Patootie. That's the second "p".
I'm sure this has happened to you. You open your e-mail box and there it is. An e-mail address that you immediately recognize with equal parts excitement and panic. Excitement because she's a nice person and you like her, and because she always has something new and exciting to share. Panic because if she's had an idea, you know it's going to mean completely re-arranging your to-do list because you're suddenly careening off in a new direction. A good direction but not exactly what you had planned.
So when I received an e-mail a few months back telling me about a new pre-cut that Moda was debuting at Spring Market - Moda Candy - I was just a tiny bit concerned. I'd been down this "rabbit hole" before.
But the word "candy" definitely got my attention. It usually does. Moda candy - fabric candy. That was all it took... resistance was futile. Okay, I didn't even try to resist.
For the un-initiated - Moda "candy" is the name for the newest pre-cut fabric temptation. Each mini charm pack contains 42 squares from one of their designer collections - and each square measures 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".
Basically, they're just like the "regular" charm packs... only smaller. They've sort of been around but not really, meaning you might get one or two from a Moda sales rep but you couldn't buy them anywhere. Until now. Let me get one thing straight - when I first read about these new mini charm packs, I thought they were kind of silly. If you needed four or five of them to make something, why wouldn't you just buy a regular charm pack?
And then I started thinking - I do that occasionally - and that's when I got side-tracked.
Majorly seriously side-tracked. Seventeen little quilts and almost a dozen pincushions side-tracked. And folks wonder why I call "her" a pest.
As I have done before, I decided to limit myself to just two mini-charm packs or 84 prints squares. I could add fabric for a background, sashings, cornerstones and borders, but that was it. So none of the projects needs more than 1 yard of additional fabric and a few need as little as 1/6 yard - not including binding and backing. The additional yardage can easily come from a Layer Cake or Jelly Roll of Bella Solids.
A single lone "regular" charm pack? That's enough for two Little Bites. Or a bigger Bite - information for that is included in the pattern. If you have leftover pieces and strips from a Jelly Roll or Layer Cake, that will work too. Actually, any leftover 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares - or scraps that you can cut into 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares - will work.
The best part is that these little projects can be quilted and bound to make little quilts or - and - they can be "finished" in a variety of other ways. Framed? Quilted or not, a couple of the projects will fit well into a ready-made frame. Pillows? You already know how much I like patchwork pillows. I can even see using one of these designs for the side of a simple tote bag.
The rest of the Little Bites patterns can be seen here.
Jot? Mite? Tickle? That's the easy part. They're all synonyms for "little bites" and little pieces. Seriously. At this point in our relationship, did you not already know that I love words? That I didn't have a well-used thesaurus within grasp? Okay, full disclosure - I had the idea for these names while driving down the freeway and... well, you don't want to know. Let it suffice to say that I finally did pull over onto the shoulder to look up synonyms for "little bites" on Thesaurus.com. While I faithfully refrain from "driving while texting", I do have the occasional problem with "driving while looking up stuff on Google". (If you live in Arizona and want to know what make of car to avoid, I drive a graphite-blue VW.)
I do love making pincushions.
And I love giving stuff away - especially something wonderful like candy. Lots of candy. Aka the awesome Moda mini-charm packs.
If you leave a comment here before Midnight on Monday, September 3rd - that's the Monday/Tuesday midnight, right? - you're entered to win an assortment of Moda mini-charm packs. Two winners will be drawn on Tuesday and announced by Wednesday, September 5th. To be entered to win, please answer this question:
What is your favorite kind of candy?
E.g., M&Ms , any kind of chocolate, Life-savers, Skittles, etc.
If you don't like candy, that's okay. What's your favorite snack? Anybody who answers "carrot sticks" or "to-ferky" is automatically disqualified from winning a prize. (And yes, I'm kidding!)
And because you might want or need some patterns... Lissa and Moda Fabrics are giving away two complete sets of Little Bites patterns! You can enter to win those at the Moda Cutting Table.
Make sure you say "Hi" to Lissa - aka "she who enjoys sidetracking Carrie". The P.I.T.P.
(Just so you know... that stands for the "person I totally pester".)
She can side-track me anytime.
Happy Thursday ~ and Happy Labor Day Weekend!
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Speaking of which, if you don't want to wait to see if you've won some patterns, the new Little Bites are available in the shop.
A "shop pack" of all eight patterns is available for a discounted price of $45.00. Just purchase all eight patterns and enter the code that applies - ShopPDF or ShopPaper - to get the Shop Pack price. If I goofed and it doesn't work, I promise to refund the extra cost.
And through the Labor Day weekend, the Little Bites are all 10% off the regular price. Just enter the code - Paper10 or PDF10 - to get the discount. PDF10 for PDF patterns and Paper10 for paper patterns.
What a great giveaway! I've seen these little square around blogs but never managed to find myself any!
I love maltesers! do you have them in the US??
Posted by: Gill | August 30, 2012 at 12:19 AM
I got my first Moda candy in my new BOM from the Fat Quarter Shop of the Mystery Designer BOM! It is the new line Vintage Mondern! So, I am half way there with these patterns! Oh, my favorite candy is cherry sours!
Posted by: Renee Steele | August 30, 2012 at 12:31 AM
I love M&Ms but I get some own supermarket brand which I like better (and they are cheaper) Love the pin cushion patterns. Linda
Posted by: Sunnybec | August 30, 2012 at 12:49 AM
OH MY! Little Bites patterns to go with Moda Candy! Perfect match.
My fave candy is PLAIN M&M candies. No peanuts in there please (although I will eat the coconut, pretzel, mint and dark chocolate M&M's).
Posted by: CJ | August 30, 2012 at 01:19 AM
Oh wow these are SO CUTE!!! I love licorice, we have really yummy divine Darrell Lea licorice here in Australia :)
Posted by: SoozeM | August 30, 2012 at 01:36 AM
I love peanut slabs. If you love peanuts and chocolate then you must try a peanut slab. My mum regularly sent them to me when I lived overseas (back in the 80's). if you want to try one I can post some. One is never enough:) Angela
Posted by: Angela Nicholls | August 30, 2012 at 02:10 AM
Oh those are too cute!! I just love Reese's Peanut Buttercups.
Posted by: Deb | August 30, 2012 at 02:12 AM
Well there's the obvious answer: dark chocolate. But as far as non-chocolate candy, right now I'm obsessed with Swedish Fish!
Posted by: Melissa | August 30, 2012 at 02:26 AM
Can't beat a Snickers bar!! Chocolatey caramelly nutty goodness!!
Posted by: Alyce {Blossom Heart Quilts} | August 30, 2012 at 02:35 AM
I LOVE Reese's Peanut Butter Cups! Chocolate and Peanut Butter....OH MY! Your Little Bites look just scrumptious! Thanks for the chance to win your fabulous giveaway!
Posted by: Vicki | August 30, 2012 at 02:50 AM
thanks for the good instruction that i have found here.
http://www.taskcanon.com
Posted by: online task list | August 30, 2012 at 02:58 AM
These patterns are awesome! I can't wait to start playing with them. I had a few "orphan" charm packs that I did't think I would be able to use.
At any rate, right now I'm afraid my favorite candy is pure junk. No "good for you" dark chocolate. No almonds, or nuts, or anything vaguely "healthy," No, right now my favorite seems to be Mike and Ikes. In particular, the red and yellow. (I give the green to my husband.)
Thanks for the give away!
Posted by: JoAnne McPherson | August 30, 2012 at 03:14 AM
Love small things and everything sweet.
Posted by: Elyte Stephens | August 30, 2012 at 03:17 AM
I love the new patterns, especially the pincushions! Thanks for the chance to win some goodies! And my favorite candy is Dove Dark Chocolate! It's the best! :0)
Posted by: Terry | August 30, 2012 at 03:23 AM
Ah - so that is what you've been working on! All the suspense was worth it. The patterns are gorgeous - I'd love to win! My favourite sweets are "Mi Choko" - French chocolate caramels! (I remember that we have that "passion" in common!)
Posted by: Lynne @ boutschoisis | August 30, 2012 at 03:29 AM
Oh my! These are so fun. And I adore anything with caramel!
Posted by: Debbi Cline | August 30, 2012 at 03:31 AM
I just love your patterns - what a fabulous idea!! No wonder you got sidetracked - we are lucky you did :-) I would love to win some of these sweet little candy packs! I would not sew while eating my favorite snack because it is cotton candy and that would just be too messy. Thanks for the chance to win!!!
Posted by: Becky Greene | August 30, 2012 at 03:40 AM
Love the mini charms :) my favorite candy is reeses peanut butt cups!
Posted by: Heather W. | August 30, 2012 at 03:40 AM
You know my candy favorites change but one that remains at the top is peanut m & ms.
Posted by: Robyn Brown | August 30, 2012 at 03:44 AM
Love your new little patterns - what a great idea! Sure glad got sidetracked - we are the winners! It would be so much fun to win your new patterns. I love eating the smooth creamy Dove candy. Thanks for the great giveaway and a chance to win!
Posted by: Nancy E | August 30, 2012 at 03:47 AM
I love everything with dark chocolate.XXX
Posted by: Béatrice | August 30, 2012 at 03:50 AM
These are very cute. My favorite candy is either m & m's or snickers. Well I really love any kind of candy. I'm sure I would love fabric candy too.
Posted by: Brenda | August 30, 2012 at 04:04 AM
70% dark chocolate is my 'candy' of choice! Great giveaway! Thanks!
Posted by: Susan | August 30, 2012 at 04:06 AM
What cute patterns, particularly the pincushions. You are quite talented and prolific to say the least. My favorite candy would be dark m & M's.
Posted by: Marilyn W. | August 30, 2012 at 04:18 AM
Oh, I love them!! I've been thinking of making some mini quilts and now I know where to come when I'm ready to start! (And I love the names...are you going to be making a 'nibble'?!)
I don't think I have a favourite but I love liquorice allsorts, chocolate raisins, jelly sweets (like Haribo, etc.), chewing nuts (chocolate covered toffee), dolly mixture, rhubarb and custard, miniature heroes (do they count?!), chocolate limes...I could go on but you get the picture!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | August 30, 2012 at 04:22 AM
Mercy! What sweet Little Bites! I love them!
My all-time favorite candy is peanut M&Ms but then there is Baby Ruth and Snickers and Reese's cups and......do you see a pattern here? Chocolate and peanuts together in basically any form is just great!! However, given a choice, I'd take fabric candy any day over edible candy!!!!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Susan | August 30, 2012 at 04:26 AM
Cute! Lisa could not have picked a better designer to come up with something for Moda Candies.
And to answer your question, my favorite candy is...all of them. I've never met a candy I didn't like.
Posted by: Monica | August 30, 2012 at 04:30 AM
There are not too many candies that I don't like. Chocolate anything would tickle my fancy. LOL
Posted by: Christine McCarthy | August 30, 2012 at 04:34 AM
Right now I'm into cold Snickers, but I confess to liking candy period. Love your Bites patterns. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Joanna | August 30, 2012 at 04:34 AM
Illinois so in on this one! I love little quilts the best for my own home decor and these are a must have for me! Lisa did good to pest you...in friendship of course! Gosh a favorite candy is tough because I like way too many of them but if there is chocolate and peanut butter together than we have a winner! But wait...love my Almond Joy too! I need a snack... Got to run!
Posted by: Mary | August 30, 2012 at 04:36 AM
Really?, I said I'm so in on this one! Not Illinois! Errr!
Posted by: Mary | August 30, 2012 at 04:38 AM
I've never met a chocolate I didn't like but M&Ms are the best. thanks for a chance to win - can't wait to give these a try!
Posted by: Patty D | August 30, 2012 at 04:43 AM
I'm a fan of dark chocolate Dove bites. In fact, I'm going to get one right now. Terrific new patterns. Thanks.
Posted by: Kathie L | August 30, 2012 at 04:44 AM
The thoughts that went through my head when I read this- Candy is adorable. My fingers are too chunky to handle 2.5 inch squares. I wonder if Sinta and Sherri will add this to the parade. I still have 2 Schnibbles from this year to finish and the one I did finish was MONTHS after.
I love the idea of framing them. If I finish one using starting 2.5 inch squares, I'd want to show it off with a frame!
Way loong comment! My favourite candy are Cadbury's Fruit and Nut bars. Love them!
Posted by: Karen | August 30, 2012 at 04:46 AM
Dark chocolate of course, the more bitter the better. Any kind will do! I have 1 Moda candy charm, what could be better, NO calories. ;-> Toni Anne
Posted by: Toni Anne | August 30, 2012 at 04:56 AM
Wowser, I'm so impressed!!
Candy? Hmmmmm...any!
Posted by: rebecca | August 30, 2012 at 05:06 AM
What a wonderful giveaway. The patterns for the candy squares are awesome.
Posted by: Sue Bennett | August 30, 2012 at 05:07 AM
Candy snacking is such a weakness while quilting! Love it all...but I have a special lust for Butterfinger. Thanks Moda, for cutting all those 2 1/2" squares for me and you, Carrie, for creating these adorable patterns.
Posted by: Bev | August 30, 2012 at 05:07 AM
I think these Moda pre-cuts look like so much fun! My favorite candy is Dove dark chocolate. My second fav is a Heath Bar.
Posted by: Suzan | August 30, 2012 at 05:08 AM
I like Werther's original if I want something to suck on. Otherwise a Kit Kat is always good. The Moda Candy packages look yummy too!
Posted by: Susan | August 30, 2012 at 05:09 AM
Ack! So worth the wait! You have outdone yourself with these. So darn cute cute cute! I was over at the shop and I could not decide which I want to make first! I love the idea of framing them.
As to Lissa, she sometimes pops into our Modern Guild meeting (Dallas) and she brings us little treats and a boat load of challenges. Great person to have around to kick you in the butt! LOL!
OK. I must say that my favorite candy is Starbursts but Sweet Tarts come in a very close second!
Have a Great Labor Day weekend!!
Posted by: Sandy M | August 30, 2012 at 05:12 AM
I hit send on my comment to fast and forgot to say that I love peanut M & M's buy them in the biggest bags that Sam's Club has. Yummy..
Posted by: Sue Bennett | August 30, 2012 at 05:14 AM
What's my favorite candy you ask...hmmmmm,sour candy, chocolate candy, chewy candy, hard candy...all time favorite candy bar a Snickers all time favorite sour candy, Zotz watermellon or green apple. But now this morning I've learned of a new waist friendly candy....and I am in Love...Moda Candy...I think they might just be habit forming!!! :D
Posted by: Beulah | August 30, 2012 at 05:15 AM
What fun. I love Charleston Chews!!
Posted by: Jenny | August 30, 2012 at 05:16 AM
So cute, great for when you want to make "a little something."
My favortie candy of the moment is Ghirardelli Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree chocolate squares. One or two is just enough to satisfy my chocolate craving.
Posted by: Cathy | August 30, 2012 at 05:46 AM
Beautiful Patterns!! Snickers w/Almonds is my favorite candy! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Angie C | August 30, 2012 at 05:47 AM
Favorite candy - anything with chocolate in it.
Posted by: DebrafromMD | August 30, 2012 at 05:58 AM
A great giveaway! My favorite candy is Snickers but Heath bars and Peanut M&M are running "neck to neck" to overtake Snickers!
Gloria
[email protected]
Posted by: Gloria | August 30, 2012 at 05:58 AM
I won a giveaway that included one of the mini charm packs and I wondered what I would do with it. Seeing your adorable Mini Bites patterns makes me realize that there is a lot I can do with it--now all it needs is a friend...
My favorite candy is the Nestle's Nuggets in milk chocolate and toffee. Delicious. That reminds me that I need to go to the store...
Posted by: Helen | August 30, 2012 at 06:04 AM
Those mini charm packs are adorable. My favorite candy is Cadbury Mini Eggs.
Posted by: Laurie in Iowa | August 30, 2012 at 06:09 AM