My sewing story started with a move to a new town and the purchase of a charming but tiny 1950s ranch house {White Rock Ranch}. Wanting to sew some cute things for myself and our new house, I took a series of classes at a local shop called Make in the Bishop Arts District. For a couple of years, I sewed garments, bags, and throw pillows…all the while my fabric stash was growing and growing. I kept buying and buying, thinking “clutch, apron, throw pillow, curtains.” Before long I had a full-blown fabric addiction. One day I had a light bulb moment and decided to make a quilt. My first quilt was a mother’s day gift for my mom. That one quilt turned into an obsession and it was the fabric that drove me to it.
For a couple of years I made quilts to sell and did the craft show circuit. It was fun, but tiring and I learned a lot of valuable lessons from my experiences. The thing I loved most about doing craft fairs was talking to the public about my work, textiles, and the art of quilting so my next step in the quilting world seemed very natural.
In 2010, I founded the Dallas branch of the Modern Quilt Guild and served as president for the first two years. It has grown into a large group of incredibly talented quilters, many of whom are my dear friends. My small group gets away twice a year (at least!) for quilting retreats filled with lots of sewing and even more laughs.
I live in a beautiful area of Dallas, Texas near White Rock Lake. I’m married to a funny, intelligent, and handsome man who even does laundry. We have a son named Benjamin, a daughter named Diana, and two miniature pinschers named Moose and Will. In 2011, I left my corporate job as a technical writer to stay home full time. I fill my days with toddler things, lots of quilting. and running the Moda Bake Shop. We are renovating our new old house {White Rock MCM} and I even added another hobby with a dollhouse renovation {Vintage Modern Dollhouse}.
My blog and pattern company are named Vintage Modern Quilts because I love the blending of opposites — modern fabrics with a traditional pattern or the blending of reproduction fabrics with bright modern colors.
Well hello! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am not sure where I saw it but are you in B.C. ? Your blog is so fresh. I am off to sign up as a follower : )
Your last name-Calle-is an unusual spelling. My mother’s family uses the same spelling-her aunt suggested they change it from Call to Calle years ago. They are from Ohio/West Virginia. Love your blog.
Cindy
My husband’s family name – they are Belgian and pronounce the name Call-e (like the dog breed)
I am a Moda dealer and trying to find the pattern for Stars & 4-patches. Can’t seem to find it.
Can you help me out. I would like to purchase it for my quilt shop.
Thanks,
Linda Jurva
What would one pay these days for the Bernina 440 QE? It sounds like a wonderful machine. teri
Hi Teri! The replacement model for the 440QE is a 500-something and I think they are close to $5,000. 440s occasionally turn up on Ebay so if you are interested in that model, I’d check there.
I see you live in the Dallas area, me too, and that you run the Moda Bake Shop? Does Moda have a physical shop or is it online only?
Just found your website, blog, etc. by following a recent Pinterest picture. You are now a “saved” site so I can regularly visit you. I am fairly new to quilting although I have seen most of my clothes for years. I so related to so many of your stories and pictures. After my husband passed away three years ago, I downsized into a smaller ranch home. I took the dining room and made it my sewing room. I am planning to add French doors from my family room to shut off my “mess” when I have patterns and fabric everywhere. I adored the picture of your dog and the “results” of cold weather. I live just outside Atlanta with a little Shi-zhu/Maltese who doesn’t like the cold either and for some reason my sewing room is where she too leaves her “accidents”. Want to explore all of yout site more. One more thing in common. My name is Diana also.
Hi, I need some quilting help. If you could please email me at [email protected] that would be so great! I am looking for help as far as the boho quilt. Thank you!
Hi! We purchased the pattern for Midcentry to make for a wedding present. Do you have a supply list to make this a king size quilt?
Thanks for the beautiful pattern!!!
Sandy