Quilts for Orlando

Patty has some very strong ties to the Orlando community. She not only lived there for many, many years, but she went to college there (at the University of Central Florida), worked there, got married and had both of her children down there. So, as you can imagine, the Orlando tragedy is very near and dear to her heart. 

The Orlando Modern Quilt Guild is collecting rainbow heart quilts and/or heart blocks to donate to the surviving victims (many of which are still in the hospital fighting for their lives) and the families of the deceased. Patty and her daughter, Sydney,  will be sewing up some quilt blocks and they are inviting you to participate as well. 

You can find all of the details for the Pulse Donations here. 

Sydney even created a great video tutorial for creating the quilt block!! Sew with them for a great cause!!

Come see me TOMORROW!

If you are local to the Central Illinois area and are into sewing, crafting or fabric in general, you need to stop by the Bloomington/Normal Jo-Ann Fabrics tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 28th from 1 - 3 p.m. I will be there to give a short lecture about my newest line, Rendezvous, plus a little background info on myself and how I got into the industry. There will be tons of giveaways too!

The first 17 people there will receive a FREE copy of Generation Q magazine featuring my home and studio. Plus, the folks at Jo-Ann corporate have sent over some gift baskets and a few other goodies... not to be missed!

I will also be doing a book signing for Sewing MODKID Style. If you have a copy already, go ahead and bring it and I'd be happy to autograph it for you. Otherwise, there will be plenty of copies available for sale tomorrow, so grab one for you and one for your sewing BFF... they make great gifts! :)

Lastly, you will be among the first to see our new quilt design created for Rendezvous (below) in person, and receive a free copy of the pattern!!

Hope to see you all there!!

Stop The Presses!

To commemorate the release of my newest fabric collection, Just My Type, I have designed this easy-to-sew geometric quilt that uses every print in the collection. And best of all... it's FREE!

You can download this quilt pattern from:

• You Can Make This
• Craftsy
• Etsy (although Etsy wouldn't let me list it for less that $0.20 so you're better off getting it from one of the other two places).

This quilt was designed to use the Just My Type pre-cut bundles...

Charm Packs:

and Fat Quarter Bundles:

Plus some extra yardage for sashing, backing and binding. All the fabric requirements are clearly listed in the pattern listing, so you can know in advance how much you will need to buy for this quilt.

If you are looking for Just My Type fabric, I know it just started shipping last week, so it might not be readily available everywhere, but a quick Google search reveals it is in stock at Hawthorne Threads, Fat Quarter Shop, FabricWorm, and all over Etsy. (Retailers: if you have Just My Type in stock, please leave your link in the comments and I will add you to the list).

Here are a couple more pics of the quilt to whet your appetite.

Happy sewing!!

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!

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.

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!

The LUSH Quilts
(a.k.a. I *heart* The Central Illinois Modern Quilt Guild)

First of all I wanted to thank you all for the sweet comments regarding my Lush fabric line. We are beyond excited about it! There is still time to enter the giveaway so go on over there and leave us a comment.

I mentioned before that my booth would be quite empty if it wasn't for the kind hearts of the members of The Central Illinois Modern Quilt Guild. These ladies sacrificed their entire weekend to help us make some amazing quilted projects for our Quilt Market display, so I'd like to dedicate this post to Terry, Pat, Melissa, Arlene, Jean, Vicky, Mary and of course, Emalee. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!













Quilt #1 in progress...











And here are the finished products. Cool, eh?!? An extra special thanks to Ann Anderson and Mary Edwards who quilted the 2 bigger quilts in record time (literally in just hours!)



The large Stargazer Lilies that extend beyond on the side panels are appliquéd on...





There are 4 layers of quilt batting just under the "Lush" letters to give it that raised and poofy look...







We used the left-over fabric selvedge to hang this pennant-style quilt.



Come see these beauties in person this weekend at The International Quilt Market in Houston, TX, booth #1653.

Holiday Cheer
See below for giveaway!

I'm writing to you from a cozy hotel room in St. Louis where this is the view out my window...



I'm feeling extremely thankful right now and want to share some Holiday cheer with you all. Right before I left, I got a little surprise in the mail... my comp copies of the latest issue of QUILT Magazine featuring a complete pattern & instructions of my Playdate Quilt. Yes, this picture was taken on our hotel bed... sorry, that's the best I could do on such short notice...haha



You have no idea how many email inquiries I have gotten for this pattern ever since I showed the quilt at the Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis and for months now I've been saying "Soon, soon, it's coming soon!" but not really knowing when. Well, it's here now! YIPPEEE! Here is what the cover looks like and you can pick it up at most bookstores and news stands right now.



The best part is... you can actually purchase a full quilt kit for this quilt and make it in a weekend for your favorite kid. The article says that the kits are available at Fat Quarter Shop but I was just notified that they were so popular that they sold out right away. WOW! Luckily, my good friends at Quilt Home have picked up the ball and are offering the quilt kit at limited quantities, so go on and get yours HERE before it's gone.

In case you need a reminder of what the quilt looks like, here ya go...



WEB BONUS: You can also go to the QUILT Magazine website and download a free template for a dress for your rag doll friends. ;)



***I do have 1 extra copy of the magazine to give away and I will sweeten the deal by adding 1 rag doll panel so you can make these sweet dolls. Just leave me a comment and when I return next week, I will pick a random lucky winner. And... hey, please leave a way to contact you if you win! ***

Don't forget to check out QUILT HOME for all your fabric needs. They carry every single one of my fabric lines and all of my patterns! :)

Sorry I have to be brief. It's been a long day and I have to catch some zzz's before another long day tomorrow. In case I don't pop in back here, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour & Giveaway
**WINNERS ANNOUNCED! See bottom of this post!**

Hello all! About a year ago I was asked by the nice ladies from Quiltmaker magazine to submit a block design for Volume 2 of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks. What an honor!! This was way before Playdate and Sanctuary were out, so I used Flora & Fauna and designed this sweet little block for the magazine. It's a simple block by most quilters' standards but I added my stamp on it by adding a strip of selvedge to the center piece. You know how much I loves me some selvedge!



It wasn't until last week that I learned that my name made it to the cover. WOOOHOO! Yup, that's me... second name from the bottom... check out the company I'm keeping these days!



I've been paging through the magazine in my spare time (cough, cough) and drooling at the talent within these pages! WOW! My block design, which I've named Flutter, can be made up into a full size quilt, a wall hanging or a table runner by just repeating it several times or mixing in other block designs within this magazine. I turned mine into a pretty cute pillow because, well... I *heart* pillows and it would appear I have a secret mission to fill our house up with fluffy, plushy goodness. I finished my pillow with a selvedge envelope closure just like these. Easy-peasy!



This collector's issue goes on sale November 16th but you have a chance (no, THREE chances!) to win your very own advance copy right here! Just leave me a comment and this Friday the 12th I will randomly pick three winners. I have 2 copies of mine to give away and the good folks at Quiltmaker magazine have offered a third copy for another lucky winner! In addition, one of the winners will also receive HALF YARD CUTS OF ALL THE FABRICS FEATURED IN THIS BLOCK! That's enough to make several of these blocks... you may even get a table runner or a wall hanging out of it. :)

Don't forget to leave a way to contact you if you win. An email address or clickable link is sufficient.

***11/13/10 -- CONTEST IS CLOSED! READ BELOW FOR WINNERS!***

Thank you all for the wonderful comments! This was such a fun contest. We have randomly chosen 3 winners. The 1st winner gets the magazine and fabric bundle. The other 2 will get a copy of the magazine.

#20 TaniLove said...

Ok I've probably entered every drawing you've had in the last year and nothing. I love the block and the fabrics, it would be so fun to win since I'm getting ready to embark on trying to make a quilt for my chickies, I'm not so optimistic but I know they will like it no matter what, for a while anyway ;) Would be so nice to learn some techniques and get started with that fabulous fabric!

#202 Quilter Kathy said...

OMG...a new magazine and new fabrics?!? I would think I'd died and gone to heaven! Surely that is what heaven will be! Love the block and expecially love the envelope enclosure on your pillows!

#284 elena said...

Beautiful pillow. Love Flora collection and this color is energizing, great!!!
Would love to win a copy and of course a fabric lot by you :D

Congratulations, ladies! Please email your mailing addresses to info@modkidboutique.com so we can get these prizes to you. Thank you!!

A week of firsts...

Don't know what came over me but all of a sudden I got the urge to try my hand at two things I had never done before. Check out my very first quilt! I call it LOLLIPOP and I'm just so excited about the way it turned out... exactly how I dreamt it up in my head!



Here's a closer look. I pieced these "lollipop" shapes out of something sorta like a pinwheel shape that I drew up late one night in Illustrator. These crazy ideas often pop into my head in those wee hours of the night, just as I'm about to doze off... then I have to sketch it up real quick before I forget it all. I thought it would take a while to get it to work, but to my utter delight, the first lollipop I sewed up worked like a dream, so then it was just a matter of reducing and enlarging the pattern to get the other two sizes.



I pieced a quick background out of four 1/2 yard pieces of assorted Clover Dots that were cut at a diagonal, then appliqued the lollipops on top and Voilá! The quilt uses 11 different prints from my Mezzanine collection so it's a pretty good showcase of the line.

I also made my very first piece of women's apparel. I wish I could say this was as easy-peasy as the quilt, but I'd be lying. Those of you who follow me on Twitter already know I almost threw my seam ripper along with this tunic out the window last Sunday. I actually had to set this project aside for a couple of days and then come back to it because I was about to lose my mind!

On top of that, I think I had gotten so used to only sewing children's clothing that I had my sewing area all set up for working with tiny pieces of fabric. Once I started working with much larger pieces (especially for the quilt) I was knocking stuff off my sewing table left & right! I had to reconfigure the whole space to accommodate my new larger projects.



Well, I must've just been having "one of those days" because when I came back to it, head cleared and ready to "make it work"... I made it work:



Phew! It would've been a shame if this sweet little tunic ended up in the gutter just because of a bad sewing day. I truly adore the way it turned out and am still having a hard time deciding if I should actually wear it to Market or just hang it up on my booth...



And speaking of booths... that's another first! Jon and I are currently building our first trade show booth ever. We did have a booth at the Fall Quilt Market last October, but we didn't actually build anything (except for a couple of cheap IKEA furnishings). This time, though, we are building a full display with hard walls, custom-made shelving, columns and a bunch of other super neat surprises that I simply cannot wait to show you! Here's a little sneak peek as it sits in our garage nearly assembled:



The quilt I showed above is also sitting on one of the booth walls. Stay tuned as I will reveal more & more of the booth as we get it all finished up...