Category: Quilt Alongs

Blockheads 6- Block 3- Bunny Hill

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Moda Blockheads 6: Block 3 – Sunday’s Best by Anne Sutton

Blockheads, it’s time to roll out the tablecloth, fluff the cushions, and polish the silver—it’s week three, and we’re sewing Sunday Best!

This elegant block is brought to us by the ever-gracious Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs, whose soft, classic style always brings a touch of timeless charm. Sunday Best is exactly the kind of block that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the process.

A Block with Sunday Charm

The Sunday Best block pairs crisp flying geese with four-patch units, all arranged in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional—kind of like setting the table for a big family meal. The shapes are clean and balanced, but the layout has a quiet movement that keeps your eye dancing across the block.

It evokes that feeling of calm you get on a slow Sunday afternoon—everything in its place, sunlight coming through the window, and something sweet baking in the kitchen. There’s a sense of preparation and celebration built into this design. And honestly? I really like how mine turned out. So much so that I didn’t stop at just one—I made a few! And then ready for a Sunday afternoon nap!

Keeping the Vintage Vision

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I’m going for a faded, vintage look with my Blockheads 6 quilt. The soft tones I added last week are really starting to come together in a gentle wash of light. For Sunday Best, I continued with that theme—working in the reds and blues with touches of mediums. I used strips and dots to continue to work on the vintage feel.

The repeat blocks let me play with subtle shifts in color, keeping things cohesive but not too matchy. I’m not sure yet how many of them will end up in the final layout, but I love the idea of sprinkling a few throughout.

Get Inspired & Get Stitching

Anne has shared her version of Sunday Best over on the BunnyHill Blog, and you’ll definitely want to see her take on the block—it’s graceful and polished, just like her entire Bunny Hill aesthetic.

Need a little help assembling those flying geese and four-patch units? This week is my turn to do a video on the how to make the block. Check out the step-by-step video tutorial  staring ME!! to guide you through the block construction. Whether you’re sewing along at your own pace or keeping up week by week, the resources are there to make this journey joyful.

Sew Along with the Blockheads

 Are you going classic, scrappy, or experimenting like me? Be sure to post your blocks on social using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6—and tag @modafabrics and your favorite designers too! You can tag me also if you want. #modalissa

Every stitch we make is part of a bigger story, and I love seeing how each of you interpret these blocks through your own fabric choices and styles.

Let’s keep sewing together—one beautiful block at a time.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Anne Sutton

Kiley Ferons
Chelsi Stratton

Robin Pickens

Joanna Figueroa

Sherri McConnell

Barb Groves

Janet Clare

Lisa Bongean

Corey Yoder

Betsy Chutchian

Camille Roskelley

Crystal Manning

Debbie Maddy

Jessica Rose

Heather Briggs

Jackie MacDonald

Jenelle Kent

Vanessa Goertzen

Stacy Iest Hsu

Laura Muir

Sarah Thomas

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier

Block #3 and I made 3. I could make an entire quilt of just this block. Yes I do say that about all the blocks!

If you are not a member of the Blockheads 6 Facebook group, you can join here.

I can’t wait to see your progress each week.

 

 

Stardust QAL

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Sewing for Wishes: Join the Stardust Charity Quilt Along

There’s something extraordinary about the quilting community. When we come together, we don’t just create beautiful quilts — we also create hope. I’m so excited to be participating in the Fat Quarter Shop’s 2025 Charity Quilt Along, featuring the dazzling Stardust Quilt and benefitting Make-A-Wish Central & South Central Texas.

photo courtesy of Fat Quarter Shop

This year’s quilt is called Stardust, and it’s every bit as magical as the name suggests. With radiant patchwork and starry motifs, it’s a quilt that shines — both visually and symbolically. Each pattern and donation helps us get closer to helping grant heartfelt wishes for children with critical illnesses. This one is going to be an easy project with two installments of patterns launching May 2nd and June 6th. There will be a quilt raffle in July if you want to contribute and not make the quilt.

My Version: Bella Solids Shine Bright

For my own version of Stardust, I’ll be working entirely in Bella Solids. I love the crisp contrast and timeless feel of solids — and they really let the shapes and negative space shine. Or so I hope. I have always wanted one of the Pendleton wool camp blankets but wasn’t willing to pay the price and wool doesn’t make that much sense in Texas. My color choices were inspired from the blanket. I have it planned in my head but anxious to see how it plays out. Currently I have the fabrics all starched and hanging outside to dry.

As always, I’ll be sharing monthly progress updates here on the blog and over on Instagram @modalissa. I might even throw in a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way — because what’s a quilt along without a little creative camaraderie?

Speaking of camaraderie, be sure and follow some of the gals that will be quilting along.
Pat Sloan
Melissa Corey
Melanie Call
Sherri McConnell
and Nancy Lane

Here’s How It Works:

  • 2 Block Releases: Free Patterns on May 2nd and June 6th at Fat Quarter Shop blog.

  • No Cost to Join: All block patterns are free — simply consider making a donation to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.

  • Big Impact: Fat Quarter Shop aims to raise $100,000, and between FQS and MODA fabrics will match up to $30,000 in donations!

  • Quilt Along Community: Share your progress and see others’ creations with the hashtag #StardustQAL.

Learn more, download the pattern and even make a donation here:

Why I Quilt for a Cause

Over the years, I’ve seen how powerful quilts can be — not just for comfort, but for connection and care. Make-A-Wish gives children something extraordinary to look forward to, and being able to support that mission with fabric and thread is a true honor.

Whether you’re using the kit, pulling from your stash, your quilt is a star in this galaxy of giving.

And I completely forgot, there is also a Cross Stitch option.

Let’s make some wishes come true — and have fun doing it.

-modalissa

what is the difference…

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What is the Difference Between a QAL and a BOM in the Quilting World?

If you’ve been part of the quilting community for any length of time, you’ve probably come across the terms QAL and BOM. While these acronyms are common in the quilting world, they represent two distinct ways of tackling a quilt project. Both are popular, and both create a sense of community, but they cater to different types of quilters and schedules. One of the sales professionals ay Moda always says we need more Bom’s. With over 50 creative designers creating projects I spent quite some time studying this topic. Let’s break down what they mean and how they differ, so you can decide which format works best for you!

Moonbeams QAL

What is a QAL (Quilt Along)?

A QAL or Quilt Along is exactly what it sounds like—a group of quilters working together on the same quilt project at the same time, usually online. The key component of a QAL is its collaborative and interactive nature. Typically, the organizer provides a pattern, and over a set number of weeks or months, quilters follow along, sewing the quilt together at the same pace. The schedule is broken down into manageable sections, such as working on specific blocks or completing certain tasks during each phase.

Why participate in a QAL?

  • Community: QALs are all about connection. They often involve shared photos, tips, and encouragement through social media or dedicated platforms. You’ll see how others interpret the same pattern and get ideas from their fabric choices or layout variations.
  • Flexibility: While there’s a timeline, it’s generally not as rigid as a BOM. If you fall behind, you can usually catch up easily.
  • Creative Freedom: While the pattern may be the same for everyone, QALs often encourage quilters to make their own fabric choices or tweak the design to suit their personal style.

Example: The Fat Quarter Shop runs popular Quilt Alongs, such as the Piece and Quilt Sampler Quilt Along, where participants create a sampler quilt one block at a time and share their progress along the way. ( shameless plug for mine and Susan Ache’s book)

Piece and Quilt Sampler

What is a BOM (Block of the Month)?

A BOM or Block of the Month program is a long-term quilting project that delivers a new block to complete each month, either as a digital pattern or a physical kit with all the necessary fabric and instructions. Over the course of several months (usually 12), quilters work on one block at a time, and by the end of the program, they have all the blocks they need to complete a full quilt.

Why participate in a BOM?

  • Pacing: The slower pace of a BOM is perfect for quilters who prefer a steady, manageable project. You only need to complete one block each month, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule.
  • Guided Experience: For those who like having everything laid out for them, BOMs often provide the full experience—from fabric selections to assembly instructions—meaning less decision-making along the way.
  • Skill Building: BOMs are a fantastic way to build new skills. Since the blocks are released one at a time, they tend to increase in complexity, allowing participants to gradually improve their techniques.

Example: Many quilt shops and fabric designers offer BOM programs. For instance, a designer like Lella Boutique might create a BOM that features new blocks based on their latest fabric collection.

How Do They Differ?

  1. Pacing: QALs are often faster-paced, with a timeline that could range from a few weeks to a few months. BOMs stretch out over a year, offering a more leisurely pace.
  2. Community vs. Independence: QALs thrive on community interaction, with frequent updates and shared progress. BOMs, on the other hand, can feel more like a personal challenge, with fewer opportunities for interaction throughout the project.
  3. Commitment: QALs can be intense but short-lived. BOMs require a longer commitment—usually 12 months—but the work is more spread out and manageable.
  4. Project Structure: In a QAL, you’re often working on the quilt top as a whole, piecing together sections as you go. In a BOM, you’re working on individual blocks, and only at the end will you assemble them into a full quilt.

Moda’s Dessert Sampler Pattern

Which One is Right for You?

If you love the idea of sewing alongside others, exchanging ideas, and potentially working on a shorter project, a QAL could be just what you’re looking for. But if you prefer a slower pace, and you like having the convenience of receiving one block at a time, a BOM might be a better fit.

Whether you choose a QAL or a BOM, both offer unique experiences that build skills and provide a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful quilt to show for it! So, why not try both and see which style inspires you the most?  I have several going on at any time. There is something therapeutic about these types of projects but I do loose patience and interest so keeping focus about month 7 out of 12 is tough for me.

QAL’s and BOM’s in many ways are interchangeable in many ways. Like they say TOMATO or TOMATOE!

How many BOM’s or QAL’s do you participate in?

Are there any sort of projects you are interested in for a QAL?

Enjoy,

-Modalissa

My Journey with the Moonbeams Charity Quilt Along

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Moonbeams QAL

MOONBEAMS QAL

I’m thrilled to share my journey with the Moonbeams Charity Quilt Along, the 11th in the series designed by the Fat Quarter Shop to support Make-A-Wish, North Central Texas division.

As many of you know I suffer from Paralysis by Analysis. Not a medically diagnosed affliction but a self induced one. When I see a quilt, I want to make it just like it is shown. How about you? Same thing, right? Picking the fabrics and color is the hardest part of quilting for me. Add another layer of pressure knowing that this quilt will be auctioned to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, so it has to be perfect in every way. So this is where I need your help to help me choose which option.

 

Christmas version

I can just imagine how gorgeous the quilting would be on this dark green grunge.

 

I started the Moonbeams QAL and was inspired by the blue background from Sherri and Chelsis fabric but knew I needed to make it different. So how about a Christmas/Winter version using Basic Grey’s PINE VALLEY  and grunge fabric for the background.

I love the fabrics. They are so rich and elegant but about month 3, I started to doubt myself….

OPTION 2- Blue and green

If you have been following along on the Piece and Quilt QAL, you know I have been using blues and greens from Camille Roskelley’s Shoreline collection. If that is not enough I have also been using blues and greens in my Moda blockhead’s quilt. This is more of a scrappy version using pieces from Camille Roskelley, Minick and Simpson,  Fig Tree and Co., Janet Clare, 3 sisters and more. As I was cleaning up and starting to put these fabrics away, I had a thought…. what about Moonbeams in these fabrics?

 

Yes this would be my 3rd quilt as of late using these colors, but what is wrong with that?

 

But you can never have too many Christmas quilts and maybe that would be the best version to donate to the raffle?

Paralysis by Analysis... Help me! Which version would like to take home? Just a few more days and they will be launching the finishing instructions so I have my work cut out for me. I am not afraid, just need to make the plan and work the plan. While I tend to overthink, I am best under pressure and the pressure is on!

Just in case, you too can make this quilt. Each of the patterns are available as downloads via the Jolly Jabber, along with a minimal donation to The Make A Wish Foundation, Central North Texas division. You can find all the patterns and videos for the event on the Moonbeams Quilt Along page.

More information directly from the jolly jabber.

Quilt and Cross Stitch Pattern benefit Make-a-Wish Central & South Texas.

As we soar through our 11th Annual Charity Quilt, we continue to be amazed by the generosity of this sewing community and inspired by the stories of the children who have been granted life-changing Wishes. We encourage you to donate just $10 for the use of each free quilt pattern or a total of $50. For the cross stitch patterns, we are asking for a $20 donation. No amount is too small, and every bit counts. Fat Quarter Shop is proudly partnering with Moda Fabrics to match up to $30,000 in donations.

Fundraising Surprises for Moonbeams

We’re getting closer to our goal of $100,000 for Make-a-Wish, and when we reach $50,000 in donations, one lucky donor will receive a 1-hour virtual visit with Kimberly Jolly!

  • To be entered, you will need to donate $25 or more to our Make-a-Wish campaign. If you have already donated $25 or more with your name and email (not anonymous), then you are automatically entered to win!
  • Make sure that your donation is not anonymous so that we can contact you by email.
  • When we reach $50,000, we will randomly select a qualifying donor and notify them by email.

Each milestone goal we hit with our Make-a-Wish fundraiser will unlock special offers and surprises!  When you donate today, you’ll get us closer to our goal of granting ten wishes, and closer to awarding each special surprise.

BONUS 1 – Cross Stitch Supply List and Quilt Fabric Requirements

BONUS 2– To be unlocked when we reach $50,000 before the end of July

Quilters have the biggest hearts and are so good at giving back, so please donate and be sure and be on the lookout to win a quilt made by Kimberly Jolly, Pat Sloan, myself and several other quilters.

 

Leave a comment and vote Christmas Version or Blue version to help me decide which version to finish and donate.

Much appreciated.

-modalissa

 

Piece and Quilt Sampler- month 2

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We are back again with month 2 of the Piece and and Quilt Sampler project.

Last month we made one block that consisted of 12- 3″ blocks surrounding a 6″ block. It was lots of little fiddly sewing so pat yourself on the back and get ready for month 2.

12- 3″ blocks for month one.
Shoreline by Camille Roskelley. Aren’t these fabrics yummy?!
Breakdown of what blocks to make each month

These blocks hold go together fairly quickly. Have fun with the layout and mix it up some if you want. I love squinting at the block below. The navy triangles float off the edges and the square on point adds an interesting movement.

 

I cannot get enough of this fabric. I am making this sampler and also my  Moda blockheads5 quilt using the whites, light blues and greens.

Be sure and visit the following people as they sew along also.

to download the worksheets and details for this QAL, click here.

Enjoy and be sure and PIECE and Celebrate everyday.

-modalissa

Hey Boo!

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I am such a fan girl of Vanessa Goertzen/Lella Boutique.  Every fabric collection that she creates I become obsessed with. I don’t really need to describe why, if you know you know!

What is a word for fresh traditional modern? Vanessa’s designs cover it all.

I recently finished several of her patterns using OLD GLORY and have moved on to her FALL fabrics,
HEY BOO! These colors are so fun and different for Halloween. I made the quilt that Moda will be kitting, named Pushing up Daisies. Stock # LB 231 and the quilt finishes at 80” x 80”

I have the pattern WEB, stock # LB 229, cut out and started from a retreat project.

FRANK! What can I saw about this one….freakin’ adorable and will be making him as a pillow.

 

Pattern # LB 232

Since I own almost all of the patterns for HEY BOO, I had to jump in on Lella’s MONSTER MASH Halloween Sampler Quilt.

Blocks are parts of patterns, Stock # LB 230, LB 231, LB 232 and LB 233. I had  purchased 3 of the 4 , so all I needed was 1 more pattern to have all the parts and pieces.

You don’t have to buy all the patterns for the QAL . They will be available for purchase as downloads from Lella Boutique during the QAL.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6HcsR9PF11/

Each block is 16” so it makes a big fun quilt in no time.

Here is the schedule.

  • 5/8/24: Block 1- House
  • 6/5/24: Block 2- Skull
  • 7/10/24: Block 3 – FRANK
  • 8/7/24: Block 4- pumpkin
  • 9/4/24: Block 5- daisies
  • 9/18/24: Finishing Instructions
  • 10/2/24: Block 6- Ghost

Block 1

For more info, visit’s Vanessa’s blog!

And as always support your independent quilt or specialty store to purchase your fabrics and supplies.

enjoy!

-Modalissa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blockheads Update

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New Year, New Projects or in this case a continuation of last year’s Blockheads 5. Each blockheads series I struggle with what my setting is going to be. While I think I am one of those go with the flow kind of gals, I know I suffer from paralysis from analysis.  Knowing what the layout is, does influence the fabrics you are using in your blocks or at least the color placement.

Do you struggle from this also?

This is the newest block to start 2024 off with a bang. The block is from Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life.

This block is also by Sherri Mc Connell (round 1).  I made the 6″ block inside of the 12″ block. Squint at it. I see a secondary design and think once it is quilted, it will show the design more.

All of the block blocks can be found here on Moda Fabrics website/blog.

I have made some of the blocks as 12″ versions but now that I know what my setting is going to be I am making all 6″ blocks.

I started my project with Nantucket fabrics by Camille Roskelley, mixed in some greens and lights from her current line Lighthearted and will be adding Shoreline which will be in stores later this spring.

We have a weekly Facebook group for Blockheads. If you have not joined the group, please do.

Moda Blockheads Facebook Group:   / 253867175058745 

I decided to  use the  BLUEPRINT quilt by Susan Ache as inspiration for my setting. I am using 6″ blockheads blocks and larger filler blocks from the Celebrate with Quilts book. I did a quick video showing the book and the status of my progress on Blockheads.

So far the quilt has a soft and vintage feel.  I can’t wait to finish it.

For a complete resource guide for everything Blockheads, visit here.

-Modalissa

Scrappy Celebration QAL-update

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I can’t believe the Scrappy Celebration QAL is almost over. It is like putting together a puzzle and getting down to the final pieces. Happy but sad and what to do next. Thought I would share some of the pics from both color options of my quilts here.

My original quilt is the perfect combination of summer sherbet colors, but for the QAL I remade the quilt with Red, White and Blues.

I thoroughly enjoyed picking out fabrics each week for blocks.

Keeping a pile of my bits and pieces so I could pull some of the sizes I needed for other blocks came in handy. I do have leftovers and may have to make something from all these pieces.

 

I had been holding on to a bolt of Bonnie and Camille dots from Bliss and knew I had to use this for the backing. Then I dug through all of the leftover bias bits and thought I would funk it up some by adding some yellow to my red white and blue version. Will show the finished quilt soon.

OTHER DETAILS-

You can follow along on Moda’s Blog for each weeks post.

Thank you to Electric Quilt Company for creating fun quilt design software that started this whole  project.

Get the Quilt-Along Pattern

 

 

Scrappy Celebration QAL

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Time flies! I can’t believe it has been 10 years since I did a quilt-along with American Patchwork and Quilting for their 20th anniversary.
Fast forward to their 30th anniversary and I am honored and proud
to be featured….on the cover…
APQ April 2023 Cover

I am a newbie to using the quilt design software, Electric Quilt. To play with this I started adding a variety of nine patches, four patches and any similar block. I fell in love with the mathematic look of the quilt and knew I just had to make it.

All images in this blog post are used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting magazine . Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved.

Let’s skip to the good part. American Patchwork and Quilting is featuring my quilt as one of their 2023 QAL and they have a Facebook group you can join to play along. I am going to make another version of this quilt during this QAL using red, white and blues with my collection of Minick Simpson fabrics.

If you want to join in, the details are included below.

Pattern Details

Finished quilt: 63-1/2×72-1/2″

 For this quilt, you’ll need:

  • 1-1/8 yard total assorted pink prints
  • 2-3/4 yards total assorted white prints
  • 1/2 yard total assorted red and dark pink prints
  • 3/4 yard total assorted green prints
  • 1 yard total assorted orange prints
  • 1 yard total assorted blue prints
  • 7/8 yard total assorted yellow prints
  • 5/8 yard orange-and-white print (binding)
  • 4 yards backing fabric
  • 72×81″ batting

All of the following info is available here also.

Get the Quilt-Along Pattern

Quilt-Along Schedule

The quilt-along runs from February 20-April 16. While there is a recommended sewing schedule (see below), you can also sew at your own pace!

Scrappy Celebration

If you’re posting on Instagram, use the hashtag #APQQuiltalong to share your progress.

I hope you join us as I share more about Electric Quilt and all things 9 patch.

and lastly THANK YOU so much to the talented team at American Patchwork and Quilting. The April issue ( on newsstands now) is full of wonderful projects and a look back over the 10 years. I have drooled over the pages and talented in this issue.

-Enjoy!

Oh Scrap QAL- Sashing and nine patches

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hello, Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving break. I so enjoyed the break and can never have enough food or family time. Not all my crew was able to come home but we did have a houseful.

I re-arranged my sewing room and did some SECRET SEWING and vegged on the couch some, so it was a productive break.

The countdown to Christmas has begun both at home and at work. At work we are working on getting the rest of Holiday 2022 out to our salesteam. They will be making their rounds showing stores fabric lines shipping info next summer. seams so crazy to be living in Christmas 2021 and 2022 all at the same time. FUN ! FUN!

Today’s assignment on the #OHSCRAPCHRISTMASQAL is to add your sashing pieces. I cut my sashing pieces first since they are a bigger piece and I wanted to make use of some of the larger scale prints.

The corner squares are nine patches so you can use parts and pieces from your four patches or following the directions in OH SCRAP to assemble these.

This should come together fairly quickly. I have heard from several of you that have completed your quilt top already. I know when I am excited about a quilt project I am working on, I cannot stop sewing.

As a quilter, I am so highly influenced by color so seeing some of the combinations other people have put together always inspires me. That is the reason I had to make this Christmas version, inspired by @happinessinthemaking and the Hustle and Bustle fabrics by Basic Grey.

I wanted to share just a few of the pics I found on Instagram of some of the progress happening on the QAL as more color inspiration.

This is where it all started. A fat quarter bundle and some extras. I love how Jennifer has her book on a bookstand for easy reference.

i

Richy’s from Basic Grey ‘s version is dreamy, using the greens where I used lights.

 

Kim Walus  of @bittybitsandpieces has finished her quilt top and I love it. It is always amazing to me how scrappy versions can be so different and intriguing to zoom in to see all the different fabrics.

I can’t wait to see Candee complete this one. It is going to be a classic for sure!


Love the romantic feel of Dianes’ progress.

This one just makes my heart happy. I love anything rainbow and this fun colorful set of four patches from Gina of @Games56 is a ton of fun! Gina is a long armer so I bet the quilting will be fun to see as well.

I fell in love with Jen’s 4 patches. Don’t they look like boxes of trusty fruity or mike and Ike’s? I was drawn in to the background fabric also but realized that is her Ruby Star ironing board cover.

 

Thanks so much for following along on this little quilting journey. Check back next week for my final post about the quilting  and maybe a few other surprises.

 

Enjoy,

 

-modalissa