Hey, everyone!

What’s the best way to welcome a new designer to the Moda family? Name a quilt after her, obviously! This month’s Weekend Edition Quilt Series release is Queen Elizabeth, and no, it’s not named after British royalty. This one’s all about Elizabeth Hartman, who just joined the Moda designer family with her first Bella Solids fabric line: Elizabeth’s Favorites.

If there’s one thing I love about Elizabeth’s style, it’s her geometric, pixel-like, animal-themed designs. They combine whimsical animal characters with modern patchwork techniques, giving them a unique look recognized among quilters across the community. I absolutely love her work!

As a way to welcome her to the Moda family, I thought it would be nice to name a new quilt in Elizabeth’s honor. I used her Bella Solids collection and created a traditional 8-point star quilt, featuring four-patch centers with bright bursts of beautiful color against a dark grey background. I’ll admit that naming this quilt was easy for once (normally they require a brainstorm session). Since I consider her the “queen” of animal-themed quilt patterns, it seemed only fitting to give it the name Queen Elizabeth.

In case you’re thinking, “woah… wait. What did you say? Lisa designed something using bright colors?” let me explain. Elizabeth’s Favorites isn’t your typical Fruity Pebbles-type palette — Elizabeth selected 25 colors that she loves and finds especially useful in her quilts, including 18 brand-new shades added to the Bella Solids line. In my opinion, the colors feel muted just enough to take the edge off the brightness and add a pinch of primitive charm. She blends saturated colors with some versatile neutrals, making it great for projects that need both bold color and grounding tones.

To make this pretty quilt, I used one layer cake of Elizabeth’s Favorites to create 42 traditional 8-point star blocks with four-patch centers. You’ll need 5½ yds of backing as well — pretty simple (DON’T FORGET: when you purchase your backing fabric at the same as your kit, you’ll receive 20% OFF your backing fabric!). Want to make one too? Quilt kits and patterns are available now for purchase on our website by clicking the button below! Queen Elizabeth measures 72″ x 88″ when finished.

Is it Friday yet? As much as I have enjoyed our little chat about my dear, sweet Queen Elizabeth, it is definitely time for me to get on the road for home and get my weekend started. I don’t have any plans aside from cozying up in my sewing room and working on a few ideas I have floating around in my head… and maybe I’ll watch some of the Olympics if I can. I hope to catch any downhill ski racing, bob sledding, and ice skating I can find… I like it all really. Plus, it’s a great reason to sit and stitch! Are you planning to watch? Let me know who you’re rooting for in the comments! Have a great weekend and GO U.S.A.! ~Lisa

P.S. If you’re looking for the video for tips and tricks on Queen Elizabeth, sorry for the delay! It’s in production and will be out early next week! Find it at https://lisabongean.com/ under the Quilt-Alongs/Weekend Edition Series tab by clicking HERE!