Category: MODA

Blast from the past

10 Comments

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!

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

No Comments

 

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