Category: My Quilts

Surrounded QAL- Week 3- 9-patches

How did you do on your four patches? Did you get them all done? I know it is a crazy time of year to try and tackle one more project, right? Just do what you can each week.

What is a 9-Patch?
9 squares joined together to make one block or section of a block.

For this quilt, we will be making
2 different sizes
and
styles of 9- patches.

This week is a simple basic 9-patch where all the squares are the same size. Next week will be a combination of different sizes.

If you have time and want to keep sewing, go ahead and put together your 4-patches and 9- patches into units as shown in the picture. You will need 4 per block.

I don’t have any tips on making the 9-patches but wanted to share the design boards that I use all the time. (shown above)

These design boards come ready-made in variety of sizes but I use a ton of these so I make my own from left over batting. They aren’t as pretty but they work just the same.

Shown above a variety of boards I use. The black one is the back side of one of my boards. The 2 with trim are ones I have bought.

Foam core board is available at most craft/art stores in assorted sizes. I also use the boards that are sold for science experiments which is easily assessable at many stores. Cut the foam board to your desired size and using spray adhesive, coat the batting and board  following directions on the label. I wait to trim the batting to size until after I have glued it to the board. Flip over the board with batting on the bottom and using a rotary cutter you can trim the batting to the exact size of the board. 14″ is a good size for me. It fits nicely in the sewing space I have and works well with any 12″ block.

These come in so handy to stack up pieces to sew together.I don’t use a board for each block but instead use one board and stack the sections to chain sew. Plus I can put them away quickly without disrupting the pieces if I need to work on something else or the grandkids want to sew.

I can’t wait to see your progress.

Be sure and share using #ohscrapchristmasqal.

See you next week- Wednesday October 27- Center Blocks

-Modalissa

Each  post will go live at 6:00 pm central.
-Wednesday Nov. 3rd – Side bars
-Wednesday, Nov. 10th – Assemble Blocks
Break for Thanksgiving
-Wednesday, Dec. 1st – Sashing
-Wednesday Dec. 8th – Assemble Quilt top

 

Surrounded QAL- Week 2- 4- patches

WEEK 2 of  #OhScrapChristmasQAL

Wednesday, October 13th- 4 patches

Whew! that was a lot of cutting, right?

Last week when I mentioned cutting the biggest pieces for the quilt out first, we are going to do the opposite when it comes to sewing. Begin strip piecing lights and darks together. Sew, Sew, Sew. This is somewhat mindless sewing while binge watching your favorite show or listening to an audible book. This part seems like it will never end but just keep sewing.

GENERAL TIP: I like setting my seams by pressing the strips right after I sew them. This seems to help keep everything nice and straight before pressing the seams to the dark side. The picture below is charm packs, cut and chain pieced together. Use you favorite way to press, but for this project I pressed everything to the dark side to make the seams nest nicely. I put together a few videos to explain these tips.

 

 

 

I stacked up sections right sides together with darks opposing and sub cut into the size needed for 4 patches. This gave me sets to sew, already paired up and could chain sew them. The combinations can be as scrappy as you choose.

 

 

 

-Save any leftovers of strips or 4 patch sections for possible use later.

-Wednesday, October 20th- 9 patches
-Wednesday, October 27th – Center Blocks
-Wednesday Nov. 3rd – Side bars
-Wednesday, Nov. 10th – Assemble Blocks
Break for Thanksgiving
-Wednesday, Dec. 1st – Sashing
-Wednesday Dec. 8th – Assemble Quilt top

Use the hashtag #OhScrapChristmasQAL so I can follow along.

Enjoy!! ( sorry my videos are sideways!)

Surrounded Christmas QAL- Week 1- Cutting

Welcome! Hope you are here to join the Surrounded Christmas QAL. This is week 1 and the goal is to get your entire quilt cut out.

You will need Oh Scrap book available at quilt stores now for the actual measurements.

Today ‘s post is about yardages and cutting for the SURROUNDED QAL.

The original quilt used light sashing so the yardages from the book will vary some if you want dark sashing like I used in my version.

IF using a Fat quarter bundle, cut your sashing pieces first ( Listed under fabrics A in the book- qty 49) This is always a good rule of thumb when cutting fabrics, start with the largest cuts first in case of a mis cut. It is always easier to replace a small piece of yardage than to have to replace fabrics for bigger cuts. Most patterns/books are written this way but always pay attention to this..

Then cut your 80 block rectangles ( also listed under A).
On some of the blocks I cut 4 of the same so they would match especially on the fabrics that would add a bit of pop. This was also where I used some fabrics that I just had small bits.

Shown above where the aqua fabric is

 

Everything else is pretty much exactly like the book says regarding if it is a dark or a light.

I always cut extra. I don’t know if it is a character flaw or what, but I like to have options.

Keep your pieces together, labeling them by the size. Some of the same size pieces are used throughout and some pieces are almost the same size so it is easy to get then mixed up!

I did not subcut strips into squares for four patches and nine patches. Instead I strip-pieced and then subcut. Do whatever you are comfortable with. Next week we will start sewing 4 patches and I wanted to show you that I even cut strips from charm packs or scraps for this. Next week we will start sewing 4 patches.

 

GENERAL TIP: Sorting through scraps does add some time to the process. Anytime I straighten up fabrics, i don’t just cut a sliver to straighten the edge, I go ahead and cut at least 1 1/2″, sometimes 2 1/2″ depending on much fabric I have. Once I finish cutting any project I go ahead and submit the remaining fabric into “scraps” and sort them by size. I tend to do this the most with lights. I use lots of lights.

Use the hashtag #OhScrapChristmasQAL so I can follow along.

Hope you join me!

-modalissa

Time to Hustle – Quiltalong

On my “must make” list has always been a Christmas version of SURROUNDED from my book, OH, Scrap!

When I saw Hustle & Bustle by Basic Grey, I knew this fabric line was perfect for this project. There are enough big scale iconic fabrics to use for sashing and a nice range of greens and reds to be able to easily mix additional holiday lines.

The quilt takes a total of almost 10 yds which is what is in a Moda Fat Quarter bundle of 40 prints, but I wanted more variety so I added Christmas Morning by Lella Boutique and a few other bits and pieces that you will see along the QAL. Start gathering your fabrics!

I could say we are going to have to Hustle to get this done by Christmas 2021, but there is  no hurry. Just get started!!

Or if you have already started this quilt and need a QAL to help motivate you to finish, this is the time.

What about making this quilt in Red White and Blue? A combination of your
Minick and Simpson fabrics would be yummy. Just get started!

So here is the plan. You will need Oh Scrap book available at quilt stores now for the actual measurements. Each week I will share tips and what I did to make this quilt.

Each  post will go live at 6:00 pm central.

– Wednesday, October 6th-  Yardages and cutting
-Wednesday, October 13th- 4 patches
-Wednesday, October 20th- 9 patches
-Wednesday, October 27th – Center Blocks
-Wednesday Nov. 3rd – Side bars
-Wednesday, Nov. 10th – Assemble Blocks
Break for Thanksgiving
-Wednesday, Dec. 1st – Sashing
-Wednesday Dec. 8th – Assemble Quilt top

Remember this is a scrap quilt so any fabrics can be used.

Use the hashtag #OhScrapChristmasQAL so I can follow along.

Hope you join me!

SIDE NOTE! The global supply chain has been tough this past year and has created an overall upheaval is deliveries. This is tough especially for the  independent quilt retailers.  Be sure and support your favorite quilt or specialty retailers  during this holiday season.

 

-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

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?