Month: June 2025

This week’s Moda Blockheads 6 block comes with a breath of fresh morning air—introducing Dew Drops, a quilt block by the ever-talented Chelsi Stratton of Chelsi Stratton Designs.

If you’ve been quilting along, you know each week brings a new surprise, and a new voice—and Chelsi’s block is sure to impress. It’s the kind of block that is intriguing and may challenge your piecing skills, so take your time. It is well worth it.

Dew Drops – A Gentle Start to the Day

The Dew Drops Block combines half-square triangles, quarter-square triangles, and a central four-patch unit to create a design that is structured, yet intricate. The layout mesmerizing with shapes that gently lead your eye from the center outward.

I love my color palette this week, and want to make more of these blocks, wait, did I say that last time?
I think I say that every time, so forgive my obsessive desire to make more and more quilts! Blues, creamy neutrals, and reds added warmth and helped me stay in that vintage-faded look. I really enjoyed piecing this one—it went together smoothly, and I am happy how my points lined up.
Since I like to do things scrappy, I pieced lots of 3″ half square triangles using It’s Sew Emma’s triangle papers. This way I have an assortment ready. I cut off what I need and trim down to the size needed for each block.

Meet the Designer: Chelsi Stratton

If you’ve been in the quilting world for even a short while, you’ve likely come across Chelsi Stratton’s work. She’s a designer known for timeless patterns, warm palettes, and fabric collections she creates alongside her mother, Sherri McConnell, for Moda Fabrics.

Chelsi brings a lovely mix of tradition and fresh perspective to every design. Her patterns are approachable yet polished—perfect for both newer quilters and seasoned stitchers looking for something classic with a twist. She also shares her creative process, design tips, and quilting life across multiple platforms. Be sure to follow her and stay inspired!

Instagram: @chelsistratton
Facebook: Chelsi Stratton Designs
YouTube: A Quilting Life Podcast (with Sherri McConnell)
Blog: chelsistratton.wordpress.com

Give her a follow—you’ll love the glimpse into her quilting world, family life, and her collaborations with Sherri.

Watch & Stitch Along

Head over to the Moda Blog to read more about Chelsi’s inspiration behind Dew Drops, and don’t miss the how-to video tutorial for this week’s block. Whether you’re cutting into your favorite prints or sticking with solids, there’s plenty of room to make this block your own.

Let the Dew Drops Fall

This is the kind of block that looks different with every color combo—soft and subtle, bold and graphic, or somewhere in between. Be sure to share your version using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and don’t forget to tag @modafabrics and @chelsistratton so we can all admire your work!

There’s something truly special about how this quilt is coming together—one block at a time, one stitch at a time, yet I still haven’t decided on my setting. I need to get to work on that very soon!

Until next week, happy sewing.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.
Chelsi Stratton- This week’s designer

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-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.

-Modalissa

Blast from the past

10 Comments

June 23, 2025

Moda / United Notions is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year- 2025. I thought I would throw out some of the blog posts from the past. Some I had published, some I have not. This one if from 2018 so disregard my quality of pictures, not that I have improved. Some of the names and faces have retired or moved on but have been a special part of the history here. My own personal blog and opinions!!

Seworities of Moda Fabrics

The salesforce of moda fabrics arrived at the Dallas offices for meetings before Quilt Market began. The sales force was divided into 3 SEWORITES. Well that is where the fun and games began. This is quite a competitive crew and we did not know what the sewority moms Amy Matheny, Kathy Bauer and Debbie Duckworth had in store. It was no time at all when the Beta Omega Ombres (BOO) pulled out of their bags “Togas” made from moda muslin or the hotel sheets. Couldn’t tell for sure. This left the two other seworites with some work to do. The Lambda Lambda Wools tried to remain above it all, but we soon saw signs all over the offices and warehouse BAAAAHHH! The Delta Delta Dotties (DDD) as know in their college days were a feisty bunch. However, BOO quickly took over any innocent bystander.

Our fearless leader, Mark Dunn had been toga-ed by the Ombres. He took their shenanigans all in stride.

The salesforce had a day full of classes just like we do when we have a moda U retreat for shop owners. The highlight was the sales team sewing their Sweet Treat Bags. Several of the office staff demoed the newest notions and gadgets. They also had classes on many of the continuing advances in technology. Angela Yosten showed everyone all the added patterns and fabrics on Fabricmatcher. Pranks for each of the groups happened throughout the day. This was just day 1 of the meetings. They had not even seen all the new moda fabrics, quilts, books, patterns, and notions.

Al Lamborn and Ed Wilson study their instructions before they start sewing on their Purse. Later named, MEURSE (Man-Purse) Thank you to Mary Ann Yeager for supplying all the featherweight machines for the reps to sew on. I have heard through the grapevine that one of the reps has since taken up quilting. (Don’t worry John your secret is safe with me)

Pat Roberts and Angela Worrell demo some of the new notions for Tom&Cindy Williams.

Ron Wiggins and Jospeh Galza learn about Learn to Sew kits and paper hexagons from Jen McLean and Alison Scully.

Did I say I have the greatest job in the world? I do!

Blockheads 6 – Block 4 Kiley Ferons

No Comments

June 18, 2025

Moda Blockheads 6: Block 4 – Cat’s Cradle by Kiley Ferons

It’s Blockheads Wednesday again, and we’ve got a fresh face joining the circle—say hello to Kiley Ferons, the designer behind this week’s block: Cat’s Cradle.

Now back to Blockheads…If you love blocks with movement and a modern twist, you’re in for a treat. Kiley’s Cat’s Cradle is playful and sharp all at once—a clever composition of half-square triangles and half-rectangle triangles that criss-cross like the string game we all played as kids. It’s balanced but dynamic, and every seam adds depth and direction.

A Playful Block with Purpose

The Cat’s Cradle block combines clean geometry with a sense of motion—those angles really do feel like loops of string pulled tight between careful fingers. The HSTs and HRTs dance with each other in a design that’s both structured and lively, perfect for adding visual interest to your quilt layout.

For mine, I leaned into soft geometrics to let the block take on a vintage feel. I’m still building my faded vintage palette, and this block was a great reminder that even subtle colors can create big movement with the right design. I can’t get enough dots, stripes and retro shirtings.

And yes, I may have stared at the finished block longer than usual… there’s something mesmerizing about how the shapes nest together, like a quilted puzzle.

Meet Kiley Ferons of Kiley’s Quilt Room

Let’s talk about the creative force behind this block—Kiley Ferons, a newer face in the Moda designer family but already a standout in the quilting world. Kiley is known for her approachable patterns, fresh aesthetic, and passion for helping quilters of all skill levels build confidence through intentional design. Kiley’s debut fabric line, Potted will be in stores October 2025.

Based in Utah, Kiley is not only a quilt pattern designer, but also a tech-savvy creative who, along with her husband created MY QUILTS APP.. that help quilters map out their projects digitally—hello, organized layouts and easy fabric planning! Keep track of, journal, and organize all your quilt projects!

You can explore more of her work and connect with her here:

Instagram: @kileysquiltroom
Facebook: Kiley’s Quilt Room
Blog + Shop: kileysquiltroom.com/blog

Give her a follow—you’ll find tons of inspiration, helpful tips, and maybe even your next favorite pattern.

Cat’s Cradle – Tips & Tutorial

As always, Moda’s got you covered with a video tutorial walking through this week’s block. If you’re new to half-rectangle triangles or just need a refresher, it’s a great resource to have on hand. The TRI-RECS Ruler 8823753A was huge help in piecing the half rectangles. ( be sure and check out my friend Alison Dale in the video)

And don’t forget to hop over to Moda’s blog to read all things blockheads each Wednesday. it’s always fun to compare interpretations and find new ideas for your own version.

Show Us Your Cradle

Have you made your Cat’s Cradle block yet? Did you go classic, colorful, or modern? Share your version using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6 and be sure to tag @modafabrics and @kileysquiltroom—let’s give Kiley a big Blockheads welcome!

This sew-along is turning into such a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation, and I’m loving every block. See you next week with another design and another opportunity to stitch something beautiful.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Kiley Ferons- This weeks feature
Chelsi Stratton

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier– Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton– 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.

-modalissa

Modavation: Inspiration, Friendship, and Maybe a Few Too Many Cookies

No Comments

June 16, 2025

Modavation 2025 pajama party

Josh Dunn, Mark Dunn and Brian Dunn

I’m still riding the high from Modavation—Moda’s big event for quilt shop owners—and if I’m being honest, maybe still recovering a bit too. Seeing so many of you in one place, sharing ideas, stories, and snacks (so many snacks!), filled my cup in every possible way. Everyone was amazed at the space and many set records for daily steps.

There’s just something magical about gathering with people who get it. From the early-morning coffee chats to the late-afternoon belly laughs during game time, the room buzzed with creativity and connection. I got to meet shop owners from all over, each with their own spin on this crazy, wonderful quilting world—and every conversation left me more energized than the last. Can you imagine pasta bars including a mac and cheese bar! I am craving this days later.

Our designers knocked it out of the park, too. From exclusive projects to sneak peeks at upcoming collections, the inspiration was overflowing. I loved seeing how each designer brought their own personality and expertise to the table—whether it was teaching a new technique, helping you reimagine a classic precut, or just chatting over lunch like old friends.

Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique and Heather Briggs of My Sew Quilty Life.

Shown just a few of the many designers and vendors that participated in this event.

Paper Pieces and Olfa

modalissa and Chrissy from Sew Lux

Karen from Aurifil and Mr. Dunn

And let’s talk about the fun—games, giveaways, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. I think some of you might be too good at fabric-themed trivia (you know who you are). Every break seemed to turn into a celebration, and the only thing more generous than the spirit in the room was the prize table. its of late night impromptu how to’s.

Sarah Thomas of Saraditty hosting a late night paper foundation tutorial.

Some of the Marketing team with Mr. Dunn…

Of course, no Moda gathering is complete without amazing food. The grazing boards, the desserts and donuts, the warm meals—it was all delicious, and yes… I had seconds. And maybe thirds. Diet starts this week, promise.

To everyone who attended: thank you for showing up with open hearts, brilliant ideas, and a shared love for what we do. It was a joy to host you including some of our international shops.

I also had a surprise guest that wanted to check it all out. He had to get his picture taken especially since it was right by the snack carts.

Alison in her charm pack patchwork skirt.

Here’s to full notebooks, full bellies, and full hearts. Until next time—let’s keep the Modavation going.

-Modalissa

Blockheads 6- Block 3- Bunny Hill

No Comments

June 11, 2025

Moda Blockheads 6: Block 3 – Sunday’s Best by Anne Sutton

Blockheads, it’s time to roll out the tablecloth, fluff the cushions, and polish the silver—it’s week three, and we’re sewing Sunday Best!

This elegant block is brought to us by the ever-gracious Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs, whose soft, classic style always brings a touch of timeless charm. Sunday Best is exactly the kind of block that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the process.

A Block with Sunday Charm

The Sunday Best block pairs crisp flying geese with four-patch units, all arranged in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional—kind of like setting the table for a big family meal. The shapes are clean and balanced, but the layout has a quiet movement that keeps your eye dancing across the block.

It evokes that feeling of calm you get on a slow Sunday afternoon—everything in its place, sunlight coming through the window, and something sweet baking in the kitchen. There’s a sense of preparation and celebration built into this design. And honestly? I really like how mine turned out. So much so that I didn’t stop at just one—I made a few! And then ready for a Sunday afternoon nap!

Keeping the Vintage Vision

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I’m going for a faded, vintage look with my Blockheads 6 quilt. The soft tones I added last week are really starting to come together in a gentle wash of light. For Sunday Best, I continued with that theme—working in the reds and blues with touches of mediums. I used strips and dots to continue to work on the vintage feel.

The repeat blocks let me play with subtle shifts in color, keeping things cohesive but not too matchy. I’m not sure yet how many of them will end up in the final layout, but I love the idea of sprinkling a few throughout.

Get Inspired & Get Stitching

Anne has shared her version of Sunday Best over on the BunnyHill Blog, and you’ll definitely want to see her take on the block—it’s graceful and polished, just like her entire Bunny Hill aesthetic.

Need a little help assembling those flying geese and four-patch units? This week is my turn to do a video on the how to make the block. Check out the step-by-step video tutorial staring ME!! to guide you through the block construction. Whether you’re sewing along at your own pace or keeping up week by week, the resources are there to make this journey joyful.

Sew Along with the Blockheads

Are you going classic, scrappy, or experimenting like me? Be sure to post your blocks on social using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6—and tag @modafabrics and your favorite designers too! You can tag me also if you want. #modalissa

Every stitch we make is part of a bigger story, and I love seeing how each of you interpret these blocks through your own fabric choices and styles.

Let’s keep sewing together—one beautiful block at a time.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Anne Sutton

Kiley Ferons
Chelsi Stratton

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier

Block #3 and I made 3. I could make an entire quilt of just this block. Yes I do say that about all the blocks!

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.

BH6-Block 2 Kansas Troubles

No Comments

June 4, 2025

Are you ready for Block 2 of Moda Blockheads 6?

I am diving into the next chapter of this journey with a block that’s full of meaning, nostalgia, and possibility. While this quilt design was originally rooted in the My Favorite Color is Moda 2 pattern, part of the magic of Blockheads is the freedom to make it your own. There will be all kinds of layout options by the time we reach the end—and truth be told, I haven’t decided if I’ll follow a Moda designer layout or create my own path. Oh the pressure to decide….What I do know is this: I’m chasing a very faded, vintage feel, soft and worn, like a favorite quilt pulled from a cedar chest.

A Soft Shift in Color

Last week, I mentioned that my fabric pull was leaning a bit heavy into reds and blues—rich, classic, bold. But sometimes a quilt starts to whisper what it wants to be, and I’ve been listening. For this month’s block, I softened the palette by pulling in pale pinks and soft blues, aiming for a look that feels sun-washed and timeworn. I stitched up the entire block using all lights—a surprising choice, maybe, but part of the fun is embracing the unknown. I’m not entirely sure how these lighter blocks will fit into the final layout… but isn’t that the joy of the process?

Meet Block 2: Crossroads

This week’s block comes from none other than Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Quilters, and it’s called Crossroads—a name that couldn’t be more fitting.

The block itself is a blend of half-square triangles, quarter-square triangles, and pieced units, coming together in a structured but fluid design. It’s like a quilted map of intersecting paths—some planned, some unexpected—each meeting point holding its own little story. The name Crossroads conjures images of travel, turning points, and the places where old trails meet new ones. I especially love Lynne’s description of the block as having a well-worn feel. That phrase speaks to me—it’s how I want this quilt to look… and maybe how I feel myself some days!

More from Lynne + How-To Help

Don’t forget to hop over to the Moda Blog to see Lynne’s version of Crossroads in her signature Kansas Troubles style. Her take on color and layout always offers a fresh perspective, especially if you’re toying with more traditional prints.

Need a little extra guidance assembling the block? Moda’s got you covered with a video tutorial walking you through every step. Whether you’re new to piecing or just need a refresher, it’s a great way to feel confident before diving in.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Lynne Hagmeier- this weeks featured designer

Anne Sutton

Kiley Ferons
Chelsi Stratton

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Block #2 and I am still on schedule. It is the little things.

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.

If you are interested in My Favorite Color is Moda 2. Ask for this pattern at your favorite quilt or specialty retailer. 5 different basic color options included.

-modalissa