Tag: Fat Quarter Shop

Oh Scrap

Oh Scrap was my first published book in 2018. It had never been my dream to write a quilt book, but I was intrigued at the process. I like to learn and I am always up for a challenge.

And a challenge this was. In 2016,  I was experiencing massive headaches, which eventually caused a seizure. While in the hospital, they discovered I had a subdural hematoma. I am getting to the part about the quilt book but need to fill you in on the back story. After many more seizures, the doctors got a handle on those and I went home. Headaches continued, back in the hospital and had a right craniotomy on March 16th, 2016.

Brain surgery – Egads!!

Because of the seizures I could not drive for several months, state law. I was just sure that my brilliant doctors had now created Izzy 2.0 and my brain was going to be bionic. I imagined myself as the bionic woman, I can do anything after all of this.

While off work during this time, I decided I could/would tackle a quilt book. So it began. I kept a file folder on my desk, titled Oh Crap.

Is anyone going to like this?

Why am I second guessing myself, after all I am the bionic woman.

Once the quilts were completed and projects were sent in, I told me editor of my Oh Crap folder and that is actually where the name of the book came from, Oh Scrap.  This book was a solo book and then I went on to do 3 more books that were collaborative books with various Moda designers and other friends in the quilting industry. I have written about this book before, so for more details, pictures and more check here, here and here.

Writing a quilting book is no small feat. It begins with an idea, a spark of inspiration that blossoms into a collection of designs, patterns, and stories. Authors pour their hearts and souls into the creative process, testing and refining each pattern, selecting fabrics, and weaving narratives that resonate with fellow quilting enthusiasts. The journey involves countless hours of stitching, experimenting, and revising until the vision is realized on the pages of the book. I have such a great appreciation of my friends and fellow authors.

Oh Scrap

Fast forward a few years and I received a call from my editor about the future of Martingale Publishing.

Martingale Publishing, a renowned name in the quilting book industry, played a pivotal role in bringing quilting inspiration to homes worldwide. Known for its commitment to quality content and being an employee-owned company, Martingale fostered a sense of community and collaboration within its ranks. The decision to close its doors came as a surprise to many in the quilting world.

The closure of Martingale Publishing marked the end of an era for myself and quilting enthusiasts. As an employee-owned company, the decision to close must have been a difficult one. While the specifics of the closure may not be fully known, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by even well-established entities in the ever-evolving publishing landscape.

Writing a quilting book is a laborious yet fulfilling endeavor, culminating in a tangible representation of one’s passion for the craft. “Oh Scrap” and the closing of Martingale Publishing remind us of the ever-changing landscape of the quilting world. As the quilting community adapts to new opportunities and challenges, the legacy of creativity and camaraderie will continue to thrive, stitching together a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences.

Authors were given the opportunity to own all of their books and the assets included with that. This is a very important story to tell. It is a bit complex and while the quilt designs are my own, the text, photography and illustrations are not. Martingale could have very easily sold this off to the highest bidder with no regards to how the books would be stripped apart, reused and repurposed with no acknowledgement of the original creator.  Yes this has happened before with other publishers and it was not pretty.

I am proud to own all of the assets of my books. While I will always direct purchases to mom and pop quilt stores, many of my books are no longer available. I am in the process of creating individual patterns and as that is happening, I have partnered with Fat Quarter Shop to sell my books as downloads. To purchase Oh Scrap, click here.

This is very exciting especially for international quilters who often had to pay way to much for printed books.

I cannot thank my life-long friends from Martingale enough for believing in me and teaching me so much.

-modalissa

Sewcialities Sew Along- Harmony

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

Pre-cut Primer Blog Hop

 

Blog-Button

Hello, If you are following along on the Precut Primer blog hop, then congratulations you have made it to the 12th grade!!

This book is chalk full of projects using Moda precuts. It does not take an MBA or a PHD to be able to make one for your favorite scholar. You will learn something new throughout beginning with page 5, full of tips from Barb and Mary of Me and My Sister Designs.

Did you know? Hold a white piece of paper behind your needle as you thread it. The paper makes it easier to see the needle.

12th-grade-at-playgroundQuilt made by Sarah Huechteman.

12th-closeupClose up of quilting.

5th grade group picThat is me, center row of EVERY group picture ever taken. Thank goodness Lori Chrisman and Leah Pender were always there with me!
I had a massive crush on the second guy on the first row, Kent Ferguson, which probably explains my height issues.

When asked if I would be a part of this hop, I knew just what I would do. Number 2 son is a high school teacher and coach, so I knew this would be a great opportunity to make a quilt for his school. School colors are green and gold, so the Varsity collection from Sweetwater was perfect. He has always been passionate about working with kids and will be a wonderful influence on the kids he comes in contact with.

Excuse me for a minute, while I reminiscence about a few of my teachers.

Mrs. Barney, my second grade teacher, was the first person on my doorstep when my father passed away. I was grown and married, but she found where I lived and came to visit me so many years later.

Mrs. Pasierb, my third grade teacher, was a brunette walking barbie. All the boys drooled as she walked by. This by no means is an insult. She was beautiful, smart and sweet.

Miss Resenta, my fourth grade teacher, whom I probably tested the most. Yes, I was a little hellion that year. She got married during the holiday break and became Mrs. Williams.  I thought that was the coolest thing ever. She had to be one of my favorite for many reasons, including that she had a wonderful deep laugh that brighten the room.

Mrs. PIttman, fifth grade as shown above, had the coolest collection of polyester jumpsuits!

The list goes on and on!

My kids went to the same elementary, junior high and high schools that I did. Many of my teachers were their teachers, so I know first hand how much a teacher can influence your life for many years to come.

I am formally apologizing to all my teachers for any headaches I may have caused or my children may have caused.

The Giveaway : Enter to win a layer cake of Varsity by leaving a comment on this post, telling me your favorite teacher and why.

5590-LC Varisty

Winner will be announced September 10, 2015  I will wait until late in the evening to pick a winner.

Details: Pattern – Precut Primer – 12th Grade by Me & My Sister Designs

Fabric – Varsity by Sweetwater & Bella Solid Bleached White 9900-200
I am doubling up on just the greens and gold fabrics and throwing in a few other basics.

Pre cut Primer sweetwater cuts

Size – 3 across and 4 down for a throw size.

 Good luck!

Hop on over to Melissa Corey. She is also a 12th grader, just like me!

Below are the links to all of the other posts. Check them out. It is not to late to enter some other giveaways.

This is Me and My Sister’s latest book – Pre-cut Primer.

September 2nd – Pat Sloan & April Rosenthal

September 3rd – Corey Yoder

September 4th –  Amy Ellis

September 7thJane Davidson & Heidi Grohs

September 8th – Sherri McConnell

September 9th – Melissa Corry & Lissa Alexander

Enjoy

-Modalissa

Wishes B.O.M.



It is the first of the month so it is time to catch up on my block of
the months. on April 1st,  I shared block 4 from the blogger girls BOM
and today is my show n tell for the Wishes quilt along from Fat Quarter Shop.



I am on month 4 of the quilt along. These blocks are so fun because they are 18″ finished. They get big very fast compared to the blogger girls BOM that are 6″ finished.



Time to change my machine needle. See how the seams kind of pucker? Yep, should have put in a new needle. Do you not change your needle until it breaks? Guilty. I have read that you should change your needle every time you start a new project. I tend to work on several projects at once and time slips away.
So now that I have my monthly block obligations caught up, I am putting a new needle in my machine, giving it a fresh oiling and then on to making market quilts. Can’t wait to to show you a few peeks along the way.

-modalissa

#APQquiltalong recap

Hello to all, 
 I wanted to share some APQquiltalong eye candy and thank my friends that did this virtual quiltalong with me.
Tone it down main quilt photo
Quilted by Natalia Bonner of Piece n Quilt
 “Image from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.
©2013 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.”
 Here is my quilt from American Patchwork and Quilting.
 Carrie Nelson's version of the #APQquiltalong
#apqquiltalong - AmysCreativeSide.com
Amy Ellis From Amy’s Creative Side
Tone it Down - Finished. by Quiltjane  #quilt #modernquilt
Quilt Jane’s version. http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltjane/
APQ's Tone it Down Quilt by Kimberly Jolly is complete!
Kimberly Jolly’s version. http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/2014/02/apqs-tone-it-down-quilt.html
The greatness of Camille once again. APQ Quilt Along by croskelley, via Flickr
Camille Roskelley
Lisa Bongean's  #APQquiltalong quilt is out of this world!. @Primitive Gatherings Quilt Shop
WOWSER !! http://lisabongean.com/2014/03/19/apq-quilt-along/      
Quilt-Along: Oh! No Contrast? (or) OH NO! Contrast! | AllPeopleQuilt.com Staff Blog
Another dark rich version by Jennifer Keltner
Sherri Mc Connell’s version using all American Jane.
Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill added applique
 And here are a few more pics of other quilts I wanted to share.
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/8b/30/a0/8b30a0fc8e55a7b8ad20c231aed1b7a4.jpg
Maggie Honeyman- machine quilt extraordinaire made and actually got to quilt her own quilt.
Apq quilt along
http://www.pinterest.com/thimbleanna/
s.o.t.a.k handmade: winter wonderland sewing
 SVETLANA’s version  http://sotakhandmade.blogspot.com/2014/01/winter-wonderland-sewing.html
Lynda in Wonderland: Catch Up
classic vintage by  Lynda from NSW    http://lyndainwonderland.blogspot.com/2014/01/catch-up.html
 What is so amazing to me about quilting is that this is a classic Burgoyne surrounded block named after General John Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga in 1777. Nothing earth shattering about the pattern, it is a variation of Double Irish chain, yet the fabrics used make each version wonderful.
One more little bit of info. I wanted to show a snapshot of the pinterest board, #APQquiltalong. Follow me on Pinterest to see the actual board.  There are many more versions to tempt you to make this quilt if you have not started yours yet.
  Now that we have accomplished celebrating the General Burgoyne through this quiltalong, maybe we should move on to General Beauregard from Barbara Brackman’s Book, Facts & Fabrications-Unraveling the History of Quilts and Slavery.
 
No seriously, moda has so many great indigo’s coming, I may have found my perfect project.
Thank you following the quiltalong, as well as my blog.
Gratefully, 
-modalissa

Wishes Quilt Along

Picture used with permission from Fat Quarter shop

 WISHES fabric collection is designed by the creative team at Sweetwater.
I am sure that when they were creating this fabric line that it would be the
inspiration
 of Fat Quarter Shop’s latest quilt along project
supporting the Make a Wish foundation.

This project is special to me because of my youngest brother. He was born with a rare birth defect, Arthogryposis, which is basically shortening of the muscle tissue.  He has very little muscle tissue around his elbow and knee joints.  His entire life he has know nothing other than full leg braces and the ordeal of being different. 
I did grow up seeing the struggles and blessings that families go through.
The help and support for families, especially children, whether  through Scottish Rite Crippled Children’s Hospital (which is what brought my family to Dallas) or Make a Wish Foundation or any of the many great organizations is a perfect reason to quilt along.
So I decided this was a Quilt Along that I wanted to be a part of. 
 The blocks are 14″ and easy to put together. Each month FQS also has a 
youtube video on how to make the block. Here is a link to block 1. 

Thankfully, my brother is a a feisty, happy and healthy man to this day.
To learn more about the quilt along, visit Fat Quarter Shop.
To make a donation to Make a Wish, visit Kimberly’s Quilt-Along-Donation-Page.

Here is info for block 2. Yikes, I am already behind.
To read more about the inspiration behind this project, please visit moda’s blog.

enjoy
-modalissa

Honeycomb Precuts

 After returning from a whirlwind week at Quilt Market one of the trends that was all over the show was my favorite shape, Hexagons.
Just in case you haven’t seen how easy the moda honeycomb’s (6″ hexagons) are to sew together, Kimberly from Fat Quarter shop said I could share this video with you.

I use to be afriad to do anything with a set-in seam, but after sewing these shapes together set-in seams are a breeze.
Have you tried the honeycomb’s yet?

-modalissa