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Countdown to Christmas

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How to Manage Your Time Like a Pro Quilter: Christmas Countdown Edition

The holiday season is here, and if you’re like me, you’ve got a list of quilted gifts to finish before Christmas Day sneaks up on you! Whether it’s a cozy throw for your best friend, a set of placemats for your neighbor, or that intricate quilt top for your family’s holiday gathering, the race is on! But don’t panic just yet. With a bit of planning and a dash of quilter’s magic, you can manage your time and still enjoy the season.

Here’s how to balance holiday quilting with everything else on your to-do list:

Double Take

1. Prioritize  Prioritize, Prioritize Your Projects

First things first: not all projects are created equal. Take a moment to list out everything you want to finish before Christmas. Then, assign them in order of priority. Start with those that have firm deadlines, like the family gift exchange or that quilt you promised your sister (she’ll never forget!). Gifts with flexible timelines or smaller projects like fabric ornaments can come later.

Pro Tip: Group similar projects together. If you have multiple smaller items like potholders or table runners, tackle those assembly-line style! This helps you stay in the groove and saves time.

2. Break It Down: Set Weekly Goals

Once you’ve prioritized, it’s time to set realistic weekly goals. Quilts, like the holidays, come together piece by piece. Break your projects into manageable chunks, and plan how much time you’ll need each week to get those pieces done.

For example, Week 1 might be all about cutting your fabric and preparing your patterns. Week 2? Focus on piecing the quilt tops. Week 3 is for quilting and binding. Week 4 gives you wiggle room for any last-minute changes. Be sure and reserve a time slot with your long armer if you need professional services. They are under the gun to finish gifts for many and that is not including their own projects.

Pro Tip: Use a timer! Set aside 30-minute pockets of time for each task. You’d be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you’re laser-focused.

3. Delegate Non-Crafting Tasks

You don’t have to do it all. The holidays are busy, so if possible, delegate non-crafting tasks like cooking, cleaning, or decorating to family or friends. This frees up time for you to focus on the fun part—quilting!

Need to bake cookies? Delegate it to the kids or swap with a friend who might need help with gift wrapping. That way, you can quilt guilt-free while someone else is prepping the treats.

4. Use Your Stash Wisely

Instead of running out for new fabric or supplies, look at your stash first! Christmas is the perfect time to “shop” your own collection of holiday fabrics, scraps, and leftover batting. Bonus points for repurposing those fabrics into new projects—it saves time and money!

Moda Jelly Rolls

My favorite is to consider pre-cut fabrics like charm packs, Jelly Rolls, or layer cakes. These can significantly reduce your cutting time and allow you to focus on getting right to work.

5. Embrace “Good Enough”

Let’s be real—sometimes, perfection isn’t realistic when you’re on a deadline. Embrace the “good enough” mentality for certain projects. Not every quilt has to be a showpiece for the ages. Your loved ones will appreciate a handmade gift, even if the corners aren’t 100% perfect. I have to admit, I have even gifted a quilt top with the promise of completing it after the holidays.

Remember, the joy of gifting comes from the heart you put into the quilt, not the flawless execution. So, if a few stitches are wonky, that’s just a part of the charm.

Christmas piecing

6. What is Done?

In all the hustle of making gifts, don’t forget to take a look at your completed projects.. I often let family members pick their own gift from an assortment of treasures that are already completed. Just like using your fabric stash to make room for new, the same is true for quilts going to live at a new home.

 

This holiday season, remember: quilting is a labor of love, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and a few strategic shortcuts, you’ll be able to enjoy the Christmas countdown while still giving heartfelt handmade gifts.

What’s on your holiday quilting list this year? I’d love to hear how you’re managing your projects. Happy stitching and Merry Christmas!

IN progress

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Behind the Scenes: Working on Secret Quilting Patterns for Quilt Market

One of my favorite yet challenging aspects of my job is working on secret quilting projects that can’t be revealed until Quilt Market. For those of you who are new to the world of quilting, Quilt Market is like the Super Bowl for quilters and fabric lovers! It’s the big event where designers, brands, and retailers come together to showcase their latest products and designs to the world. It’s also where we finally get to pull back the curtain on all the hush-hush projects we’ve been working on for months. Post Covid the big launch at Quilt Market has changed a bit but whether Market or anytime of the year, working behind the scenes is still pretty darn thrilling.

The Thrill of a Well-Kept Secret

Working on secret quilting patterns is like being a part of a secret club that only a few select people get to join. The excitement builds as we collaborate with our talented team of designers, and quilters, watching the project come to life one stitch at a time. But, as much as I want to share what I have been sewing, I have to resist the urge to spill the beans! Moda recently had its biggest launch and the Moda designers have shared their new lines and projects so I can catch you up on what I have been doing.

In the months leading up to Quilt Market, our designers works tirelessly to create beautiful patterns that will inspire quilters around the world. The designs often involve hours of brainstorming, fabric selection, tweaking, and sometimes even starting from scratch to get everything just right. There’s a certain kind of magic in knowing that we’re crafting something truly special that will only be unveiled to the world when the time is perfect and then there are deadlines. The designers have to work on such tight deadlines to work ahead and create all the details needed for each product launch.

Fabric for Zen Chic Quilt Kit

The Challenge of Keeping it Under Wraps

As a quilter, my natural instinct is to share, share, share! But when it comes to these secret projects, I have to keep my creativity locked down. This is especially tough when our community is buzzing with questions, wanting to know what’s coming next. I might drop a few hints—like a peek at a fabric swatch or a photo of a half-covered sewing machine—but I have to be careful not to give too much away!

One of the fun parts is creating a sense of anticipation. We tease our audience with countdowns, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and cryptic captions that make them guess what’s coming. It’s like laying a trail of breadcrumbs that leads to a big reveal. It’s so rewarding to see the excitement build, knowing that soon we’ll get to share the full picture. The timing could not have been better for a quilt retreat at Primitive Gatherings where I worked on three different quilt samples, finishing up the blocks from Stacy Iest Hsu, making the watermelon quilt by Camille and a layer cake quilt by Corey Yoder.

Stacy Iest Hsu – Home Sweet Haunt- Pattern # SIH 107 Spooks and Spells
Camille Roskelley- Watermelon Patchwork- Pattern #TB 286 and KIT 55320

The Big Reveal at Quilt Market

When Quilt Market finally arrives, it feels like Christmas morning! The moment we’ve all been waiting for has come, and we get to finally showcase our secret projects to the world. The buzz at Quilt Market is always electric, and seeing our audience’s reactions makes all the months of keeping secrets completely worth it.

It’s also inspiring to see how other creators, designers, and quilters interpret trends and bring their unique vision to the event. As the projects we’ve been keeping under wraps come to life on the show floor and across social media, we can finally let the floodgates open. Sharing the joy and excitement of these new designs with our online community is one of the best parts of my job, but seeing the projects and designers in person is priceless.

ABloom by Corey Yoder- Pattern #CQ224- so fun and easy.. A Layer Cake and preprinted cross stitch panel.

Looking Forward to the Next Chapter

Even though Quilt Market marks the end of one creative journey, it’s also the beginning of the next. As soon as the curtain drops, we’re already brainstorming and dreaming up ideas for the next round of secret projects. And the cycle starts all over again!  So to finish up, a few more details on what I accomplished.

I made a record breaking total of 6 different quilts, added the binding on 12 quilts, machine sewed some of the bindings down. Now on with the show!

Machine binding using Aurifil Nylon thread on top and matching thread color on back.
did not make this beautiful quilt but did add the binding. Buon Natale by Fig Tree FT 2024 Twas the Night Before Christmas by Fig Tree. Made by Sarah Hueuchteman.

 

MUST HAVE! an assortment of thread colors whether using it for binding, repairs or appliqué.

 

My Family and I are so excited about Moda’s 27 Fireside fabrics. All my kids want this on the back of their quilts.

Being a part of this creative process, from the earliest concepts to the grand reveal, is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in the quilting industry.

Stay tuned to our social media channels, because as soon as Quilt Market opens its doors, we’ll be sharing every detail of the secret patterns we’ve been keeping under wraps and I am sure there will even be surprises for us.

Until then, happy stitching, and may your quilts always tell a beautiful story!

-modalissa

National Log Cabin Day

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We as quilters like to celebrate any holiday that relates to our hobbies. Today is just one of those days. While National Log Cabin Day is to commemorate the wooden kind of Log Cabins. I am celebrating Fabric Log Cabins by sharing some of my  favorite log cabins and some interesting historical facts.
USED WITH PERMISSION FROM AMERICAN PATCHWORK & QUILTING® MAGAZINE. ©2023 MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
I love this log Cabin that is on the cover of American Patchwork and Quilting. Made by Sherri McConnell.
Liberty Log Cabin Quilt made by Meghan of www.thencamejune.com. So fun and fresh and who doesn’t love a striped binding and a plaid backing. I love plaids!!!
A log cabin pattern using Moda’s Honey Buns by Kansas Troubles. Perfect for a Christmas quilt.
This is one of my quilts that was in American Patchwork & Quilting. I named it When Harry met Sally after the famous movie. The name seamed fitting with the mixture of designers  and the fact their styles are complete opposites, Primitive Gatherings and 3 Sisters.  (reference why I used the red centers in the history section below.)
How fun is this great big single log cabin block? Perfect for a baby quilt.
An oversized log cabin rotating darks and lights and a variety of sizes of strips.
This quilt is on my bucket list to make. It is a modern take on a log cabin quilt designed by Jen Kingwell.

Here are some interesting facts about its history:

  1. Origins and Name: The Log Cabin quilt block is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century, around the time of the American Civil War. Its name is derived from the log cabins built by early American settlers. The block’s design, with its central square and surrounding strips, resembles the way logs are stacked to build a cabin. See the reason why I can celebrate the quilts on this day?
  2. Symbolism: The central square, often made from a red fabric, traditionally symbolizes the hearth or the fireplace, which was the heart of the home. In some variations, a yellow center represents a welcoming light in the window.
  3. This is one of my patterns and it is super fun to make. Link to pattern here.

    Popular During the Civil War: The Log Cabin quilt gained popularity during the American Civil War. It was used not only as a practical item but also as a symbol of support for the Union. Quilts made with a black center square were said to indicate support for the Underground Railroad. There are stories telling stories of quilts hanging outside giving clues to what direction the soldiers were coming from.

  4. Versatile Design: The Log Cabin block can be arranged in numerous ways to create different patterns. Common layouts include Barn Raising, Straight Furrow, and Courthouse Steps and so many more options. This versatility made it a favorite among quilters who could achieve various visual effects with the same basic block.
  5. Pioneer Tradition: For many pioneers moving westward in America, quilts were an essential part of household goods. Log Cabin quilts, in particular, were practical because they could be made from small scraps of fabric, making them an efficient way to use up remnants.
  6. Cultural Significance: The design of the Log Cabin quilt block also has roots in various cultures. Similar patterns have been found in ancient Egyptian textiles, and the concept of a central motif surrounded by incremental design elements appears in many folk art traditions around the world.What is your favorite version of  a log cabin quilt?

    -modalissa

 

Piece and Quilt- month 3

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We are back again with month 3 of the Piece and and Quilt Sampler project.

There are 3 different blocks this month and there is quite a bit of sewing. Don’t worry, take your time. Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings once gave me this advice and I am going to share it with you here.

– When you are working on a BOM, no matter what you do, go ahead and cut it out. This way when you have a few minutes you can sit down and sew a few pieces together. This uses different brain power than the concentration needed to cut. It really does work!

Shoreline by Camille Roskelley. Aren’t these fabrics yummy?!

I rarely use the same print in one block but the blue dotted fabric and the white dotted background almost make this a dainty delicate block.

To create this sampler with different sized blocks, I had to combine some of the blocks into larger ones creating a completely new block. I love how this one turned out. I love the look of using plaids. The navy here is a printed fabric so it was easy to use and still achieve the geometric look and feel.

 

My all time favorite block is the sawtooth star. It can be colored in so many different ways. This one with scrappy points adds a whimsical look and sparkles throughout the quilt.

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

 

Quilt Acroynms

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Recently I shared a listing of Quilt Acroynms on my instagram.

Several people asked for a download to share so I am posting them here.

HAVE FUN.

Let me know in the comments if there are any acronyms I have left off the list.

So if you haven’t seen the answers on my IG, play with the list and see how many you can answer before moving to the next image.

 

Wait for it…….

 

How many did you know?

Click below to print.

acroynm answers

See ya next time and thanks for following along.

 

-Modalissa

Kisses from Gammy

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October is more than just a month of falling leaves and pumpkin-spiced lattes; it’s a time when the world turns its attention to a cause that affects millions of lives – Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual campaign aims not only to raise awareness about the most common cancer among women but also to educate, support, and inspire action.

I am humbled and honored to be a part of the annual Stitch Pink campaign with Moda Fabrics. This year Moda has partnered with Camille Roskelley and Aurifil threads.  We all know someone that has been effected by Breast Cancer including my mom, aka GAMMY!

Gammy was not just an ordinary woman; she was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who possessed a heart filled with wisdom, patience, and an infectious sense of humor. But above all, she was incredibly strong, especially when faced with the formidable opponent called Breast Cancer.

She had always been the cornerstone of our family – a source of endless love, guidance, creativity and laughter. We all admired her not only for her resilience but also for her ability to find joy in the most challenging of circumstances.Gammy loved loading the grands upper a fulfilled trip to Chuckie Cheese with an endless supply of quarters. She loved chatting about your latest boyfriend or girlfriend and no topic was off the table for her.  Another thing Gammy loved doing was leaving a big ol’ smooch on everyone’s cheek, so when it came time to make my stitch pink project, I decided to reproduce this kiss.

I cut the lighthearted charm pack and layered the pieces, topstitching them with Aurifil threads to a base cloth. Piecing the red charm packs together to create lips and raw edge appliquéd them to the pillow top. I came across a “Gammy’s Girls” clothing label and knew it was a sign I had to include it on the pillow.Gammy’s Girls was the name of my sister and I’d company that made and sold things at craft fairs.

one label just wouldn’t do the job, so I added some additional ones as a representation of what a fashion icon Gammy – Ruth was. Making this into a pillow was the perfect finishing touch so that it can be hugged and loved on as much as she hugged and loved on us.

She left behind a legacy of strength, wisdom, patience, and laughter along with lessons on living life with resilience, grace and humor.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that unity is powerful, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. By fostering awareness, supporting research, and encouraging early detection, we can create a world where breast cancer is not a threat to future generations. Let October be a month of inspiration and action, reminding us all that our collective efforts can and will lead to a future without breast cancer. Thank you for taking the time to read about the inspiration behind my life and my project!

Get screened!

-Modalissa

Candy Corn Quilt

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I have made this quilt at least 3 different times and have a friend that just asked for one so time to reshare the post from 2015.

 

candy corn quilt

I recently posted a picture of this quilt on my Instagram because I love it.
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.)

I refer to this type of quilt as a 12 pack, not a 6- pack that is something completely different. Pick your favorite 12 colors, add background of your choice

and 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 quiltI shot a pic of the quilt with my Iphone as I zipped by the quilt laying on an unmade bed at my sons house.
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

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!

Shirting quilt top

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I am crazy over stripes, denim, blues, and blacks so when I came across this quilt top, I knew it had to come home with me. The price was right and I had no idea what I would do with it but it was going to have a good home.

The quilt top was pretty threadbare, I auditioned it for a curtain thinking I would be so Ralph Lauren circa 1980. I loved it but was outvoted on the charm factor I thought I had created.

A couple of weeks ago, Anna Dineen of A Wandering Path taught a class to make the Ultimate Travel Bag from By Annies Pattern Company.

I could not make up my mind what fabric to use, so there sat this lonely quilt top in all its beauty, wanting to be showcased and taken out on the town. The quilt top almost jumped off the shelf screaming pick me, pick me.

I used a knit fuse interfacing to protect the threadbare areas, sent it off to be quilted and it arrived back in time for our first bag class.

Bag making was new to me, mainly because it requires supplies I do not usually have on hand such as interfacing, zippers, mesh linings etc.

Most of the time I may dive into a project late at night and with quilting, I have all the fabric and supplies I could possibly need. I learned that I could actually do this and I loved it. and I also learned I needed to stock up on supplies for when the next late night bag making bug bite me.

I am not in the habit of cutting up a quilt top, but this one was in bad shape. Now I can carry it proudly as it has gained a new life as my patchworked travel bag!

Pattern # PBA251 byannie.com
Back view of my bag

Here is a video clip from Annie. If you are not a bag maker, dive in. It is lots of fun and Annie had all the supplies I need to make it happen. Enjoy!

Red and white quilt book winner

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Friday was a 12 hour whirlwind of a day at Quilt Festival. Several of the Moda team hopped on the first flight out of Dallas for the 50 minute flight to Houston. While we had all been in Houston for Market the week before, it was time to go and see all the festival shops.
Our first stop was to rush to Lisa Bongean at Primitive Gatherings. I had to get some of her new rulers that are designed to cut stems.

Have you seen Lisa’s rugs made using mini charm packs? Perfect Christmas presents!

Pattern available at your favorite store or from Primitive Gatherings.


I snapped a quick pic of Erin Smith and Tammy Vonderschmitt. They had smiles on their faces with no sign of exhaustion even though this was the 9th day or 11 days straight living in hotel rooms and working in convention center settings. (Amy Matheny not pictured)

These gals were manning the Moda booth. They demoed cake mix papers and showcased all the many things that can be done with Vanessa Christenson’s ombre line of fabrics.

Vanessa Christenson and her sweet daughter, Katie were in attendance. Look at the cute skirt Vanessa is wearing that is made from her pink ombre fabric. Vanessa has an entire Pinterest board devoted to inspiration and patterns for her Ombre fabrics. Click here to follow the pinterest board.

Another stop was to visit Karen at Home A la Mode. She is the queen of demo’s and I always have to stop by to see what she is working on.

27 aisles of quilt goodness and almost 4 miles of steps, then rush to  the airport in time to find our plane delayed. A little bit more time spent with good friends and then home. Can’t wait until next year to do it all over again.

Winner of the Red and White quilt book giveaway is:

October 28, 2018 at 12:58 pm
Mary Durham says:
My favorite quilt show has been the Outdoors show in Sisters, Oregon. There were so many beautiful quilts, but it was also such a fun atmosphere. Someday I hope to go to the shows in Paducah and Houston.

Please send me an email or DM with your shipping information.
Enjoy!,

Lissa