Think toadstools are just for fairy tales? Think again! Hey everyone, and welcome to another fabulous Moda Blockheads Wednesday! Week number 13 has arrived, and I can promise you that it’s anything but unlucky. Toadstool Twist by Betsy Chutchian of Betsy’s Best …Quilts and More, pairs basic units into a block that looks much more complex than it really is. It features cleverly arranged units that create a visual “twist” effect, making Toadstool Twist a great example of the power of placement and rotation.

This pretty 9″ block is a straightforward, yet visually intriguing design that hovers over the sweet spot where simple meets striking. Its thoughtful layout combines flying geese and diagonal units to create a block that’s lively, balanced, and delightfully playful — kind of like a magical path through a fairy-tale forest! The simple shapes and cleverly placed intersecting lines give it just enough movement to keep your eye interested without overwhelming the overall design, bringing a touch of charisma and woodland magic into your sewing room — without the mosquitoes!

One of Toadstool Twist’s most attractive features is that it pieces together with no rocket science required. I’m sure you’ve experienced a block that looks deceptively simple until you’re three hours into it wondering why nothing is lining up… This isn’t one of those blocks — I promise! It’s basically the quilting equivalent of finding a twenty in your jeans pocket — unexpectedly satisfying and exactly what you needed in the midst of another chaotic and crazy week. You can’t go wrong!

If you want to follow along with the fabrics I’ve chosen please note that I am using reds, whites, and blues for my MBH6 in honor of my latest fabric line, American Gatherings III’s debut, coming this December! I will also be using two gray Bella Solids for the background: Steel 9900 184 (in place of the white in Moda’s original design) and Graphite 9900 202 (instead of the Navy). You can grab both on our website by clicking the buttons below!

Alright friends, that’s a wrap on MBH6 week 13! Don’t forget to tune in for my “LIVE” show tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. CST on my SITCH with Lisa Bongean YouTube channel (click the STITCH icon below to watch)! Heads up — it’ll be pre-recorded just like last week thanks to a bunch of scheduling conflicts and half of my film crew (Kali) having the audacity to take a vacation. How dare she, right? But honestly, she really does deserve it, and those family vacations while the kids are still young are so precious and important — I hope she’s making the most of every minute! We’ll be back to actual live streaming next Thursday once things are more back to “normal.” Until then, enjoy the rest of your week and happy sewing! ~Lisa