Thank you for joining me on my day for SEWCIALITES.
I am making my version using Moda’s Bella Solids and I thought pink was the perfect color for the valentines week.
I have started putting my blocks together. This will be one quarter of the quilt. Once it is complete it will be a big sawtooth star.
I had mentioned in one of of my PROGRESS REPORTS posts that I knew how I wanted to quilt this one. The crew at Moda recently made a quilt for someone retiring and I wanted that project quilted the same way I was planning on doing my Sewcialites quilt. Machine quilted in vertical lines in a small range of colors and some big stitch quilting added throughout is the plan. The picture above was hand quilted by Laurie Simpson, so I will have to consult her when I am ready to dive in to my quilt.
Fat Quarter Shop is doing a giveaway each month, you can enter to win one of several giveaways by posting your progress on Instagram using #SewcialitesQAL.
We all love a good giveaway, so leave a comment here for a chance to win my new book, SCRAP SCHOOL., in stores now.
I will pick a sweetheart of a winner on Feb. 14th.
I am joining Jessica Dayon on a book blog hop
for her new book, Seasons to Taste. I received an advance copy and had a hard time picking which one to make. I choose Sunkissed. I love the yellow and white but
how could I scrap it up some?
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.
Originally some of the colors I added were a little out of my comfort zone but they added some “clash factor” took on a life of their own.
Even the trimmings look dreamy!
Adding Low Volume for backgrounds and sashing allowed me to do a deep dive into my fabrics and include a huge variety of lights.
And while I was at it I had fun creating a pieced back. Maggi Honeyman worked her magic on the quilting!
In case you missed it here are the other people on the blog hop.
#seasonstotastebooktour
Seasons to Taste is available now from your favorite book retailer.
I can see why in school we received our progress reports every 6 weeks. It is a lot of work keeping up with the progress or making any progress at all. I finished some and started more so A-.
I am finished with my quilt for the Seasons to Taste blog hop. I am last on the line up and will share my quilt here on Feb. 2nd. I knew the colors I wanted to use, so I started with scraps from one of my quilts in Sisterhood of Scraps and combined them with a quilt that will be in Scrap School this Feb. Pulling these fabrics was fun to think about and how different they look with a few added fabrics. deadline- end of Jan.- CHECK
The QUILT ALONGS continue
Blockheads 3
I have all my blocks done. Just need to decide on a setting.
QUILT BEE
Another QAL I have joined is the one Bonnie and Camille are hosting using their new book, Quilt Bee.
For more info about the QAL, visit their INSTAGRAM.
My Favorite Color is Moda
I am adding My Favorite Color is Moda to the list of QAL’s. You can read all about it on the Moda Inspiration and Resources page. Michelle White designed this project and I loved the Scandinavian feel of one of her initial drawings. She knew I have a hard time making up my mind so she created another color option combining the look of the Scandinavian and added Christmas.
I am going with option 2.
The pattern and fabric kits are available at your favorite quilt store.
Christmas 2021… here I come.
I also want to thank all my teachers for those dreaded progress reports. I really had very good grades but just sometimes messed up on the conduct part. Teachers hang in there. You are are molding the lives of the future either in class or virtually.
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.
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.
Welcome everyone and thank you for taking a break in your Holiday shopping and planning to visit my blog for my last block installment in the BLOCKHEADS 3 series. I have a story to tell and if you make it all the way to the end there is also a chance to win a Layer Cake, so here goes.
Back in October of 2019 when we were planning Blockheads each of the designers all sent in their sketches. I am a big fan of anything plus mark and so I included a sketch. Then came 2020 and it has gone by so fast I had forgotten to add my inspiration to the block. It was in the midst of the election I was making my block and that is when I decided to name it X marks the spot embracing the power of making an X to cast your vote. Making an X is certainly old school but that is my story to tell.
If you would like to download my BLOCKHEADS pattern, please click here. But keep reading for the giveaway.
About the same time I was making my block and I had the most gut wrenching feeling.
I am a big fan of Jessica Bloomberg – @CraftyCop and what all she does to support families of police officers that have been killed in the line of duty.
Did I subconsciously copy the block that she uses for these quilts?
Was it too late to change my block?
I did my research and my block was different but I couldn’t stop thinking about her mission. I contacted Jessica and asked if I could share her story. On one of her profile I found this
…crafty cop who likes to read, garden, cook & craft all after the shift is over. That really doesn’t tell it all but does anyone’s profile tell the whole story?
Jessica is a police officer in Stamford Connecticut. She started making quilts for families of police officers killed in the line of duty and word has spread. When Jessica first reached out to fellow quilters to make blocks, the outpouring was incredible. She received hundreds of blocks and was able to make quilt with little to no cost. Individuals jumped in to help quilt, people donated fabric for backs and batting.
This is an example of one of the quilts that was made. Each quilt also gets a label for the front. If you are making a quilt, let Jessica know and she will send you a label to use.
These pictures are used with permission from Jessica. I highly encourage you to follow Jessica @craftycop to read some of the stories.
I asked Jessica what she needs and she said the hardest thing is getting the quilts to the families. Here is the rest of her reply.
If you want to learn more about this or get involved follow the hashtag #bluerkblocks. If YOU know of a police officer killed in the line of duty, I hope you’ll send me a DM so we can give that family a quilt too.
Anytime there is a need quilters come together. That is our jive, that is our community, that is what we do.
So, I made a new version of my block to use in my quilt so I will have a little representation of Jessica and the BlueRKblock program.
I started out this post worried that my block was the exact block, so I can’t end this post with out giving you the link to the actual block pattern supplied by Jen of RasberryStitches.
The block goes fast and as I cut into any thing blue I am making 12.5 BlueRKblocks.
I cannot end this post without sharing this cute picture of Jessica and service dog, Knox. Please share this with your friends and if you know of a family that needs a quilt, let Jessica know. More importantly if you are able to deliver a quilt to a family, let her know also.
I can’t believe this is my last block to post for Blockheads. It has been quite a year and I have enjoyed the journey with so many new online friends, and yes they do count as real friends. Moda has been generous to donate a Sanctuary Layer Cake by 3 sisters as my giveaway this week.
DO you have a goal for 2021? What are you thinking about as we end this year and hope for a safe 2021? Let me know, leave a comment for a chance to win this layer cake. The winner will be announce Tuesday night, Dec. 23rd.
Are you ready for a beautiful new book for the holidays?
If so, now is your chance to get an early Christmas present
from one of these talented designers.
Sunday November 22nd there will be several giveaways on the designers, blogs, Instagrams or Facebook pages. We are all different just like the quilts in this book so each designer is doing her own giveaway on one of their social media platforms, so you have to check it out to see where. One thing we do all have in common is that we love quilts and sharing surprises.
I will be giving away my book on my Instagram page – @modalissa
so be sure and follow me and enter on November 22nd.
I wanted to share the other designers in the book so you can drool over all the yummy quilts in the book.
Christmas Star by Mary Ellen Robinson and Paula BarnesSweet Mint by Edyta SitarTudor Rose by Karen StylesHome Sweet Home by Pam BudaPrimrose Holly by Lisa BongeanHeritage Mountain by Sheryl JohnsonStar Frond by Corey YoderSnow Lillies by Carol HopkinsHolly Bears Crown by Sandy KlopWinterberries by Jo MortonHolly Berry Baskets by Betsy ChutchianStarstruck by Susan AcheTheodores World by Laurie SimpsonScrappy Sisters by Lissa Alexander
This is my quilt and they said we could add a little bit of gold/yellow to our quilt. I did not ask define little bit?!
Be sure and follow everyone so you will be ready for the giveaway on the 22nd.
If there is one book of mine that I have completely worn out the pages, hands down it has to be Barbara Brackman’s ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PIECED QUILT PATTERNS. I could not have been more excited when Barbara told me she was going to be making the 3rd edition. I have been stalking both Barbara and Electric Quilt Company so I would not miss out on any update. Well the time is getting really really close to when I am able to get my hands on the actual book. Merry Christmas to me!!
And if you are doing a little shopping for yourself as any red- blooded quilter would, be sure and add this to your list.
compliments of Electric Quilt
To whet your appetite a little more I am going to share some of the beauty within the pages, compliments of Electric Quilt Company.
Full Color and Line Drawings of over 4,000 pieced quilt-block patterns.
A complete key to how to locate any one of the 4000 blocks.
The content is so well organized. Each section is categorized and documented with history and time periods.
The graphics are crisp and clear and inspiring. Literally as I type this I feel my heart start to race. I am that excited!
Ready for a sampler quilt? This book will certain inspire you. The color options alone are worth the price of the book.
The book can be preordered through your favorite quilt store or contact
The blocks are referenced by some of the greatest quilt designers of all time. Names like Nancy Cabot, Jeffrey Gutcheon, Laura Wheeler and more. Quilt blocks from publications like Hearth & Home, Kansas City Star and Workbasket are just a few references as shown above.
The only other thing you will need to make sure to get is a set of post it notes so you can mark which blocks you want to make first.
Thank you Barbara for sharing all your brilliance and knowledge with us through the pages of this book. Thank you EQ for making it all come to life in such artful pages.
Thank you to myself for my own present and how I will act completely surprised when I open it from my family!
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
I am so very excited to announce my new book coming February 2021, Scrap School. 9 designers have joined me by sharing one of their scrap quilts along with tips on color, fabric placement and more. Each quilt also has a color option to inspire how you can use your scraps or fabric collections to personalize the quilts for your style.
I have included link to the professors instagram accounts above, so be sure and follow each of them for more information as we get closer to the book launch. The book is available for preorder from your favorite quilt store or book dealer now, so treat yourself.
Color Bars
I love putting together color bars to play with color and pattern before starting a quilt. Join me as I share more of this process.
February seems like a very long time from now, so to wet your appetite for scrap books, I am going to have a few giveaways and events throughout the rest of the year. I am starting off with a copy of Sisterhood of Scraps.
To win a copy of Sisterhood of Scraps and some other goodies thrown in, please leave a comment and tell me your 2 favorite colors to use in a quilt. I am also giving away a Sisterhood of Scraps on my instagram so you have 2 chances to win.
Every February, I join some dear friends for a quilt retreat on the coast of Oregon. With COVID we will not being retreating. I am bummed to miss my friends, the laughter, the stories, the food, drink and the scenery. I will also miss the time to work on future projects. The last retreat I was working on a project using Daybreak by 3 Sisters, which is shipping to stores now. So many projects I work on I can’t really show until the fabric is available, but I can share now.
Daybreak fat quarter bundle
I had all my pieces cut and ready so I could just sew, sew, sew. If you have not been to a retreat there is usually tons of laughing and talking, so not having to concentrate for cutting is usually best.
daybreak scraps
3 sisters fabrics always include romantic florals as the focal pieces and I knew I wanted to highlight the bigger prints in alternate blocks. One of my all time favorite quilt blocks is the sawtooth star and decided to use a couple of variations of that block to create a vintage feel.
Geese in progress
The pop of navy fabrics was something new for a 3 sisters collection and I love the combination of the pinks and blues together.
Daybreak Quilt
Can you say Paisley? I knew I had to use that for the backing.
Daybreak quilt border
Quilted by Maggi Honeyman, Binding by Susan Stiff
While I will miss the retreat in 2021, I will always have this quilt as a keepsake from 2020.
To download the pattern to make your own Daybreak quilt, click here.
