I am in the best place in the world right now! 
I have just toured a warehouse full of a quarter of a million yards of fabric, thousands of notions, patterns and other quilting goodies (14,000 different threads alone!). Truly a quilter’s paradise.
Where am I? In 
In addition, to several warehouses, Moda has a 3,500 square foot “pretend” quilt shop—to inspire shop owners, a design center where fabric designers do their thing, a creative marketing department and a whole room devoted to preserving our quilting heritage.
Moda owner, Mark Dunn, is a fun and enthusiastic businessman who cares about 
“preserving the fabric industry” as well as creating quality fabrics and products. One of his focuses is to buy and preserve vintage quilts, fabrics and antique quilt making items, fabric mill books--we saw one mill book full of fabric swatches from the 1890’s and several from the early 1900s.
“We shop and collect items from around the world, and we are always looking for print ideas from vintage textiles,” said Mark.
Plus, he is a great host and is willing to “dress up” if asked to help create a festive environment for events. (See Mark in his Mexican mariachi costume—dancing it up for the crowd!) 
Marketing director, Lissa Alexander and the staff of nearly 150 Moda employees have created a fabulous environment for shop owners and guests (that’s me and Stephanie!) to see the inner workings of a fabric company as we get to watch Moda do its thing.
Tomorrow, we get to ride bikes (with big baskets) through the warehouse shopping for fabric and notions (just like Joanna did!), wander through the nearly 
1,000 UPS packages that get shipped out daily and get treated to lectures and classes. We will watch as thousands of yards of fabric arrive from the fabric mills located in
We will be smoozing with fabric designers: Deb Strain, Barb Adams and Alma Allen, Amy Bradley and Lynne Hagmeier.
Fun in a warehouse of fabric …that is about as good as it gets! Plus, it is Stephanie’s birthday today, and she got to “kill” a piñata filled with Moda goodies and prizes.
MODA HAS GOODIES FOR YOU
Moda has donated several fabric goodies for you readers as well! 
Make a comment and have you name entered to win some jelly rolls, fat quarter packs and charm packs of some the latest and greatest Moda lines—some that are so new that even the shops do not have them yet! Five winners will be selected. Please enter your comments by midnight on Wed, July 25th. And the lovely, Lissa will pick the winners.
Stay tuned for more Moda magic news.
comments
I love reading Quilters Buzz and Moda is my favorite fabric to use. I would love to win fat quarters.
Posted by: Diana Doiron | July 19, 2007 10:49 PM
Have you died and gone to heaven or what? I just don't think it gets any better than this! Happy Birthday to Steph. She is certainly celebrating in grand style!
Barbara
Posted by: Anonymous | July 19, 2007 11:00 PM
Hey crazy ladies..what a life you two lead!We're freezing our butts off here in Sunny (?)Australia.Thankfully we're surrounded by lots of quilts to keep us warm.See you in Oct..Biggest hugs Steph for a great day!xxCath
Posted by: cath | July 20, 2007 12:35 AM
Sounds just wonderful. I'd totally be rolling around in all that pretty fabric. Do the bicycles have little bells on them to warn pedestrians that shop owners are tearing through on their quest for the latest and greatest? :o)
Posted by: Lisa K. | July 20, 2007 12:43 AM
I love the insight you give us into the world of quilting fabrics. Moda's approach to fabric design and marketing is truly inspiring!
Karen
Posted by: Karen | July 20, 2007 12:53 AM
What an awesome opportunity...thanks for sharing your experience!
By the way, where did the name Moda come from?
Posted by: Shelly | July 20, 2007 1:27 AM
Oh my gosh what a wonderful way to spend your birthday. I am sure I don't need to say have a great time!
Posted by: Sarah | July 20, 2007 2:50 AM
OMG! What a FABULOUS thing to be able to do - love the way Moda supports its customers (both owners and us ordinary quilters) MODA ROCKS!!
Posted by: Caitlin O'Connor | July 20, 2007 2:59 AM
I want to come on the bike ride too!!!!
what fun , 14,000 different threads 250,0000 bolts of fabric.
and meeting the fabric designers...
heaven or what????
I love Moda's fabrics
Kathie in NJ
Posted by: kathie | July 20, 2007 3:40 AM
I'm drooling. Put me in the drawing please!
Posted by: karly b | July 20, 2007 3:52 AM
I'm drooling. Put me in the drawing please!
Posted by: karly b | July 20, 2007 3:52 AM
What fun it must be to wanter around that place for a few day!
Posted by: Vicki W | July 20, 2007 4:21 AM
Thanks for sharing your visit to this wonderful place! I'm sure you'll be dreaming about it for a long time. I would love to win some of their yummy fabric.
Posted by: Joan Gibb | July 20, 2007 4:28 AM
What a fun event! I love the blue display too.... cool!
pat sloan
http://patsloan.typepad.com/
Posted by: pat sloan | July 20, 2007 4:29 AM
I love seeing the sneak peaks of fabric!
Posted by: mj | July 20, 2007 4:38 AM
I can't imagine anything more fun than a bike ride through a fabric factory except maybe a bike ride through a fabric factory with thousands of dollars to spend! Please put me in your draw. Thanks.
Posted by: joyce | July 20, 2007 5:54 AM
I would NOT want anyone to pinch me to see if I was dreaming if I were in your shoes! A pinata with Moda goodies? Now *that's* a party!
Posted by: Ila | July 20, 2007 6:07 AM
I LOVE your blog! I am so glad you are back, as it's so informative about the industry. Thanks for doing a great job!
Posted by: cheryl | July 20, 2007 6:35 AM
What fun! I would love to see their production and warehouse. And I'm so glad to hear how Moda is working to preserve the quilting heritage. Very cool.
Posted by: Anita | July 20, 2007 6:48 AM
Moda goodies?? YES PLEASE :D
xoxo,
Jenna Lou
Posted by: Jenna Lou | July 20, 2007 7:00 AM
I had no idea Moda was based in the Big D...my neighbor! If only I could figure out a way to open my own quilt shop and maybe...just maybe....get to search through the warehouse on a bike! One day! Mode goodies could help me get one step closer :D
Posted by: Jessica | July 20, 2007 7:12 AM
Oh goody, prizes!
Posted by: Barbara | July 20, 2007 7:52 AM
love, love, love moda fabrics!
Posted by: soo | July 20, 2007 7:56 AM
Ohh that sounds like a lot of fun!
Posted by: Pam | July 20, 2007 8:05 AM
What a great company. No wonder everyone loves their fabrics.
Posted by: Annie N. | July 20, 2007 8:08 AM
woowee, gina! that bike ride sounds so fun!!
count me in on trying to get prizes :) !
Posted by: jessica | July 20, 2007 8:33 AM
Looks like fun! I wish my business trips were like that :)
Posted by: amanda | July 20, 2007 9:01 AM
Ohhh, how fun! You are right about being in quilter's paradise. Glad to hear you are having a great time. I'd love to wine some Moda fabrics.
Posted by: Cory | July 20, 2007 9:23 AM
You just lived every quilter's dream.
Betty
Posted by: Betty Donahue | July 20, 2007 10:26 AM
WOW that sounds like quilter's heaven!
Letty
Posted by: Letty | July 20, 2007 10:29 AM
Please throw my name in the hat for the Moda goodies. I would die to be able to visit their warehouse!
Posted by: Lisa D. | July 20, 2007 10:41 AM
Wow - you lucky duck!!! What an amazing treat. And who wouldn't want to win Moda goodies!
Posted by: kellie | July 20, 2007 10:53 AM
Sounds like a great event to take part in!
Would love a Moda jelly roll! :)
Posted by: Maya | July 20, 2007 11:38 AM
Exercise AND fabric? Win-win.
Posted by: Collette | July 20, 2007 11:39 AM
Wow! I am so jealous, I would love to do this!
Posted by: nettie | July 20, 2007 11:53 AM
Sooo jealous! Do they let the little people in to this fantasyland or do I have to open a quilt shop to get an invite?
Posted by: LadyMurph | July 20, 2007 12:17 PM
I am drooling with envy here. I can't imagine being around that much fabric and notions - it makes my spin. What heaven!
Posted by: Sandy | July 20, 2007 12:31 PM
What a wonderful opportunity for you to visit Moda! To see how everything comes together and to meet some of the designers must be a dream come true. Moda is my favorite - please include my name in the draw - good luck everyone!
Posted by: Marlene | July 20, 2007 2:06 PM
I really enjoy reading your blog, thanks! And I just love Moda fabric - they consistently have get fabric lines.
Anita
Posted by: Anita Monery | July 20, 2007 2:18 PM
Maybe I'm biased (pun intended) but Moda is the best!!!!!
Posted by: Maria | July 20, 2007 2:28 PM
What a wonderful experience - I think I might faint if I saw that much fabric and thread at once!
I'm off to stare at my overstuffed fabric cabinets now to remind myself I don't need to go shopping...
Chris
Posted by: Chris | July 20, 2007 3:15 PM
Moda, Moda, Moda!
Posted by: Pam LaReaux | July 20, 2007 3:27 PM
What a fantastic adventure!! I would love to tour the Moda factory. Shop Owners get to do cool stuff. Moda Rocks!!!
Posted by: Anna | July 20, 2007 3:39 PM
moda fabrics are inspirational- the colors, the designs, every time i design a quilt i pick at least one moda fabric. thank you for the peek into a great business.
Posted by: c. reed | July 20, 2007 4:55 PM
You have a great blog. I look forward to your updates. I am always amazed about what is happening in the quilting world...hmmm wish I could tour moda's warehouse!
Vickie
Posted by: Vickie | July 20, 2007 5:03 PM
Oh wow -- what a fantastic trip. I would be in quilting heaven!
Posted by: Angela | July 20, 2007 7:38 PM
I'm so jealous! That sounds like a terrifically fun excursion.
Posted by: Kari | July 20, 2007 8:31 PM
Oh "fabric love"! A jelly roll would be great too.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 20, 2007 9:37 PM
I would love to meet designers and see what fabric designs look like during the creating process. How exciting. (I would love a prize as well - can us Aussies join in as well- It is mid winter here in Melbourne - I need some brightening up!)
Posted by: Claire | July 21, 2007 12:37 AM
Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! Visiting Moda headquarters is a dream come true. Absolutely love Moda fabric. I'm a "Modaholic."
Posted by: Becky | July 21, 2007 4:06 AM
Sounds like the Moda folks are as lovely and interesting as their fabric.
Posted by: quiltwhinney | July 21, 2007 5:47 AM
Isn't that the coolest???? I was able to attend that event last year and was SO inspired. I didn't make it this year but was in the warehouse yesterday and saw some of you guys. Last year I taught Mark how to do the Cotton Eyed Joe and I got to name one of Sandy Gervais' patterns: Charming Hearts. I LOVE Moda and their people. Hi Lissa, Ducky, and Jennifer!!
Posted by: Gina Reddin | July 21, 2007 6:20 AM
Love the feel of Moda fabrics and the variety. Hope I win!
Posted by: Cathy | July 21, 2007 6:29 AM
Oh, does any gal wish to be in your shoes! What a great opportunity! I am so glad you have shared your trip with us. It would be very interesting to learn the process of the fabric from beginning to end! It has always intrigued me. Plus, from MODA....my most favorite line of fabric! Life couldn't be better!
Kristy in Washington State
Posted by: sophiesgirl22000@yahoo.com | July 21, 2007 6:45 AM
Now I want to move to Texas and work at Moda! What a fun place! I would love to win some Moda goodies!
Posted by: Kim Martens | July 21, 2007 6:53 AM
What a fun trip. I wonder if they have tours for the quilting public?
Posted by: catherine | July 21, 2007 6:55 AM
Moda fabrics just fill me with traditional English delight & quilting inspiration. Just what the doctor ordered to brighten up this wet & windy day.
Posted by: Annie of the English Lake District | July 21, 2007 6:57 AM
I could just imagine what it would be like to walk and feel all those lovely fabrics and smell the fabric smell that we all get when we enter a quilt shop. All the colors,and to see them all together. The prints, to look for all the hidden puzzles in them and wonder what the designer had in mind when choosing that print.All those who work so hard to make it possible for us to enjoy, Thank you!!! we (all quilters) do appreciate all the hard work.
Posted by: Susan Nieuwoudt | July 21, 2007 7:12 AM
What Fun! Happy Birthday Stephanie!
Please send pictures of you two on the bikes riding around in MODA Heaven!
Kim J
Posted by: Kim J | July 21, 2007 7:39 AM
It sounds like you all have been in Quilter's Heaven. I live close so can I come, too. I would love to tour the Moda warehouse. Moda fabrics are my favorites. I love the new jelly rolls and charm packs! I've got my fingers crossed that I win something!
Posted by: Patsy | July 21, 2007 8:20 AM
WOW! I'm green with envy. My business trips are so boring, I'll trade you!
Posted by: Lynn | July 21, 2007 8:31 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE....what a great place to celebrate..!! Margaret K.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2007 8:59 AM
Wow! Heaven on Earth! Yes!!! Jelly Rolls have opened up and excited my quilting hobby all over again, I am in Love!! Yes, I am "Jell'n'", are you!! :)
Posted by: Kim Jones | July 21, 2007 9:10 AM
Wow, I'm in. Thanks so much. And it's really nice to see you posting a little more again. I enjoy your newsletter.
Posted by: Christie | July 21, 2007 9:34 AM
Please enter me for your drawing.......I love Modas and especially Amy Bradley fabs.
Posted by: Carol | July 21, 2007 12:11 PM
Thanks for letting us in on your trip to Moda. Sounds like it was very exciting. If you go again how about an invite ;-) Love receiving email with articles from you. Always interesting. Oh and Happy Birthday Stephanie!
Posted by: Donna Smith | July 21, 2007 12:24 PM
Gina and Stephanie:
Too much fun! Happy BD Steph. We're anxious to welcome you both back to Cranberry Quiltworks to hear first hand of all the new stuff!
Lana Hutcheson
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2007 12:54 PM
What a way to enjoy a trip. Fabric, threads and great people. I usually use Moda fabrics if I can find the right one in the right color scheme I'm using.
Posted by: Aloya | July 21, 2007 2:35 PM
Sounds like lots of fun, and Happy Birthday to Stephanie. Wish I could have been there with you.
Posted by: Perry Dauzat | July 21, 2007 3:09 PM
wow!! you are so lucky. I would love to visit Moda. I just love their stuff.
Posted by: cathy | July 21, 2007 4:08 PM
Love that Moda fabric and those Moda designers are the best. And, oh yes, please enter me in the drawing for those Moda goodies. Thanks.
Posted by: Mary Ann Dove | July 21, 2007 5:13 PM
It sounds like a wonderful candy shop experience. The taste, sounds and smells of that colorful fabric warehouse come to life with your colorful description.
Posted by: Cathy | July 21, 2007 5:40 PM
When can I move in there??? What a wonderful experience for you! Karen
Posted by: Karen | July 21, 2007 7:43 PM
We can dream through your pictures and descriptions...have fun for all of us watching!
Posted by: Rhea | July 21, 2007 9:02 PM
Gina,
LOVE your blog. I have it at the top of my list to check. LOVE Moda!! I live in Korea and can only dream of visiting the quilt stores you have pictures of in your blog!
Posted by: Lisa | July 21, 2007 11:03 PM
.. pls Moda, can we have more vintage inspired fabric collections just for little boys. thanks
Posted by: kath | July 22, 2007 12:04 AM
Wow! You must be pinching yourself! What an awesome experience that must have been. Thanks for the great blog, I really enjoy reading it.
Posted by: Tracey | July 22, 2007 7:04 AM
Oh how I would love to go through Moda's "dreamworld". I'm proud when one of my countless creations has Moda supporting it. Thank you, Mark, for establishing a company that always is fresh with new lines to allow the commoner, like myself, to envision a new creation and sew/quilt that creation.
Posted by: Cindy | July 22, 2007 7:26 AM
I've been on the Moda tour, and it's just amazing. Mr. Dunn and all the crew are great, and Moda is a company that really cares about quilters and quilt shop owners.
Posted by: Teri in Indy | July 22, 2007 9:05 AM
(Somehow this got posted under Tracy but it was Cindy's post) Oh how I would love to go through Moda's "dreamworld". I'm proud when one of my countless creations has Moda supporting it. Thank you, Mark, for establishing a company that always is fresh with new lines to allow the commoner, like myself, to envision a new creation and sew/quilt that creation.
Posted by: Cindy | July 22, 2007 11:45 AM
I'm green with envy over your Moda tour and I just love the new Jelly Rolls. My favorite shop, Byrd's Nest Quilt Shop, has a huge display of jelly rolls and is starting a "Strip Club" tomorrow for us quilters to get together and sew those strips into some amazing quilts. I can't wait.
Posted by: Sandi | July 22, 2007 2:02 PM
Moda is my all-time favorite fabric. A few years ago I drove to Colorado with a friend. We stopped at several quilt stores along the way and purchased only Moda fabric's that would be used in my "Ungerground Railroad" quilt. It turned out fabulous.
Posted by: Cher from Edmond, OK | July 22, 2007 3:05 PM
Just discovered your site. Sounds like a dream.
Posted by: Teresa from Kansas | July 22, 2007 7:24 PM
When I was teaching Home Economics in OK in the late 60's I took my sewing students to the Mart in Dallas. I have never forgotten that, and I hope my students remember that experience too.
It would be fun to see all your operations too.
Posted by: Lynn Haider | July 22, 2007 8:38 PM
I love the Moda line of fabric. They have the best variety with traditional & brights to liven up everyone's life. I'd love to visit their location & see all the wonderful fabrics.
Posted by: Kathy | July 23, 2007 6:13 AM
Sounds like alot of fun. I love Moda!
Posted by: Jeanine | July 23, 2007 7:22 AM
I'm a new quilter and would love to get a bunch of Moda fabric to help my starter stash!
Posted by: Emily | July 23, 2007 7:33 AM
A quilter's dream? More like a quilter's heaven! Or a visit to paradise! I think I would be overwhelmed with such a treat! You are very blessed to be there...I think you'll need LOTS of wisdom to be able to decide what to do with ALL that information and major temptation!!! Have fun and enjoy the experience.
Posted by: Sue B | July 23, 2007 7:34 AM
Happy Birthday Stephanie!!
What a delightful way to spend your day. I love Moda, its great to see how they work so hard to know their audience from the shop owner to the shopper!
Jan Lutz
Posted by: jan lutz theapronlady | July 23, 2007 9:23 AM
Fantastic opportunity! BTW - I just love Quilter's Buzz :)
Posted by: Marisa | July 23, 2007 9:45 AM
Such fun! I have just discovered your blog, and I'm so glad I did! Not just because of the give-away, either! LOL!
Posted by: Nan | July 23, 2007 9:48 AM
Thanks for sharing your amazing adventures at Moda. I have just discovered your blog and look forward to whatever is next. I also love Moda fabric (and would love to win some!)
Posted by: Mary | July 23, 2007 10:41 AM
Moda is a favorite, great designers! I think this would be the vacation of a lifetime!!
Posted by: Marlene | July 23, 2007 8:40 PM
Hi Gina and Stephanie,
Wish I was in Dallas riding bikes with you. Anxious to hear about your MODA experience.
JONI
Posted by: Joni Ward | July 23, 2007 9:09 PM
Thanks for the Moda update. I love that line, especially anything that looks vintage or country. Moda is the best manufacturer around and once you begin to use it, your hooked, no other will do!
Posted by: Frances Mccauley | July 24, 2007 5:05 AM
Wow! What fun! Loved reading this post. :)
Posted by: Rita | July 24, 2007 5:53 AM
The East Coast Moda lovers would love an addition to our stashes too! Can you ever have enough Moda? I seriously doubt it!!
Posted by: Ellen Sickler | July 24, 2007 8:49 AM
Oh.....how FUN! I'm so jealous!
Now I know why MODA is my favorite :-)
Sounds like you guys are having
the time of your lives!
-Patty in MI
Posted by: Patty Pozolo | July 24, 2007 1:36 PM
I'm still hoping I will win some beautiful fat quarters. Thanks for offering all the prizes. Moda is the best.
Posted by: Diana | July 24, 2007 4:23 PM
I'm sooo jealous that you get such a big playground! Some day...
Posted by: K. Anne | July 24, 2007 7:46 PM
I am amazed at the vast and yet, so different lines that Moda has developed. Just when I find fabric I love, they come out with something even prettier.
I appreciate Moda having a link that shows the new lines coming out in the months ahead. The anticipation is exciting! I hope that they come out with more 54 inches of coordinating fabric for those of use for home decorating.
Posted by: Diane | July 25, 2007 4:34 AM
What a great idea. I might create some of my own with left over quilt fabrics so that I will have presized pieces when I need a quick project.
Posted by: Alison | July 25, 2007 7:21 AM
Like a dream come true! Just being there with all those fabrics...did they let you touch them? lol!
And the bikes! OMG-how wonderful!
One question: Are quilt shop employees allowed at this party???
Posted by: Lauri | July 25, 2007 1:20 PM
Oooh, please put me in the draw if I'm not too late & if postage to Australia isn't prohibitive. I purchase Moda fabrics almost exclusively. We get really frustrated in Australia though with our distribution system. Our dollar is so good relative to the US dollar that, at the moment, many of us are buying direct from US retailers rather that waiting for the fabric to reach us via our distributor.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 25, 2007 4:18 PM
Oooh, please put me in the draw if I'm not too late & if postage to Australia isn't prohibitive. I purchase Moda fabrics almost exclusively. We get really frustrated in Australia though with our distribution system. Our dollar is so good relative to the US dollar that, at the moment, many of us are buying direct from US retailers rather that waiting for the fabric to reach us via our distributor.
Posted by: Roslyn | July 25, 2007 4:19 PM
Moda, I am totally obsessed I think with this fabric.....it is a feel good make you happy fabric.......keep it coming
Posted by: Peg from Australia | July 26, 2007 2:07 AM
Pick me, pick me...I live in a quilting wasteland...have to travel 2 and 1/2 hours to the nearest bolt of Moda...and you are wandering amongst 1 million bolts...life is just not fair...
Posted by: Wendy | July 26, 2007 3:08 AM
I can not even imagine what a wonderful time you must be having. Fabric is on of my most faviorte things in the world.
Posted by: Vickie Alexander | July 26, 2007 12:12 PM