IN progress

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Behind the Scenes: Working on Secret Quilting Patterns for Quilt Market

One of my favorite yet challenging aspects of my job is working on secret quilting projects that can’t be revealed until Quilt Market. For those of you who are new to the world of quilting, Quilt Market is like the Super Bowl for quilters and fabric lovers! It’s the big event where designers, brands, and retailers come together to showcase their latest products and designs to the world. It’s also where we finally get to pull back the curtain on all the hush-hush projects we’ve been working on for months. Post Covid the big launch at Quilt Market has changed a bit but whether Market or anytime of the year, working behind the scenes is still pretty darn thrilling.

The Thrill of a Well-Kept Secret

Working on secret quilting patterns is like being a part of a secret club that only a few select people get to join. The excitement builds as we collaborate with our talented team of designers, and quilters, watching the project come to life one stitch at a time. But, as much as I want to share what I have been sewing, I have to resist the urge to spill the beans! Moda recently had its biggest launch and the Moda designers have shared their new lines and projects so I can catch you up on what I have been doing.

In the months leading up to Quilt Market, our designers works tirelessly to create beautiful patterns that will inspire quilters around the world. The designs often involve hours of brainstorming, fabric selection, tweaking, and sometimes even starting from scratch to get everything just right. There’s a certain kind of magic in knowing that we’re crafting something truly special that will only be unveiled to the world when the time is perfect and then there are deadlines. The designers have to work on such tight deadlines to work ahead and create all the details needed for each product launch.

Fabric for Zen Chic Quilt Kit

The Challenge of Keeping it Under Wraps

As a quilter, my natural instinct is to share, share, share! But when it comes to these secret projects, I have to keep my creativity locked down. This is especially tough when our community is buzzing with questions, wanting to know what’s coming next. I might drop a few hints—like a peek at a fabric swatch or a photo of a half-covered sewing machine—but I have to be careful not to give too much away!

One of the fun parts is creating a sense of anticipation. We tease our audience with countdowns, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and cryptic captions that make them guess what’s coming. It’s like laying a trail of breadcrumbs that leads to a big reveal. It’s so rewarding to see the excitement build, knowing that soon we’ll get to share the full picture. The timing could not have been better for a quilt retreat at Primitive Gatherings where I worked on three different quilt samples, finishing up the blocks from Stacy Iest Hsu, making the watermelon quilt by Camille and a layer cake quilt by Corey Yoder.

Stacy Iest Hsu – Home Sweet Haunt- Pattern # SIH 107 Spooks and Spells
Camille Roskelley- Watermelon Patchwork- Pattern #TB 286 and KIT 55320

The Big Reveal at Quilt Market

When Quilt Market finally arrives, it feels like Christmas morning! The moment we’ve all been waiting for has come, and we get to finally showcase our secret projects to the world. The buzz at Quilt Market is always electric, and seeing our audience’s reactions makes all the months of keeping secrets completely worth it.

It’s also inspiring to see how other creators, designers, and quilters interpret trends and bring their unique vision to the event. As the projects we’ve been keeping under wraps come to life on the show floor and across social media, we can finally let the floodgates open. Sharing the joy and excitement of these new designs with our online community is one of the best parts of my job, but seeing the projects and designers in person is priceless.

ABloom by Corey Yoder- Pattern #CQ224- so fun and easy.. A Layer Cake and preprinted cross stitch panel.

Looking Forward to the Next Chapter

Even though Quilt Market marks the end of one creative journey, it’s also the beginning of the next. As soon as the curtain drops, we’re already brainstorming and dreaming up ideas for the next round of secret projects. And the cycle starts all over again!  So to finish up, a few more details on what I accomplished.

I made a record breaking total of 6 different quilts, added the binding on 12 quilts, machine sewed some of the bindings down. Now on with the show!

Machine binding using Aurifil Nylon thread on top and matching thread color on back.
did not make this beautiful quilt but did add the binding. Buon Natale by Fig Tree FT 2024 Twas the Night Before Christmas by Fig Tree. Made by Sarah Hueuchteman.

 

MUST HAVE! an assortment of thread colors whether using it for binding, repairs or appliqué.

 

My Family and I are so excited about Moda’s 27 Fireside fabrics. All my kids want this on the back of their quilts.

Being a part of this creative process, from the earliest concepts to the grand reveal, is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in the quilting industry.

Stay tuned to our social media channels, because as soon as Quilt Market opens its doors, we’ll be sharing every detail of the secret patterns we’ve been keeping under wraps and I am sure there will even be surprises for us.

Until then, happy stitching, and may your quilts always tell a beautiful story!

-modalissa

Happy Halloween

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Happy Halloween with Elizabeth Hartman & Moda’s Spotted Fabrics!

Hello, fellow quilting enthusiasts!

The spooky season is upon us, and I couldn’t resist diving into one of my favorite Halloween-themed projects. Today, I’m sharing the perfect combo for your October sewing lineup: Elizabeth Hartman’s Happy Halloween quilt pattern paired with the Spotted fabric collection by Moda Fabrics. Trust me—this project will have your sewing machine humming with excitement!

Why I Love the Happy Halloween Pattern

Elizabeth Hartman has a knack for bringing whimsy to quilting, and this pattern is no exception! Happy Halloween is a fun, spirited quilt featuring charmingly spooky characters like black cats, ghosts, jack-o’-lanterns, and more. The playful shapes and detailed instructions make it beginner-friendly while still offering enough variety for seasoned quilters to enjoy. I have always loved Elizabeth’s patterns but was a tad bit scared, I fell in love and a friend of mine highly encouraged me to dive in.

The Magic of Moda’s Spotted Fabrics

Now, let’s talk fabric! If you haven’t had a chance to play with Moda’s Spotted collection by Zen Chic, you’re in for a treat. These fabrics are subtle yet striking, featuring tonal spots that add texture without overpowering your design. The speckled look is perfect for Halloween quilts because it gives off a slightly eerie, mysterious vibe—without going full-on haunted house. Plus, with the wide range of colors available, you can get creative with the way you showcase each spooky character in the pattern.

For this quilt, I opted for a mix of deep purples, eerie oranges, ghostly whites, and midnight blacks from the Spotted line. These colors play off each other beautifully, adding dimension to the quilt and making each block pop. The texture of the fabric also gives the quilt a rich, layered look that you’ll love seeing unfold as you stitch.

Bringing the Characters to Life

One of my favorite parts of this project was choosing which Spotted colors to pair with each character. Here are a few of my choices:.I was inspired by a color option offered by The Quilt Spot. They are offering a Ruby Star Society Speckled version with a pink background fitting my current obsession of anything pink and orange. I decided to dive in using Spotted as my fabric choice. With the wide range of colors I had plenty of choices to create this whimsical option.

  • The Black Cat Block: I went with a dark grey from Spotted, using a eerie green eyes, they make me so happy. The tonal spots add just the right amount of depth to the sleek, spooky cat.
  • The Ghost Block: For the ghost, I used a soft white Spotted fabric. The subtle texture of the spots brings a “misty” feel, giving the ghost a floating, ethereal quality popping of the soft pink background..
  • The Jack-O’-Lantern Block: Of course, no Halloween quilt is complete without a pumpkin! I chose a vibrant Spotted orange for the pumpkin, which gave it a fun, quirky twist. The speckled effect really enhances the playful facial expression of the jack-o’-lantern.
  • The Adorable Witch I was contemplating  whether  the  skin  was  too  green.,never!!
  • Dont get me started on the Spider,. Elizabeth is brilliant on how this is constructed.

Tips for a Wickedly Fun Sew-Along

If you’re thinking of starting your own Happy Halloween quilt, here are a few tips to make the process even more fun:

  1. Mix and Match Your Spotted Fabrics: Don’t be afraid to play with contrast! The subtle tonal shifts in the Spotted collection give you plenty of room to experiment with light and dark pairings. I added a few extra colors than the pattern suggested so I could have options along the way.
  2. Take Your Time with the Cutting: Cutting one design at a time and labeling each piece is key.. It’s worth slowing down here to make sure your don’t miss any pieces. Elizabeth offers instructions to make one of each of the designs for a wall hanging or four of each for a big version. Can you guess which one I choose?
  3. Pace Yourself: This is the first time I have tackled an Elizabeth Hartman pattern. Yes, I have always been scared to tackle something like this. A friend of mine teaches her patterns at a local shop. I love every one she makes.. If you are making the big quilt, make one block first to fully understand the instructions. They are so well written and once you have tackled one, you will be so excited to make the next. There is a lot of sewing but so worth it.

Wrapping it Up!

If you’re looking for a project that combines charm, creativity, and just the right amount of spooky vibes, Elizabeth Hartman’s Happy Halloween pattern with Moda’s Spotted fabrics is the perfect pick. You’ll love the way the fabric’s texture brings the characters to life, and the pattern’s playful design will make you smile with every stitch.

Whether you’re quilting for yourself or preparing a handmade gift for a fellow Halloween-lover, this project is bound to become a seasonal favorite. Don’t forget to share your finished quilts on social media—I can’t wait to see your unique spins on this festive combo!

Until next time, happy quilting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Jelly Roll

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Quilt Love: Exploring the Joy of the “Tiddlywinks” Jelly Roll Pattern 

Are you ready for Moda’s Project Jelly Roll Day? 3rd Saturday of September every year.

But first……

I cannot help but dedicate this years Project Jelly Roll to a friend of mine that was part of the inspiration on the development of Moda’s Jelly Rolls, Daniela Stout. Daniela recently passed away from a 4 year battle with Ovarian Cancer. Daniela was the owner of Cozy Quillts, in El Cajon, California. She was the creator of a program and patterns named, The Strip Club. Daniela inspired us with the opportunity to create wonderful quilts using 2 1/2″ strips but also allowed us to poke fun at our craft. Just imagine leaving the house and saying I am headed to the StripClub. Daniela was instrumental in creating the need for strips and Moda took it one step further, Strips that are precut.

Here we go….

This past week the team at Moda Fabrics  (thank you Annie and Kelsey) shared a quilt I made in anticipation of National Sew A Jelly Roll Day. I guess just for long term documentation, I wanted to share this on my feed also. I love, love, love Anne Sutton’s fabric lines. For this project, I knew the signature print was perfect for wide sashing so I dove right in.

If you haven’t already, check out this fantastic tutorial video on Tiddlywinks here, where I break down the process step by step. Spoiler alert: you’ll fall in love with how easy and fun it is!

 

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Why the Tiddlywinks Pattern?

The Tiddlywinks pattern is perfect for those days when you want a light-hearted, cheerful quilt but want to try something a little different for a creative challenge. This pattern stand outs in whatever fabric choices you use.

What’s So Special About Jelly Rolls?

For those of you who are newer to the quilting world, Jelly Rolls are collections of pre-cut Moda fabric strips (2.5 inches wide) that take much of the prep work out of the equation. That means less time cutting and more time stitching! There are jillions of ways to cut, slice and dice JellyRolls and tools and gadgets to make this easier.

Key Tips from the Tutorial

  1. Efficient Strip Cutting: Jelly Rolls make strip piecing a breeze, and the Tiddlywinks pattern uses this technique to its full advantage. The video explains how to cut your strips into neat units, ensuring your hexagons will assemble into smooth and precise shapes..
  2. Row Assembly: The tutorial walks you through method for stitching the rows into bite size sections. There are small manageable steps, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Plus, with the pre-cut strips, you can focus on the creative process rather than stressing over accuracy.
  3. Pressing for Success: There’s an emphasis on pressing your seams correctly, which is especially important for this design. It’s the little things that make the blocks lie flatter and look sharper, and this video tutorial really drives that home.
  4. Choosing Fabrics:  Tiddlywinks quilt uses a playful combination of bright, happy fabrics, but one of the best parts of working with Jelly Rolls is that you can pick any combination that speaks to you. I combined 2 different JellyRolls plus a few scrap strips to add some geometric. I have saved some of the strips as a possibility for binding.

My Experience with Tiddlywinks

As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew it was exactly what I needed. The Tiddlywinks quilt is such a joyous project, and the circles created by the Jelly Roll strips make the pattern feel fresh and modern, while still honoring classic quilting techniques. I chose a Jelly Roll with a mix of vibrant prints and softer tones, and I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out.

Working on this quilt has been such a refreshing change of pace. The hexagons add a playful touch that makes the quilt feel romantic and full of movement. And honestly, the ease of using pre-cuts gave me more time to just enjoy the process—no stress over cutting everything perfectly!

Are you going to be sewing anything on Jelly Roll day?

Until next time, happy stitching, and may your quilts always be full of joy!

  • modalissa

 

My Journey with the Moonbeams Charity Quilt Along

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Moonbeams QAL

MOONBEAMS QAL

I’m thrilled to share my journey with the Moonbeams Charity Quilt Along, the 11th in the series designed by the Fat Quarter Shop to support Make-A-Wish, North Central Texas division.

As many of you know I suffer from Paralysis by Analysis. Not a medically diagnosed affliction but a self induced one. When I see a quilt, I want to make it just like it is shown. How about you? Same thing, right? Picking the fabrics and color is the hardest part of quilting for me. Add another layer of pressure knowing that this quilt will be auctioned to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, so it has to be perfect in every way. So this is where I need your help to help me choose which option.

 

Christmas version

I can just imagine how gorgeous the quilting would be on this dark green grunge.

 

I started the Moonbeams QAL and was inspired by the blue background from Sherri and Chelsis fabric but knew I needed to make it different. So how about a Christmas/Winter version using Basic Grey’s PINE VALLEY  and grunge fabric for the background.

I love the fabrics. They are so rich and elegant but about month 3, I started to doubt myself….

OPTION 2- Blue and green

If you have been following along on the Piece and Quilt QAL, you know I have been using blues and greens from Camille Roskelley’s Shoreline collection. If that is not enough I have also been using blues and greens in my Moda blockhead’s quilt. This is more of a scrappy version using pieces from Camille Roskelley, Minick and Simpson,  Fig Tree and Co., Janet Clare, 3 sisters and more. As I was cleaning up and starting to put these fabrics away, I had a thought…. what about Moonbeams in these fabrics?

 

Yes this would be my 3rd quilt as of late using these colors, but what is wrong with that?

 

But you can never have too many Christmas quilts and maybe that would be the best version to donate to the raffle?

Paralysis by Analysis... Help me! Which version would like to take home? Just a few more days and they will be launching the finishing instructions so I have my work cut out for me. I am not afraid, just need to make the plan and work the plan. While I tend to overthink, I am best under pressure and the pressure is on!

Just in case, you too can make this quilt. Each of the patterns are available as downloads via the Jolly Jabber, along with a minimal donation to The Make A Wish Foundation, Central North Texas division. You can find all the patterns and videos for the event on the Moonbeams Quilt Along page.

More information directly from the jolly jabber.

Quilt and Cross Stitch Pattern benefit Make-a-Wish Central & South Texas.

As we soar through our 11th Annual Charity Quilt, we continue to be amazed by the generosity of this sewing community and inspired by the stories of the children who have been granted life-changing Wishes. We encourage you to donate just $10 for the use of each free quilt pattern or a total of $50. For the cross stitch patterns, we are asking for a $20 donation. No amount is too small, and every bit counts. Fat Quarter Shop is proudly partnering with Moda Fabrics to match up to $30,000 in donations.

Fundraising Surprises for Moonbeams

We’re getting closer to our goal of $100,000 for Make-a-Wish, and when we reach $50,000 in donations, one lucky donor will receive a 1-hour virtual visit with Kimberly Jolly!

  • To be entered, you will need to donate $25 or more to our Make-a-Wish campaign. If you have already donated $25 or more with your name and email (not anonymous), then you are automatically entered to win!
  • Make sure that your donation is not anonymous so that we can contact you by email.
  • When we reach $50,000, we will randomly select a qualifying donor and notify them by email.

Each milestone goal we hit with our Make-a-Wish fundraiser will unlock special offers and surprises!  When you donate today, you’ll get us closer to our goal of granting ten wishes, and closer to awarding each special surprise.

BONUS 1 – Cross Stitch Supply List and Quilt Fabric Requirements

BONUS 2– To be unlocked when we reach $50,000 before the end of July

Quilters have the biggest hearts and are so good at giving back, so please donate and be sure and be on the lookout to win a quilt made by Kimberly Jolly, Pat Sloan, myself and several other quilters.

 

Leave a comment and vote Christmas Version or Blue version to help me decide which version to finish and donate.

Much appreciated.

-modalissa

 

Hey Boo QAL

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FRANKIE

Spooktacular Stitches: Join the Monster Mash QAL!

Boo-tiful quilters, gather ’round your cauldrons and sharpen those needles, because  there is still time to join in a spine-chilling adventure in quilting!  Are you tempted yet? I am going to fill you in on the Monster Mash Quilt-Along, where every stitch is a step into a world of whimsical frights and delightful delights by the uber talented Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique. As soon as I saw the Hey Boo fabric collection, I knew I had to have it and when I say HAVE IT, I mean lots of it. I love the pumpkin oranges, the coral pink and the whimsical look and feel of Vanessa’s patterns. Click here to see her patterns. When she announced she was doing a QAL that combined several of the patterns I could not have jumped in fast enough.

A Hauntingly Good Time

What’s more fun than stitching up a haunted house? This block is a fabulous blend of spooky and sweet, perfect for setting the tone of our Monster Mash quilt and was perfect to start off the QAL.The detailed instructions from Lella Boutique make it a breeze to create, even if you’ve never dabbled in the dark arts of spooky quilting before. We are on to month 3 making Frankie, as shown above. Don’t you just love him?

Materials to Raise Your Spirits

For our haunted masterpiece, gather your ghoulishly good fabrics. Whether your fabrics are from HEY BOO or your favorite eerie greys, midnight blacks, ghostly whites, and pops of pumpkin orange this quilt will be sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The thrill of choosing your fabrics is just the beginning of our haunted quilting escapade!

Stitching Up a Storm

As you piece together your blocks, imagine the stories this quilt will tell. Big blocks and a pieced sashing will bring the quilt to life quickly, making it a focal point of your holiday decorating. Side Note- When do you start decorating for Halloween? There is no wrong answer.

Share the Frightful Fun

One of the best parts of a QAL is sharing your progress with fellow quilters. Post your haunted house blocks on social media with the hashtag #MonsterMashQAL, and join in the fun as we admire and inspire each other. There’s something truly magical about seeing how each quilter’s haunted house comes to life.
What’s Next?

The Monster Mash QAL is only on month 3, and there are plenty more spooky blocks to come! Keep an eye on the Lella Boutique blog for the next thrilling installment. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a newbie, this quilt-along promises to be a wickedly good time for all.

So, grab your broomsticks, thread your needles, and let’s get stitching on this hauntingly delightful adventure. The Monster Mash Quilt-Along is here to make your Halloween season extra special with every ghostly block you create. Hey Boo!

I Made the Pushing Up Daisies #LB 231 as a sample for work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have cut out The Web pattern # LB 229 and ready to sew at an upcoming retreat.

 

See what I mean by wanting a lot of this fabric?

Happy Haunting and Happy Quilting!

National Log Cabin Day

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We as quilters like to celebrate any holiday that relates to our hobbies. Today is just one of those days. While National Log Cabin Day is to commemorate the wooden kind of Log Cabins. I am celebrating Fabric Log Cabins by sharing some of my  favorite log cabins and some interesting historical facts.
USED WITH PERMISSION FROM AMERICAN PATCHWORK & QUILTING® MAGAZINE. ©2023 MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
I love this log Cabin that is on the cover of American Patchwork and Quilting. Made by Sherri McConnell.
Liberty Log Cabin Quilt made by Meghan of www.thencamejune.com. So fun and fresh and who doesn’t love a striped binding and a plaid backing. I love plaids!!!
A log cabin pattern using Moda’s Honey Buns by Kansas Troubles. Perfect for a Christmas quilt.
This is one of my quilts that was in American Patchwork & Quilting. I named it When Harry met Sally after the famous movie. The name seamed fitting with the mixture of designers  and the fact their styles are complete opposites, Primitive Gatherings and 3 Sisters.  (reference why I used the red centers in the history section below.)
How fun is this great big single log cabin block? Perfect for a baby quilt.
An oversized log cabin rotating darks and lights and a variety of sizes of strips.
This quilt is on my bucket list to make. It is a modern take on a log cabin quilt designed by Jen Kingwell.

Here are some interesting facts about its history:

  1. Origins and Name: The Log Cabin quilt block is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century, around the time of the American Civil War. Its name is derived from the log cabins built by early American settlers. The block’s design, with its central square and surrounding strips, resembles the way logs are stacked to build a cabin. See the reason why I can celebrate the quilts on this day?
  2. Symbolism: The central square, often made from a red fabric, traditionally symbolizes the hearth or the fireplace, which was the heart of the home. In some variations, a yellow center represents a welcoming light in the window.
  3. This is one of my patterns and it is super fun to make. Link to pattern here.

    Popular During the Civil War: The Log Cabin quilt gained popularity during the American Civil War. It was used not only as a practical item but also as a symbol of support for the Union. Quilts made with a black center square were said to indicate support for the Underground Railroad. There are stories telling stories of quilts hanging outside giving clues to what direction the soldiers were coming from.

  4. Versatile Design: The Log Cabin block can be arranged in numerous ways to create different patterns. Common layouts include Barn Raising, Straight Furrow, and Courthouse Steps and so many more options. This versatility made it a favorite among quilters who could achieve various visual effects with the same basic block.
  5. Pioneer Tradition: For many pioneers moving westward in America, quilts were an essential part of household goods. Log Cabin quilts, in particular, were practical because they could be made from small scraps of fabric, making them an efficient way to use up remnants.
  6. Cultural Significance: The design of the Log Cabin quilt block also has roots in various cultures. Similar patterns have been found in ancient Egyptian textiles, and the concept of a central motif surrounded by incremental design elements appears in many folk art traditions around the world.What is your favorite version of  a log cabin quilt?

    -modalissa

 

Time for another Quiltalong

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Quilt-Alongs

One of the good things that came from Covid is the Quiltalong which kept us busy once we had finished making masks.  We could hop online and join like minded quilters quilting along and sharing our project online. Recently some of the customers at the Old Craft Store joined me in an IN PERSON QUILTALONG. It was fun and of course we had them parade their quilt tops out along the downtown square.

TIME FOR ANOTHER QUILT ALONG

The “Little Light of Mine” quilt was on display at The Old Craft Store in Carrollton, Texas and some of the gals there wanted to do another quilt along, they decided this quilt needed to be the one.. This quilt is perfect for both beginners and experienced quilters. The pattern features a series of  blocks that come together to form an interesting quilt that is much easier than it looks. I am not saying this is a quick project but I will share some cutting and sewing tips along the way that make this a mindless, therapeutic project.

Why Participate?

Participating in a Quiltalong is a wonderful way to improve your quilting skills, meet new friends, and create something beautiful. The structured timeline helps keep you on track, and the supportive community ensures you’ll have help whenever you need it. Plus, seeing the diverse interpretations of the same pattern is incredibly inspiring!

Quiltalong Details

Materials

You’ll need the “Little Light of Mine” quilt pattern, which can be purchased from The Old Craft Store either online or in-store. Additionally, we’ll provide a detailed list of fabric requirements and other supplies you’ll need to get started.

Schedule

Join our kick-off party on Saturday, June 29 @ 10:00am. in store. Sign up for the workshop here.

We’ve broken down the quilt construction into manageable weekly segments. Each week, we’ll focus on a different part of the quilt, from cutting and piecing to assembly and finishing touches. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Week 1: June 29 10 am- 11:30 Talk fabric, my favorite subject!. Plus I am going to play a little fabric color game. Don’t miss it!
  • Week 2:  July 13 1-4:00pm Cutting and organizing your strips for fast and efficient sewing and the use of a design board. Each week of the workshop their will be a bonus project or creative exercise involved.
  • Week 3:  July 27, 10a-2:00 pm  Squaring up blocks, Show n tell and charts of various sizes for more log cabins fun.
  • Week 4: August 24, 10a-2:00pm Setting and corner triangles and quilting options.

$40.00 for all 4 dates

I am working on a red, white and blue option, but this quilt will be great in any combination. OCS has some fat quarter bundles ready  if you have a hard time choosing.

The Old Craft store will also have their classroom open and available for additional sewing times the following dates separate from my classes. Their staff will be available for help during the Monday sessions.

Monday, July 15, 10a-2:00pm

Monday, July 22, 10a-2:00pm

Monday, July 29, 10a-2:00pm

Monday, August 5, 10a-2:00pm

Monday, August 12, 10a-2:00pm

Monday, August 19, 10a-2:00pm

Monday, August 26, 10a-2:00pm

Saturday, August 31, 10a-2:00pm

How to Join

Joining the Quiltalong is simple:

  1. Purchase the Pattern: Get your copy of the “Little Light of Mine” quilt pattern from The Old Craft Store or as a download here..
  2. Gather Your Supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary fabrics and tools.
  3. Sign Up: Register for the Quiltalong by calling the Old Craft Store, 214-242-9911
  4. Mark Your Calendar: Be ready to start quilting with us on June 29th

If you can’t join us in person, leave me a comment and I will see about doing an online QAL soon!

Happy quilting!

-modalissa

Creating Faded Vintage Fabrics: A Guide to Overdyeing and Bleaching

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Are you a fan of the vintage aesthetic? Do you find yourself drawn to the soft, worn-in look of aged fabrics? If so, you’re in luck! Achieving that perfect faded vintage look is easier than you might think. With a few simple techniques, you can transform modern fabrics into timeless treasures. This blog post will guide you through the processes of overdyeing and bleaching to create beautifully faded fabrics. The examples shown in this blog post only cover the bleaching process. Depending on the results and what the final outcome I would then overdye so I have included all the steps.

DISCLAMIER: this was just an experiment and I never know the final result. This is the fun art of this experiment.

What is Overdyeing and Bleaching?

**Overdyeing** involves adding a new layer of dye over an existing color. This technique can create rich, complex hues and can help tone down overly bright colors. When combined with bleaching, it can give fabrics a beautifully worn and aged look.

**Bleaching**, on the other hand, involves removing some of the original color from the fabric. This can create a variety of effects, from subtle fading to dramatic contrasts, depending on the technique and amount of bleach used.

 Materials You’ll Need

– Fabric (natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool work best. I used 100% cotton Moda- Layer Cakes)
– Fabric dye (your color of choice)
– Bleach (liquid bleach or bleach pens)
– Plastic containers or a sink for dyeing and bleaching
– Rubber gloves
– Protective clothing or apron
– Plastic sheet or old newspapers (to protect your work surface)
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Stirring sticks or spoons

Some of the Bleached fabrics

Step-by-Step Guide

 1. Preparing Your Fabric

Before you begin, it’s essential to prepare your fabric. Wash it to remove any sizing or finishes that might interfere with the dyeing process. Do not use fabric softener as it can prevent the dye from penetrating the fabric evenly.

 2. Overdyeing the Fabric

Overdyeing is a great way to create a base layer of color.

– **Choose Your Dye:** Select a dye that complements the existing color of your fabric. If you’re aiming for a vintage look, consider using muted or earthy tones. I use Ritz Dye and combine tan and taupe. Always start light and you can make darker as needed.
– **Prepare the Dye Bath:** Follow the instructions on the dye package to create your dye bath. Typically, this involves mixing the dye with hot water and a fixative like salt or vinegar.
– **Dye the Fabric:** Submerge your fabric in the dye bath and stir continuously to ensure even coverage. Leave the fabric in the dye bath for the recommended amount of time, then rinse until the water runs clear.
– **Dry the Fabric:** Allow the fabric to air dry completely.

3. Bleaching the Fabric

Once your fabric is dyed and dried, it’s time to create that faded, vintage look with bleach.

– **Prepare Your Work Area:** Lay down a plastic sheet or old newspapers to protect your work surface. Make sure the area is well-ventilated.
– **Dilute the Bleach:** Mix bleach with water to create a diluted solution. A 1:10 ratio of bleach to water is a good starting point, but you can adjust this depending on how much color you want to remove.
– **Apply the Bleach:** There are several techniques you can use:
– **Full Submersion:** Submerge the fabric in the bleach solution and monitor it closely. Remove the fabric once it has reached the desired level of fading. The majority of the fabrics during this experiment I left in the bleach solution a tad bit too long. They came out out lighter than I was hoping for.
– **Rinse Thoroughly:** Once the fabric has lightened to your satisfaction, rinse it thoroughly in cold water to stop the bleaching process. Keep in mind that the wet fabric will be appear darker than the final dried version. Wash the fabric with a mild detergent to remove any remaining bleach. You can also through the fabric into hydrogen peroxide to stop the bleaching process.
4. Finishing Touches

After bleaching, you might want to overdye the fabric again to add depth to the color. Repeat the overdyeing process as needed until you achieve the desired look. Once you’re satisfied, wash and dry the fabric one final time.

Tips and Tricks

– **Test First:** Always test your dye and bleach on a small swatch of fabric before applying to the entire piece. This will help you gauge how the fabric will react.
– **Use Natural Fibers:** Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool absorb dye better and react more predictably to bleach.
– **Experiment with Techniques:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dyeing and bleaching techniques to achieve unique effects. The beauty of vintage fabrics lies in their imperfections and individuality. I saved a piece of each fabric before bleaching. Some prints did not change much until they were compared side by side to the original. Others changed greatly so I have shared some side by side comparisons here.

Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After

Conclusion

Creating faded, vintage fabrics is a rewarding and creative process. With overdyeing and bleaching, you can breathe new life into modern fabrics, giving them a unique, aged look that’s perfect for home décor, fashion, and quilting projects Now I just need to decide what project I want to use these in. Any suggestions? Leave a comment and let me know if there is a perfect pattern to use these fabrics.

I still have quite a few fabrics to sort through.

Please keep in mind this was just some mad, crazy, lab experiment. I never suggest to use bleach in washing quilts.

Enjoy- Modalissa

Piece and Quilt- month 3

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We are back again with month 3 of the Piece and and Quilt Sampler project.

There are 3 different blocks this month and there is quite a bit of sewing. Don’t worry, take your time. Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings once gave me this advice and I am going to share it with you here.

– When you are working on a BOM, no matter what you do, go ahead and cut it out. This way when you have a few minutes you can sit down and sew a few pieces together. This uses different brain power than the concentration needed to cut. It really does work!

Shoreline by Camille Roskelley. Aren’t these fabrics yummy?!

I rarely use the same print in one block but the blue dotted fabric and the white dotted background almost make this a dainty delicate block.

To create this sampler with different sized blocks, I had to combine some of the blocks into larger ones creating a completely new block. I love how this one turned out. I love the look of using plaids. The navy here is a printed fabric so it was easy to use and still achieve the geometric look and feel.

 

My all time favorite block is the sawtooth star. It can be colored in so many different ways. This one with scrappy points adds a whimsical look and sparkles throughout the quilt.

I cannot get enough of this fabric. I am making this sampler and also my  Moda blockheads5 quilt using the whites, light blues and greens.

Be sure and visit the following people as they sew along also.

to download the worksheets and details for this QAL, click here.

Enjoy and be sure and PIECE and Celebrate everyday.

-Modalissa

 

Progress Report

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Progress Report

I thought I was the kind of quilter that started a project, finished it and moved on. The majority of the time I am making a project that has a deadline for a trade show, book, blog post for work and more.

Recently, I happen to look up at my design wall and realized I have quite a few things going on. Time to start my progress reports again to keep me in  line.

Moda’s Blockheads

Modalissa Blockheads

Blockheads is a weekly post sharing 6″ and 12″ blocks from various Moda and Ruby Star Society designers. Info is here.

Join the Blockheads Fb group also.

I am making 6″ blocks and am in love how it is coming along. I am so excited and can barely wait to finish this. My setting is from Celebrate with Quilts book, using Susan Ache’s Blueprint design.

Modalissa Blockheads

I am hooked on Camille’s fabric line, Shoreline. I am making and hosting a QAL for Celebrate Quilts sampler quilt. This one is not on my wall, but on display at a local shop.

Moonbeams QAL

Three months in on the Charity QAL that Fat Quarter shop is hosting.  This is a major fund raising project raising money for the Make a Wish foundation – Central and South Texas. The monthly patterns are available as a free download and in turn hopefully you will make a donation to Make a Wish.

I decided to use a Basic Grey Christmas collection with a dark green GRUNGE background. Once completed this quilt will be donated and auctioned for Make A Wish.

Little Light of Mine

I have been working on my pattern line and decided to make some color options for some of them. My THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE pattern was so well received  that I started with this one first.

Available as a download

I can barely sleep, I am so excited to be making this in Red, White and Blue. Have your ever had a project that keeps you up at night in a good way? This one is certainly doing it . A local store wants to have a QAL using this pattern so I will probably do a few more mock ups before this happens. Any  color suggestions?

 

Modalissa Pattern

My Scrap pile and orphan blocks will be joined together and will turned into zipper bags. I am obsessed and you can never have too many bags on hand. Gifts, birthdays and just because are all perfect reasons to gift someone a zipper bag whether your put anything in it or let them fill it with their choice of goodies.

I will keep making progress on these knowing that a couple of the QAL’s will take the rest of the year to finish up. I will have some zipper bags completed which is always instant gratification.

Stay tuned. I will share updates and any new projects that get added to the list.
Check out the Modalissa pattern line, here.

I am also getting a wild hare that I need to clean my sewing room cabinets. Could be trouble!

-Modalissa