For the setting I have in mind for the Moda Blockheads 3 sew-along, I have found that I need to make some additional blocks in the 12-inch and 6-inch sizes. I am actually having fun going through various sources looking for blocks in those sizes.
This 12-inch block is from a Moda Bake Shop sew along from last year called Spring Flowers. The blocks for this sew-along were all 12 inches finished, and the designs were super cute. However, that being said, I was absolutely appalled at the errors in nearly every single pattern I tried. This one is called "Bouquet" and did turn out ok after I remade eight half-square triangles in the correct size.
This 12-inch block is called Daffodil and is also from the Moda Bake Shop Spring Flowers sew-along. I ended up having to actually throw away two blocks from this sew-along because after I had cut my fabric I found that the instructions were full of errors and the wrong measurements. There were a ton of comments on the website from very unhappy people who, like myself, had wasted time and valuable fabric. Some people who were making all the blocks claimed there was an error in every single block pattern they tried from this project. And I was being so careful not to waste any of my precious background fabric because I am running so low. It was a huge disappointment to have to throw some away. I can forgive one error, but time after time? No sir. Do the authors/designers actually not bother to test the blocks before they publish them? That is shameful. I have never in my life had this issue with any other Moda sew-alongs. BlockHeads has been so excellent I have participated in two different year-long projects. Going forward, I am going to be leery of any patterns from Moda Bake Shop. Ok, rant over. Just be warned to check your measurements before cutting if you ever participate in a Moda Bake Shop project.
One last 12-inch block. I have already forgotten where this pattern came from, but isn't it cute? I love the frame effect that the blue fabric has around the red star.
The rest of these blocks are all 6-inch. My source for a lot of them was various Lori Holt books-Farmhouse VIntage 1 and 2 primarily. Now, her instructions and measurements are always impeccable.
This last one is a favorite for sure. I love how the red checked fabric looks like a folded-over envelope flap. I was even able to use four of the too-small half-square triangle blocks from the sloppy Moda Bake Shop instructions for "Bouquet".
So, good progress, all in all. Only a half dozen or so more 6-inch blocks to go. This project may be out of control. You can see how my design wall is filling up. Think I could use a bigger design wall? lol
I have to say that I’m amazed when I see people cutting out an entire quilt top without making a block. If there’s an error, you are So out of luck. There is a certain designer who writes amazing patterns, but makes multiple corrections......makes me very hesitant to use her patterns. Hope you have enough fabric to finish.
Posted by: Susan | March 11, 2021 at 04:32 AM
Beautiful, Nicole! I'll say that I started a new pattern two days ago and I looked on her correction page and it was mind boggling! Pages of corrections! I felt like you and don't they test before releasing? And I paid $40 for my pattern. But, I'll probably keep on sewing and buying buggered up patterns lol!! Have a great day, Nicole.
Posted by: T Holzer | March 11, 2021 at 05:59 AM
Fabulous blocks. This is going to be a beautiful quilt!
Posted by: Debbie R. | March 11, 2021 at 07:11 AM
I am also making a smaller quilt out of 12 inch finished blocks and have been using random blocks I find. I would love the dimensions for the first pattern of you would care to share those!
Posted by: Patti McConnell | March 11, 2021 at 07:39 AM
Wow! Your design wall is amazing with all those blocks! My sister and I did the Spring Flowers from Moda and we were also frustrated with some cutting instructions. Every week I made a little kit of each new block and mailed it to my mom so we all had fun together apart!
Posted by: Dona Zarosinski | March 11, 2021 at 07:53 AM
I wonder what's going on at Moda? Someone has dropped the ball on this sew along! I understand that everyone can make a mistake but, echoing above comments, they should have done at least a couple of test quilts before offering it to the public! It looks like you're making lemonade from those lemons, though! 🍋 It's going to be a beautiful quilt! Stay well!
Posted by: Jan | March 11, 2021 at 08:12 AM
Lovely blocks all!! Well worth the frustration - that is going to be a gorgeous quilt once it is finished - love your fabrics.
Posted by: CarlaHR | March 11, 2021 at 08:39 AM
Your blocks are so pretty! Thanks for the "fair warning" on the instructions.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | March 11, 2021 at 09:00 AM
amazing! that is going to be a gorgeous quilt!
Posted by: Ina | March 11, 2021 at 09:16 AM
Wow, you made some very pretty blocks. Now, how about re-making each one in 3" size? LOL, just kidding! But you need to get this quilt put together soon so you can re-claim your design wall for your other projects.
Posted by: Cathy | March 11, 2021 at 10:19 AM
I was doing the Moda Bakeshop pattern Winter Frost in December and I found many many errors and also wasted fabric! I will probably work on it more in the fall, but do a lot of substitution or re-making. Not fun.
Posted by: Susan Salo | March 11, 2021 at 12:11 PM
Wow, Overfull design wall perhaps, but what a glorious quilt that is going to be! I love the extra blocks you chose to fill out the Block Heads. While the blocks were being presented, I wondered how some, like the hearts, that are so recognizable, would look mixed with traditional blocks. But I like your thought on it giving the eye the familiar to rest on, like the cherries. This will be a wonderful quilt.
Posted by: Sandy Carlson | March 12, 2021 at 06:39 PM