Category: My Quilts

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

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

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

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?

Daybreak Quilt Project

Oregon Coast

Every February, I join some dear friends for a quilt retreat on the coast of Oregon. With COVID we will not being retreating. I am bummed to miss my friends, the laughter, the stories, the food, drink and  the scenery. I will also miss the time to work on future projects. The last retreat I was working on a project using Daybreak by 3 Sisters, which is shipping to stores now. So many projects I work on I can’t really show until the fabric is available, but I can share now.

Daybreak fat quarter bundle

I  had all my pieces cut and ready so I could just sew, sew, sew. If you have not been to a retreat there is usually tons of laughing and talking, so not having to concentrate for cutting is usually best.

daybreak scraps

3 sisters fabrics always include romantic florals as the focal pieces and I knew I wanted to highlight the bigger prints in alternate blocks. One of my all time favorite quilt blocks is the sawtooth star and decided to use a couple of variations of that block to create a vintage feel.

Geese in progress

The pop of navy fabrics was something new for a 3 sisters collection and I love the combination of the pinks and blues together.

Daybreak Quilt

Can you say Paisley? I knew I had to use that for the backing.

Daybreak quilt border

Quilted by Maggi Honeyman, Binding by Susan Stiff

While I will miss the retreat in 2021, I will always have this quilt as a keepsake from 2020.

To download the pattern to make your own Daybreak quilt, click here.

Candy Corn Quilt Pattern

candy corn quilt

I love the colors.
I love the pattern.
I love the quilting.

I love, love, love it.

Someone asked me about the pattern and colors so I thought I would share it here. When I went to hunt down
the good pics, I remembered it was featured in the April May 2013 QUILT magazine. So here are their nice styled, color corrected pictures from 2013.

my candy corn quilt in QUILT aprilmay2013And here are the details if you want to make your own version using Bella solids.

9900-51- Buttercup,
9900-81 Goldenrod,
9900-83 Grey,
9900-125 Betty’s Brown,
9900-147 Coral,
9900-162 Amelia Apricot,
9900-171 Etchings Charcoal,
9900-185 Zen Grey
9900-209 Clementine,
9900-210 Strawberry,
9900-213 Mustard,
9900-244 Harvest Gold.

A fat quarter of each.

The background could be anything but I used 9900-182 Porcelain (4 1/4 yds.)

Pick your favorite 12 colors, add background of your choice.
The possibilities are endless. Choose all shades of greens and browns for trees, blues and greens with a little white on top for snow capped mountains, 30’s prints for a retro quilt or just a combination of all your funky favorite fabrics as a scrap buster!

 

Bella Solid Peaks quilt
The quilt looked even better washed and used. I love it when a quilt has been put to good use.

Tag me if you make a version of this quilt. I would love to see it.
Here is the pattern for your use.
Enjoy!!

-modalissa

 

Schoolhouse Quilt Pattern

During the pandemic, several different people on social media starting having outdoor quilt shows by showcasing one of their quilts in their yard or on their front porch, etc. Jenny Doan starting doing this also and I thought I would do the same each weekend.

I dug this schoolhouse quilt out of my stack to symbolize the return to school, even though it was virtual.

Several of you have messaged me wanting this pattern so I decided to do a quick blog post
so I can share it with everyone.

Download the pattern here.

The pattern does have templates for the roof, so be sure and set your printer to actual size.
Choose 6 fat quarters and 3 1/2 yds background of your choice.
I made mine using 6 different Bella Solids.

I also want to make it using denim, blues and greys.

I know my neighbors probably think I am crazy but I have enjoyed my own little quilt show.

My blog post would not be complete without a mock up of a little red schoolhouse quilt.

I hope you enjoy this quilt pattern.

-modalissa

Angie’s quilt

This is what our family always called our Charlie’s Angels picture. The picture was taken one summer of my mom, my sister and myself. I was about to be a freshmen in high school, Angie was about to leave home and would be a freshmen in college. When she left for college I got her room. In her closet was a piece of paper that she listed what she wore each week. This list lasted for an entire month, every month. She worked to not wear the same thing for an entire month. She did not have a large wardrobe but she would make new things just to make sure she kept it fresh.

Fast forward…. my sister graduated with a home ec teaching degree and went on to get married and have 3 sweet sweet boys. The first year that Angie and Joel were married they decided to make a quilt as a wedding gift for some friends using the quilt as you go method. Angie lived in Lubbock and I lived in Dallas so we mailed the blocks back and forth so I could help piece the blocks. Joel helped quilt them and I remember he had the most beautiful small stitches, 12 to the inch just as he had been instructed.

A few years later Angie’s family moved to Ft. Worth which is about 30 minutes from me, so we got together often. At the time we both had 2 kids each under the age of 4.  It was a miracle we got anything done. I even joined a quilting friendship group there in Ft. Worth so we could get together often. We did many block swaps, made things for arts and craft shows and even gift shops would sell our wares.

My sister passed away in 1989 at the age of 31 which was 31 years ago. I tell you this story because I have finished several of her unfinished quilt tops and shared them with her family. I have one more quilt top to complete.

We did a friendship swap for the square in a square block and she pieced the pink sawtooth stars to complete the designs. Each of us had the same swap block and would create completely different quilts.

I have had this quilt top for 31 years. I cannot believe that. I hadn’t completed it because I was on a mission to find enough of the navy fabric for the fourth border (shown in upper corner) I did not have to have the exact fabric just something that matched. Believe it or not this is such a rich deep navy  that I had a hard time making a match.
I finally found a navy plaid that was close enough and finished the top.  My quilter often has a sale on quilting during her birthday month so I was going to be ready.

I took the quilt outside to get some pictures and poked a hole in my finger.

All this time I did not realize that the back of the quilt still had the names pinned on the blocks.

Many of the swap blocks were hand pieced. Each block had to use tan in the middle, greens, then pinks and cheddars and navy on the outside. There was a plan.

I guess this is a good  reason to leave your selvedges on since I can now identify the border as a Cranston Print Works/ V.I.P fabric.  I don’t really recommend leaving selvedges on.

 

I looked through the names trying to remember each person in this particular swap. I was thrilled when I came across this block with our good friend Roxi’s name on it. After my sister passed away Roxi and I continued our friendship and that makes this quilt top even more priceless.

I am kind of sad to finish this quilt top knowing that it is the last piece of Angie’s work that I have. The quilt will go to a good home and I will always have the memories of  each of the quilts.

Quilts tell a story and they last long after we are gone!

Thanks for reminiscing with me!

-modalissa