You may remember that about a month ago I posted about my current obsession with molas. Well, I gathered together the supplies to make one of my own! I've only just started and I can tell you two things: (a) it's harder than I thought it would be, and (b) It's a perfect travel art project.
To begin, I sketched out my basic image:
If I had known how difficult points were, I wouldn't have had so many in my design. Oy. But let no one ever say that I'm not ambitious! I always enjoy tackling a difficult project.
I worked on the mola on my recent trip to Nashville and I have it with me now on my current trip to Boston.
My progress is slow, but steady with lots of mistakes along the way. But I really believe that you only learn from mistakes, so that's the good news. I'm learning a lot. Seriously A LOT. And I'm enjoying myself along the way.
Here's what's in my travel mola kit:
My favorite innovation is the magnet in the lid of the green container, which is perfect for holding pins and needles in an unstable environment like a train or airplane.
I have provided links below for almost everything (the pouch is not the exact same one and the tin is something I've had kicking around for years):
            |
If you'd like to check in on the progress of my mola, follow me on instagram.
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. Yes, you can take pins and needles on an airplane in the U.S. And scissors with a blade length less than 4" are a-okay as well! :)
I’m a little confused by the execution … Are you sewing strips of black fabric to the blue? Or cutting the blue and the sewing it back onto black backing fabric? I’m excited to see it progress. I’d love to see an update on your incredible travel embroidery too! You rock!
I’m a little confused by the execution … Are you sewing strips of black fabric to the blue? Or cutting the blue and the sewing it back onto black backing fabric? I’m excited to see it progress. I’d love to see an update on your incredible travel embroidery too! You rock!
I’m a little confused by the execution … Are you sewing strips of black fabric to the blue? Or cutting the blue and the sewing it back onto black backing fabric? I’m excited to see it progress. I’d love to see an update on your incredible travel embroidery too! You rock!
I’m a little confused by the execution … Are you sewing strips of black fabric to the blue? Or cutting the blue and the sewing it back onto black backing fabric? I’m excited to see it progress. I’d love to see an update on your incredible travel embroidery too! You rock!
I’m a little confused by the execution … Are you sewing strips of black fabric to the blue? Or cutting the blue and the sewing it back onto black backing fabric? I’m excited to see it progress. I’d love to see an update on your incredible travel embroidery too! You rock!
I’m a little confused by the execution … Are you sewing strips of black fabric to the blue? Or cutting the blue and the sewing it back onto black backing fabric? I’m excited to see it progress. I’d love to see an update on your incredible travel embroidery too! You rock!
Points can be hard. Spread fray check in the tiny seam allowance and let dry. You can do this before or after you’ve cut an area. The patience to let fray check dry makes me put it on before I need to cut seam allowance so I do a few ahead. Also only cut just as you sew. If you are careful the slight stiffness from fray check will help with your needle turn applique. Make the tiniest seam possible. Ruth
Points can be hard. Spread fray check in the tiny seam allowance and let dry. You can do this before or after you’ve cut an area. The patience to let fray check dry makes me put it on before I need to cut seam allowance so I do a few ahead. Also only cut just as you sew. If you are careful the slight stiffness from fray check will help with your needle turn applique. Make the tiniest seam possible. Ruth
Points can be hard. Spread fray check in the tiny seam allowance and let dry. You can do this before or after you’ve cut an area. The patience to let fray check dry makes me put it on before I need to cut seam allowance so I do a few ahead. Also only cut just as you sew. If you are careful the slight stiffness from fray check will help with your needle turn applique. Make the tiniest seam possible. Ruth
Points can be hard. Spread fray check in the tiny seam allowance and let dry. You can do this before or after you’ve cut an area. The patience to let fray check dry makes me put it on before I need to cut seam allowance so I do a few ahead. Also only cut just as you sew. If you are careful the slight stiffness from fray check will help with your needle turn applique. Make the tiniest seam possible. Ruth
Points can be hard. Spread fray check in the tiny seam allowance and let dry. You can do this before or after you’ve cut an area. The patience to let fray check dry makes me put it on before I need to cut seam allowance so I do a few ahead. Also only cut just as you sew. If you are careful the slight stiffness from fray check will help with your needle turn applique. Make the tiniest seam possible. Ruth
Points can be hard. Spread fray check in the tiny seam allowance and let dry. You can do this before or after you’ve cut an area. The patience to let fray check dry makes me put it on before I need to cut seam allowance so I do a few ahead. Also only cut just as you sew. If you are careful the slight stiffness from fray check will help with your needle turn applique. Make the tiniest seam possible. Ruth
Julie…I am so impressed that you are willing to tackle any creative challenge! I love Molas! I have several Molas from my visit to the Guna Yala tribe. They are so beautiful and vibrant. Are you planning to add strips of colored fabric or colored thick thread? I look forward to seeing your progress. 🙂
Julie…I am so impressed that you are willing to tackle any creative challenge! I love Molas! I have several Molas from my visit to the Guna Yala tribe. They are so beautiful and vibrant. Are you planning to add strips of colored fabric or colored thick thread? I look forward to seeing your progress. 🙂
Julie…I am so impressed that you are willing to tackle any creative challenge! I love Molas! I have several Molas from my visit to the Guna Yala tribe. They are so beautiful and vibrant. Are you planning to add strips of colored fabric or colored thick thread? I look forward to seeing your progress. 🙂
Julie…I am so impressed that you are willing to tackle any creative challenge! I love Molas! I have several Molas from my visit to the Guna Yala tribe. They are so beautiful and vibrant. Are you planning to add strips of colored fabric or colored thick thread? I look forward to seeing your progress. 🙂
Julie…I am so impressed that you are willing to tackle any creative challenge! I love Molas! I have several Molas from my visit to the Guna Yala tribe. They are so beautiful and vibrant. Are you planning to add strips of colored fabric or colored thick thread? I look forward to seeing your progress. 🙂
Julie…I am so impressed that you are willing to tackle any creative challenge! I love Molas! I have several Molas from my visit to the Guna Yala tribe. They are so beautiful and vibrant. Are you planning to add strips of colored fabric or colored thick thread? I look forward to seeing your progress. 🙂
I will be following your progression in Mola making….you deserve a high-five for trying, for sure. Like Amy mentioned above…I would love to see the update on your travel embroidery piece. It was awesome when I first saw it…it must be beyond beautiful by now. Please share pictures. Sue
I will be following your progression in Mola making….you deserve a high-five for trying, for sure. Like Amy mentioned above…I would love to see the update on your travel embroidery piece. It was awesome when I first saw it…it must be beyond beautiful by now. Please share pictures. Sue
I will be following your progression in Mola making….you deserve a high-five for trying, for sure. Like Amy mentioned above…I would love to see the update on your travel embroidery piece. It was awesome when I first saw it…it must be beyond beautiful by now. Please share pictures. Sue
I will be following your progression in Mola making….you deserve a high-five for trying, for sure. Like Amy mentioned above…I would love to see the update on your travel embroidery piece. It was awesome when I first saw it…it must be beyond beautiful by now. Please share pictures. Sue
I will be following your progression in Mola making….you deserve a high-five for trying, for sure. Like Amy mentioned above…I would love to see the update on your travel embroidery piece. It was awesome when I first saw it…it must be beyond beautiful by now. Please share pictures. Sue
I will be following your progression in Mola making….you deserve a high-five for trying, for sure. Like Amy mentioned above…I would love to see the update on your travel embroidery piece. It was awesome when I first saw it…it must be beyond beautiful by now. Please share pictures. Sue
You ARE ambitious! Can’t wait to see this when it is done. I once tried Hawaiian quilting (a similar technique) but never got very far. Too many choices of things to do! You made me think of my mola dress, though–wonder if it is still lurking somewhere in a box…
You ARE ambitious! Can’t wait to see this when it is done. I once tried Hawaiian quilting (a similar technique) but never got very far. Too many choices of things to do! You made me think of my mola dress, though–wonder if it is still lurking somewhere in a box…
You ARE ambitious! Can’t wait to see this when it is done. I once tried Hawaiian quilting (a similar technique) but never got very far. Too many choices of things to do! You made me think of my mola dress, though–wonder if it is still lurking somewhere in a box…
You ARE ambitious! Can’t wait to see this when it is done. I once tried Hawaiian quilting (a similar technique) but never got very far. Too many choices of things to do! You made me think of my mola dress, though–wonder if it is still lurking somewhere in a box…
You ARE ambitious! Can’t wait to see this when it is done. I once tried Hawaiian quilting (a similar technique) but never got very far. Too many choices of things to do! You made me think of my mola dress, though–wonder if it is still lurking somewhere in a box…
You ARE ambitious! Can’t wait to see this when it is done. I once tried Hawaiian quilting (a similar technique) but never got very far. Too many choices of things to do! You made me think of my mola dress, though–wonder if it is still lurking somewhere in a box…
I made a Hawaiian quilt pillow cover once many years ago! Very similar!
I made a Hawaiian quilt pillow cover once many years ago! Very similar!
I made a Hawaiian quilt pillow cover once many years ago! Very similar!
I made a Hawaiian quilt pillow cover once many years ago! Very similar!
I made a Hawaiian quilt pillow cover once many years ago! Very similar!
I made a Hawaiian quilt pillow cover once many years ago! Very similar!
Yep. I’ve already started adding some other colors.
Yep. I’ve already started adding some other colors.
Yep. I’ve already started adding some other colors.
Yep. I’ve already started adding some other colors.
Yep. I’ve already started adding some other colors.
Yep. I’ve already started adding some other colors.
Great tip! Thanks!
Great tip! Thanks!
Great tip! Thanks!
Great tip! Thanks!
Great tip! Thanks!
Great tip! Thanks!
It’s the latter — cutting away and revealing the black underneath.
It’s the latter — cutting away and revealing the black underneath.
It’s the latter — cutting away and revealing the black underneath.
It’s the latter — cutting away and revealing the black underneath.
It’s the latter — cutting away and revealing the black underneath.
It’s the latter — cutting away and revealing the black underneath.
Hawaiian applique is similar. molas you are supposed to start with different layers of colored fabric and cut down and turn edges but I found more than 3 layers too difficult so I added on top. traditional molas from library books do that but not a lot. good luck. ruth
Hawaiian applique is similar. molas you are supposed to start with different layers of colored fabric and cut down and turn edges but I found more than 3 layers too difficult so I added on top. traditional molas from library books do that but not a lot. good luck. ruth
Hawaiian applique is similar. molas you are supposed to start with different layers of colored fabric and cut down and turn edges but I found more than 3 layers too difficult so I added on top. traditional molas from library books do that but not a lot. good luck. ruth
Hawaiian applique is similar. molas you are supposed to start with different layers of colored fabric and cut down and turn edges but I found more than 3 layers too difficult so I added on top. traditional molas from library books do that but not a lot. good luck. ruth
Hawaiian applique is similar. molas you are supposed to start with different layers of colored fabric and cut down and turn edges but I found more than 3 layers too difficult so I added on top. traditional molas from library books do that but not a lot. good luck. ruth
Hawaiian applique is similar. molas you are supposed to start with different layers of colored fabric and cut down and turn edges but I found more than 3 layers too difficult so I added on top. traditional molas from library books do that but not a lot. good luck. ruth
An ambitious project, for sure. What fun. We made digital molas in a PS class I took. That might be a helpful way to design them. You would see the layers in order, neatly labeled.
An ambitious project, for sure. What fun. We made digital molas in a PS class I took. That might be a helpful way to design them. You would see the layers in order, neatly labeled.
An ambitious project, for sure. What fun. We made digital molas in a PS class I took. That might be a helpful way to design them. You would see the layers in order, neatly labeled.
An ambitious project, for sure. What fun. We made digital molas in a PS class I took. That might be a helpful way to design them. You would see the layers in order, neatly labeled.
An ambitious project, for sure. What fun. We made digital molas in a PS class I took. That might be a helpful way to design them. You would see the layers in order, neatly labeled.
An ambitious project, for sure. What fun. We made digital molas in a PS class I took. That might be a helpful way to design them. You would see the layers in order, neatly labeled.
I have concluded that it is your great patience that allows you to be so creative. Well, besides having talent. I mean I was thinking about some of your many projects and envisioning me doing any of them (although making rubber stamps seems do able) and I simply cannot. I would prefer my paper craft or stamping. And only because I cannot wait for the finished product. My proof is all the unfinished cross stitch projects. Which I loved doing. But life always gets in the way. Sigh. I also appreciate that you always answer email. I have no idea how you find time. Last I checked there were only 24 hours in a day. Do you sleep? Just curious. I have my wine glass and am toasting to you and your future. May it be wonderful and everything you hope for. And please, never stop blogging.
I have concluded that it is your great patience that allows you to be so creative. Well, besides having talent. I mean I was thinking about some of your many projects and envisioning me doing any of them (although making rubber stamps seems do able) and I simply cannot. I would prefer my paper craft or stamping. And only because I cannot wait for the finished product. My proof is all the unfinished cross stitch projects. Which I loved doing. But life always gets in the way. Sigh. I also appreciate that you always answer email. I have no idea how you find time. Last I checked there were only 24 hours in a day. Do you sleep? Just curious. I have my wine glass and am toasting to you and your future. May it be wonderful and everything you hope for. And please, never stop blogging.
I have concluded that it is your great patience that allows you to be so creative. Well, besides having talent. I mean I was thinking about some of your many projects and envisioning me doing any of them (although making rubber stamps seems do able) and I simply cannot. I would prefer my paper craft or stamping. And only because I cannot wait for the finished product. My proof is all the unfinished cross stitch projects. Which I loved doing. But life always gets in the way. Sigh. I also appreciate that you always answer email. I have no idea how you find time. Last I checked there were only 24 hours in a day. Do you sleep? Just curious. I have my wine glass and am toasting to you and your future. May it be wonderful and everything you hope for. And please, never stop blogging.
I have concluded that it is your great patience that allows you to be so creative. Well, besides having talent. I mean I was thinking about some of your many projects and envisioning me doing any of them (although making rubber stamps seems do able) and I simply cannot. I would prefer my paper craft or stamping. And only because I cannot wait for the finished product. My proof is all the unfinished cross stitch projects. Which I loved doing. But life always gets in the way. Sigh. I also appreciate that you always answer email. I have no idea how you find time. Last I checked there were only 24 hours in a day. Do you sleep? Just curious. I have my wine glass and am toasting to you and your future. May it be wonderful and everything you hope for. And please, never stop blogging.
I have concluded that it is your great patience that allows you to be so creative. Well, besides having talent. I mean I was thinking about some of your many projects and envisioning me doing any of them (although making rubber stamps seems do able) and I simply cannot. I would prefer my paper craft or stamping. And only because I cannot wait for the finished product. My proof is all the unfinished cross stitch projects. Which I loved doing. But life always gets in the way. Sigh. I also appreciate that you always answer email. I have no idea how you find time. Last I checked there were only 24 hours in a day. Do you sleep? Just curious. I have my wine glass and am toasting to you and your future. May it be wonderful and everything you hope for. And please, never stop blogging.
I have concluded that it is your great patience that allows you to be so creative. Well, besides having talent. I mean I was thinking about some of your many projects and envisioning me doing any of them (although making rubber stamps seems do able) and I simply cannot. I would prefer my paper craft or stamping. And only because I cannot wait for the finished product. My proof is all the unfinished cross stitch projects. Which I loved doing. But life always gets in the way. Sigh. I also appreciate that you always answer email. I have no idea how you find time. Last I checked there were only 24 hours in a day. Do you sleep? Just curious. I have my wine glass and am toasting to you and your future. May it be wonderful and everything you hope for. And please, never stop blogging.
Julie, these remind me a lot of Hawaiian quilts. I’ve been sewing since 4th grade and thought, Oh I can make one of these, easy. Uh,no. So much harder than it looks!!
Julie, these remind me a lot of Hawaiian quilts. I’ve been sewing since 4th grade and thought, Oh I can make one of these, easy. Uh,no. So much harder than it looks!!
Julie, these remind me a lot of Hawaiian quilts. I’ve been sewing since 4th grade and thought, Oh I can make one of these, easy. Uh,no. So much harder than it looks!!
Julie, these remind me a lot of Hawaiian quilts. I’ve been sewing since 4th grade and thought, Oh I can make one of these, easy. Uh,no. So much harder than it looks!!
Julie, these remind me a lot of Hawaiian quilts. I’ve been sewing since 4th grade and thought, Oh I can make one of these, easy. Uh,no. So much harder than it looks!!
Julie, these remind me a lot of Hawaiian quilts. I’ve been sewing since 4th grade and thought, Oh I can make one of these, easy. Uh,no. So much harder than it looks!!