May Featured Maker and Pattern: Arcade by Donna McLeod of XOXSew
We’re over the moon to reveal our designer for May, Donna McLeod of XOXSew!
Donna’s featured quilt pattern, our May pattern of the month, is Arcade. For the month of May, Donna will be donating 100% of the proceeds from the pattern to the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA). For this month’s interview, we chatted with Donna about her collaboration with Modern Service Quilts. Read on!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your quilting journey?
I started XOXSEW soon after taking sewing classes at a local sewing shop as a way to combat isolation and to find a sense of purpose separate from parental responsibilities. I also wanted to learn how to hem my curtains and make Halloween costumes. After making my first quilt, I found it not only a joyful endeavor to finish a project but also therapeutic. To date, I’ve made about a hundred quilting projects but have yet to hem my curtains.
In 2019, I began designing and writing my own quilt patterns. They’re modern, easy-to-follow, and (mostly) quick-to-make projects with confident beginners in mind.
Why did you want to collaborate with Modern Service Quilts?
When I was approached to take part in MSQ, I have to admit I wasn’t sure about hopping on board because I’m not familiar with veteran issues. I mainly wanted to support my quilty friend’s mission. However, it was a humbling experience to learn and recognize the need to support those who have served, especially the underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Do you have your own personal connection to the military, service members, or the tradition of making honor quilts?
After joining MSQ, I learned that my grandfather and his brother served in the Army during WWII. My cousin and his family are active service members in the Army.
This month, we’re highlighting your Arcade quilt pattern. Why do you think this particular design lends itself well to becoming a modern honor quilt?
This quilt has a real “shield” quality to it and feels strong and personal. Its bold, simple lines are also really striking.
Do you have any other patterns you think could work well as honor quilts?
This Way Home or Story Hour could make a meaningful quilt for service members coming home after duty. Metropolis could be seen as a jet’s cloud path, while Sunset Bliss could be interpreted as a significant symbol of completing service.
Do you have any tips for making a quilt pattern appropriate for an honor quilt?
I’m not sure I have any specific tips, but I think really any pattern could work if it’s chosen with the intent to honor and respect those who have served.
You’ve chosen to support Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) with your Arcade pattern sales this month. What led you to choose that particular charity?
TAVA was founded in 2003 with the goal of ensuring that transgender military veterans receive fair, equitable, and dignified treatment from VA hospitals. It’s estimated that over 134,000 American veterans are transgender, and TAVA’s mission includes identifying and meeting their needs through advocacy, providing resources, and building community support.
Donna, we’re so glad to have you on board, and thank you for sharing this wonderful pattern with our makers! Head to Donna’s shop to purchase your own copy of the Arcade pattern this month. And don’t forget to share your work by tagging Modern Service Quilts (@modernservicequilts, #modernservicequilts) and Donna on social media (@xoxsew, #xoxsew, and #arcadequilt). We can’t wait to see the beautiful quilts you all make.
If you need information on donating your finished quilt to a veteran, check out this page.
We’ll be back mid-month with more information on the sample quilt we made using Donna’s pattern. Until then, be sure to follow us on Instagram for lots more photos and information and sign up for our email newsletter below.
