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
