Category: Moda Blockheads 4

…and That’s a Wrap!

Hey gang! I hope you’re all staying out of trouble while I’m away on my cruise. I’ve been super busy as I’m sure you can imagine, but I still have been able to hop online here and there to check email and social media. It being Wednesday, I obviously had to set aside some time to make a post considering it is the last of this year’s Moda Blockheads 4 Blockhead Wednesdays! I couldn’t let being on a luxury cruise in the middle of the ocean get in the way – I mean we’ve spent every Wednesday talking about this for the last 28! I wouldn’t have missed it. That being said, let’s get started – I’ve got a cruise to get back to!

Block release #28 “Blossom“ is brought to us by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co. Influenced by her hard-working father, Joanna has had an interest in the creative arts and marketing alike from an early age. She and her sister grew up working in the family business until adulthood when she moved on to start one of her own. Through running that business and teaching in her local quilt shop, Joanna eventually recognized the need for “good patterns” which inspired her to start creating patterns and fabric designs, along with her current business, Fig Tree & Co. Joanna tells us that “Blossom“ was inspired by the summer flowers in her garden that she hasn’t managed to kill, including mums, dahlias, and peonies – basically all perennials that come back on their own every year and don’t require much help from her. LOL! I like this block because it gives you many different opportunities to showcase your favorite fabrics. You can choose to do it scrappy and make each “petal” a different fabric, or go a bit more simple with fewer fabrics if you prefer. You could also invert the colors for a completely different look – color combinations and piecing options really are endless! If you’re ready to let your creative side bloom, click the link below for the full pattern and instructions to get started!

As you can see, for my blocks I stuck with the on-going choice of a medium orange Bella Solid called “Ochre” for my background. I also continue to stick with what seems to work best for the surrounding elements, and once again went with fabric selections from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings line. I just love this combination! If you’re looking for some dynamic grayscale fabrics for your next project I highly recommend Urban Farmhouse Gatherings. We don’t have a ton in stock so if you’re interested in grabbing some before it’s gone, hit the button below!

If you’re behind with MBH4 and have some catching up to do, don’t worry! You can visit the Moda Blockheads 4 Archive for more information, including all the previously released MBH4 blocks that I’ve done. The archive link is 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 additional resources and help, along with all released bonus blocks by clicking HERE! 

Alright! That’s basically a wrap on Moda Blockheads 4 – can you believe it!? Seems like just yesterday we were just getting started and now we’re talking finishing! Speaking of that, I mentioned in a previous post that I’m going to be using MBH4 Setting Option Number Three, “Mixed Blocks“ by Moda for my final layout of this quilt. It looks like this:

You can find that setting option along with a few others if you scroll to the very bottom of Moda Blockheads 4 Archive page – found on Moda’s website mentioned above. I will be sure to do one more post once everything is all said and done to show you my final piece. I don’t know about you but I’m super excited that 28 weeks of hard work and discipline to stay on track with this QAL are finally coming to fruition! If you’re still working on your blocks, keep at it! I know you’ll get it done eventually.

Ok Blockheads, that’s it for now. I need to get back to my – you know…cruisin’ activities. It’s very important that I don’t “rock the boat” by staying away locked in my cabin working for too long (ha-ha, see what I did there?). I DO want to give away a quick little prize to a couple of lucky readers before I go, however… After all, just because I’m not home doesn’t mean we skimp on the prizes around here! So here we go – Ann P. and Sherri G. – you each have a prize coming your way to say thank you for your comment here on my blog! As usual, I don’t post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re a lucky winner this week please be sure to 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! See how easy that is folks? If you’d like to be considered for a prize each week all you have to do is leave a comment! Easy peasy, simple as that. Tell me what you’re working on, let me know how it’s going. Heck, tell me your best quilting joke! I love to hear from you.

Alright gang, time to go but I’ll be back here on the blog sooner than you think. I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding what projects are included in my newest book, Red & White Gatherings, so to make it easy for you I’m going to be going through each project one by one in a two-part blog trunk show starting tomorrow! Excited yet? I know I am. Especially since kits for Red & White Gatherings projects are 15% OFF, and Pre-Cuts are 20% OFF now through October 2nd, 2022, making now the perfect opportunity to get your pre-orders IN! In the meantime why not get a head start on your shopping? You can check out the Red & White Gatherings collection by clicking the link below. BEWARE! I know you’re going to want everything you see – consider yourself warned! See you soon. ~Lisa

 

 

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MBH4 – Block 26

Hey Blockheads gang! Do I have any fellow Corey Yoder fans out there? If you have ever used any of Corey’s vibrant, eye-catching patterns or fabrics you’ve already had a taste of her fun, cheerful creations and contemporary style. Known for putting a modern twist on traditional quilt blocks, she also enjoys throwing a good old-fashioned play on words into her work here and there. Her affection for puns even makes an appearance within her business name, Coriander Quilts which comes from people often referring to “Corey and her quilts…” Get it – ha! Not only is Corey an accomplished fellow fabric designer for Moda, she is also a regular contributor to quilt magazines and the author of her own book, “Playful Petals.” Another beautiful Jill of many trades who I am proud to call my Moda sister!

Corey designed MBH4 Block #26, “Postage Stamp“ to be the literal version of the traditional postage stamp quilt block – a quilting style that became popular way back during the Depression. The design concept is based on the idea of avoiding waste and using up even the tiniest scraps to make the signature one inch squares postage stamp style quilts are known for. Fabrics used were usually scrap pieces left over from clothing, sheets, feed sacks, and “rag bags” purchased at grocery and department stores. Makes perfect sense for the time, right? Needless to say, most quilters are not expecting an actual postage stamp when they hear the term “postage stamp block,” but keeping her love for wordplay alive Corey designed just that! As you can see, the layout for “Postage Stamp” includes more than just tiny one inch squares. Rectangles and squares in a variety of sizes make this block a perfect opportunity to get creative with your scrap pile. Plus, if you have a fabric you’d like to fussy cut, the large center square might just be the place to use it! To get the instructions and full pattern for “Postage Stamp,” visit Corey’s blog by clicking the button below!

As most of you know, last week we were super busy attending the 2022 Great WI Quilt Show in Madison, WI. Between preparing the booth, loading everything, traveling, the show itself…. whew! That really was a lot of work! Thanks again to my A-Team staff for all their hard work making it happen. It would have been impossible to do alone… and no fun, not to mention! It certainly kept us all extremely busy – so busy that most of my other projects were put on the back burner for a minute. Unfortunately MBH4 was included in those projects, however, I wouldn’t exactly call it a complete casualty considering I did manage to get it done – basically. Knowing I’d be pressed for stitch time, I opted out of doing “Postage Stamp” and decided to go with a much simpler and FASTER option with Bonus Block #2 – “Mix and Match,” contributed by Michelle White of Moda Fabrics.

I chose to do this block as an alternative based on ease and simplicity alone. “Mix and Match” can be done as simple and controlled, or as scrappy as you like. Color combinations and piecing options really are endless on this one! For my blocks I stuck with simple and used fabric selections from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line and Zen Chic. As usual I stuck with a medium orange Bella Solid called “Ochre” for my background. Looking for some dynamic grayscale fabrics for your next project? We still have Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II in stock but inventory is low. Grab it while you can by clicking the button below!

If you’re new to MBH4 and wondering what all the fuss is about, you can visit the Moda Blockheads 4 Archive for more information, including all the previously released MBH4 blocks that I’ve done. The archive link is 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 additional resources and help, along with all released bonus blocks by clicking HERE! 

Only two more block releases to go for this Blockhead year – boy did that fly by! No worries though. I have a new quilt-along that I’m getting ready to start very soon called Sewcialites 2 – have you heard of it? It’s a free sampler quilt-along hosted by Fat Quarter Shop that is scheduled to start in October, with a block release every Friday all the way into May, 2023! Stay tuned here on the blog for more information on getting involved with Sewcialites 2 in a future post coming soon!

Alright everyone, I think it’s just about that time – prize time! As you know I love getting comments here on my blog so as a way to say thanks I’ve been sending out a prize every week to a lucky winner (or two!). This week the big THANKS goes to Judith S. for her kind words last week. You know the drill Judith – check your email! Of course, I don’t post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re the lucky winner this week please be sure to 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! Thanks again! Your support means the world to us. 

Well, that brings us to the end of another hump day at Primitive Gatherings. I hope you all are having a wonderful and productive week! After three days of solid rain we’re finally seeing the sunshine again here in WI, but the temperatures have definitely started to drop. I don’t think we’re supposed to see over 80º again for… a while. And this morning I saw a couple of flocks of geese in their tell-tale “V” formations heading south. We all know what this means – time for Autumn Gatherings Flannels of course! Tune in to watch me on STITCH with Lisa Bongean tomorrow at 1:00 pm. CST where I’ll be doing a LIVE trunk show featuring my highly anticipated Autumn Gatherings fabric line – which is now in stock and available to purchase by clicking HERE! I’ll be giving you a visual tour through the fabric line, along with a collection of correlating projects that are absolutely perfect for fall. Don’t miss it! Set your reminder now and tune in by hitting the STITCH button below! See you there. ~Lisa

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MBH4 – Block #25 “Heart”

Hey Folks! Welcome back to another fun-filled Moda Blockhead Wednesday. As we get ready to hit the road for The Great WI Quilt Show I had to stop for a minute to crank out this week’s beauty of a blockhead, lovingly called “Heart.” This “lovely” block is brought to us by Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique – a blog and pattern company she started from home after quitting her job to go on maternity leave. Having learned to quilt as a young girl, Vanessa has turned her natural ability and love for creativity into a career she loves. Often inspired by her childhood experiences, Vanessa’s patterns are typically vibrant and playful, including a variety of stunning fabric lines designed for Moda, and two best-selling quilting books.

Much like last week, I have a lot in common with the designer of this block since we both have a bit of a love affair with stars and hearts alike. It just so happens that “Heart” has one of each! This block reminds me a lot of a darling heart-themed quilt called “Heartfelt“ I was working on a few months ago as part of a charity QAL to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. That project certainly corrected any discrepancies I may have had in my heart stitching skills after making so many of different sizes and types throughout the piece. This block is similar with an interesting design featuring an outer star shape with a square center, including a heart smack-dab in the middle.

“Heart“ is constructed using a combination of easy beginner techniques, however if you’re doing the smaller 4.5″ size option you’ll notice some of those pieces are pretty small and require an added level of skill and precision. The heart center of the block is done with an easy-corner triangle method, surrounded by flying geese units that create the overall “star” feel. Sounds like a fun block, doesn’t it? To get started all you need to do is visit Vanessa’s blog for your copy of the full pattern and instructions by following the link!

For my blocks, I went back to basics and used the fabric combination I originally started MBH4 with so many months ago. For the center heart and outer corner elements I chose a gray and black combo tiny print along with a white floral design on a lighter gray color for the outer flanks of the flying geese pieces. Both selections are from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line. As usual I stuck with a medium orange Bella Solid called “Ochre” for my background. Looking for some dynamic grayscale fabrics for your next project? We still have Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II in stock but inventory is low. Grab it while you can by clicking the button below!

Remember, for more information on MBH4 including all the previously released MBH4 blocks that I’ve done, simply visit 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 additional resources and help, along with all released bonus blocks by clicking HERE! 

Well everyone, I better hang it up and get back to my quilt show preparations. If you haven’t already heard, Kali, Heidi, and I will be leaving PG tomorrow morning for The Great WI Quilt Show in Madison, where Jess, Amy, and my Bernina team are already working hard to get everything set up ahead of time for the big show. But before I go, I want to take a second to give a quick shout out to Christine D. for her awesome comment here on the blog last week. To say thanks I’ll be sending you a little something special because I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my blog! Thank you! Of course, I don’t post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re the lucky winner this week 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! That’s always fun, isn’t it? You too could be the lucky winner of a goodie or two – all you have to do is leave me a comment here on the blog for your chance to be the next winner!

…Oh! I almost forgot to tell you the GOOD NEWS! As long as the internet Gods behave, we’re going to be coming to you LIVE right from our booth at the show tomorrow – Thursday September 7th at 1:00 p.m. CST on my STITCH with Lisa Bongean YouTube channel! Join us for an exclusive view of the show plus a LIVE trunk show of my newly released Red & White Gatherings line! AND we will have actual copies on site of my new Red & White Gatherings project books for you to purchase that are not yet available anywhere else (sorry, the fabric is still not here yet, but is available to pre-order on our website by clicking the button below – and don’t forget! Pre-cuts are 20% OFF for a limited time so stock up now)! In other words, come buy a book at the booth and you might even get it signed while you’re at it.

Wow – I am super excited to do a trunk show in the middle of a huge juried event like this one. We’re hoping for a crowd! Can’t be there in person? No problemo! All you have to do to watch us live in action is click the STITCH button below! Set your reminder now so you don’t miss it.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’m really looking forward to the show this year. COVID really threw a wrench in everyone’s gears for a couple of years there so this is really going to be something special – I can feel it! I’m especially looking forward to seeing everyone’s beautiful work – I always find so much inspiration at these events! I know I’m going to be in complete awe and be itching to get home and stitch before the event is even over. Juried shows are always so much fun – especially when you have work IN the show. Have you ever been in a juried quilt show? Have you placed? Let me know in the comments! I love to hear about your quilting accomplishments! Alright, off I go. See you at the show everyone! ~Lisa

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MBH4 Block #24 – “Outtakes”

Hey again – welcome to another beautiful Blockhead Wednesday! I hope you’re all caught up as we dive into Block #24 this week! “Outtakes“ was designed by Vanessa Christenson of V & Co. Vanessa is self-described as a busy mom living in “the middle of nowhere, Iowa.” She is known for her spectacular use of bold, modern colors and patterns, which has inspired her to create several Ombré-based patterns and designs throughout her career. In addition to teaching and publishing patterns as V & Co., Vanessa is also an author, life coach, and fellow Moda fabric designer, specializing in her Ombré collections that are nothing short of eye candy.

I was super excited when I saw the design for this block. Turns out, Vanessa and I have more in common than our obvious obsession with quilting, and the fact that we’re Moda sisters… We also both also happen to really love stars! Paying tribute to our favorite motif, “Outtakes“ was inspired by Vanessa’s all-time favorite block in the quilting world. You guessed it – the star block! “Outtakes“ offers a little bit of everything including basic four-patches, flying geese, and both large and small pieces to play with. Different shading options give you lots of variety when piecing your block – the possibilities are endless! How will you put yours together? Whatever your plan might be, you can find the pattern and full instructions for “Outtakes“ by clicking the button below!

Last week I kept my blocks simple and only used my usual background fabric plus one more. This week I’m feeling more on the frisky side so I decided to change things up and go with four different fabrics all together.For the gray section of the four-patch units, I reverted back to my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line and chose a medium gray with black floral print that I have used in several past MBH4 blocks. The triangle pieces that make up the overall “star” shape are done in a darling design by Sweetwater featuring tiny white hearts on a black background. For the middle square portion of the star I chose a large gray floral print on white by Corey Yoder, taking special care to place a rose dead center. As usual I used “Ochre” for my background – a medium orange Bella Solid.

It doesn’t matter that there’s only four more weeks to go in this year’s Moda Blockheads 4 QAL. If you’re still thinking about taking the plunge, it’s not too late to start! All the information you’ll need including all 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! 

I hope you’re having a great day so far. I’ve been hanging out over at The Gathering for a sneak peak at some of the awesome things being created by Debbie Maddy and her Shibori students who are on retreat this week. If you’re not familiar with Shibori, it’s a Japanese tie-dyeing method done by hand that produces a number of different patterns on fabric by using wringing, pressing, and squeezing techniques. Needless to say the process is fascinating, and Debbie is a true master who makes it look easy!

Since a lot of the action is happening outside during this event, we really couldn’t have asked for better weather! Sunny skies without a cloud in sight are making this retreat even that much more lovely. Considering our guest of honor is here all the way from TX, I’m glad mother nature cooperated and didn’t decide to send a cold front our way – she has a tendency to do things like that with impeccable timing. We did fight with the breeze just a little yesterday, but that was quite alright. We simply took advantage of the excellent drying conditions.

As you know, one of my favorite color combinations to work with is blue and white so this is definitely right up my alley. When Debbie was here last summer I got the opportunity to explore some dyeing techniques that I’ve never tried before, and had a ton of fun doing it. One technique I tried involved scrunching fabric around a pipe to create a cool striped effect. I also got to play around with dyeing wool with Indigo, which produced some super pretty blues that we don’t normally see with wool. I even tried my hand at applying dye over stitching using Indigo, and ended up with some really neat star pattern results to show for it. Pretty cool!

There is definitely no shortage of creativity resulting from this year’s class. I am so impressed with all of the different patterns and shades of blue everyone is coming up with. There is really no limit when it comes to Shibori! Some of the methods Debbie uses are techniques you’d never think of on your own, even though the concepts are actually simple! Pretty much anything you can find that has an interesting shape or texture can be used to produce one-of-a-kind works of art in Shibori.

Ahh I just love it! So many great things are happening here at Primitive Gatherings, and it keeps getting better! I hope that if you are local you’re able to come and see for yourself. If not, thank you for continuing to visit vicariously by reading my blog and watching me LIVE on YouTube! Isn’t technology cool? I’m so thankful to have a way to include everyone in this journey of mine. It’s so amazing that even if you can’t be here in person you can still be a part of it all! That being said, I think it’s time to give away some prizes! Last week we had so many nice comments it was hard to chose just one winner. I appreciate every single one of them so much and really want to show my gratitude so I figured, why not two this week? Teresa E. and Peggy N. YOU are the lucky winners of a nice little prize for your comments on here on my blog! As always I don’t post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re one of the lucky winners 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! 

Boy, that’s fun. Who knew giving away prizes would make a girl feel so good? Really though, what  feels good is to give back to my fellow creatives, loyal customers, and fans who have helped make Primitive Gatherings and The Gathering my dream come true. Alright, back to work – we have a lot to do! I will see you tomorrow on YouTube at 1:00 p.m. CST for more fun during STITCH with Lisa Bongean as we talk all about our next big focus coming up – The 2022 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show! We have multiple booth spaces reserved and plan to take full advantage of the space to show off Primitive Gatherings in its full glory. Set your reminder now so you don’t miss it! See you there. ~Lisa

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MBH4 – Block 23 “Gentleman’s Fancy”

Good afternoon everyone! It’s been yet another beautiful Wednesday so far here at Primitive Gatherings and The Gathering. The store is busy with happy shoppers while the creativity is flowing over at the retreat house. Both designers and guests alike are getting things done as we “sewcialize” and continue to celebrate Moda week together. I’ve been up late stitching well after midnight every night this week, and up early each day despite thinking I might get to sleep in once or twice. No luck on that one, but it’s worth getting to spend quality time with my friends and fellow Moda designers in person.

One of the projects I’ve been working on is this week’s Moda Blockheads 4 release – Block 23 “Gentleman’s Fancy“ by Brenda Riddle of Acorn Quilt Designs. Brenda began her stitching journey early in life after being inspired by her mother and grandmother to start embroidering. Though she wasn’t a quilter as a child, Brenda always admired her grandmother’s quilt designs. As an adult, she decided on a career based on environmental, interior, and graphic design, and eventually followed her dreams to pursue quilt pattern, needlework, and fabric design. 

Brenda apparently wasn’t only influenced by the women in her life. She tells us that her block, “Gentleman’s Fancy“ was inspired by her dad – a man she describes as always being “dapper” and looking sharp. The square-in-square design of “Gentleman’s Fancy“ created by multiple flying geese elements results in an interesting layered look – almost resembling a pocket square sticking out of the pocket of a sophisticated businessman. Don’t you love it? You can get the pattern and full instructions for “Gentleman’s Fancy” by visiting Brenda’s blog at the link below!

I kept it simple and only used two types of fabric for my blocks this week. I stuck with the same medium orange Bella Solid called “Ochre” as my background color, and combined it with one single, yet busy mid-gray chain-link print on charcoal black from Zen Chic. Though I kept my fabric choices at a minimum, the print combined with the motion of the flying geese elements still provides a lot for your eye to look at.

It’s hard to believe we’re already on Block 23 of this QAL. I guess it’s just like with everything else –  time flies when you’re having fun! If you haven’t started MBH4 yet but are thinking you might like to, there’s still time! It’s easy to find all the information you need, including previously released MBH4 blocks 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-up to receive Moda’s weekly Blockheads blog posts via e-mail at the Inspiration+Resources Center as well. 

I’m not the only busy bee in the studio right now. Kali, Jess and Heidi were on location yesterday at Whistler’s Knoll Vineyard shooting photography for my next fabric line release, Red and White Gatherings –  scheduled to arrive this October.

I absolutely LOVE this collection and can’t wait to see the beautiful photos! If you’re not familiar, Red and White Gatherings is made up of cream-based whites and a stunning mix of reds, ranging from middle of the road to dark and deep. Print patterns include floral, linear, and geometrical designs that span from tiny to large giving you a wide spectrum of visual variety.

The photo shoot yesterday was all for the pages of my correlating design book, that is also scheduled to come out sometime in October. The book contains ten unique designs (12 total quilts – some with more than one version) – all based on “Red & White Gatherings” fabric. Excited yet? Because I sure am! Don’t forget! Pre-cuts and yardage of “Red & White Gatherings” AND the project book Red and White Gatherings are officially available to pre-order from our website now by clicking the link below! Not to mention, now is a great time to stock up on “Red & White Gatherings” because all pre-cuts are 20% OFF (for a limited time)! Quilt kits are not available yet but will be coming soon! Please note: Pre-orders should be the only thing in your cart when you are ordering. If you have other, non pre-order items to purchase you will need to order them through a separate transaction!

I’m sorry to those of you who were bummed about “Shop Talk with Shelley“ not being broadcast yesterday. Since my entire film crew was working on location somewhere else, we had no choice but to make the sacrifice. We did however, do a little impromptu LIVE later in the afternoon because we had some exciting news to announce that we just couldn’t wait for… 2022 Holiday Mugs are now available to pre-order, just in time for Christmas! What’s even more exciting is that this year we’re also offering Holiday Mug Gift Boxes as well, making Christmas shopping for that special quilter in your life a total breeze! Choose between a variety of combinations suited for both coffee enthusiasts and non-coffee drinkers. Whatever the preference, these boxes are PERFECT for anyone “suffering” with an insatiable fabric addiction. Be part of their problem AND the solution, all in one! This is seriously the stuff best friendships are made of. LOL!

Both the mugs and the gift boxes are available now as a pre-order only, and are expected to ship the beginning of November! Mugs alone are only $24.00 each (plus $7.99 shipping) and gift boxes are $55.00 (plus normal shipping). They are 4.25″ tall and hold 16 oz. I know as soon as you saw these you thought of a bunch of people this would be perfect for – right?!? If that’s the case I can’t stress enough to get your orders in NOW so that they arrive in time for Christmas! Not to mention, what we have in stock now is the only inventory we’re getting. In other words, once they’re gone, they’re gone so don’t wait! To watch watch me talk about these great gift boxes and what they contain more in depth, click HERE! Please note: As always, pre-orders should be the only thing in your cart when you are ordering. If you have other, non pre-order items to purchase you will need to order them through a separate transaction!

I know it seems crazy to be thinking about Christmas shopping already, but it’s seriously not a bad idea. Every year it seems like I promise myself I’m going to start the process earlier but then never do, and end up scrambling at the end to get it all done. Have you started your holiday planning yet? How about holiday projects – what are you working on already? Let me know in the comments! Speaking of comments, this week I’ll be sending Carol K. a sweet little prize as a way to say thank you for keeping up with my blog and leaving me such nice comments! As usual I don’t post last names or email addresses for privacy’s sake, so if you think you’re the lucky winner 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! You too can win something nice just for telling me what you think, so don’t be shy! Leave a comment or two. I always love hearing from you.

That’s all for today but I’ll be back on YouTube LIVE tomorrow at 1:00PM CST on “STITCH with Lisa Bongean,” were I’ll be talking all about Moda week and my shenanigans with my Moda sisters (and brother). I would really love to see you there! Then on Tuesday, will be back at 9:30 AM CST for “Shop Talk with Shelley!” Until then, stitch like crazy and I will see you soon. Bye for now! ~Lisa

 

 

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Moda Blockheads 4 – Block 22 “Star Patch”

Happy Wednesday quilters! And what a beautiful day it’s turning out to be. We’ve been blessed with some really lovely weather over the last couple of days here in WI, with lots of late-summer beauty all around us. It’s maybe not as warm as I like it to be, but I’m certainly not complaining. The sun is out and the sky is blue. Perfect weather for pretty much everything! As you know, I love being outdoors as much as I can be, so this kind of nice weather is a real treat. I’m doing my best to enjoy it while I can before it starts to get cold again.

Well everyone, it just wouldn’t feel like Wednesday without a little Blockhead action, so let’s talk about it! This week’s project is Block #22 “Star Patch“ by my friend Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life – a mother-daughter quilting and design team based in southern Nevada. Sherri finds inspiration in her rich family heritage passed down through generations of women who loved sewing and creating. Her stitching career eventually led her to begin writing her quilting blog. She started A Quilting Life in 2008, and has also been publishing her designs in magazines and books since 2011.

For her contribution to MBH4, Sherri chose a good old fashioned Ohio Star block design. The pattern combines this classic block with a nine-patch center and contrasting corners, allowing for a variety of fun secondary patterns. These were popular blocks amongst pioneer quilters because they are great way to learn quarter square triangles. They also allow the quilter to be frugal by using up a lot of scraps to create a stunning and unique block. Gorgeous angles and wonderful movement within these historic patterns are the reasons why they’ve stood the test of time and remain popular today! To get started on yours visit Sherri’s blog A Quilting Life for the pattern and full instructions by clicking the link below!

If you know me at all you know I love all things stars, so needless to say I was excited to do this block. For my version of “Star Patch” I stuck with the same color scheme I have been using in previous weeks. I continue to use a medium orange Bella Solid called “Ochre” as my background color combined with a mid-gray floral print on black from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line for part of the center squares. I also threw in some light gray Zen Chic for the remaining smaller squares, and white with gray stars for the large center square. I also used a light gray squiggle pattern over black for the outer elements of the star to help pop the center portion. There’s definitely a lot going on!

If you’re still debating on whether or not to do this quilt, what are you waiting for? The blocks are simple and fun, and they goes by super fast if you stick to a block a week commitment. Plus, it’s easy to find all the information you’ll need including previously released MBH4 blocks 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.

I hope to see you all tomorrow when I go LIVE on “STITCH with Lisa Bongean“ at 1:00PM CST on YouTube! I’ll be discussing the latest round release of the “Meet Me in the Garden“ stitch-along, with special guest and pattern designer of this SAL, Val Krueger. Val will be tuning in via live stream all the way from Vegas to help answer some questions that have come up about “Meet Me in the Garden,” and to highlight some changes to the pattern that she’d like you to be aware of. We’ll also be talking a little bit about what’s going on around The Gathering next week as we welcome Moda to Primitive Gatherings during Moda week. You don’t want to miss it! You can tune in by hitting the “STITCH“ button below!

As if you needed more incentive, don’t forget there will be some prize give-aways to a couple of lucky commenters during the show, so make sure to leave us one! You can also let me know how you’re doing right here on the blog. I love to hear from you. Plus, you might just win a prize. This week I want to say congratulations to Jennifer R. Thanks for your comment last week! As usual I don’t post last names or email addresses for privacy’s sake, so if you think you’re the lucky 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 all for today friends. Take care and make sure to make some time to stitch today, and EVERY day! See you tomorrow!  ~Lisa

 

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