Category: Block Heads 3

Blockheads- Block 49

December 16, 2020

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

so many projects

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November 8, 2020

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?

Blocks Heads- Block 36- Laurie Simpson

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September 16, 2020

Today is Laurie Simpson’s turn to share a quilt block. Please visit Laurie’s blog to learn about her block and download the pattern.

I showed a while back that I keep the patterns and blocks in a notebook. Now my notebook is overflowing so not all the blocks fit and it is getting time for me to finally decide how I am going to set this fish mash of blocks together.

Block 36

Shown above is my version of Laurie’s block along with the blocks that didn’t fit in the notebook. If you look close I was able to sneak in a piece from a new collection by Corey Yoder, Springbrook which will be in stores Jan. 2021. Sorry to tempt you, but that is a perk of working at Moda, I guess!

I thought it would be fun to take a look back at my progress. Not all blocks are pictured, but man have we all come a long way.

Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

Magic 8″ pattern- my version

Block 7

Block 8

Block 9

Block 12

Block 14

Block 15

Block 17

Block 16

Block 19

Blockheads 3- block 20

Block 22

Block 23

block #25

Block 34

All of the blocks patterns are always available as downloads on the Moda Inspiration and Resources page. To see them all so far, click here.

How is your progress? Just remember it is a marathon not a sprint and to enjoy the process.

Thanks for following along,

-modalissa

Block 35- Coming Together

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September 9, 2020

Yesterday started the local in-school learning after 3 weeks of remote classrooms. When I submitted this block 9 months ago, I did not have a name or description. There was no Covid yet. Things were normal. Fast forward and the name of the block and description fits today’s landscape. My kids, friends, students and teachers are all coming together as we try and begin a normal school year, so I am wishing all of them a safe adventure.

COMING TOGETHER

During this time of isolation I look at this block and can’t help but think about how much I miss coming together with my friends and family. I just want to hug everyone’s neck including my mailman, but I can’t. I look at the big shapes as people and that someday we will all be joined socially together again.

To download these instructions, please click here.

BLockheads 3- Jen Kingwell

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July 15, 2020

Wednesday Wednesday!

Today is Jen Kingwell’s turn to share a quilt block pattern. The name of her block is Proposal and it has a great story behind it. To get the pattern and learn more about the block, visit Jen’s blog, HERE.

Using Jen’s inspiration for her block, I decided to use all lights to represent a diamond. My Diamond is not perfect and since there is all different qualities of diamonds I left the imperfections!! Another thing I learned while pulling fabric for this one is I must love white/cremes with tan or grey dots.

If you follow me on Instagram of Facebook then you probably have seen some of the pictures of my only daughter’s wedding. I wanted to share another story which seems fitting on the topic of proposals. My daughter has always been a city girl but she met and fell in love with a country boy. He proposed to her by carving the words into a tree on their land. The night he was planning on proposing she was late coming home from work which also meant she was tired and probably a little cranky. He insisted on going for a ride and he had something to show her. While she wanted to wait until the morning, but she went ahead and this is what she saw. (picture was taken in the morning)

I had help along the way. Do you sew in your swimsuit?

So when it came time to make her a quilt for her wedding, I could think of no other pattern than a tree block. I sent blocks out to some of their friends and family for messages and well wishes.

I think they were pretty surprised! For a few days this was their wedding quilt, now we call it the Babymaker. No pressure!!

Just in case you are wondering I used a tutorial from Amy Smart for this block. You can find the info HERE.

Visit each of the designers listed below for their take on the Proposal block.

Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Stay Safe my friends!

Enjoy,

-modalissa

Blockheads- Janet Clare

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July 8, 2020

Today is Janet Clare’s turn on the Moda Blockheads series. Her block is very clever. I love how creative she was with the sizing of the block. To download the pattern instructions, visit Janet Clare’s blog.

I had fun making this block and couldn’t help but be inspired by my recent trip to Alaska for my daughter’s wedding. The whole family was secluded to one massively huge house with the most incredible view. Priceless!

Mr and Mrs Kearney

They stayed and honeymooned in Alaska and my daughter sent me this pic of a quilt shop they saw. I just had to share!

Visit each of the designers listed below for their take on the ZIG ZAG block.

Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Stay Safe my friends!

Enjoy,

-modalissa

BH 3- Robin Pickens- 25

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July 1, 2020

GIVEAWAY- CLOSED Winner- QUILTSONG notified

Today is Robin Pickens turn to share a quilt block named

CORNER GARDEN.

It is no surprise to anyone since each of her fabric collections are based on the study of flowers that Robin’s quilt block would also be a flower. I had a lot of fun piecing this block even though my leaves are cock-eyed.

block #25

To get the pattern, visit Robin’s blog, but you may want to read a little further because the Blockheads have some other goodies in store for you.

I wanted to take a few minutes and tell you about the Moda All-Star series of books. Each book focuses on a specific Moda precut including anything from Jelly Rolls to Mini Charms to the newest Fat Quarter book. My name is on the cover of each of these books as compiled by, but the real talent is inside the pages. Each designer has made a project and their proceeds of book goes to a particular charity. Each of the designers listed below will be giving away the featured e-book on their blockheads post today, so be sure and click on the blue link of the designers name to find out how to enter. I have also included a link to each of the books on Martingale site for more information. With each purchase of these books you are also making a contribution to a specific charity. Thank you for that!

Moda All-Stars – On a Roll – 14 Quilts That Start with 2 1/2″ Strips

– Visit Janet Clare

as she shares about this book and the charity, School on Wheels.

Moda All-Stars – Mix It Up! – 16 Quilts from Cake Mix and Cupcake Mix Papers

Visit Laurie Simpson as she shares about this book and the charity, Feeding America.

Moda All-Stars – Two, Four, Six, Eight – Fat-Quarter Quilts You’ll Appreciate

Visit Vanessa Goertzen as she shares about this book and the charity, Special Olympics.

Moda All-Stars – All in a Row Again – 23 Row-by-Row Quilt Designs

Visit Stacy Iest Hsu as she shares about this book and the charity, Give Kids the World.

Moda All-Stars – Mini-Charm Quilts – 18 Clever Projects for 2-1/2″ Squares

Visit Jen Kingwell & Jan Patek as they share about this book and the charity, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs.

Moda All-Stars – Mini Marvels – 15 Little Quilts with Big Style.

Visit Betsy Chutchian as she shares about this book and the charity, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.

Moda All-Stars – Merry Makers – Patchwork Quilts and Projects to Celebrate the Season

Visit Lisa Bongean & Joanna Figueroa as they share about this book and the charity, Marine Toys for Tots.

Moda All-Stars – Lucky Charm Quilts – 17 Delightful Patterns for Precut 5″ Squares

Visit Brigitte Heitland as she shares about this book and the charity, Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Moda All-Stars All in a Row – 24 Row-by-Row Quilt Designs eBook only

Visit Corey Yoder as she shares about this book and the charity, No Kid Hungry.

Moda All-Stars – Scraps Made Simple – 15 Sensationally Scrappy Quilts from Precuts

Visit Sherri McConnell & ME as WE share about this book and the charity, Alzheimer’s Association.

Scraps made simple includes quilts from Amy Ellis, Amy Smart, Carrie Nelson, Corey Yoder, Edyta Sitar, Jan Ragaller, Jenny Doan, Laura Boehnke, Lisa Bongean, Lisa Calle, Lynne Hagmeier, Sherri Falls, Sherri Mc Connell and Susan Ache. I have always enjoyed making scrap quilts or quilts with lots of fabrics but being a part of this book was where I got my first twinkle in my eye to do my own scrap book. Being a part of such a wonderful community of talented quilters inspires me every day.

A few of the other quilts in the book are as follows….

To enter to won an e-book of Scraps Made Simple, leave a comment telling me how many hours a week you are able to quilt, thinking about quilting does not count. I will notify the winner Friday, July 3rd.
Enjoy,
Modalissa

Blockheads- Block 23- Vanessa Goertzen

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June 17, 2020

Happy Wednesday and welcome to the LUCKY PENNY block designed by Vanessa Goertzen.

I absolutely love this pattern and I am pretty proud of my workmanship. I took my time and enjoyed the process!

You can hop on over to Vanessa’s blog to download the pattern. I am sharing just a few pictures of my process and can’t wait to see yours.

I made the 8″ block and cut the pieces and did a layout so I could make sure none of the same fabrics touched each other… and really I just loved looking at all the blue and whites together.

Just so yummy, yummy, yummy. Doug Leko’s Mini Simple Folded Corners ruler came in so handy to trim my little bitty corners.

How dynamic this block would be as an allover quilt? Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gaterings probably already has a pattern for this.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my version of Vanessa’s block.

Visit each of the designers listed below for their take on the Lucky Penny block.

Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Enjoy,

Blockheads- 22- Laurie Simpson

42 Comments

June 10, 2020

Laurie Simpson- Hen and Chicks

Block 22 is designed by Laurie Simpson. The block is named Hen and Chicks.

Download the pattern, HERE.

To read about my version and a little giveaway, keep reading along.

I have a huge fan girl crush on Laurie Simpson. Everything she touches is classic and inspiring including this weeks block.

Laurie writes in her description of her block the following, At first glance, the Hen and Chicks Block seems like another uneven 9-patch block. However, it requires a bit more sewing making this a fun but easy block. Adding 3 layers on a center square gives you many design possiblities. Mix and match fabrics and scraps, or use just 3 fabrics as pictured. So that got me to thinking of how fun this block would be as an allover quilt. So many piecing options that I played around a little bit with my block. Shown above is a repetitive block with a 1″ finished sashing and corner stones. I did not put sashing on the outside rows of the quilt so I thought it did not need a border at all carrying through the vintage feel. I rotated the blocks to create a secondary design throughout.

Squint and you can see all kinds of movement.

This looks like it could have been a vintage quilt so I did not add any borders which makes this quilt measure 53 x 62.

42 -8″ blocks set 6 across and 7 down. Of course you can make it bigger just by adding more blocks!

I love it so much!

Here is another version that is my version of Laurie’s block with 1″ finished sashing and corner stones and no other changes. I am obsessed by Laurie’s all over star print so I thought a nice big border would finish this one off nicely.

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!

Each week I try and add a few little trinkets to my pictures. This week I added the quarantine merit badge stickers designed by Michelle White. During the past several weeks we have all been experiencing the new kind of normal and yes I have cut my own bangs 5 times and it shows. I have a couple of sets of stickers that I would like to share. Leave a comment and share one thing you learned or have tried during the pandemic and I will pick at random a few people to receive a set of stickers and a few goodies.

Visit each of the designers listed below for their take on the Hen & Chicks block

Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Enjoy,

-Modalissa

BH3-20- Contribution

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May 27, 2020

Blockheads 3

Todays’ block pattern is supplied by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings, and the pattern can be downloaded from her blog.

The name of the block is Contribution and I think that is such a perfect block to describe Lisa B. She is so generous to contribute her tips and techniques on how she makes everything happen.
I almost hate to share my block but I am going to.

My points are not perfect as I was working on this block during the labor day weekend.

My husband has gone crazy over the new Cheetos popcorn and insisted I give it a try.

I am not a huge fan but that does not mean I still keep a bowl of it by my machine to munch on.

No matter how many times I washed my hands or thought I licked all the cheese off my fingers,

I still got some on my block.

Fingers crossed, it will wash out.

I have been making the 8″ size and my notebook is filling up.

I love flipping through the book and seeing the progress I have made so far.

How are you coming on your blocks?

How do you keep your patterns organized?

Visit each of the designers listed below for their take on the CONTRIBUTION block.

Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Enjoy,

Modalissa