Category: Quilt Alongs

I sew any chance I get. I quite often get up early so I can sew a little before work or stay up late to work on any project I am obsessed by. To be able to work on items in short little burst of time, I have a few processes to help keep me on task. Today I am going to share how I pieced the center section of the block together. The is somewhat a mindless, therapeutic method that lets me stop and start without loosing my place.

I shared with you that the main focus fabrics for this quilt were from Hustle and BustIe by Basic Grey and that I also added some of Christmas Morning by Lella Boutique. The fabrics above are from Christmas Morning and Red Barn Christmas by Sweetwater. Those of you that follow me often know that I am obsessed by dots. Everything I make has some dot fabric in it. I would buy an entire bolt of the red and green dot shown above. It is just that good!

I stack all my pieces on one design board and chain sew working vertically down each section. This helps me keep all my pieces in order. (shown above is just 1 layer, normally I would have layers for all the blocks needed for my quilt.)

Shown above – all my center 9 patches chain pieced and ready to join into blocks.

I do not clip the threads so this keeps the sections in order and eliminates pinning. it is hard to see in the picture but there is a few stitches from chain sewing that hold these sections together. As I sew, I flip the seam allowance towards the dark and they nest together beautifully. If you like to press your seams open, not cutting the threads can be problematic. You will need to trim the threads once you have sewn the pieces together to press open. I press my seams to the dark side so don’t have to worry about that. (remember mindless, therapeutic sewing!)

Here you can see how one side of the block is sewn together and the other side is just “hanging on by a thread” waiting to be joined.

Last week I shared how I make some of my own design boards, so if you missed that post, click here.

Week 3 of this QAL is a perfect time to include a GIVEAWAY for one of my other books, SCRAP SCHOOL. This book has a fantastic line up of designers like Kim Diehl,
Amanda Jean Nyberg of Crazy Mom Quilts, Connie and Mary of Country Threads, Lisa Bongean, Susan Ache, Amy Smart, Sarah Huechteman, Gudrun Erla and Sherri L. McConnell.

Leave a comment and check back here next Wednesday to see who is the winner of their own copy of Scrap School. Also giving away a copy on my instagram so , visit @modalissa for another chance to win.

Join me back here, Wednesday Nov. 3rd to make side bar section of the block. We are almost done with the sections!

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

Wednesday, Nov. 10th – Assemble Blocks
Break for Thanksgiving
-Wednesday, Dec. 1st – Sashing
-Wednesday Dec. 8th – Assemble Quilt top

I hope each of you have a fun Halloween and enjoy something sweet. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

#ohscrapchristmasqal

-modalissa

Surrounded QAL- Week 3- 9-patches

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October 20, 2021

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

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October 13, 2021

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

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October 6, 2021

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

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October 3, 2021

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

My favorite color…

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March 29, 2021

Do you have a favorite color? I thought I did, Red, no wait, Blue, no really it is Orange. Well this is what happens to me every time I sit down to start a quilt. I love them all.

So when it came time for Moda’s Block of the Month sampler, My Favorite Color is Moda I count decide.

The program has 6 different combinations of 10 colors. The designer of this quilt is Michelle White who happens to be in the office right next door to me. Seeing all the combinations that Michelle was creating made me fall in love with one of the “rejected” color combinations. I loved the grey, white and red. It was so Scandinavian, fresh and different. I said, ” I want to make that one.” Michelle was too kind to put the info together for me, but she also created options. I am not good with options. I can’t even decide what my favorite color is how can I choose with options? I just wanted to join in on the Quilt-along.

Michelle created another option combining the Scandinavian version and the Cookie Tin version. Then she swapped around some of the reds and greens and I was ready to commit. I knew some one in my family would want this for Christmas.

My Favorite Color is Moda option

This is MY color way version of My Favorite Color is Moda project.

Block 1 is a fun big 36″ block.

2 and 3 are variations of courthouse steps. So very much the same but different.

Block 4 – a variation of a sawtooth star. Turning the triangles in different directions creates all kinds of options.

It is not to late to join in on the Quilt- along. Ask at your favorite shop for the fabric and pattern. For more information, visit the Moda’s Inspiration Center.

I am certainly saving the grey and red color palette. It is dreamy.

Enjoy!

Progress Report

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January 8, 2021

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

so many projects

6 Comments

November 8, 2020

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?

Sewcialities Sew Along- Harmony

3 Comments

September 25, 2020

Hello everybody! I am super excited to start off the Sewcialites SewAlong with the Fat Quarter Shop team and some of the best designers in the world. If this is your first time visiting my blog, I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I am the mother of 5, I have 4 grandkids and have been quilting for almost 40 years. EGADS! that seems like forever ago and I really am not that old. I started quilting before the invention of the rotary cutter, I made templates from cardboard and I quilted as I went – known as quilt as you go.

I worked part time at a quilt store then was hired to help open a quilt store and managed that for 9 years and had the opportunity of a lifetime join Moda Fabrics. 24 years later and it seems like yesterday.

Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites.
Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites. Sewcialites.

Say that 10 times fast!

I really struggled with what fabrics until I saw the color assortments that Carrie Nelson and Michelle White had been putting together using assorted Bella Solids. I fell in love with some of these colors and thought I would dive in.

The color assortment they came up with was named Mellow Rainbow. It so reminded me of my youth, the days of being a Brownie and Girl Scout all the way to my bell bottoms, bumper stickers and wood panel station wagon days. Groovy, right?!

I usually like using lots and lots of fabrics in a quilt and do not work in solids. Maybe it was from my early quilting days when my first quilting teacher pointed out that if I used solids my mistakes would show up more. I made lots of mistakes so I steered away from solids. Not any more!

Here are my colors…..

Mellow Rainbow- Bella Solids

In order, 204 PLUM -218 INDIGO-135 MARINE-234 EVERGREEN-232 SAFFRON-292 AMBER-294 PERSIMMON-
298 CAMEO-106 EARTH

I am making 9″ blocks but there are patterns for 3 sizes, 3″ 6″ and 9″.

I don’t not always starch, but when I do love the difference starching adds to my accuracy.

My goal for this project is to work on precision so I have starched all my fabric and I must admit,

it is so yummy to cut and sew.

The patterns are written so nicely and it is wonderful therapeutic time at my sewing machine.

Sewcialites- HARMONY

Below is the yardage requirements depending on what size block you are making.

For the pattern in all 3 sizes, visit FQS’s Jolly Jabber.

and of course there are PRIZES….

To enter to win, share photos of any one of your blocks #1, 2 or 3 on Instagram with the #SewcialitesQAL and tag @fatquartershop. Post your photo by midnight on Thursday, October 15. You can enter up to three times (once for each block)! We’ll pick a winner and announce them here on the blog on Friday, October 16.

Follow me on Instagram for the latest happenings. @modalissa

Thank you stopping by to visit.

#SewcialitesQAL

Blocks Heads- Block 36- Laurie Simpson

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September 16, 2020

Today is Laurie Simpson’s turn to share a quilt block. Please visit Laurie’s blog to learn about her block and download the pattern.

I showed a while back that I keep the patterns and blocks in a notebook. Now my notebook is overflowing so not all the blocks fit and it is getting time for me to finally decide how I am going to set this fish mash of blocks together.

Block 36

Shown above is my version of Laurie’s block along with the blocks that didn’t fit in the notebook. If you look close I was able to sneak in a piece from a new collection by Corey Yoder, Springbrook which will be in stores Jan. 2021. Sorry to tempt you, but that is a perk of working at Moda, I guess!

I thought it would be fun to take a look back at my progress. Not all blocks are pictured, but man have we all come a long way.