Have you ever participated in one of the Moda BlockHeads Sew-Alongs? They are typically great fun. What is it? It is a sew-along hosted by Moda Fabrics that provides a free quilt block each week, which is created by one of Moda's talented fabric designers. Lisa Bonjean, Lissa Alexander, Joanna Figueroa, Lynn Hagmeier, and Brenda Riddle are some of my favorites.
Participating provides an opportunity for you to "explore different styles and techniques, stretch your creativity, and sew at your own pace—all while connecting with a vibrant community of quilters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Blockheads is all about learning, experimenting, and having fun".
The quilt shown in the photo above is my BlockHeads 5 quilt, one of my all-time favorites that I did in a Lella Boutique collection called Harvest Road. BlockHeads 5 involved making blocks of two different sizes, which gives a wonderful effect in this setting. I really enjoyed making this quilt.
This quilt was BlockHeads 1. I haven't had this quilted yet, but I must get that done at some point. It will be a lovely quilt for fall. I used Kansas Troubles fabric for this one.
I also did BlockHeads 3, and absolutely loved the blocks and the fabrics I chose, which were a couple of red, blue, and cream 3 Sisters collections. I sewed the blocks together, but was not at all happy with the setting I chose. I had too many blocks; the quilt would have been massive, and I knew I could come up with something better. The status of that quilt top is that I need to take the blocks apart and start over with a different setting. I know this task will be time-consuming, and I have been putting it off.
At any rate, I've done three of the five Moda BlockHeads sew-alongs and really enjoyed them.
I am totally onboard to join this one, which starts May 21. I'm not sure what fabric I will use, but it will be a bundle of something I already own. Here is a link to Moda's description of the sew along and what you will need.
How about you? Have you done a Moda BlockHeads sew-along before? Are you inclined to give this one a try?
10 Responses
I’ve never done a Blockheads, but I have a quilt buddy who is encouraging me to try #6. I’ve been thinking of using either an old Blackbird Designs line that I can’t even think the name of or a FQ stack of something Pam Buda came out with last year. However, after seeking your KT quilt top, I’m thinking all my KT scraps would make a beautiful quilt. Fun just to think about!
Your Blockheads quilts are utterly fantastic! They are honestly making me feel intimidated. I can’t wait to see your color scheme for the next one. I am currently in longarm mode— I’m convinced quilting and longarming are two separate time sucking hobbies and I can’t do both at one time. I’m off to read about Blockheads 6 now but I hope I can resist! Xox
I have done one or two Blockheads SALs early on but I declined to participate since then. They tend to drag on too long for me… I guess I prefer to start a quilt and get it finished…but that is me! I look forward to see which fabrics you choose to sew with!
I’ve never done a Blockheads SAL. I’m in the same mindset as Patty…I like to start & work on a quilt to the finish & a year is too long. For your Blockheads 3 that needs to be disassembled, could you take it with you & work on that while Dennis is having his infusions? It might help pass the time for you.
Love your Blockhead quilts! The key is having a consistent palette, as the individual patterns are all so different. I am an opposite quilter: I have the same (or only two) pattern/s, and vary the colors, with a more scrappy palette. I struggle with the Blockheads (and other similar) formats due to the fact that there are often blocks that I do not like. However, looking at your Blockhead quilts, especially the one at the top, I am tempted! Thanks so much for showing us all of your Blockhead quilts. You are so inspiring!
I have a love/hate relationship with the Moda SALs. Sometimes I don’t like the block so I do another. Sometimes the directions are impossible to follow. I had so much trouble with one of their designer SALs (not a BH) that I had sworn off all of them. Last winter I finally went off the pattern completely and made myself finish it. I succeeded which was very gratifying. I will watch this one and decide later.
Your Blockheads quilts are amazing! I had to stop what I was doing and go find my bin containing my Blockheads 1 (2017!) blocks and patterns. I’m going to reassess and come up with a plan to get this completed this year! I have 28 blocks finished and a bin with the fabrics I was using. Thanks for the inspiration to get this finished! Have a great weekend and a Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷
Happy Mother’s Day. I love your blockheads quilts. I am currently working on the Riley Blake blocks but not loving all the blocks I have completed so far. Thinking that I might just make some table runners with my favorites. I am tempted to join the BlockHeads Sew Along.
I am like Sandra….I need to find the bin that holds blockhead #1 and try to determine when I stopped and why I stopped!! I, too, don’t always like a block but there are always blocks to be found on other sites.
I don’t know which quilt I love the most. they are all gorgeous….yep, get that one off to the quilter.