MODA Blockheads: Block #14

Welcome to Week #14 of the MODA BLOCKHEADS SEW ALONG!

This week is brought to you by… me! I am also the last one in the designer line up of 14 for this years BLOCKHEADS which means that next week we begin again at the beginning so I am the last designer for you to meet and the last new blog to explore. I know that many of you are just here to get your block but I sure hope that you might stay a bit and get to know us a little… and ENTER THE AWESOME GIVEAWAY we have put together for you [end of post]!! I promise that the block won’t go anywhere while you browse and say hi :-).

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Many of you might be new here today so I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself.

Hello Friends! My name is Joanna Figueroa and I am the owner and designer behind Fig Tree and Company. We are a small family business with my husband Eric as my right hand man and my 3 kids who have all done their fare share of Fig Tree work over the years- including pattern stuffing, box folding, order shipping and any other task that needs to be done around here.

…on a recent vacation to Poland for a family wedding
My daughter and I in Amsterdam….

We also have a fabulous group of Fig Tree ladies without whose help I would never be able to get all of these goodies out to you every week and every month (especially all of those block of the months)! They help me to sew and edit and cut & fold fabric and everything else it takes to keep us moving along! XOXOXOXO

I have been designing fabric for MODA for over 17 years and am currently working on fabric collection #42. I have kind of lost track of how many patterns I have published so will go conservatively with 300+. Over the years working in our industry I have written 7 books and contributed to dozens more as well as many many magazines. I guess it never seems like quite that much until I start to add it all up… and then I start to feel like an old timer :-).

Our business has changed and grown and evolved over the years but we have never stopped working hard to bring you the kinds of fabrics, patterns and programs that keep you inspired and loving this crazy craft of ours! Currently my favorite things, beside designing fabric, are our annual Block of the Month programs [this year that included Halloween Figs, Sea Glass, Summertime Picnic, LITTLE BOX OF FIGS and the newest, Figs & Friends Collaboration]. They are currently mostly all filled up & closed for 2020 but if you are at all interested, please sign up for our EMAIL NEWSLETTER HERE so that you will know when sign ups start later this year for the following year. We have some fun things up our sleeve as always!

Introducing the Summer Breeze Block…

THE BLOCK

My first contribution to this awesome BLOCKHEADS quilt along is the SUMMER BREEZE block. I couldn’t resist adding this twirling block into the BLOCKHEADS line up after our family trip last summer to Amsterdam. There is just something so charming and nostalgic and beautiful about all of those windmills… it is hard to describe the effect they have on you!

Click HERE FOR THE BLOCK PDF

For our personal sampler, we chose to do the 12″ size of this block and chose to feature a few of our favorite prints from 2 different Fig Tree fabric collections: Farmhouse II and Hazel & Plum. Another fun variation would be to make the center pinwheel a different color than the rest!

My Summer Breeze block on my favorite new vintage bucket 🙂
… all my blocks so far. Plus a sweet little pincushion from Carrie’s PIN PALS book, made by my dear friend Cynthia.

CONSTRUCTION

When I designed this block, I knew I for sure wanted to make slightly larger sizes for the ½ square triangles and trim them down so that they would fit perfectly together. So the sizes you have in the PDF are already sized slightly up and then you are given the trim # for each size square.

At the same time, the larger squares/triangles are not sized up and just need to be trimmed up if they get awkward or wonky. Here is the reason…

Over the years of teaching quilt classes and seminars, I have found that it is really hard for most of us to cut a larger bias triangle, add it to a pieced section and not somehow stretch or distort that larger triangle when adding it to our block . So even though I LOVE trimming up and sizing small triangle squares in order to ensure accuracy and an easy piecing process, for the same exact reason, I don’t like to size up & trim up larger triangles… I find that we almost always stretch the piece or lose points in the process of trimming up because each block will not stretch in the exact same way.

In my experience, it is a much better practice to cut your larger triangle exactly what you need it to be, fit it exactly to the component you are adding to, PIN IN PLACE TO AVOID STRETCHING OR DISTORTION, and then press carefully. At the end of piecing your block, only trim up something if it is wonky/outside the size you want it to be once you are done adding all 4 quarters of the block together. Each “quarter” of your block should measure 3 1/2″ square/ 4 1/2″ square/ 6 1/2″ square, depending on which size you are making.

… I love to see the block pile grow each week!

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BLOCK RESOURCE

CLICK HERE FOR THE ARCHIVE OF ALL OF THE MODA BLOCKHEADS 3 BLOCKS WE HAVE HAD SO FAR!

This Archive will be updated each week by MODA, in descending chronological order, with the newest block at the top. This is such a fabulous resource! We will keep this link in each week’s post here ON OUR BLOG as a resource.

If you have any questions at all, ask me in the comments below. Happy sewing friends!

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GIVEAWAY TIME

In case this is your first time visiting us here on our blog or social media, I wanted to do a fun package of Fig Tree goodies as a GIVEAWAY. The package will include a variety of Catalina FABRICS, PATTERNS, THREAD & some PRECUTS too! You definitely want to try for this one!

ALL YOU NEED TO DO TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1- GO TO INSTAGRAM and FOLLOW US THERE… Click HERE.

2- COMMENT ON THE INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY POST THERE.

3- TAG A FRIEND ON INSTAGRAM IN THE COMMENT YOU LEAVE.

That’s it. On Friday morning, I will choose the winners!

Please note that this particular giveaway will ONLY BE ON INSTAGRAM. If you have not joined Instagram, it is really so much fun and such a great way to follow along on our adventures on your phone. All you need to do is download the Instagram APP and start to follow a few of your favorite designers, fabric stores and inspirational accounts! You might want to give it a try!?

IMPORTANT LINKS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW

LINK TO INSTAGRAM HERE. Instagram is the main social media that we use. I post photos every day, talk about my latest projects, show inspiration photos and generally post about my fabric and farm love with all of you!

LINK TO OUR FIG TREE FACEBOOK GROUP HERE. Our Fig Tree Friends Facebook group is a new addition in the last year and it is a great place to see what others are working on with Fig Tree fabrics, see people’s progress on our programs and follow along on general Fig Tree Facebook updates all in one place.

LINK TO SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER HERE. Newsletter comes out each week on Friday with latest goodies, upcoming releases, any sales or new kits and our $6 pattern of the week.

LINK TO OUR SHOP IN CASE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BROWSE HERE. Come check out our patterns, bundles and kits!

BLOCKHEAD DESIGNER LIST

Here is a list of all the designers participating this year in the order that they have posted their weekly blocks in case you would like to go backwards…

This week it’s me!

1.15 – Corey Yoder – https://corianderquilts.com/
1.22 – Sherri McConnell – https://www.aquiltinglife.com/
1.29 – Betsy Chutchian – http://betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/
2.5 – Jan Patek – http://janpatek.blogspot.com/
2.12 – Brigitte Heitland – https://www.brigitteheitland.de/blog
2.19 – Lisa Bongean – https://lisabongean.com/
2.26 – Lissa Alexander – http://modalissa.com/
3.4 – Laurie Simpson – http://minickandsimpson.blogspot.com/
3.11 – Vanessa Goertzen – https://lellaboutique.blogspot.com/
3.18 – Stacy Iest Hsu – https://www.stacyiesthsu.com/blog/
3.25 – Robin Pickens – https://www.robinpickens.com/
4.1 – Janet Clare – http://janetclare.co.uk/blog/
4.8 – Jen Kingwell – www.jenkingwelldesigns.com/blog
4.15 – Joanna Figueroa – https://blog.figtreeandcompany.com/

About The Author

joanna@figtreequilts.com

91 COMMENTS

  1. Heather | 15th Apr 20

    I love your fabric and your blocks, thank you!

  2. Jo Hart | 15th Apr 20

    Loving Blockheads, this is a great block

  3. Connie Terry | 15th Apr 20

    Are the instructions linked? I have read the blog, but cannot find the pattern itself…?

  4. Kay Ahr | 15th Apr 20

    Is there a link from your blog to the pattern?

  5. Brenda | 15th Apr 20

    I love your patterns and fabric lines!

  6. Amy Mahar | 15th Apr 20

    I am also not seeing a link to pattern! Read it two times through to make sure I didn’t miss it!

  7. Colleen van de Kraats | 15th Apr 20

    Wondering where the pattern is, thanks!!!

  8. JoAnna Hunsucker | 15th Apr 20

    Good morning! thanks for all you do….. link to #14 is MIA… read through 5 times.

  9. Nancy Carnes | 15th Apr 20

    Love your blocks and enjoy reading your blogs. I’ve read through this one 3 times and can’t seem to find the link for #14. Am I overlooking something?

  10. Ellice McLaren | 15th Apr 20

    Same for me I can’t seem to locate the PDF

  11. Willie Fiedler | 15th Apr 20

    I’m on board with all of you. Read thru numerous times. Tried every link. Still no pattern.

  12. Shannon Wicker | 15th Apr 20

    Good Moring. Thank you for desining such a beautiful block. I can’t wait to give it a whirl this weekend.

  13. Jenny Mahieu | 15th Apr 20

    Good morning. I love the block but cannot find a link to the PDF pattern mentioned.

  14. Darlene | 15th Apr 20

    where is the link to block 14?

  15. Genia | 15th Apr 20

    I love your fabrics and patterns! I am just getting started on my quilting skills, so I haven’t tried any yet. But I definitely have a couple of your patterns on my to do list!

  16. Teri Walker | 15th Apr 20

    Joanna,
    I don’t see a link to print out your block this week. Am I missing something.
    I love Fig Tree fabrics an d use to carry them in my shop in Texas. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many.

  17. Carol Beausoleil | 15th Apr 20

    Wheres the block link to download the block?????

  18. Pamela Goodman | 15th Apr 20

    Looking for a link. Can’t wait to get started.

  19. SueAke | 15th Apr 20

    Your fabric selection for your blocks really make them stand out. Wow! They are gorgeous.

  20. Marsha Sterk | 15th Apr 20

    Your fabric choices are so beautiful! Love your fabrics anyway – they are all so wonderful and beautiful!

  21. Chris A | 15th Apr 20

    After reading this over 3 times, I still don’t see where to download MB3 block #14. Can you please help.

  22. Chris A | 15th Apr 20

    Just an endless loop, but no where to find the block fourteen pattern…………..why is this so frustrating

  23. Debbie Knight | 15th Apr 20

    I seem to have been going round and round in circles trying to find the link to the pattern. I am really looking forward to making the block, hopefully soon…

  24. Pam Jordan | 15th Apr 20

    No link to the pattern….

  25. Martha | 15th Apr 20

    Beautiful block, but I can not find the link to the block.. Thank you!

  26. Carmen Montmarquet | 15th Apr 20

    Such happy fabric, love it! But I also can’t find the pattern?

  27. Jan Winkel | 15th Apr 20

    Thanks so much for your tips and blocks.

  28. Deb | 15th Apr 20

    The archive link did not include the pattern either, only prior blocks.

  29. Janet Yatska | 15th Apr 20

    Very pretty block. Still trying to find pattern though

  30. Barb | 15th Apr 20

    where is the link??

  31. Sandi McDaniel | 15th Apr 20

    Cannot find the link to the pattern

  32. Eve | 15th Apr 20

    Where is the pdf pattern

  33. Priscilla Frappier | 15th Apr 20

    Can’t find the link either. Read through 3times!

  34. Debbie Gruenbacher | 15th Apr 20

    Thank you for designing a lovely block! How do we’re get your pattern? It is not on the archives, nor ast your Instagram area. HELP please

  35. Marty Toale | 15th Apr 20

    There’s no link to the pattern

  36. Gwendolyn | 15th Apr 20

    Love your Block!

  37. barbara quinn | 15th Apr 20

    Where’s the PDF pattern?

  38. Janet | 15th Apr 20

    Not finding the link for Block 14…but loving checking out your site. Very bright and wonderful.

  39. Debora | 15th Apr 20

    Enjoyed reading about Figtree quilts. But can’t find the pattern anywhere!

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  40. Diane | 15th Apr 20

    Love the block visually but no link to download

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  41. Kathy Oppelt | 15th Apr 20

    Love everything that you do, can you also provide more time in the giveaway?

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      GIVEAWAY is until friday!

  42. Deb | 15th Apr 20

    Joanna, I’m sure you’re going to wake up in California and see 50 comments and think WOW!!!! But they all say Where’s the pattern? LOL! But at least it got us all to read your post several times! 🙂

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      I AM SO SORRY!!!!!!Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  43. Jill McCaughey | 15th Apr 20

    Cannot find the link

  44. Linda Gail Schoenbaum | 15th Apr 20

    I can’t locate a link for the pattern. The Moda archives will not be updated until Friday. I look forward to your newsletter. I do not use Instagram, so I cannot enter your giveaway. Was the link provided there?

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  45. Charylene Peterson | 15th Apr 20

    Wondering where the pattern is?

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  46. Brenda Mortenson | 15th Apr 20

    Joanna, I am not able to find the link to download the directions for block 14, can you help me?

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Thank you for being kind :-).Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  47. Cheryl G | 15th Apr 20

    I love the fabric.

  48. Ellen Herron | 15th Apr 20

    Love block 14 but where is the link for the PDF?

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  49. Raquel Garcia | 15th Apr 20

    I love your fabrics. Ditto on missing the pattern.

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  50. Melinda | 15th Apr 20

    Hello Joanna! Love your patterns and fabric. I really enjoy reading your blog. I have read a few and enjoyed it! Thank you for designing for the Moda Blockhead 3. I don’t see a link for your Summer Breeze block. Love the block! 😊

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  51. Joyce | 15th Apr 20

    Love your fabric and patterns. Can’t find the link to block 14, am I just missing it?

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      Something really weird happened and the entire sentence with the link disappeared. I have no idea how/why!! It should be back now!

  52. Paula Philpot | 15th Apr 20

    I would like to have the link to the HOUSE pattern. I am doing 8″ blocks. Paula in KY

  53. Dori Bockbrader | 15th Apr 20

    I love your windmill block. But, I also read through your wool info. I found it to be quite interesting and informative–it’s something I want to begin doing so I’m trying to read everything possible.

  54. elizabeth a hinze | 15th Apr 20

    We is the pattern??

  55. Marylou | 15th Apr 20

    Ok so I’m not the only one that can’t find the link,this seems to be happening quite a bit for me,especially if I’m not real familiar with the designers site

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      It was some kind of a weird glitch. It should all be back and working!

  56. Marsha B | 15th Apr 20

    I love the block and your fabric choices are beautiful!

  57. joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

    I did, something really strange happened. Please check again.

  58. joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

    I am so sorry to have wasted your morning. Some weird glitch happened. I have no idea!

  59. Sue Clover | 15th Apr 20

    I do not find the pdf. Above replies say it should be there – it is not! I would love to get it! Thanks!

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 15th Apr 20

      it is has been there since this morning. It is likely that you need to refresh your page to get rid of the glitch!

  60. Greg | 15th Apr 20

    I’m happy to say to everybody that THE LINK IS WORKING! I was able to download and print the pattern a few hours ago, and I am happily cutting and sewing now. Hopefully your readers will understand that mistakes and errors occasionally happen and to always treat people with kindness.

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 16th Apr 20

      Greg- I can always rely on you for your support. Love you and happy sewing!

  61. ANITA STUMPF | 15th Apr 20

    I HAVE ALL MY PATTERNS, BUT MUST HAVE MISSED THE HOUSE. WHAT WEEK HAD THAT?

  62. Paige | 16th Apr 20

    Anita, the house was Joanna’s substitution pattern on the week with the birdhouse. Look at her blog on that week, and she gives the instructions for the alternate block. I think it was maybe week 4?

  63. Linda | 17th Apr 20

    This is just an observation. Your site is the nicest site I have seen. Your shop is easy to go to, go back to and pay for. Your colors are so vivid. Whoever takes your pictures is wonderful. I enjoyed reading about your family. Gosh your daughter is beautiful. The men handsome. I love your fabric too.
    I don’t do Instagram. To tell you the truth I am afraid of all social media but that’s just me. I just lost my mom 6 weeks ago . She was the last funeral in Church before this virus. I think the grieving has begun? I think and talk to her everyday. She was my best friend. I was living with her 24/7 the last 3 months. She died of liver cancer. She was a warrior. Diagnosed 6 years ago, told us that would be her last Christmas. Boy were they wrong. She lived her best life ever! She was so happy, touched hundreds of people and her 4 kids adored her. She lived for her family. Never worked outside the home. She was loved and we were loved. Then this virus hit. Thank God she didn’t have to worry through this! I have been sewing masks everyday. It gives me purpose and I feel needed again. I don’t know why I am writing this through many tears but I just really appreciate your website. So, thank you for sharing your life with all of us.

    • joanna@figtreequilts.com | 17th Apr 20

      Dearest Linda- Your comment made me cry- both from sadness and gratitude. I am so very sorry about your mom. It is the hardest of journeys, the one you are on, and I am praying for you. I lost my dad to lung cancer a few years ago but on some days, it still feels like just a few days ago. Other moments do get easier as time passes. I smile when I remember him a lot more than cry now. Thank you for taking the time to make the comments you did about my work and my family. It is so appreciated and not something that a lot of people take the time to do. I take all of my own photography, do most of my own social media, more or less I am a one woman show when it comes to content around here. Social media is a strange place where sometimes we can share great depth with each other and sometimes it brings out the worst so I understand your fear. I love Instagram because I love photography and in the midst of my crazy day, I can post and see other posts all on my phone without having to stop. It is like little snippets in time for me and I love it for that reason.
      Thank you again for taking the time to share with me. Thinking of you today.

  64. Penny Dominici | 17th Apr 20

    I’m following you on Instagram.

  65. Leticia Janssens | 17th Apr 20

    Thanks that was fun reading your blog. Lovely blocks.

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