Modern Quilts Unlimited, Fall 2013

Today was a great mail day! Our postman brought us comp copies of the Fall 2013 issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited, which features not only a 3-page story on our company, MODKID, but also a fun Crossbody Bag pattern that Emalee designed exclusively for MQU.

Look... my name is on the cover!! :)

There are lots of great photos from their visit to our studio. Here are just a few...

Check out this gorgeous Crossbody Bag. You'll have to make one for yourself and one for your BFF! They come in two sizes... this Web Extra has instructions for the large size, which is big enough to carry a laptop!

A million thanks to Carol, Vicki and Linda for the wonderful article. Carol and Vicki actually visited our studio for a photoshoot and spent a day with us in the beautiful Historic Downtown Bloomington. Vicki flew in all the way from Colorado! So, thank you gals! It was a pleasure hanging with you! :)

More Back-to-School Goodies!

We are honored to be featured in two current industry publications with some more back-to-school goodies. Whether you're starting kindergarten or going off to college, we have something fun, hip and chic for you to carry your "goodies" in! :)

First off, we designed these adorable Lunch Totes that look like mini briefcases, for the Spring 2013 issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited. This issue is in stores NOW, so run out and get your copy. Our Lunch Tote pattern is located in pages 26-30.

We made our totes with Textured Basics on the outside and lined them with our Lush laminated cottons, so they would be water resistant and easy to wipe clean.

Here's what the magazine cover looks like, so you can easily find it at the store! :)

Secondly, the latest installment of SCRAP LAB, in the Fall/Winter issue of Quilts and More, features this super fun laptop bag designed by our very own Emalee Grambo of MODKID Studio! Fellow designers, Carrie Nelson and Rachel Griffith, also designed some fun bags for this Bag Extravaganza issue, so be sure to check them out too!

For this challenge, we all used a selection of fabrics from the Road15 collection by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics. Here is the magazine cover... lots of awesome Fall/Halloween projects in this one. :)

Used with permission from Quilts and More® magazine. ©2013 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

MODKID Studio Featured in Homespun Australia

We are so honored to be featured in the August 2013 Issue of Homespun Australia, in stores now.

This is probably the most beautifully-written article about us ever written, and I know you probably can't read it from these little snapshots so, with Homespun's permission, I have uploaded a PDF of the article if you'd like to check it out.

See it HERE.

It talks about our journey from crowded basement studio to our 2,800 sq. feet Historic Downtown location, and how we furnished and decorated this large empty space. I also give some tips and tricks on how to set up a studio on a budget (because, believe me, I know all about that!).

I would like to thank the folks at Homespun Australia for the beautiful feature and urge all our Aussie friends to run to the store and grab this beautiful magazine!

What's new?

WOW, it's been nearly 6 weeks since I blogged! This Summer has proven to be one of the busiest Summers I've had in a long time (if ever). Lots of new exciting projects coming up which, as it usually goes, I have to keep hush-hush until it's all said & done.

But I did want to keep you abreast of some of the stuff that's been keeping us busy for the past few weeks.

On the PDF pattern front, we are working on a few new designs, and we just released a new pattern yesterday. It's called the JOSIE Retro A-line dress.

Josie is a sweet A-line dress with retro styling. It features a center gore with wrap-around tabs and adorable cap sleeves. With only 5 pattern pieces to cut, this dress will be an easy sew, so you can make it over and over again in all your favorite designer fabrics!

At the moment you can buy JOSIE (along with all of our other e-patterns) here:

• Our Etsy Store
• You Can Make This
• Craftsy

Here's some wonderful pictures I received from my tester, Debbie Clifton. This gives you a clearer idea of the fit and construction. It has adorable button-back tabs for a more fitted look and sweet cap sleeves. How perfect is this for back-to-school wardrobe? I know, I know... they just got out of school, but it's never too early to start planing ahead, right?

On the PAPER CRAFTING front, I have been creating lots and lots of new shapes for my Silhouette store. My most popular, by far, have been these fun and colorful cupcake wrappers shown below. And I can't lie... I do love that in order to photograph them well, we need to get some of these amazing cupcakes from Sugar Mama Bakery here at the studio. It does sweeten our day quite a bit. ;)

Can I just say...YUM!

On the PUBLISHING front... oh boy, where do I even begin!? I am in the middle of signing contracts for not one, but two (yes, 2!) books to be published in 2014. Sorry that I can't reveal anything more on that, but just trust me when I say it's exciting and NEW for us, so I hope you all will be just as excited about them.

We have also been working on LOTS and LOTS of projects for different magazines. In addition to the quarterly SCRAP LAB projects for American Patchwork & Quilting (a new one will be out on August 13th!), we are also busy designing projects for Modern Quilts Unlimited. Actually, we will be featured THREE times on MQU this year, including a studio tour later this year! Stay tuned.

Currently, we have a quilt in the current issue of QUILTY Magazine (a Fons & Porter publication):

And a table runner in the current issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited:

On the FABRIC FRONT, a little birdie told me that Just My Type is shipping in just a couple of weeks, so we have been busy creating projects for the fabric launch. Check your favorite store and see if they have Just My Type on pre-order. I hear it's selling out FAST!!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my blog reveal last month! I am thrilled that you love it as much as I do. :)

OK, that is it for now!! PHEW. Like I said above, LOTS and LOTS more exciting projects coming up soon... new patterns, new fabric, new magazine projects, books and paper crafting items, so STAY TUNED!

2013 Scrap Lab #1

Who doesn't like playing with scraps and seeing what awesome creation they can come up with? Last year I was honored to be asked to be a lead designer in a feature column called SCRAP LAB, in the magazine Quilts and More (a Better Homes and Gardens publication). For the next four issues of Quilts and More, I will be working closely with the amazing Carrie Nelson, of Miss Rosie's Quilts, and choosing a guest star each time to create fun projects using different scraps of fabric.

In the first installment of Scrap Lab, we chose to work with the awesome Julie Herman, of Jaybird Quilts, and my newest fabric collection, Textured Basics. I was thrilled to see the super cool projects those two designers came up with... and even more thrilled when I saw the cover featuring our pillow design in the top right corner!! Wooohooo!

The Summer 2013 issue of Quilts and More is available NOW in news stands and features adorable projects by Carrie, Julie and yours truly. You can even find Julie's table setting pattern for free online HERE!

If you would like to try your hand at sewing up one of our Scrap Lab projects, we are offering a FABRIC KIT, so you can make any of the projects featured in the magazine!

The Scrap Lab Kit includes:

• 1/2 yard of Natural Texture
• Fat Eighth of the 6 fabric prints shown from above Textured Basics

It sells for $15.00 including shipping within the US.
(Magazine not included)

Want to win a free copy of this magazine? Leave us a comment below and we will draw a winner this Friday, May 10th. Best of luck!!

Not Quite Hexies
Updated: scroll to the bottom and see how you can win a copy of the magazine!

If you haven't gotten the latest issue of Generation Q magazine, run to the stores and pick it up. It is seriously jam-packed with awesome goodness. I was excited to design a quilt, using my newest fabric line, Textured Basics, for this issue and check it out... it came out so cool!

You can download a FREE tutorial and make one for yourself here.

Updated! We've just received our comp copies of this issue and would like to give away a copy to a special blog reader. Leave us a comment below (and a way to contact you if you win). Winner will be chosen on Friday, March 8th. Good luck! 

NEW UPDATE: Random.org picked comment #2 as the winner, which is you, Melissa Kirk! CONGRATS! Send us your mailing addy and we'll get you a copy of this GenQ mag.

A peek inside our living quarters

The newest issue of GenerationQ magazine (Winter 2012) is on its way right now to book stores and quilt shops across the nation and I am excited to announce that it includes an 8-page spread on our home and studio. This is the one that features my buddy, and fellow fabric designer, Thomas Knauer (and his adorable daughter, Bee), on the cover. It's definitely a must get!

I let privacy go out the window and, for the first time ever, take you inside our home to show you where we cook, eat, hang out, and visit with friends. We even show you our daughters' bedrooms (yes, they picked up for a change)! Then, we take a little stroll over to the MODKID studio — which is about 10 minutes from our home — and visit with Emalee while she sews up a quilt that will appear in a future issue. Oh, so much to share! In this issue, you'll learn about my decorating style, my influences and background. Also, I speak about our transition from home-studio to full-fledged studio space... and all the trials and tribulations associated with that.



Psst... I've made this picture small on purpose... because I want you to go get the issue and read the article. In addition, you'll get some amazing projects, product reviews and more cool stories to peruse!

Go get one... NOW! If you can't find it at your local quilt shop or book store, here is a list of online retailers that carry GenerationQ magazine.

But, I do happen to have an extra copy of this issue in my hands and since I'm letting go of my hoarder tendencies, I am giving it away! If you'd like your chance at winning a copy of this issue, please leave a comment below. Don't forget to leave a way for us to contact you if you are the lucky winner. A winner will be randomly chosen next Wednesday, November 14th.

Best of luck!!

Two wonderful features for MODKID = two awesome projects for YOU!

This month we have the utmost pleasure to be featured in two prominent magazines, Australian Homespun and American Patchwork and Quilting. Yes, that is my name in the front cover of Australian Homespun... SQUEAL!



And since both magazines requested we provide their readers with a full fabric kit for making their project, that means that you can now make these awesome projects without having to search the world over for fabrics and notions.

Lets start with this adorable LILY SKIRT featured in Australian Homespun (Kit available here).



It's twirly, ruffly and oh, so sweet! And it even comes with a removable bow so she can also wear it on her hat, purse, backpack or headband. Instructions for this sweet skirt appear on pages 35 - 39 of Vol. 13 No. 10 in Australian Homespun, right after a wonderful bio on myself and history of MODKID. It's really a great read!



You can purchase a full kit with all the fabrics (from Lush) and notions needed to complete this skirt (up to a size 10) here. You can purchase a digital version of the magazine on Zinio or subscribe to it on Amazon. For a physical copy of the magazine check out the following distributors:
In the US: Erica's
In the UK: The Cotton Patch and Manor House Magazines
In New Zealand: Needlecraft
In Singapore:  Car Kit PTE

Now, on to this wonderfully soft knit quilt, called OVER UNDER QUILT, featured in the December 2012 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting (Magazine available in stores NOW! Kit available here.)

 

When the editors at APQ emailed me to ask if we would design a quilt featuring our new Heaven & Helsinki knits, I was so excited because, as some of you now, I LOVE working with knits and have made it a personal goal of mine to educate the world about how easy it is to sew with them (not scary at all!). And, I've also been preaching the virtues of knits for quilting because of our own experience with it. My girls both sleep with knit quilts in their beds... they are so soft and cuddly and feel so comfy against your skin.

Emalee designed this super easy-to-sew basket weave pattern, which APQ titled OVER UNDER, and we are offering a kit of all the fabrics you need to make the quilt top and pieced backing. All you'll need to add is the batting! Magazines are sold separately in news stands across the country. I found my copy at my local Barnes & Noble.



Images used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine. ©2012 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that MODKID is now offering worldwide shipping on our website. Up until now, we only shipped internationally for wholesale orders, but now we will ship anywhere and everywhere!

It's me... on print, web and TV!

Happy Friday the 13th, friends! This could be your lucky day. If you've entered the free fabric contests, today is the day they announce the winners, so best of luck to you all.

Well, I have been lucky enough to be featured in a few awesome places the past few weeks, so I wanted to share the news with you.

First off, the newest issue of WebCents has a 3-page spread on yours truly. The lovely Teresa Coates and I had an hour-long phone chat right before Quilt Market, in which we covered everything from my newest collections to how I got started in the business. It's really an interesting read. It's a printed publication, but you can also subscribe to their website and read the articles online. Check it out!



Then, I had a dynamic chat over Skype with my buddy, Monica Lee, from Smart Creative Women. Every little nitty gritty detail of my career was covered, from my old days working as a Creative Director back in FL to my boutique selling days on eBay to receiving the fabric contract from MMF to hiring Emalee, leasing our studio space and beyond. Since I am so chatty, dear Monica had to break up the interview into 2 parts (haha) but make sure to catch Part 2 because I take you guys on a virtual tour of Modkid HQ! You will see everything, from the warehouse to the sewing and designing areas... you'll even get to meet my assistants, Emalee and Jessica! These fun little videos are not to be missed!!





And last but not least, my fabrics, ribbons and catalogs were featured in Episode 7 of the latest season of HGTV's Design Star!!! Yes, we all squealed when we saw these screen grabs a few weeks back and then seeing it on TV this week was just surreal. In the gray tub on the top right hand side of this picture there are several bolts of Grand Bazaar and Lush. Then they have the ribbons and catalogs on the table (click each photo to see a larger image on Flickr).







And yes, silly little me paused the TV and took a picture of the credit screen (I know I'm a dork!)



Here's a little video clip of David Bromstad discussing one of their previous episodes and my Lush fabric bolts sit behind him the whole time! Squeal!!



Have a great weekend, all!

Hot off the press!

You guys have no idea how long I've had to bite my tongue before I could spill the beans about this amazing feature in STUDIOS Magazine. This is the first time MODKID HQ has been featured in a national magazine and we couldn't be more thrilled! The issue just came out so run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore, and snatch yourself a copy. My local Barnes & Noble said theirs flew off the shelves almost as soon as they came in... eeee!

This issue just happens to feature one of my all time favorite interior designers... Genevieve Gorder of HGTV. I've been a fan of hers since the old Trading Spaces days. And now I am so honored to be sharing the pages of this awesome publication with someone of her caliber. In addition to Genevieve, there are also articles on Anna Maria Horner, Lotta Jansdotter and so many others!

And... of course... there are six glorious pages featuring over a dozen large detailed photos and even a floorplan of MODKID HQ. Just look at this... (I'm so giddy)



**I do have an extra copy here -- complimentary from the publisher -- that I'd love to give away, so leave me a comment below and I'll draw a lucky winner a week from today.**

Let's see, what other fun things are happening? QuiltHome featured yours truly in this week's e-newsletter (there's even a fun little video they shot at Quilt Market!!!) and is currently running an AWESOME sale on all things Patty Young. They have GRAND BAZAAR fabric & ribbons in so go check them out!! The coupon code QHAPY25 is good for 25% off all my fabrics, ribbons, and patterns. The coupon expires on Monday, August 15, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.

Also, The Creative Connection blog has a feature on me as well this week and we are giving away a 6-pattern bundle to a lucky winner for leaving a comment over there...

And last but not least, if you've visited our website this week, you've already noticed that we've been making lots of updates. There is way more to come so please keep checking... we have a new tab called KITS & SAMPLERS that will have fabric scrap bags and ribbon sampler boxes for those of you who just want a little taste test. Also, all of the new FALL 2011 patterns are up there but not available for purchase yet, as they are still at the printer. Watch for a full reveal next week!





So, I guess these are Exciting Thing #8, 9, 10 and 11! :)

Maggots, giant roaches and eggplant
***UPDATE: My comp copies are here! I'll give 2 copies away... leave a comment to be entered!***

When I started seeing these topics being discussed in my twitter feed I knew there could only be one reason... the April-May 2011 issue of Quilter's Home magazine -- featuring a very candid interview with yours truly -- is finally out in news stands!



I won't spoil the surprise, you're just gonna have to go out and get one. My comp copies haven't come in yet, so I ran out to my local B&N and found it. Since I didn't have anyone with me, I had to brag to the guy at the check out counter... haha... he was just a little confused to say the least.

Here's a sneak peek. I'm on page 80.



And since I'm in a great mood (despite my recent phone troubles) I'll share my other good news: I finished my book! WAHOO!!! It's on the way to the publisher as I write this!!! I've already seen a fabulous preliminary design pass and let me just tell you, those creative folks at Wiley Publishing ROCK! Now it goes into editing and testing, then printing, so we should be seeing it in news stands within 10 - 12 months. Then I'll really have something to brag about with the check out guy at B&N. ;)

***UPDATE: My comp copies are here! I'll give 2 copies away... leave a comment to be entered!***

WWC in da house...

Lemme hear ya say "heeeeeey!"



Get your own autographed copy HERE. Don't forget to let us know who to dedicate it to (even if it's your own name). :) Limited quantities available...

OH, and guess who else will be in da house today?!? You guessed it...



These four lovely ladies will be coming to a retailer near you in the next few days!

OH, and let's not forget the new and improved Kyoko! She's ready to come to your house with a fresh new cover, a new inspiration gallery and a completely re-designed back page with sizing charts and lots more info. Ask your favorite retailer if they have the new MODKID patterns on order!



We're buzzing around like little bees at the MODKID studio today... come join the fun! :)

Hot off the press!

A year and two months ago, Jon and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary in Chicago. We had a few minutes to kill before our dinner reservations so we walked into the Borders on Michigan Avenue to browse. I headed towards the craft/sewing magazine section as I usually do and my eye was caught immediately by a new (to me) magazine... Where Women Create. I couldn't believe how beautiful this thing was! I was completely immersed in the stories and captivated by the gorgeous full spread photos and I remember telling Jon, wouldn't it be great if my studio was featured in this magazine someday? someday.

About 6 months later, while we were vacationing in South Florida, I received an email from Jo Packham (editor and creator of Where Women Create) followed by a super sweet phone call. She said they were going to be in the area in 3 days and would love to shoot my studio. Talk about a turn of events!!! Luckily we were scheduled to fly back that day and I went into frantic studio clean up mode for the next couple days.

The day of the shoot I got hair, nails & toes done and picked up fresh daisies all before noon. I even went shopping for a new outfit that I didn't even end up wearing that day... I must've changed a half a dozen times! The shoot went off without a hitch (I even turned the camera back on them!) and now... eight months later...



I seriously cannot believe it. It's truly a dream come true! To be a part of this gorgeous magazine and share pages with these amazing women... I can't even describe the feeling! And my name even made it to the cover!

I don't want to give away too much so I'll just show some little sneaks. Six glorious pages!







Thank you, thank you, thank you Jo and team for a most amazing experience... I will never forget this and what a wonderful keepsake I now have! :)

I'm starting a little collection... are you?



**We ordered a bunch of copies to autograph and sell at Quilt Market so if you'll be attending, please stop by and get yours. You can also find the magazine in stores like Barnes and Noble, Borders, Michaels, JoAnns & Hobby Lobby. However... if you can't find it locally or just want to get a signed copy from me, let us know. We can put them up on the site as soon as they arrive. :)**

Behind the scenes...

... at the studio. This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of welcoming the ladies behind the amazing publication Where Women Create into my home and it was an experience I will never forget. Jo Packham, WWC editor, originally called me while I was vacationing in Florida last week and since I didn't recognize the number on my caller ID I almost didn't pick it up. But alas I did and, oh my gosh, I'm so glad I did because the schedule was t. i. g. h. t. and I probably would've been dropped if I hadn't picked up the phone when I did.

Less than a week later I had three wonderful women in my home and we had so much fun talking fabric, patterns, kids, art and life in general.

Below, photographer Dana Waldon shoots one of my Andalucia upholstered chairs and a couple of my Marieliz purses.



After the shoot, we relaxed for a bit in the living room before they headed back to Chicago to continue with their busy schedule. From left to right, photographer Dana Waldon, WWC editor Jo Packham and Jo's assistant Gina.



Where Women Create is a quarterly magazine that celebrates creative women and their inspiring workspaces. I am incredibly honored and flattered to have been chosen to be a part of it. My feature will either be in the February or May 2010 issue. I'll be sure to let you all know as soon as I know! But in the meantime check out Where Women Create in stores like Barnes and Noble, Borders, Michael's & Hobby Lobby. Or you can subscribe on their website. You may even see a familiar face or two in this current issue. ;)


And while you're at it, you can become a fan of WWC on Facebook and also follow them on Twitter. YAY!

Quick Quilts #100



Excuse me while I squeal! If you follow me on Twitter you already know of my frantic search for the elusive new issue of Quick Quilts magazine that features a 2-page spread on yours truly. I tweeted from my local Barnes & Noble last Friday morning, then from Borders, then from Joann's and even from my local grocery store. No one had it. I was so bummed. I even tweeted when I failed to find it at the big Borders in Chicago last Saturday.

And yes, I am getting complimentary copies from the editor, Lisa (who, by the way, just gave birth to an adorable baby boy and still took time out of her busy schedule to email me electronic copies of the spread... so sweet!) but I just wanted to, you know, walk by a busy magazine section, casually pick up the issue and just go "well, will you look at that?!"



I'm sure you've already figured out that I finally found it. Yep, I went to Walmart this morning to pick up a couple of things and there it was! I almost didn't believe it and there was no one around for me to proudly shriek to, well, except for Sydney. I shoved the mag in her face (even pointing out the picture of her in the top) and her response was "UGH! Is it lunchtime yet?" Oh well. I'm super excited nevertheless. My first magazine appearance!



Sorry for the many pictures... I couldn't help myself! The article talks a little about my background, my inspiration for Andalucia and future projects. It even includes a link to a free quilt pattern! If your local stores don't carry Quick Quilts and you'd like to subscribe to the magazine, here is their link: http://www.quiltmag.com/ And here's a link to the super sweet, very simple to make FREE quilt pattern designed by Miranda Stewart: Moorish Tapestry