Category: Quilt Alongs

Surrounded Christmas QAL- Week 1- Cutting

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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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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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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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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

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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

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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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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.

All of the blocks patterns are always available as downloads on the Moda Inspiration and Resources page. To see them all so far, click here.

How is your progress? Just remember it is a marathon not a sprint and to enjoy the process.

 

Thanks for following along,

-modalissa

 

Sewcialities Sew Along

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The Fat Quarter Shop is getting ready for a free block of the week sew-along called Sewcialities!  They’ve asked 18 designers (me included) to each contribute two blocks that can be made in three different sizes, 3″, 6″, or 9″.  You’ll get one block a week for 38 weeks. The fun starts Friday, September 25th, and runs through June 25th, 2021!  June 2021 will be here before we know it!

The blocks are all pieced, and each one is rated for difficulty.  The Fat Quarter Shop will be using the “Homestead” fabric line by April Rosenthal. I love that each block is 2 fabrics.  I am making the 9″ blocks and they go together very quickly.

At work, we have been playing with Bella Solids lately. Michelle White and Carrie Nelson were creating different color ways and I fell in love with one of the color assortments and thought it was perfect timing to use for my version of Sewcialites. We had all kinds of great names for the colors and this one Michelle named Mellow Rainbow. I don’t know what it is but it reminds me of my youth and the colors of the 70’s and 80’s.

Mellow Rainbow- Bella Solids

204 PLUM

218 INDIGO

135 MARINE

234 EVERGREEN

232 SAFFRON

292 AMBER

294 PERSIMMON

298 CAMEO

106 EARTH

I usually don’t use all solids but I have made the goal to work on my precision piecing on this quilt. If you are off the least little bit when using solids it shows more, but I am not scared.

Of course, you can also pull from your stash.  You can find all the information you need on the Jolly Jabber blog.  So many sizes to choose from.  Get that triangle paper ready if you choose the 3″ size.

for the complete details, visit The Jolly Jabber.

#SewcialitesQAL