Hey Blockheads! Even though I’m in California on business, it’s still Wednesday and the next Moda Blockheads release must go on! I know it’s a bit later in the day than I usually like to post the new release, but hey! Better late than never! This week “Friendship Star“ makes its debut, brought to us by Deb Strain of Sew Noted. Deb became a fabric designer for Moda in 1996 and has created over 100 successful fabric collections since she joined them. She is best known for her intricate and colorful hand-drawn creations that are driven by her life-long passion for art and design. Over the years her work has been featured on a variety of products including fabrics, calendars, greeting cards, garden flags, books, framed prints, and more!

Deb’s MBH4 block “Friendship Star” is just that – a block heavily based on the traditional Friendship Star design. Historically, blocks like this were very dear to the hearts of pioneer quilters. They were usually sewn in secret because they were meant to be a gift for a loved one or friend who was going through a big life event; like getting married, getting extremely ill, or moving across the country. The “Friendship Star” block uses 1/2 square triangles and squares, making this block as about as easy as it gets! Plus, as you know I love a project with options, so the fact that you have two shading alternatives to choose from (you could do it with either a light center or dark) makes “Friendship Star“ right up my alley.

I don’t have photos of my blocks to show you this week because as you know, I myself am still across the country in CA for another couple of days – but I will be sure to post them along with next week’s MBH4 block to show you my progress. In the mean time you can get the idea of what it looks like, along with the full instructions and pattern by clicking the button below.

If you’re curious about which colors I’m using, I’m still sticking with a variety of gray-scale fabrics, all from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line. You can check out Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II on our website by following the link! I’m also using, “Ochre” as a contrasting color, which is a bright orange Bella Solid. We are currently sold out of “Ochre” at the moment, but have it on order so it should be in stock soon!

Remember, if you’re just joining us for MBH4 and need previously released blocks, you can find them by visiting the Moda Blockheads 4 Archive. You can also locate the archive in the main list of links at the top of my blog page. In addition, bonus blocks can be found on Moda’s Inspiration+Resources Center page by clicking HERE! If you’re having trouble keeping all the details straight you can also sign-up to receive Moda’s weekly Blockheads blog posts via e-mail at the Inspiration+Resources Center as well.

I sure hope you’re managing to keep up with this Quilt-Along. The blocks aren’t super difficult but it’s a lot more work than it has to be if you have a stack to do, versus just one a week. On the other hand, I know many of you are fast and will be done with block 12 before the sun goes down today – which is great. The reason that’s so great is because it frees you up to get at your Hogs for Heroes Flag blocks!!! Time is running out to get those in by the June 15th deadline, so if you’re still thinking about participating, it’s time to kick things into gear! For those of you wondering about all the Flag block fuss, let me give you the details! My goal is to produce and collect as many Flag blocks as possible by June 15th, 2022. We will then be using the Flag blocks collectively to create a larger, future project that will generate even more funds for Hogs for Heroes!

Ready to make your contribution to this important mission? Click the link below for the pattern and instructions to get started! One is great but if you feel like making more we’d love it!!! We’re close to hitting our goal but not quite there yet. Every block counts!

I’m really excited to see who will win the title of, “Most Flags Sewn” after this challenge is over. Remember, the person who sends in the most will get a special prize to show our gratitude! After all, as I always say there’s no way we could accomplish all that we do for our veterans without help from all of you, so I really think that’s the least I can do to say thanks.

Well folks, I’ll be back in WI on Thursday – just in time to kick off our “Junk in Your Trunk” and Warehouse sale events! If you have the opportunity, stop out to see us! We’ll be featuring sale items like fabric, kits, books, patterns, notions, and MORE!

We’ll be featuring crafts, baked goods, home décor, antiques, and other unique items. I might even be willing to part with a few things from Anchor Point… Come treasure hunt! This is all happening at the same time as the Winchester Town Wide Garage Sale event, so you will have plenty of shopping options to choose from… after you’re done putting a dent in your coin purse at PG of course. To sweeten the pot lunch will also be available! On Thursday, Erica is planning to have Sloppy Joes, broccoli and cauliflower salad, home-made potato chips and dip with a delicious cookie for dessert! Then Friday through Sunday our soup and salad bar will be open, which always hits the spot.

If you’re not able to be here in person, tune in to “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ Thursday at 1PM CST for an update on what’s going on! We’ll be LIVE on scene, so make sure to watch and comment for a chance to win a prize. Hope to see you there! ~Lisa