Author: modalissa

Scrap School- Meet the Professors

Today starts the Instagram hop for my new book, SCRAP SCHOOL. Every day for the next 2 weeks each “professor” will be sharing their quilt on their IG page along with a giveaway.

Each of these people made a quilt for the book. Each one is different and has a story to tell. While we were working on this book, many of us were staying home due to Covid- 19 and what better time to dig into your stash, finish your UFO’s and your WIP’s.

And just look at the results….. A rainbow of scraps.

I wanted to share a little more about my quilt that what I could share on IG. Every quilt tells a story and here is mine.

Today I am sharing 1 of my 3 quilts in the book, Ombre Butterscotch Baskets. I wanted to make a basket quilt and while I was pulling fabrics I kept thinking I would name the quilt Cornucopia. I wanted to make something a little less predictable than basket blocks that are all perfectly the same.

As I was piecing the triangles, I was inspired to go in a different direction. Off and on for many years I worked as the graveyard cashier at the local grocery store. I had several duties during the night including cleaning all the counters, restocking the sacks, stocking the spice section and the BRACH’s candy section.

The candy display had bins of candy that were bought by the pound. Take a Bag -Pick Your Own Mix just like the sign says. What the sign did not say is to be sure and clean up after yourself if any candy spills over into a neighboring bin. Don’t worry about that, the night cashier will do that for you. I spent a lot of time taking the butterscotch candies out of the peppermint’s bin and so forth. There was some sort of square soft candy that was brown, pink and coconut. I never had one and have no idea what kind of candy it was but I loved the combination of color compared to the other solid hard candies and knew I need to add the brown to this quilt.

I just love all the triangles lined up in rows.

Adding the dark triangles gave some weight to the quilt and this is when I decided to ombre the baskets from dark to light through the quilt.

This is one of my favorite blocks in the quilt for a couple of reasons. It represents the Brach’s candy bins at the end of the day, all the colorful candies mixed in one of the bins. The other thing I love about the block, is the teeny tiny spider that was on one of the fabrics and it made the cut, if you know what I mean.

The yummy golden fabrics are also why I decided to name it Butterscoth, after the butterscotch Brach Candies. Maggi Honeyman used an allover orange peel design on the quilt.

 

You know how I love a pieced back. I couldn’t end this post without sharing my really big basket. I can’t wait to see your version of Ombre Butterscotch Baskets, maybe Blues and Whites or Reds and Greens. Be sure and use #scrapschool on your progress so I can follow along.

Scrap School

Thank you for stopping by,

-modalissa

#madewithmartinagle , #showmethemoda #modalissa #scrapschool #scrapquilts #modafabrics #lissaalexander @lisabongean, @sarahhuechteman, @etheringtonmary, @diaryofaquilter, @aquiltinglife, @gedesignsgudrun, @yardgrl60, @crazymomquilts, @kim_diehl_quilts, @modalissa, @martingaletpp, @sewmaggi @sewshabbyquilting, @suziquilt @martingaletpp @modafabrics

Sewcialites-Block 19

Happy Valentine’s Day/Weekend/Sewcialites Friday

Thank you for joining me on my day for SEWCIALITES.

I am making my version using Moda’s Bella Solids and I thought pink was the perfect color for the valentines week.

I have started putting my blocks together. This will be one quarter of the quilt. Once it is complete it will be a big sawtooth star.

I had mentioned in one of of my PROGRESS REPORTS posts that I knew how I wanted to quilt this one. The crew at Moda recently made a quilt for someone retiring and I wanted that project quilted the same way I was planning on doing my Sewcialites quilt. Machine quilted in vertical lines in a small range of colors and some big stitch quilting added throughout is the plan. The picture above was hand quilted by Laurie Simpson, so I will have to consult her when I am ready to dive in to my quilt.

For all the information, patterns and how to’s visit Jolly Jabber- Sewcialites. 

and be sure to follow all of the Sewcialites each week to see what they are up to.

Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings

Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic

Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique

Sherri Mc Connell of A Quilting Life

Robin Pickens

Bonnie Olaveson of Cotton Way

Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree and Co.

Vanessa Christenson of V and Co.

April Rosenthal of Prairie Grass Patterns

Me and My Sister Designs

Camille Roskelley of Thimbleblossoms

Susan Ache

Chelsi Stratton of Chelsi Stratton Designs

Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet co.

Carrie Nelson

Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs

Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts

Fat Quarter Shop is doing a giveaway each month, you can enter to win one of several giveaways by posting your progress on Instagram using #SewcialitesQAL.

We all love a good giveaway, so leave a comment here for a chance to win my new book, SCRAP SCHOOL., in stores now.

I will pick a sweetheart of a winner on Feb. 14th.

Thanks for sewing along,

-modalissa

Season of Taste book

 I am joining Jessica Dayon on a book blog hop
for her new book, Seasons to Taste.
I received an advance copy and had a hard time picking which one to make. I choose Sunkissed. I love the yellow and white but
how could I scrap it up some?

 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.

Originally some of the colors I added were a little out of my comfort zone but they added some “clash factor” took on a life of their own.

Even the trimmings look dreamy!

Adding Low Volume for backgrounds and sashing allowed me to do a deep dive into my fabrics and include a huge variety of lights.

And while I was at it I had fun creating a pieced back.
Maggi Honeyman worked her magic on the quilting!

In case you missed it here are the other people on the blog hop.

#seasonstotastebooktour

Seasons to Taste is available now from your favorite book retailer.

Thanks Jessica for inviting me.

Enjoy,

-modalissa

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

Progress Report

There were times in my life that I hated the term progress report. You know, there was always that one class that was problematic or maybe I was problematic as the student.

I can’t think of any better term for holding myself accountable and logging my progress than “progress report” to keep me on track.

The cool thing is that I get to give myself my own grade.

This week I received a B-.

I  have finished a few projects, started a few new ones and completely ignored others.

UPDATE:
More blocks for my red and white quilt.

half-square hashtags

Deadline- Valentines. Very Close!!

The kids did finish “making” a quilt for their mom for Christmas. It counts right, even if it is a preprinted panel that they helped me pin and sew like a pillow. They did tie it with yarn and color some of the shapes. 

Finished, Completed and Gifted

 I am joining Jessica Dayon on a book blog hop for her new book, Seasons to Taste. I received an advance copy and will be making a project to showcase 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.

This one is where I have to give myself a failing grade. Usually I stay on task, but the deadline had come and gone. I had set it aside all nice and organized, and I was fairly close to finishing. I just have to do the airplanes. I am just not feeling it. Stay Tuned.

On-the-Go-SIH-050-Let’s-Fly-61×72

I am obsessed with all the Quilt Alongs, so here is my list.

Blockheads 3

I have my blocks completed but no idea how I am going to set them all together.

Blockheads has been going on for an entire year. I have loved being a part of this and have seen so many color interpretations of the blocks that makes me want to start all over.

image courtesy of Robin Pickens

Robin Pickens shares a color study each week. So inspiring. Be sure and follow her. 

 Blockheads posts EVERY WEDNESDAY. You can get all the patterns  on Moda’s blog.
It is never too late to start if you have not joined in, but don’t worry we have something fun planned for the next Blockheads series.

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

I am way ahead on this project and have the greatest idea on how to quilt it.
Hope it works and if so I can’t wait to share it.

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

 I am a sucker for anything Bonnie and Camille. The directions in this book are so well written and easy to follow. For more info about the QAL, visit their INSTAGRAM. 

What are you working on? Did you make a resolution to finish more of your UFO’s? Resolutions or not, I am just so thankful that I have quilting as a creative therapy outlet especially during 2020.

Enjoy,

modalissa

Blockheads- Block 49

Welcome everyone and thank you for taking a break in your Holiday shopping and planning to visit my blog for my last block installment in the BLOCKHEADS 3 series. I have a story to tell and if you make it all the way to the end there is also a chance to win a Layer Cake, so here goes.

Back in October of 2019 when we were planning Blockheads each of the designers all sent in their sketches. I am a big fan of anything plus mark and so I included a sketch. Then came 2020 and it has gone by so fast I had forgotten to add my inspiration to the block. It was in the  midst of the election I was making my block and that is when I decided to name it X marks the spot embracing the power of making an X to cast your vote. Making an X is certainly old school but that is my story to tell.

If you would like to download my BLOCKHEADS pattern, please click here. But keep reading for the giveaway.

About the same time I was making my block and I had the most gut wrenching feeling.
I am a big fan of Jessica Bloomberg – @CraftyCop and what all she does to support families of police officers that have been killed in the line of duty.
Did I subconsciously copy the block that she uses for these quilts?
Was it too late to change my block?
I did my research and my block was different but I couldn’t stop thinking about her mission. I contacted Jessica and asked if I could share her story. On one of her profile I found this

…crafty cop who likes to read, garden, cook & craft all after the shift is over. That really doesn’t tell it all but does anyone’s profile tell the whole story?

Jessica is a police officer in Stamford Connecticut. She started making quilts for families of police officers killed in the line of duty and word has spread. When Jessica first reached out to fellow quilters to make blocks, the outpouring was incredible. She received hundreds of blocks and was able to make quilt with little to no cost. Individuals jumped in to help quilt, people donated fabric for backs and batting.

This is an example of one of the quilts that was made. Each quilt also gets a label for the front. If you are making a quilt, let Jessica know and she will send you a label to use.

These pictures are used with permission from Jessica. I highly encourage you to follow Jessica @craftycop  to read some of the stories.

I asked Jessica what she needs and she said the hardest thing is getting the quilts to the families. Here is the rest of her reply.

If you want to learn more about this or get involved follow the hashtag #bluerkblocks. If YOU know of a police officer killed in the line of duty, I hope you’ll send me a DM so we can give that family a quilt too. 

Anytime there is a need quilters come together. That is our jive, that is our community, that is what we do.

So, I made a new version of my block to use in my quilt so I will have a little representation of Jessica and the BlueRKblock program.

I started out this post worried that my block was the exact block, so I can’t end this post with out giving you the link to the actual block pattern supplied by Jen of RasberryStitches.

The block goes fast and as I cut into any thing blue I am making 12.5 BlueRKblocks.

I cannot end this post without sharing this cute picture of Jessica and service dog, Knox. Please share this with your friends and if you know of a family that needs a quilt, let Jessica know. More importantly if you are able to deliver a quilt to a family, let her know also.  

I can’t believe this is my last block to post for Blockheads. It has been quite a year and I have enjoyed the journey with so many new online friends, and yes they do count as real friends. Moda has been generous to donate a Sanctuary Layer Cake  by 3 sisters as my giveaway this week.

DO you have a goal for 2021? What are you thinking about as we end this year and hope for a safe 2021? Let me know, leave a comment for a chance to win this layer cake. The winner will be announce Tuesday night, Dec. 23rd.

Until then Merry Christmas,

-Lissa

Green and Red Quilts

 Are you ready for a beautiful new book for the holidays?
If so, now is your chance to get an early Christmas present
from one of these talented designers.

Sunday November 22nd  there will be several giveaways on the designers, blogs, Instagrams or Facebook pages. We are all different just like the quilts in this book so each designer is doing her own giveaway on one of their social media platforms, so you have to check it out to see where. One thing we do all have in common is that we love quilts and sharing surprises.

I will be giving away my book on my Instagram page – @modalissa 

so be sure and follow me and enter on November 22nd.

I wanted to share the other designers in the book so you can drool over all the yummy quilts in the book.

Christmas Star by Mary Ellen Robinson and Paula Barnes
Sweet Mint by Edyta Sitar
Tudor Rose by Karen Styles
Home Sweet Home by Pam Buda
Primrose Holly by Lisa Bongean
Heritage Mountain by Sheryl Johnson
Star Frond by Corey Yoder
Snow Lillies by Carol Hopkins
Holly Bears Crown by Sandy Klop
Winterberries by Jo Morton
Holly Berry Baskets by Betsy Chutchian
Starstruck by Susan Ache
Theodores World by Laurie Simpson
Scrappy Sisters by Lissa Alexander

This is my quilt and they said we could add a little bit of gold/yellow to our quilt. I did not ask define little bit?!

Be sure and follow everyone so you will be ready for the giveaway on the 22nd.

#redandgreenquilts  #martingaletpp #giveaway @corianderquilts. #corianderquilts @minickandsimpson #minicksimpson @yardgrl60  #susanache @betsy_chutchian #betsychutchian @joquilts #jomorton @temeculaquiltco #temeculaquiltco @modalissa #modalissa @lisabongean #lisabongean @heartspunquilts #heartspunquilts #laundrybasketquilts @laundrybasketquilts @karenatsomerset #somersetpatchwork @carol_hopkins_designs #carol_hopkins_designs @martingaletpp ##madewithmartingale @redcrinolinequilts #redcrinolinequilts

Enjoy,

Modalissa

Must have book for every quilter

stock # EQ B-ENCYC

If there is one book of mine that I have completely worn out the pages, hands down it has to be Barbara Brackman’s ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PIECED QUILT PATTERNS. I could not have been more excited when Barbara told me she was going to be making the 3rd edition.  I have been stalking both Barbara and Electric Quilt Company so I would not miss out on any update. Well the time is getting really really close to when I am able to get my hands on the actual book. Merry Christmas to me!!

And if you are doing a little shopping for yourself as any red- blooded quilter would, be sure and add this to your list.

compliments of Electric Quilt

To whet your appetite a little more I am going to share some of the beauty within the pages, compliments of Electric Quilt Company.

Full Color and Line Drawings of over 4,000 pieced  quilt-block patterns.

A complete key to how to locate any one of the 4000 blocks.

The content is so well organized. Each section is categorized and documented with history and time periods.

 

The graphics are crisp and clear and inspiring. Literally as I type this I feel my heart start to race. I am that excited!

Ready for a sampler quilt? This book will certain inspire you. The color options alone are worth the price of the book.

 The book can be preordered through your favorite quilt store or contact

Electric Quilt for more information.

@theelectricquiltcompany

161 new blocks in the 3rd edition

The blocks are referenced by some of the greatest quilt designers of all time. Names like Nancy Cabot, Jeffrey Gutcheon, Laura Wheeler and more. Quilt blocks from publications like Hearth & Home, Kansas City Star and Workbasket are just a few  references as shown above.

The only other thing you will need to make sure to get is a set of post it notes so you can mark which blocks you want to make first.

Thank you Barbara for sharing all your brilliance and knowledge with us through the pages of this book. Thank you EQ for making it all come to life in such artful pages.

Thank you to myself for my own present and how I will act completely surprised when I open it from my family!

Merry Christmas and treat yourself!

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?

Guess What?

GIVEAWAY CLOSED !!

I am so very excited to announce my new book coming February 2021, Scrap School. 9 designers have joined me by sharing one of their scrap quilts along with tips on color, fabric placement and more. Each quilt also has a color option  to inspire how you can use your scraps or fabric collections to personalize the quilts for your style.

Scrap School

Lisa Bongean, Gudrun Erla, Susan Ache, Amanda Jean Nyberg, Amy Smart, Sherri McConnell, Sarah Huechteman, Kim Diehl and Connie & Mary of Country Threads have joined me as “PROFESSORS” at Scrap School.

I have included link to the professors instagram accounts above, so be sure and follow each of them for more information as we get closer to the book launch. The book is available for preorder from your favorite quilt store or book dealer now, so treat yourself.

Color Bars

I love putting together color bars to play with color and pattern before starting a quilt. Join me as I share more of this process.

February seems like a very long time from now, so to wet your appetite for scrap books, I am going to have a few giveaways and events throughout the rest of the year. I am starting off with a copy of Sisterhood of Scraps.

  

To win a copy of Sisterhood of Scraps and some other goodies thrown in, please leave a comment and tell me your 2 favorite colors to use in a quilt. I am also giving away a Sisterhood of Scraps on my instagram so you have 2 chances to win.

Enjoy and thank you so much for following along,

-Modalissa