Quick Answer

If you love whimsical, character-driven quilts and want a quick, fat-quarter-friendly project, choose Mod Owls. If you prefer a larger, scrappy quilt with a timeless blend of modern and traditional elements, Posh Penelope is your match. Both use curved piecing, but they differ in size, fabric requirements, and overall vibe.

When you're browsing Sew Kind of Wonderful's pattern collection, two names often pop up: Mod Owls and Posh Penelope. Both showcase the brand's signature curved piecing, but they lead to very different finished quilts. Understanding those differences helps you pick the pattern that matches your skill level, fabric stash, and the look you want on your bed or wall.

In this comparison, we'll break down what each pattern offers based on the details provided, so you can decide with confidence. We'll look at finished size, fabric needs, and the overall style, then give you clear guidance on which quilter each pattern suits best.

Style and Vibe

Mod Owls is all about personality. The pattern features owl blocks with distinct fabric areas for hair, clothes, faces, and accessories. It's a playful, modern design that invites you to use bright, contrasting fabrics. If you enjoy projects that become conversation starters, Mod Owls delivers that charm.

Posh Penelope, on the other hand, is described as a 'fun scrappy quilt' that combines curves with on-point sashing and cornerstones. It's a perfect mix of modern and traditional elements, creating a timeless quilt. This pattern is more about the overall geometric composition than a central motif, making it a versatile piece for a traditional or contemporary home.

  • Mod Owls: character-driven blocks, great for showing off novelty or high-contrast fabrics.
  • Posh Penelope: scrappy, on-point layout with cornerstones, ideal for a cohesive but varied look.

Size and Fabric Requirements

Finished size is a major deciding factor. Mod Owls finishes at 70" x 73", a generous throw or small bed quilt. It calls for (42) 10" x 10" assorted fabrics for hair and clothes, plus fat quarters for additional hair/clothes and faces, and 6 yards of background (or 18 half-yard cuts of assorted backgrounds). This pattern gives you room to play with a wide variety of fabrics.

Posh Penelope is slightly larger at 69" x 80", which fits a twin or full bed nicely. It's a true scrappy quilt, requiring (168) 6-1/2" x 6-3/4" assorted focus fabrics for petals, (42) 5" x 10" background fabrics for corner sashing, and (42) 6" x 6" focus fabrics for accent corners. If you have a deep stash of scraps or want to use a range of fat quarters, this pattern is a great stash-buster.

  • Mod Owls: 70" x 73", uses 10" squares and fat quarters.
  • Posh Penelope: 69" x 80", uses many smaller cuts (6.5" x 6.75" and 6" squares).

Difficulty and Techniques

Both patterns rely on curved piecing, which Sew Kind of Wonderful is known for. However, the complexity differs. Mod Owls involves piecing curves for the owl bodies and then adding details like faces and clothing. The pattern is designed to be accessible, especially if you've used the Wonder Curve Ruler before.

Posh Penelope also features curves but adds on-point sashing and cornerstones, which introduces a different layout challenge. The on-point setting requires careful attention to diagonal seams. If you're comfortable with curves and want to expand your skills with a more intricate setting, Posh Penelope offers that learning opportunity.

  • Mod Owls: focus on curved blocks and simple assembly.
  • Posh Penelope: curves plus on-point sashing and cornerstones for a more advanced layout.

Tradeoffs to Consider

  • Character vs. Classic: Mod Owls gives you whimsical owl blocks full of personality. Posh Penelope offers a timeless, scrappy design that fits more traditional settings. Choose Mod Owls if you want a fun, modern statement piece; choose Posh Penelope for a versatile quilt that blends into any decor.
  • Fabric Cutting: Mod Owls uses larger 10" squares and fat quarters, making cutting faster. Posh Penelope requires many smaller cuts (168 petals), which takes more time but is perfect for using scraps. If you want a quicker prep, go with Mod Owls. If you enjoy sorting scraps and don't mind more cutting, Posh Penelope rewards you with a cohesive scrappy look.
  • Quilt Size and Use: Mod Owls finishes at 70" x 73", great for a throw or small bed. Posh Penelope is 69" x 80", better for a twin/full bed. Consider where you plan to use the quilt. Measure your intended space. For a larger bed, Posh Penelope's extra length helps; for a cozy throw, Mod Owls is perfect.

Pattern Details at a Glance

  • Happy Together: We are excited to introduce the Happy Together pattern which uses the Wonder Curve Ruler! 70" x 73" Materials: (42) 10" x 10" assorted fabrics - hair/clothes (4) fat quarters assorted fabrics - hair/clothes (4) fat quarters - faces 6 yards background OR (18) 1/2 yards assorted backgrounds 4 yards backing 2/3 yard binding. This pattern, which features owl blocks, gives you clear fabric requirements for a 70" x 73" quilt, making it easy to plan a scrappy or coordinated look.
  • Posh Penelope (Paper): Posh Penelope is a fun scrappy quilt that combines our love for curves with on point sashing and cornerstones! The perfect mix of modern and traditional elements that create a quilt that is timeless. Use Your Stash Pattern 69" x 80" Materials: (168) 6-1/2" x 6-3/4" Assorted focus fabrics (petals), (42) 5" x 10" assorted background fabrics (corner sashing), (42) 6" x 6" assorted focus fabrics (accent corners). This pattern is a true stash-buster, requiring many smaller cuts, and results in a larger quilt (69" x 80") with an on-point layout that adds visual interest.

Which Pattern Should You Choose?

Best for

  • Quilters who love whimsical, character-driven designs and want a quick, fat-quarter-friendly project.
  • Those who want a 70" x 73" throw or small bed quilt with playful owl blocks that showcase fabric personality.

Not for

  • Quilters who prefer a larger quilt (69" x 80") with a more traditional, scrappy on-point layout.
  • Those who dislike cutting many small pieces or want a pattern with a more uniform, geometric look.

Both Mod Owls and Posh Penelope are excellent Sew Kind of Wonderful patterns that let you enjoy curved piecing. Your choice comes down to the style you love and the size you need. For a fun, character-filled quilt that comes together quickly, Mod Owls is a delight. For a timeless, scrappy quilt with a bit more layout challenge, Posh Penelope is a rewarding project. Whichever you pick, you'll create a quilt you'll be proud to show off.