Tag: QAL

Blockheads 6- coming soon!

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Ready, Set, Sew! A Look Back at Blockheads 5 & What’s Coming for Blockheads 6

If you’ve ever joined in on a Moda Blockheads adventure, you know it’s more than just a quilt-along—it’s a full-blown fabric-fueled phenomenon. As we wrap up our fifth season and look ahead to Blockheads 6, we’re stitching together our favorite memories and giving you a sneak peek of what’s coming next.

Blockheads 5

 Blockheads 5: A Beautiful Patchwork of Creativity

Blockheads 5 was nothing short of spectacular. With 28 talented Moda designers at the helm, each week delivered a new block full of inspiration, challenge, and charm. Whether you followed along faithfully or jumped in here and there, we loved seeing how quilters across the world made these blocks their own.

From traditional to modern, beginner-friendly to advanced—there was something for everyone. We saw bold color palettes, unexpected fabric combinations, and oh, the fussy-cutting! Y’all showed off your creativity in the best way possible. Blockheads 5 was one of my favorite quilts I have ever made so the pressure is on for Blockheads 6. Setting layout I used can be found in this book.

Our Facebook group buzzed with energy, support, and a whole lot of fabric talk. It reminded us why we started this journey in the first place: to build a community that celebrates quilting together, one block at a time.

What’s Next: Blockheads 6 Begins Mid-May!

Mark your calendars and prep your fabric stashes—Blockheads 6 kicks off in mid-May and we have sew many exciting things planned. Just in case you are wondering I am not making mine blue and green. I made 3 different quilts using that color combination last year. If you know me you won’t be surprised on my color way for 2026.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Weekly Blocks from your favorite Moda designers (and maybe a few surprise guests ).

  • Free patterns available on Moda’s blog and linked in the Blockheads Facebook group.

  • Video tutorials to help you stitch with confidence will be on Moda’s YouTube Channel so be sure and subscribe.

  • Tips, tools & inspiration to keep you motivated and having fun every step of the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned Blockhead or a first-time joiner, we’ve made sure Blockheads 6 will be your favorite yet. Think fresh designs, a community of thousands cheering you on, and weekly fabric therapy—what’s not to love?

Join the Movement

If you haven’t already, hop into the Moda Blockheads Facebook Group where all the magic happens. Ask questions, share your progress, and get inspired by others stitching along. And don’t forget to follow @modafabrics on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop.

We can’t wait to see your fabric pulls, your first stitches, and your beautiful blocks. Here’s to another season of stitching stories into quilts with the best community in quilting. Bring on Blockheads 6!

Check out info on Moda’s blog.

Enjoy,

-modalissa

what is the difference…

What is the Difference Between a QAL and a BOM in the Quilting World?

If you’ve been part of the quilting community for any length of time, you’ve probably come across the terms QAL and BOM. While these acronyms are common in the quilting world, they represent two distinct ways of tackling a quilt project. Both are popular, and both create a sense of community, but they cater to different types of quilters and schedules. One of the sales professionals ay Moda always says we need more Bom’s. With over 50 creative designers creating projects I spent quite some time studying this topic. Let’s break down what they mean and how they differ, so you can decide which format works best for you!

Moonbeams QAL

What is a QAL (Quilt Along)?

A QAL or Quilt Along is exactly what it sounds like—a group of quilters working together on the same quilt project at the same time, usually online. The key component of a QAL is its collaborative and interactive nature. Typically, the organizer provides a pattern, and over a set number of weeks or months, quilters follow along, sewing the quilt together at the same pace. The schedule is broken down into manageable sections, such as working on specific blocks or completing certain tasks during each phase.

Why participate in a QAL?

  • Community: QALs are all about connection. They often involve shared photos, tips, and encouragement through social media or dedicated platforms. You’ll see how others interpret the same pattern and get ideas from their fabric choices or layout variations.
  • Flexibility: While there’s a timeline, it’s generally not as rigid as a BOM. If you fall behind, you can usually catch up easily.
  • Creative Freedom: While the pattern may be the same for everyone, QALs often encourage quilters to make their own fabric choices or tweak the design to suit their personal style.

Example: The Fat Quarter Shop runs popular Quilt Alongs, such as the Piece and Quilt Sampler Quilt Along, where participants create a sampler quilt one block at a time and share their progress along the way. ( shameless plug for mine and Susan Ache’s book)

Piece and Quilt Sampler

What is a BOM (Block of the Month)?

A BOM or Block of the Month program is a long-term quilting project that delivers a new block to complete each month, either as a digital pattern or a physical kit with all the necessary fabric and instructions. Over the course of several months (usually 12), quilters work on one block at a time, and by the end of the program, they have all the blocks they need to complete a full quilt.

Why participate in a BOM?

  • Pacing: The slower pace of a BOM is perfect for quilters who prefer a steady, manageable project. You only need to complete one block each month, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule.
  • Guided Experience: For those who like having everything laid out for them, BOMs often provide the full experience—from fabric selections to assembly instructions—meaning less decision-making along the way.
  • Skill Building: BOMs are a fantastic way to build new skills. Since the blocks are released one at a time, they tend to increase in complexity, allowing participants to gradually improve their techniques.

Example: Many quilt shops and fabric designers offer BOM programs. For instance, a designer like Lella Boutique might create a BOM that features new blocks based on their latest fabric collection.

How Do They Differ?

  1. Pacing: QALs are often faster-paced, with a timeline that could range from a few weeks to a few months. BOMs stretch out over a year, offering a more leisurely pace.
  2. Community vs. Independence: QALs thrive on community interaction, with frequent updates and shared progress. BOMs, on the other hand, can feel more like a personal challenge, with fewer opportunities for interaction throughout the project.
  3. Commitment: QALs can be intense but short-lived. BOMs require a longer commitment—usually 12 months—but the work is more spread out and manageable.
  4. Project Structure: In a QAL, you’re often working on the quilt top as a whole, piecing together sections as you go. In a BOM, you’re working on individual blocks, and only at the end will you assemble them into a full quilt.

Moda’s Dessert Sampler Pattern

Which One is Right for You?

If you love the idea of sewing alongside others, exchanging ideas, and potentially working on a shorter project, a QAL could be just what you’re looking for. But if you prefer a slower pace, and you like having the convenience of receiving one block at a time, a BOM might be a better fit.

Whether you choose a QAL or a BOM, both offer unique experiences that build skills and provide a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful quilt to show for it! So, why not try both and see which style inspires you the most?  I have several going on at any time. There is something therapeutic about these types of projects but I do loose patience and interest so keeping focus about month 7 out of 12 is tough for me.

QAL’s and BOM’s in many ways are interchangeable in many ways. Like they say TOMATO or TOMATOE!

How many BOM’s or QAL’s do you participate in?

Are there any sort of projects you are interested in for a QAL?

Enjoy,

-Modalissa

Progress Report

Progress Report

I thought I was the kind of quilter that started a project, finished it and moved on. The majority of the time I am making a project that has a deadline for a trade show, book, blog post for work and more.

Recently, I happen to look up at my design wall and realized I have quite a few things going on. Time to start my progress reports again to keep me in  line.

Moda’s Blockheads

Modalissa Blockheads

Blockheads is a weekly post sharing 6″ and 12″ blocks from various Moda and Ruby Star Society designers. Info is here.

Join the Blockheads Fb group also.

I am making 6″ blocks and am in love how it is coming along. I am so excited and can barely wait to finish this. My setting is from Celebrate with Quilts book, using Susan Ache’s Blueprint design.

Modalissa Blockheads

I am hooked on Camille’s fabric line, Shoreline. I am making and hosting a QAL for Celebrate Quilts sampler quilt. This one is not on my wall, but on display at a local shop.

Moonbeams QAL

Three months in on the Charity QAL that Fat Quarter shop is hosting.  This is a major fund raising project raising money for the Make a Wish foundation – Central and South Texas. The monthly patterns are available as a free download and in turn hopefully you will make a donation to Make a Wish.

I decided to use a Basic Grey Christmas collection with a dark green GRUNGE background. Once completed this quilt will be donated and auctioned for Make A Wish.

Little Light of Mine

I have been working on my pattern line and decided to make some color options for some of them. My THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE pattern was so well received  that I started with this one first.

Available as a download

I can barely sleep, I am so excited to be making this in Red, White and Blue. Have your ever had a project that keeps you up at night in a good way? This one is certainly doing it . A local store wants to have a QAL using this pattern so I will probably do a few more mock ups before this happens. Any  color suggestions?

 

Modalissa Pattern

My Scrap pile and orphan blocks will be joined together and will turned into zipper bags. I am obsessed and you can never have too many bags on hand. Gifts, birthdays and just because are all perfect reasons to gift someone a zipper bag whether your put anything in it or let them fill it with their choice of goodies.

I will keep making progress on these knowing that a couple of the QAL’s will take the rest of the year to finish up. I will have some zipper bags completed which is always instant gratification.

Stay tuned. I will share updates and any new projects that get added to the list.
Check out the Modalissa pattern line, here.

I am also getting a wild hare that I need to clean my sewing room cabinets. Could be trouble!

-Modalissa

 

Hey Boo!

I am such a fan girl of Vanessa Goertzen/Lella Boutique.  Every fabric collection that she creates I become obsessed with. I don’t really need to describe why, if you know you know!

What is a word for fresh traditional modern? Vanessa’s designs cover it all.

I recently finished several of her patterns using OLD GLORY and have moved on to her FALL fabrics,
HEY BOO! These colors are so fun and different for Halloween. I made the quilt that Moda will be kitting, named Pushing up Daisies. Stock # LB 231 and the quilt finishes at 80” x 80”

I have the pattern WEB, stock # LB 229, cut out and started from a retreat project.

FRANK! What can I saw about this one….freakin’ adorable and will be making him as a pillow.

 

Pattern # LB 232

Since I own almost all of the patterns for HEY BOO, I had to jump in on Lella’s MONSTER MASH Halloween Sampler Quilt.

Blocks are parts of patterns, Stock # LB 230, LB 231, LB 232 and LB 233. I had  purchased 3 of the 4 , so all I needed was 1 more pattern to have all the parts and pieces.

You don’t have to buy all the patterns for the QAL . They will be available for purchase as downloads from Lella Boutique during the QAL.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6HcsR9PF11/

Each block is 16” so it makes a big fun quilt in no time.

Here is the schedule.

  • 5/8/24: Block 1- House
  • 6/5/24: Block 2- Skull
  • 7/10/24: Block 3 – FRANK
  • 8/7/24: Block 4- pumpkin
  • 9/4/24: Block 5- daisies
  • 9/18/24: Finishing Instructions
  • 10/2/24: Block 6- Ghost

Block 1

For more info, visit’s Vanessa’s blog!

And as always support your independent quilt or specialty store to purchase your fabrics and supplies.

enjoy!

-Modalissa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surrounded Christmas QAL- Week 1- Cutting

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

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