Category: Blog Hops

Indigo Threads

May 2, 2022

A little bit about the Thread collection.

Drawing inspiration from the colors of her collection of blue transferware, Wendy Sheppard’s Indigo includes 5 spools each of 50wt and Aurifloss so that makers will have everything needed for regular sewing and hand- stitching projects. Wendy uses 50wt for piecing and quilting her quilts, as well as for hand appliqué. It was love at first sight when Wendy discovered Aurifloss, which she uses for cross-stitching, smocking, and hand embroidery. The legendary minimal lint feature which goes for all of Aurifil’s threads, including the embroidery floss, has been a true game changer in Wendy’s needle-and-thread pursuits. Collection Details: 5 Small Spools Floss: 4644, 4140, 2815, 5008, 2805 5 Small Spools 50wt: 4140, 2815, 5008, 2805, 2310. Thread box Stock # can be ordered from your favorite retailer. Just ask for Indigo Collection
WS5030WGI10 Aurifil

I have had the pleasure of working with Wendy Sheppard on several projects including her latest series, NORFOLK which is published in each issue of Quilter’s World.

I didn’t really do anything on the project other than getting the fabric to her. I knew then she loved blue, and she had talked about an upcoming thread box. So when I was invited to be a part of her event with Aurifil threads I had to say, HECK YES.

I just had to choose Nantucket Summer by Camille Roskelley for my project (s). The fabrics have so many yummy blues that were a perfect fit for the thread collection. Which came first the thread of the fabric? In this case the thread, then I picked the fabric.

Here is a sneak peek of one of my projects, but I also wanted to share a tip about picking thread. Most often the thread looks completely different on a spool instead of what it will look like stitched into your project. I like to unwrap the spools and drape them across the fabric. Both of these colors matched nicely, but the end result would be completely different. One is brighter and more graphic, one is muted and will disappear into the fabric. Visit Aurifil’s blog, May 5th to see what color I chose.

The following people we will be sharing how they used the threads and share a project with you.

You can find all the details on Aurifil’s blog, May 4-6, 2022.

May 4th-

Susan Ache @yardgrl60

Pat Sloan. @quilterpatsloan

May 5th-

Carol Inglis @caroling55

Me- Lissa Alexander @modalissa

May 6th

Wendy Sheppard @ivory_spring

Karen Miller @redbirdquiltco

Happy Stitching,

-modalissa

Season of Taste book

7 Comments

February 2, 2021

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

Farmhouse Fresh book tour and giveaway

63 Comments

February 23, 2020

I am obsessed about everything Farmhouse. ( thank you Joanna Gaines)

Love the fresh look.

Love the timeless style.

Love the classic simplicity.

I have hunted for vintage grain sacks/ toweling and paid big bucks for it. When Moda started making toweling many years ago it became a basic but people still asked what do I do with it? Moda’s toweling is available by the yard, hemmed on 2 sides and assorted designs
and fabric weights.

In steps Jenelle Kent, taking toweling to a whole new level as shown in her new book, Farmhouse Fresh.

Adding appliqué is just one way to bling your toweling.

There is nothing more classic than making pillows from the toweling. The variety of fabric weights make substantial pillows. Adding buttons, ties and even embroidered panels take the projects to the next level.

The toweling is generally 100% cotton so it is great to combine with your fabric quilting fabrics.
I love this blue stripe and the tech organizer.

I desperately need to make a sewing machine cover and this one is calling my name!

Are you intrigued? There are more projects but I wanted to share that due to the popularity of toweling, Jenelle has designed a few fabric towelings that are 60″ wide. Duvet covers, quilt backs, home dec and so much more, but more on that later.

Farmhouse Fresh has 11 different projects and includes the embroidery stitches for everything. Any of these would make perfect birthday or hostess gifts for that special person on your list.

I have a book compliments of Martingale Publishing and I am going to
add a 3 yd chunk of toweling to sweeten the deal.

Leave a comment and tell me which project is your favorite.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

Be sure and follow all of my friends that are on the book tour for more info

and to see the projects they have made.
@piecestotreasure
@modafabrics
@helen_stubbings
@karenatsomerset
@gailpandesigns
@robinpickens
@janeteclare
@quiltedmoose
@corianderquilts
@debbie_maddy
@martingaletpp

#farmhousefreshbooktour
#martingaletpp
#piecestotreasure
#modatoweling

Come back on Wednesday the 26th as I share my block pattern for the Moda Blockheads 3.

See you then.

-modalissa

Oh Scrap-Martingale Publishing

16 Comments

March 26, 2018

All good things must come to an end. Today is the last stop on the Oh Scrap blog hop. Martingale Publishing is place to be, so visit them here. But before I finish my posts I want to tell you a few things about the quilting book world from the world as I see it.

Oh Scrap- It’s QuiltJane

3 Comments

March 25, 2018

Hop Hop Hop on over to my friend way across the pond. Jane Davidson of Quiltjane.

My mom always taught me that you can read people by their eyes. I am reminded of this every time I see Jane. Her eyes, her sweet smile and her gentle spirit drew me to her the first time I met her. I also think she was handing out the famous snack of Aussie’s, Tim Tam Bars.

Oh Scrap – Teresa Silva

8 Comments

March 24, 2018

Today’s Stop on the Oh Scrap blog hop is

Teresa Silva of Quilting is my Bliss.

Teresa quilted the Splendid Scraps quilt shown above.

Teresa Silva, Maggi Honeyman, Natalia Bonner, and Abby Latimer are the magic makers-machine quilters that brought my quilt tops to life., Thank you for that!

Both Teresa and Natalia have quilting books that overflow with inspiration.

The real artistry in the quilt world is the quilting. The stitching of the quilt top, batting and backing, the quilt sandwich that is secured together with the finest of stitches and design.

Funny Story:

in the late 1980’s Gary and I went to the Texas State Fair for some Fletcher’s corny dogs. Gary had his corny dog and I came home with a Gammil Quilting machine. I was going to save so much money by quilting my own quilt tops and maybe even quilt for other people. What a joke!!

This was before there was any classes, training or support on how to use such a gigantic piece of furniture. Once the machine jammed and I called around looking for help with no luck. The guy at the sew and vac said he had never worked on that kind of machine but bring it in and he would see what he could do. At this point, a few months had passed and I was so pregnant that even if the machine worked I wouldn’t be able to reach the handles.

It is State Fair time again, we tracked back to the state fair with a 5 yr old, 3 yr old and a 6 month baby. Headed directly to the Gammill booth for some direction.They were so kind and bought it back from me for exactly what I had paid for it the year before. They would pick it up from my house on their way out from the show. I needed the bedroom now for baby #3 and who was going to have time to quilt with 3 kids under 6?

We all paid a visit to Fletcher’s Corny dog stand and came home with corny dogs, great memories and a pocketful of $$.

The above story conveys how much I think the quilting makes the quilt and that is not a talent that is in my wheelhouse.

March 16th- Pat Sloan

March 17th- Corey Yoder

March 18th- Barbara Brackman

March 19th-Alison Dale of Fabric Expressions

March 20th- Melissa Corry

March 21st- Carrie Nelson of Moda Fabrics

March 22nd- Sherri McConnell – A Quilting Life

March 23rd-Kimberly at The Fat Quarter Shop

TODAYS STOP

March 24th – Teresa Silva- Quilting is my Bliss

March 25th- Jane Davidson – QuiltJane

March 26th- Martingale Publishing

-Modalissa

Oh Scrap- Sherri McConnell

2 Comments

March 22, 2018

One of my favorite people in the whole world is the featured person on the Oh Scrap blog hop today- Sherri Mc Connell.

Sherri from A Quilting Life is not only a prolific blogger and pattern designer , now she along with her daughter Chelsi are also fabric designers for Moda.

Sherri is a huge fan of American Jane fabrics and made my Burgoynne Surrounded quilt when it was introduced in the first American Patchwork and Quilting quilt-a-long series. This quilt changed my life which is why I included it in Oh Scrap and tell you more about that in the book.

Today on her blog, she talks about making this quilt which is included in Oh Scrap and has also been re- featured in APQ’s Best quilts issue on newsstands now.

I hope you are not tired of listening to talk talk talk via the blog but I am so honored and humbled by the people that I have had the opportunity to meet in my quilting life that I want to talk about them.

I have also had the opportunity to meet Sherri’s husband and he is also the nicest guy. He actually glows with pride when he talks about Sherri and Chelsi

I am lucky to be able to work in the same industry that is also my hobby- quilting!!

Time now to hop on over to see what Sherri has to say.- Enjoy!!

March 16th- Pat Sloan
March 17th- Corey Yoder
March 18th- Barbara Brackman
March 19th-Alison Dale of Fabric Expressions
March 20th- Melissa Corry
March 21st- Carrie Nelson of Moda Fabrics

TODAY’S STOP on the HOP!!
March 22nd- Sherri McConnell – A Quilting Life
March 23rd-Kimberly at The Fat Quarter Shop
March 24th – Teresa Silva- Quilting is my Bliss
March 25th- Jane Davidson – QuiltJane
March 26th- Martingale Publishing

Stephanie Woodward of Tomball Texas is the winner of the Friendship Blues fabrics.

Thanks for following along,

-modalissa

Oh Scrap – Carrie Nelson

6 Comments

March 21, 2018

Today’s stop on the Oh Scrap blog hop is Carrie Nelson at Moda Fabrics.

I have so much to say today so please bare with me!! or is it bear with me?This quilt is called Izzy Squared. I believe the official name is Granny Squares but my grands call me Izzy.
My niece couldn’t say Lissa so she called me Izzy, and now that nickname follows me, hence the name of the quilt. The diversity of this quilt is so great that I included instructions for 3 different sizes in the book including the king version shown here.

My daughter lives on a farm and this quilt was just calling to be photographed on her white fence, but Buddy thought the photo shoot was all about him. ( thank you Jillian)

I love their red barn so I used red centers and red corner squares. pop! pop!

I can’t wait to get it quilted with 108″ red/white buffalo check on the back. yum! yum!

My daughter actually sent me a text when she sent the pictures and said, ” I think I may want to start sewing again.” (insert chin drop to the floor) She hasn’t sewn since she was 8 years old and made a quilt in Jackie Galubenski’s quilt class. She did win a ribbon at the Dallas Quilt show. Incredible!

The stop today is at the Moda blog, so this is a perfect opportunity for me to thank a few people for believing in me.

I owe everything to Mark Dunn and Cheryl Freydberg for believing in me. Hiring me and allowing creative freedom to constantly say, What if??

Would you hire this?

I want to also thank Carrie Nelson for helping me out when I got all tongue tied. She has become the voice of Moda/United Notions and shares her brilliance with all of us and encourages me daily.

So many people from work offered to help, remember the majority of this time I was recouping after surgery and couldn’t drive. I jokingly called it house arrest. Susan Stiff, Tammy Vonderschmitt, Chelair Etter, Holly Hickman, Debbie Outlaw, Debbie Duckworth would bind, press, stitch or rip if I needed them. Just knowing such friends are also people you work with is what makes my job so joyful.