptures in cloth”. In the mid-20th century, while other quiltmakers stitched Grandmother’s Flower Garden and Churn Dash bed quilts, Bertha Meckstroth was reverse-appliquéing bats, crosses, and Aramaic text into quilts made for the wall. Anticipating by some 50 years the emergence of the art quilt movement, Bertha made nearly 200 of these iconoclastic objects, finished with spider web, angel wing, and feather motifs. For all her artistic triumphs, however, Bertha’s tale is a tragedy: When she died in a Chicago sanitarium in 1960, her will — which explicitly stated her quilts should be kept together — was ignored. Nobody cared what a “spinster” wanted, after all. The bank contested the will and won, scattering Bertha’s life’s work to the wind. For the past two years, Mary Fons has been tracking down the quilts of Bertha Meckstroth and her investigation is paying off. In this debut lecture, Mary will present her extraordinary findings, including intel from primary sources and never-before-seen images. This fascinating, true story of a woman wronged isn’t over yet.
ASL services provided through generous support from HandiQuilter.

Mary, also known as Quilt Nerd.  and has written about Bertha in an issue of Quiltfolk. 

This lecture was so introspective for me. Bertha died in 1960 and in her will she requested for all 89 of her quilts to be kept together and left money to make sure her wishes were followed. for more of this story you will have to read Mary’s article in Quiltfolk, but the thing that hit home for me is that Bertha had inventoried every quilt she had made. I do such a bad job of this!! As I listened to Mary’s talk and how she was able to research this incredible woman and her story was mainly because everything was documented. I have got to improve on this!

The second lecture was from the keynote speaker, Jacquie Gering. ( more this lectures in a  separate post.)

The quilt show at QuiltCon is a highlight of the event, showcasing stunning modern quilts created by members of the Modern Quilt Guild as well as other quilters from around the world. These quilts often push the boundaries of traditional quilting with their contemporary aesthetic and artistic expression.

Just a few of my favorites!

I seemed to take lots of pics of rainbow like quilts.

I look back at the pictures of quilts that I took. Was I influenced by color, design, pattern or quilting?

YES, YES, YES and YES.

I can’t ever imagine making anything so grand but could not help but be influenced by the creativity shown at this show.

As in any show the judging and winning quilts are up for speculation. The best of show sent chills down my spine and was the topic of much conversation.

What We Will Use as Weapons: A List of School Supplies by Ginny Robinson @minnowpeck

Ginny is a teacher and she asked other teachers in the Us what they would use to defend students in the event of a school shooting. The quilt is shaped like a door and has  everything from pencils to jugs of paint and many more items that were sent in as answers to Ginny’s question. Imagine bringing a stapler to a gunfight are the words in the description that really got to me.

This was the back of the quilt with an automatic rifle. Ginny’s art and comment of never wanting to see this in our schools.

Not that I am partial but some of my favorite quilts were in the Moda booth including Stars Above pattern by Megan Collins

This was made with Moda’s Bella Solids and background fabric from Amarilys Henderson’s Playground collection..

Pattern- Radical Cassettes by Love Sew Modern. This version took on a country feel using Moda’s bandana toweling on the cassettes.

Overall, QuiltCon is a celebration of creativity, community, and the art of quilting in the modern age. It’s a fantastic opportunity for quilters to come together, learn from each other, and celebrate their shared love of the craft. This show is so much fun and the energy is so inspiring. Mark your calendars now for next years show in Phoenix, Arizona, Feb 20-23rd.

Enjoy!

My favorite color…

Do you have a favorite color? I thought I did, Red, no wait, Blue, no really it is Orange. Well this is what happens to me every time I sit down to start a quilt. I love them all.

So when it came time for Moda’s Block of the Month sampler, My Favorite Color is Moda I count decide.

The program has 6 different combinations of 10 colors. The designer of this quilt is Michelle White who happens to be in the office right next door to me.  Seeing all the combinations that Michelle was creating made me fall in love with one of the “rejected” color combinations. I loved the grey, white and red. It was so Scandinavian, fresh and different. I said, ” I want to make that one.” Michelle was too kind to put the info together for me, but she also created options. I am not good with options. I can’t even decide what my favorite color is how can I choose with options? I just wanted to join in on the Quilt-along.

Michelle created another option combining  the Scandinavian version and the Cookie Tin version. Then she swapped around some of the reds and greens and I was ready to commit. I knew some one in my family would want this for Christmas.

My Favorite Color is Moda option

This is MY color way version of My Favorite Color is Moda project.

Block 1 is a fun big 36″ block.

2 and 3 are variations of courthouse steps. So very much the same but different.

Block 4 – a variation of a sawtooth star. Turning the triangles in different directions creates all kinds of options.

It is not to late to join in on the Quilt- along. Ask at your favorite shop for the fabric and pattern. For more information, visit the Moda’s Inspiration Center.

I am certainly saving the grey and red color palette. It is dreamy.

 

Enjoy!

Progress Report- Jan 2021

I can see why in school we received our progress reports every 6 weeks. It is a lot of work keeping up with the progress or making any progress at all. I finished some and started more so A-.

UPDATE:
Red and White quilt finished!!

This quilt design is by Sheryl Johnson in Sisterhood of Scraps book. The quilt is titled Half-Square Hashtags.

 

I am finished with my quilt for the Seasons to Taste blog hop. I am last on the line up and will share my quilt here on Feb. 2nd.  I knew the colors I wanted to use, so I started with scraps from one of my quilts in Sisterhood of Scraps  and combined them with a quilt that will be in Scrap School this Feb. Pulling these fabrics was fun to think about and how different they look with a few added fabrics. deadline- end of Jan.- CHECK

The QUILT ALONGS continue

Blockheads 3

I have all my blocks done. Just need to decide on a setting.

QUILT BEE

Another QAL I have joined is the one Bonnie and Camille are hosting using their new book, Quilt Bee.

 For more info about the QAL, visit their INSTAGRAM.

My Favorite Color is Moda

I am adding My Favorite Color is Moda to the list of QAL’s. You can read all about it on the Moda Inspiration and Resources page. 
Michelle White designed this project and I loved the Scandinavian feel of one of her initial drawings. She knew I have a hard time making up my mind so she created another color option combining the look of the Scandinavian and added Christmas.
I am going with option 2.

The pattern and fabric kits are available at your favorite quilt store.

Christmas 2021… here I come.

I also want to thank all my teachers  for those dreaded progress reports. I really had very good grades but just sometimes messed up on the conduct part. Teachers hang in there. You are are molding the lives of the future either in class or virtually.

Enjoy,

modalissa

so many projects

I have always had more than one project going at a time but I don’t know if it is because of Covid or just my excitement to MAKE. I thought I would do a status check to keep me accountable.

half-square hashtags

Working on an all red version of Sheryl Johnson’s Half Square Hashtag quilt. As soon as Sheryl sent this quilt in for Sisterhood of Scraps, I knew I had to make it.

On-the-Go-SIH-050-Let’s-Fly-61×72

I signed up to make a sample for work. I thought this would be a fun quilt for one of my grandsons for Christmas. I am so very close but I set this one aside and need some space and time to lay it out and get it finished up.

20720-11

I am planning on using the panel as part of the quilt back making the quilt a reversible playmate. Fabric is ON the Go by Stacy Iest Hsu.  Fabric is in stores in January but hoping to cross this one off my list very soon.

I am obsessed with all the Quilt alongs happening now.

In the OLDEN DAYS, I would sign up for groups that would meet the first Monday of the month, the third Wednesday or the fourth Saturday. Seemed like an easy commitment of one day a month until I had signed up for so many 1 day a month events that if filled my calendar.

The virtual QAL’s are different. I don’t have to get a sitter or even leave the house and I get to meet many virtual friends.

Block 36

I am on the last round (each designer has 1 more block to post) of the Moda Blockheads series. Be sure and follow each post because the featured designer is doing a giveaway. Posts EVERY WEDNESDAY. You can get all the patterns  on Moda’s blog.

I am tickled pink to be included as one of the SEWCIALITES on Fat Quarter Shops, weekly QAL.  POSTS EVERY FRIDAY.

I am really challenging myself and using all Bella Solids. The patterns are fun, The instructions are great and just one more block a week to make. No Problem, right?

I am sure there are some other things but this is my

WIP (WORKS IN PROGRESS)

update.

What are you working on?

Sewcialities Sew Along- Harmony

Hello everybody! I am super excited to start off the Sewcialites SewAlong with the Fat Quarter Shop team and some of the best designers in the world. If this is your first time visiting my blog, I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I am the mother of 5, I have 4 grandkids and have been quilting for almost 40 years. EGADS! that seems like forever ago and I really am not that old. I started quilting before the invention of the rotary cutter, I made templates from cardboard and I quilted as I went – known as quilt as you go.

I worked part time at a quilt store then was hired to help open a quilt store and managed that for 9 years and had the opportunity of a lifetime join Moda Fabrics. 24 years later and it seems like yesterday.

Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites.
Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites.

Say that 10 times fast!

I really struggled with what fabrics until I saw the color assortments that Carrie Nelson and Michelle White had been putting together using assorted Bella Solids.  I fell in love with some of these colors and thought I would dive in.

The color assortment they came up with was named Mellow Rainbow. It so reminded me of my youth, the days of being a Brownie and Girl Scout all the way to my bell bottoms,  bumper stickers and wood panel station wagon days. Groovy, right?!

I usually like using lots and lots of fabrics in a quilt and do not work in solids. Maybe it was from my early quilting days when my first quilting teacher pointed out that if I used solids my mistakes would show up more. I made lots of mistakes so I steered away from solids. Not any more!

Here are my colors…..

Mellow Rainbow- Bella Solids

In order, 204 PLUM -218 INDIGO-135 MARINE-234 EVERGREEN-232 SAFFRON-292 AMBER-294 PERSIMMON-
298 CAMEO-106 EARTH

I am making 9″ blocks but there are patterns for 3 sizes, 3″ 6″ and 9″.

I don’t not always starch, but when I do love the difference starching adds to my accuracy.

My goal for this project is to work on precision so I have starched all my fabric and I must admit,

it is so yummy to cut and sew.

The patterns are written so nicely and it is wonderful therapeutic time at my sewing machine.

Sewcialites- HARMONY

                     Below is the yardage requirements depending on what size block you are making.

For the pattern in all 3 sizes, visit FQS’s Jolly Jabber.

and of course there are PRIZES….

To enter to win, share photos of any one of your blocks #1, 2 or 3 on Instagram with the #SewcialitesQAL and tag @fatquartershop. Post your photo by midnight on Thursday, October 15. You can enter up to three times (once for each block)! We’ll pick a winner and announce them here on the blog on Friday, October 16.

Follow me on Instagram for the latest happenings. @modalissa

Thank you stopping by to visit.

#SewcialitesQAL

Candy Corn Quilt Pattern

candy corn quilt

I love the colors.
I love the pattern.
I love the quilting.

I love, love, love it.

Someone asked me about the pattern and colors so I thought I would share it here. When I went to hunt down
the good pics, I remembered it was featured in the April May 2013 QUILT magazine. So here are their nice styled, color corrected pictures from 2013.

my candy corn quilt in QUILT aprilmay2013And here are the details if you want to make your own version using Bella solids.

9900-51- Buttercup,
9900-81 Goldenrod,
9900-83 Grey,
9900-125 Betty’s Brown,
9900-147 Coral,
9900-162 Amelia Apricot,
9900-171 Etchings Charcoal,
9900-185 Zen Grey
9900-209 Clementine,
9900-210 Strawberry,
9900-213 Mustard,
9900-244 Harvest Gold.

A fat quarter of each.

The background could be anything but I used 9900-182 Porcelain (4 1/4 yds.)

Pick your favorite 12 colors, add background of your choice.
The possibilities are endless. Choose all shades of greens and browns for trees, blues and greens with a little white on top for snow capped mountains, 30’s prints for a retro quilt or just a combination of all your funky favorite fabrics as a scrap buster!

 

Bella Solid Peaks quilt
The quilt looked even better washed and used. I love it when a quilt has been put to good use.

Tag me if you make a version of this quilt. I would love to see it.
Here is the pattern for your use.
Enjoy!!

-modalissa

 

Sewcialities Sew Along

The Fat Quarter Shop is getting ready for a free block of the week sew-along called Sewcialities!  They’ve asked 18 designers (me included) to each contribute two blocks that can be made in three different sizes, 3″, 6″, or 9″.  You’ll get one block a week for 38 weeks. The fun starts Friday, September 25th, and runs through June 25th, 2021!  June 2021 will be here before we know it!

The blocks are all pieced, and each one is rated for difficulty.  The Fat Quarter Shop will be using the “Homestead” fabric line by April Rosenthal. I love that each block is 2 fabrics.  I am making the 9″ blocks and they go together very quickly.

At work, we have been playing with Bella Solids lately. Michelle White and Carrie Nelson were creating different color ways and I fell in love with one of the color assortments and thought it was perfect timing to use for my version of Sewcialites. We had all kinds of great names for the colors and this one Michelle named Mellow Rainbow. I don’t know what it is but it reminds me of my youth and the colors of the 70’s and 80’s.

Mellow Rainbow- Bella Solids

204 PLUM

218 INDIGO

135 MARINE

234 EVERGREEN

232 SAFFRON

292 AMBER

294 PERSIMMON

298 CAMEO

106 EARTH

I usually don’t use all solids but I have made the goal to work on my precision piecing on this quilt. If you are off the least little bit when using solids it shows more, but I am not scared.

Of course, you can also pull from your stash.  You can find all the information you need on the Jolly Jabber blog.  So many sizes to choose from.  Get that triangle paper ready if you choose the 3″ size.

for the complete details, visit The Jolly Jabber.

#SewcialitesQAL

Schoolhouse Quilt Pattern

During the pandemic, several different people on social media starting having outdoor quilt shows by showcasing one of their quilts in their yard or on their front porch, etc. Jenny Doan starting doing this also and I thought I would do the same each weekend.

I dug this schoolhouse quilt out of my stack to symbolize the return to school, even though it was virtual.

Several of you have messaged me wanting this pattern so I decided to do a quick blog post
so I can share it with everyone.

Download the pattern here.

The pattern does have templates for the roof, so be sure and set your printer to actual size.
Choose 6 fat quarters and 3 1/2 yds background of your choice.
I made mine using 6 different Bella Solids.

I also want to make it using denim, blues and greys.

I know my neighbors probably think I am crazy but I have enjoyed my own little quilt show.

My blog post would not be complete without a mock up of a little red schoolhouse quilt.

I hope you enjoy this quilt pattern.

-modalissa

Positively Patriotic

Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2019 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. 

Here is my latest project featured in the June issue of American Patchwork and Quilting.
Didn’t APQ do a fantastic job photo styling my quilt?

My heart goes pitter patter over anything red white and blue.

Magazines are on the newstands April 5th so in the meantime if you want to gather your fabrics, I used

some of my very favorite Bella Solids

Royal 9900-19,   2 1/4 yds
9900-200,           3 5/8 yds
Cherry 9900-230       2 yds

I am in love and honored to be featured in this issue alongside some other greatness including Susan Ache, Diane Harris, Jessica Dayon, Jo Kramer and Kelli Hanken, Tara Lynn Baisden, Victoria Findlay Wolfe and Heidi Staples. To find out more about this issue, follow American Patchwork & Quilting’s social media.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/allpeoplequilt

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/allpeoplequilt

Twitter: @allpeoplequilt

Instagram: @allpeoplequilt

My only problem is I wonder if they will let me borrow that truck for my summer picnic.

Enjoy!

-modalissa

 

Peaks- the quilt

candy corn quilt

I recently posted a picture of this quilt on my Instagram because I love it.
I love the colors.
I love the pattern.
I love the quilting.

I love, love, love it.

Someone asked me about the pattern and colors so I thought I would share it here. When I went to hunt down

the good pics, I remembered it was featured in the April May 2013 QUILT magazine.

So here are their nice styled, color corrected pictures from 2013.

my candy corn quilt in QUILT aprilmay2013And here are the details if you want to make your own version using Bella solids.

9900-51- Buttercup,

9900-81 Goldenrod,

9900-83 Grey,

9900-125 Betty’s Brown,

9900-147 Coral,

9900-162 Amelia Apricot,

9900-171 Etchings Charcoal,

9900-185 Zen Grey

9900-209 Clementine,

9900-210 Strawberry,

9900-213 Mustard,

9900-244 Harvest Gold.

A fat quarter of each.

The background could be anything but I used 9900-182 Porcelain (4 1/4 yds.)

I refer to this type of quilt as a 12 pack, not a 6- pack that is something completely different. Pick your favorite 12 colors, add background of your choice

and the possibilities are endless.

Choose all shades of greens and browns for trees,

blues and greens with a little white on top for snow capped mountains,

30’s prints for a retro quilt

or just a combination of all your funky favorite fabrics as a scrap buster!

Bella Solid Peaks quiltI shot a pic of the quilt with my Iphone as I zipped by the quilt laying on an unmade bed at my sons house.
The quilt looked even better washed and used. I love it when a quilt has been put to good use.

Tag me if you make a version of this quilt. I would love to see it.
Here is the pattern for your use.
Enjoy!!

-modalissa