Happy Wednesday Blockheads! This week’s MBH4 block “Shiny Bauble“ is a block that’s aesthetically different than the others we’ve seen so far in this quilt-along. Large, obtuse triangles immediately catch your eye with small, square pieces sandwiched in the middle. “Shiny Bauble” is by Janet Clare, a Moda fabric designer known for inspirational and lively designs that combine her unique jointed appliqué templates, and free motion machine drawing techniques. Her work is often inspired by children and their purity of thought, innocence, and the joys they find in simple, everyday things. Similar in thought, “Shiny Bauble“ was designed around Christmas time and was inspired by the shape and sparkle of a shiny Christmas ornament. Can you see it?

If you’ve never tried your hand at foundation paper piecing and want to give it a try, this is the perfect block for you! The pieces are on the larger side which makes them much easier to work with compared to blocks with smaller units. Using the tried and true sew n’ flip technique gives you straight and accurate lines, making short work of the triangles involved in this block. There are a couple of different shading options for this design, loosening the reigns and opening up endless possibilities for color combinations and theme. I saw one example where it was done to look like peas in a pod. Another stitcher made the comment that she wanted to try making it to look like a stop-and-go light. Clever! What will you do with this design? Get the full instructions and pattern on Janet’s blog by clicking the button below!

For my “Shiny Bauble” blocks I stuck with the same color scheme I have been using in previous weeks, but changed up fabric lines this time around. I am still using a medium orange Bella Solid called “Ochre” as my background color and decided on a white Zen Chic with a light gray newsprint theme for the larger triangle elements. For something new, I chose a super cute black fabric adorned with tiny white hearts by Sweetwater for the center squares. I really like it!

If you’re quilting along with MBH this year, I hope you’ve been able to stay on track and are all caught up. We’re almost done with only seven more weeks to go until the end. Boy, saying that out loud is a bit of a reality check and kind of makes me sad. It’s like each block that I complete ticks another week of summer off the calendar… Just like with summer, I’m not ready to be done – I think I’m going to miss it once it’s over! Something tells me that I’ll have plenty to keep me occupied however, especially with fall and winter holidays right around the corner! 

Are you still thinking about doing this QAL? It’s not too late to start! All the information you’ll need including the previously released MBH4 blocks that I’ve done are available in the Moda Blockheads 4 Archive listed in the main menu of links at the top of my blog page. You can also visit Moda’s Inspiration+Resources Center Page for more information, along with all released bonus blocks by clicking HERE! If you’re having trouble keeping all the details straight, you can also sign-upo to receive Moda’s weekly Blockheads blog posts via e-mail at the Inspiration+Resources Center as well.

Well everyone, it’s time to get back over to the retreat house. I’m here working again on another Wednesday because it’s our Anniversary week! I’m super proud to be celebrating 19 years in business and one year here at our new Larsen, WI location. We’re honoring it with open Sit & Stitch through Friday from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM each day. The cost to participate is only $25.00 and includes lunch! It’s a great opportunity to meet new fellow stitchers and an excellent place to find advice and resources! Bring your machine and set up shop in our huge project area, complete with cutting and steaming tables, excellent lighting, and plenty of power sources!

To add to the fun we’re also featuring a different make-n’-take project each day through Friday. Today we’re working on a super cute thread spool project (participation fee = $40.00 – if you have extra old thread spools, please bring them!). I think this piece is especially cool because we are using recycled sewing items to make sewing-themed art. You can spruce up any sewing room, den or even kitchen with this charming piece as either hanging décor or a tabletop conversation piece. If you’re feeling extra ambitious and have a lot of spools to use up, I bet a set of three in different sizes would be extra adorable.

The fun continues tomorrow when my sister Lisa and I (yes you read that right!) will be demonstrating how to go about making a 12″ mini barn quilt (participation fee = $50.00). These mini barn quilts are so much fun to do, and the design possibilities are endless! If you’re a fan of colorful geometric shapes in your décor but you don’t have time for large quilting projects, mini barn quilts could be for you! There’s only one way to find out, come give it a try!I’ll be wrapping demos on Friday August 12th, 2022 with our final project, an adorable small fabric tote (participation fee = $25.00). This bag is a perfect size for running quick errands or transporting a small project. It easily could take the place of a purse if you just need something light to throw your keys and wallet into, rather than having to lug around your entire bag. I have several of these and use them for all sorts of things.

NOTE: All make-n’-take projects are available from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM on their scheduled day only, and are located at The Gathering. SPACE IS LIMITED! Please sign up by calling 920-778-8031 if you plan to participate!

Don’t forget, on top of all the goodies we’re also offering 20% OFF store-wide, both in-store and online through this Sunday, August 14th, 2022! That’s 20% OFF your favorite patterns, kits, threads, notions, books, and sew much more (sale does NOT include sewing machines, Garden Gatherings pre-cuts or yardage, pre-ordered items, thread kits, Creative Grids Rulers, the PG 2022 Holiday Box, “Letters for Santa” QAL bundles, O’ Say Can You Sew QAL bundles, Meet Me in the Garden merchandise, or any other discounted items or fabric)!

Exciting stuff right!? If you’d like a little tour of the shop so you can get an idea of all the great things we have on sale right now you can watch the replay of “Shop Talk“ with Jess from Tuesday by clicking HERE! She walks you through section by section, giving you an excellent perspective of everything we have to offer! Check it out… I bet we have things you didn’t even know you wanted! 

I will see you all on Thursday at 1:00PM CST on “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ LIVE on my YouTube channel! I’ll be talking more about our big anniversary celebration along with some announcements and other hot topics, so don’t miss it! And while you’re there, don’t forget to comment! We love interacting with you both LIVE and here on my blog! Of course, there might be a prize in it for you… This week I want to say congratulations and THANK YOU for following my blog to Jody R! Woo hoo! You are this week’s prize winner! As usual I don’t post last names or email addresses for privacy’s sake, so if you think you’re the lucky winner-winner this time around, please check your email! You can also contact Heidi at heidin@primitivegatherings.us if you have not already received a prize confirmation letter from her. She will use your email address to confirm that you are in fact the winner!

Alright! That’s it for now. I will see you all very soon. Until then, take care and always remember to…