Tag: free pattern

Moda Blockheads 6: Block 10 – Janet Clare

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Moda Blockheads 6: Block 10 – What a Lark by Janet Clare

This week’s Moda Blockheads 6 block comes with a touch of British elegance, a bit of sketchbook whimsy, and a quiet sense of direction. Introducing What a Lark, created by none other than the talented Janet Clare.

Whether she’s drawing in ink, stitching by hand, or creating dreamy fabric collections inspired by weathered coastlines and English skies, Janet always brings something poetic to the quilting table—and this block is no exception.

What a Lark – A Quiet Guide

The What a Lark block is composed of simple triangle units and a strong center square, forming a design that radiates calm strength. Like its namesake, this block feels grounded, guiding, and balanced—a fixed point among the ever-shifting layout of your sampler.

There’s a certain symmetry to this one that invites peaceful piecing. I stuck with a soft palette—navy, cream, and subtle texture—to reflect the windswept coastlines that inspire so much of Janet’s work. But this block would be stunning in bold monochrome or even scrappy neutrals.

It’s a reminder that not every block needs to shout. Sometimes a quiet, thoughtful design anchors the whole quilt.

Meet Janet Clare – Artist, Author, & English Creative

Janet Clare is a designer for Moda Fabrics, illustrator, pattern designer, and author based in the UK. Her work combines hand-drawn artwork, muted color palettes, and storytelling—often inspired by nature, family, and the sea.

Janet’s quilts are known for their soft minimalism, stitched textures, and whimsical touches that make you look twice. She often incorporates free-motion quilting, appliqué, and a personal narrative into everything she creates—making each project feel like a page from her sketchbook.

Follow Janet Clare for quiet inspiration and glimpses into her beautifully creative world:

Expect coastal sketches, soothing stitching videos, and lots of timeless design inspiration with a hint of British charm.

Navigate Over to Moda

You can find the North Star block pattern and step-by-step video tutorial now on the Moda Blog. Janet’s version (stitched in her signature navy-and-cream color story) is as graceful and understated as you’d expect—truly a guiding light in the middle of the Blockheads journey.

A Stitch in the Right Direction

Have you made your  block yet? It’s a lovely moment to slow down and stitch something serene. Whether you follow Janet’s lead with calm neutrals or let it shine in your favorite color, this block is sure to become a quiet favorite.

Share your block using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and tag @modafabrics and @janetclareuk—we’d love to see how you interpret this beautifully balanced design.

Until next week… keep stitching, stay steady, and follow your North Star.

 

Until next week… keep stitching and dreaming.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Janet Clare

Lisa Bongean

Corey Yoder

Betsy Chutchian

Camille Roskelley

Crystal Manning

Debbie Maddy

Jessica Rose

Heather Briggs

Jackie MacDonald

Jenelle Kent

Vanessa Goertzen

Stacy Iest Hsu

Laura Muir

Sarah Thomas

 

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton  -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Barb Groves – Download the pattern here.

Thank you for following along!

Blockheads 6- block 9- Me and My Sister

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Say hello to Block 9 of Moda Blockheads 6, and it’s bursting with fun, flair, and Barbara Groves’ signature charm. From one half of the hilarious and high-energy duo Me & My Sister Designs, this block is pure joy in fabric form.

Bold reds and playful pinks come together to form a sparkling starburst—Polaris, because that’s exactly what it does. This block took a bit of practice and choosing geometric fabrics was probably not the best option, but that is why this is a skill builder project.

Polaris – Playful Geometry with Heart

This block combines diamond-in-a-square piecing, and peaky and spike shapes to create a star shape with tons of personality. It’s a design that feels both classic and unexpected—like it showed up to the quilt party in red lipstick and polka dots.

I used three shades of red and pink, keeping the contrast crisp and the vibe vintage-sweet. The center square is my favorite—it’s like a little framed message wrapped in joy. And the background print? A perfect reminder that basics don’t have to be boring. Grid + color = instant energy.

Meet Barbara Groves – Color Queen & Quilt Comedian

Barbara Groves is one half of the sister-powered duo Me & My Sister Designs, the Moda designers known for their bright color palettes, bubbly prints, and infectious quilting spirit. Their patterns are cheerful, beginner-friendly, and always bring the fun. And Barbara is a hoot! If you ever get a chance to take a class with her you won’t be sorry!

Barbara’s blocks are often about joy, movement, and giving tradition a modern twist—exactly what Blockheads needs right in the middle of the journey.

Connect with Me & My Sister Designs here:

You’ll find colorful quilt kits, simple piecing tips, and lots of laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled in anything that Barb touches.

Shine On with Moda

Grab the Block 9 pattern download and follow the step-by-step video tutorial over on the Moda Blog. Barbara’s version is guaranteed to make you smile—and likely give you an idea for your next scrappy star quilt!

Until next week… keep stitching and dreaming.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Barb Groves

Janet Clare

Lisa Bongean

Corey Yoder

Betsy Chutchian

Camille Roskelley

Crystal Manning

Debbie Maddy

Jessica Rose

Heather Briggs

Jackie MacDonald

Jenelle Kent

Vanessa Goertzen

Stacy Iest Hsu

Laura Muir

Sarah Thomas

 

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton  -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Thank you for following along!

Moda Blockheads 6: Block 7 – Bellissimo by Joanna Figueroa

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This week’s Moda Blockheads 6 block arrives with all the grace and refinement we’ve come to expect from Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co. Say hello to Bellissimo—an 18″ beauty that lives up to its name in every stitch.

“Bellissimo” means beautiful in Italian, and that’s exactly what this block is—elegant, crisp, and so satisfying to piece. Whether you’re going bold and bright or soft and subtle, this star will shine.

Bellissimo – A Star with European Flair

The Bellissimo Star Block combines half-square triangles, flying geese, and quarter-square triangles in a layered, radiant design. The structured geometry creates beautiful intersections and visual depth, with that classic starburst shape at the heart of it all.

There’s a balance of strength and softness here—something Joanna does so well in her quilt patterns. The block feels tailored and clean, but never harsh. It’s graceful and inviting—exactly the kind of design that anchors a sampler quilt or stands out as a focal point.

One of my tips is that a piece several sets of half square triangle papers in a big size. That way I have lots of sets and colors already made and I can trim down to what size I need for a particular block. It is not like I won’t use any extras on a future project!!

I loved working on this one. Because it finishes at 18″, you get the satisfaction of a larger block that comes together piece by piece, allowing for a little more play with color and contrast. I stayed with my vintage-faded theme but added in a few slightly darker tones to give the center star some dimension and added the stripe for fun. Bellissimo, indeed!

Meet Joanna Figueroa – Classic Elegance in Every Stitch

Joanna Figueroa is the heart and hands behind Fig Tree & Co., a brand beloved by quilters for its timeless patterns, romantic palettes, and soft vintage feel. Joanna designs bestselling fabric collections for Moda Fabrics, filled with florals, fresh fruit motifs, and gentle color stories rooted in her European heritage.

Her quilts are known for clean construction, approachable elegance, and a look that blends farmhouse comfort with a bit of European charm. Joanna’s also a prolific teacher, writer, and pattern designer who brings warmth and precision to everything she creates.

Follow Joanna for sneak peeks of upcoming collections, quilt-alongs, color theory tips, and behind-the-scenes life from her Bay Area studio:

Her site is full of gorgeous quilt kits, patterns, and fabric bundles—and if you’re into seasonal sewing, her fall and Christmas patterns are some of the most charming around.

Sew Along & Shine

You’ll find the Bellissimo block download and a step-by-step video tutorial over on the Moda Blog. And be sure to read Joanna’s thoughts on the block—she always shares thoughtful insights about construction, fabric placement, and why the details matter.

Bellissimo, Indeed

Whether you go traditional or take a more modern route, Bellissimo offers the perfect balance of structure and beauty. Share your blocks using #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and don’t forget to tag @modafabrics and @figtreeandco so we can all see your glowing stars.

This quilt just keeps getting more beautiful with every block, and Joanna’s design is a standout in every way.

Until next week… happy stitching, amici.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Joanna Figueroa

Sherri McConnell

Barb Groves

Janet Clare

Lisa Bongean

Corey Yoder

Betsy Chutchian

Camille Roskelley

Crystal Manning

Debbie Maddy

Jessica Rose

Heather Briggs

Jackie MacDonald

Jenelle Kent

Vanessa Goertzen

Stacy Iest Hsu

Laura Muir

Sarah Thomas

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton  -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens– Download the pattern here.

If you are not a member of the Blockheads 6 Facebook group, you can join here.

Appreciate you following along.

-modalissa

Stardust QAL

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Sewing for Wishes: Join the Stardust Charity Quilt Along

There’s something extraordinary about the quilting community. When we come together, we don’t just create beautiful quilts — we also create hope. I’m so excited to be participating in the Fat Quarter Shop’s 2025 Charity Quilt Along, featuring the dazzling Stardust Quilt and benefitting Make-A-Wish Central & South Central Texas.

photo courtesy of Fat Quarter Shop

This year’s quilt is called Stardust, and it’s every bit as magical as the name suggests. With radiant patchwork and starry motifs, it’s a quilt that shines — both visually and symbolically. Each pattern and donation helps us get closer to helping grant heartfelt wishes for children with critical illnesses. This one is going to be an easy project with two installments of patterns launching May 2nd and June 6th. There will be a quilt raffle in July if you want to contribute and not make the quilt.

My Version: Bella Solids Shine Bright

For my own version of Stardust, I’ll be working entirely in Bella Solids. I love the crisp contrast and timeless feel of solids — and they really let the shapes and negative space shine. Or so I hope. I have always wanted one of the Pendleton wool camp blankets but wasn’t willing to pay the price and wool doesn’t make that much sense in Texas. My color choices were inspired from the blanket. I have it planned in my head but anxious to see how it plays out. Currently I have the fabrics all starched and hanging outside to dry.

As always, I’ll be sharing monthly progress updates here on the blog and over on Instagram @modalissa. I might even throw in a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way — because what’s a quilt along without a little creative camaraderie?

Speaking of camaraderie, be sure and follow some of the gals that will be quilting along.
Pat Sloan
Melissa Corey
Melanie Call
Sherri McConnell
and Nancy Lane

Here’s How It Works:

  • 2 Block Releases: Free Patterns on May 2nd and June 6th at Fat Quarter Shop blog.

  • No Cost to Join: All block patterns are free — simply consider making a donation to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.

  • Big Impact: Fat Quarter Shop aims to raise $100,000, and between FQS and MODA fabrics will match up to $30,000 in donations!

  • Quilt Along Community: Share your progress and see others’ creations with the hashtag #StardustQAL.

Learn more, download the pattern and even make a donation here:

Why I Quilt for a Cause

Over the years, I’ve seen how powerful quilts can be — not just for comfort, but for connection and care. Make-A-Wish gives children something extraordinary to look forward to, and being able to support that mission with fabric and thread is a true honor.

Whether you’re using the kit, pulling from your stash, your quilt is a star in this galaxy of giving.

And I completely forgot, there is also a Cross Stitch option.

Let’s make some wishes come true — and have fun doing it.

-modalissa

Project Jelly Roll

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Quilt Love: Exploring the Joy of the “Tiddlywinks” Jelly Roll Pattern 

Are you ready for Moda’s Project Jelly Roll Day? 3rd Saturday of September every year.

But first……

I cannot help but dedicate this years Project Jelly Roll to a friend of mine that was part of the inspiration on the development of Moda’s Jelly Rolls, Daniela Stout. Daniela recently passed away from a 4 year battle with Ovarian Cancer. Daniela was the owner of Cozy Quillts, in El Cajon, California. She was the creator of a program and patterns named, The Strip Club. Daniela inspired us with the opportunity to create wonderful quilts using 2 1/2″ strips but also allowed us to poke fun at our craft. Just imagine leaving the house and saying I am headed to the StripClub. Daniela was instrumental in creating the need for strips and Moda took it one step further, Strips that are precut.

Here we go….

This past week the team at Moda Fabrics  (thank you Annie and Kelsey) shared a quilt I made in anticipation of National Sew A Jelly Roll Day. I guess just for long term documentation, I wanted to share this on my feed also. I love, love, love Anne Sutton’s fabric lines. For this project, I knew the signature print was perfect for wide sashing so I dove right in.

If you haven’t already, check out this fantastic tutorial video on Tiddlywinks here, where I break down the process step by step. Spoiler alert: you’ll fall in love with how easy and fun it is!

 

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Why the Tiddlywinks Pattern?

The Tiddlywinks pattern is perfect for those days when you want a light-hearted, cheerful quilt but want to try something a little different for a creative challenge. This pattern stand outs in whatever fabric choices you use.

What’s So Special About Jelly Rolls?

For those of you who are newer to the quilting world, Jelly Rolls are collections of pre-cut Moda fabric strips (2.5 inches wide) that take much of the prep work out of the equation. That means less time cutting and more time stitching! There are jillions of ways to cut, slice and dice JellyRolls and tools and gadgets to make this easier.

Key Tips from the Tutorial

  1. Efficient Strip Cutting: Jelly Rolls make strip piecing a breeze, and the Tiddlywinks pattern uses this technique to its full advantage. The video explains how to cut your strips into neat units, ensuring your hexagons will assemble into smooth and precise shapes..
  2. Row Assembly: The tutorial walks you through method for stitching the rows into bite size sections. There are small manageable steps, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Plus, with the pre-cut strips, you can focus on the creative process rather than stressing over accuracy.
  3. Pressing for Success: There’s an emphasis on pressing your seams correctly, which is especially important for this design. It’s the little things that make the blocks lie flatter and look sharper, and this video tutorial really drives that home.
  4. Choosing Fabrics:  Tiddlywinks quilt uses a playful combination of bright, happy fabrics, but one of the best parts of working with Jelly Rolls is that you can pick any combination that speaks to you. I combined 2 different JellyRolls plus a few scrap strips to add some geometric. I have saved some of the strips as a possibility for binding.

My Experience with Tiddlywinks

As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew it was exactly what I needed. The Tiddlywinks quilt is such a joyous project, and the circles created by the Jelly Roll strips make the pattern feel fresh and modern, while still honoring classic quilting techniques. I chose a Jelly Roll with a mix of vibrant prints and softer tones, and I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out.

Working on this quilt has been such a refreshing change of pace. The hexagons add a playful touch that makes the quilt feel romantic and full of movement. And honestly, the ease of using pre-cuts gave me more time to just enjoy the process—no stress over cutting everything perfectly!

Are you going to be sewing anything on Jelly Roll day?

Until next time, happy stitching, and may your quilts always be full of joy!

  • modalissa

 

Moda Blockheads-Spinning Star

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Moda’s Blockheads

Are you following along on Moda’s weekly block series? Blockheads 5? Today is my day to share a quilt block pattern.

I choose a block that was inspired by an antique Americana quilt. I somehow rembered this block in my mind and just jumped in to create it. I made several different versions and finally decided on this one.

Spinning Star

This block is certainly a skill builder. Anything that has eight points all coming together could be problematic. Moda made a video with tips and tricks and here is the link.

 

Spinning star is assembled in 4 identical quarters as shown above. The star part is cut the same but it is directional once you sew the outer triangles on it so be careful…. ask me how I know!!

To test the pattern and the blocks I basically have started a completely new quilt, yes it is going to be red white and blue, more on that to come.

Here is my 6″ version of Spinning Star for my color way.

I also wanted to just share some pics here and the progress of my blockheads quilt. I am loving it so much that I will have a hard time waiting to the end to finish. Are you feeling the same?

I am in love how my Blockheads quilt is coming along.

I am so excited and can barely wait to finish this. It is my version of scrappy and has bits and pieces from 4 different collections from Camille Roskelley mixed with some other low volume prints. My setting is from Celebrate with Quilts book, using Susan Ache’s Blueprint design.

Modalissa Blockheads

I don’t know if I can wait all the way until the end of the blockheads series to finish this. I get a little impatient. I will keep at it and continue to share my progress. How are you doing on your version?

 

-modalissa

 

I love this quilt so much!

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Experiment with color placement, combine different fabrics and colors, and let the quilt tell its own story. I am dying to do this in Christmas fabrics with darks in the middle.

Chains

So fun!!

Light fabrics are not normally fabrics that you gravitate to buy. It is so much easier to be attracted to color and print when shopping. Think of lights like milk and bread. You always need them and buy good ones when you see them. They are timeless and don’t expire like milk and bread.

Daybreak Quilt Project

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Oregon Coast

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.

Candy Corn Quilt Pattern

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candy corn quilt

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.)

Pick your favorite 12 colors, add background of your choice.
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 quilt
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

 

Schoolhouse Quilt Pattern

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During the pandemic, several different people on social media starting having outdoor quilt shows by showcasing one of their quilts in their yard or on their front porch, etc. Jenny Doan starting doing this also and I thought I would do the same each weekend.

I dug this schoolhouse quilt out of my stack to symbolize the return to school, even though it was virtual.

Several of you have messaged me wanting this pattern so I decided to do a quick blog post
so I can share it with everyone.

Download the pattern here.

The pattern does have templates for the roof, so be sure and set your printer to actual size.
Choose 6 fat quarters and 3 1/2 yds background of your choice.
I made mine using 6 different Bella Solids.

I also want to make it using denim, blues and greys.

I know my neighbors probably think I am crazy but I have enjoyed my own little quilt show.

My blog post would not be complete without a mock up of a little red schoolhouse quilt.

I hope you enjoy this quilt pattern.

-modalissa