I finished this mini quilt a few days ago. It started off as a DrEAMi, for those that are regular readers. The fabric is month 2 of a 3-month fabric stash enhancer subscription that Dayna got me for Christmas. The fabric line this month was 'Be Mine' by Stacy Iest Hsu for Moda Fabrics. In December I'd bought the pattern, 'Strippy Improv' from Lisa at Love to Color My World which is actually for Christmas blocks. I recently had the idea to do a heart with this improv reverse appliqué technique. Lisa has done one too!
When figuring out what to do for borders, I had the brainwave to make a few little hearts in the same technique, and then I decided upon asymmetrical borders with different fabric, and so it grew into this mini. As soon as I opened the bundle of fat quarters, I knew I'd use the stripe for a binding and the postage stamps for a backing for whatever project I'd do with them. I love a stripe for a binding, and one on the 45 is even better!
I kept the quilting simple. Piano keys in the border and outlined hearts with a couple of 'ghost' hearts and it was done. Some was walking foot, some was FMQ. Although it's made me twitch a bit, I've left the inside of all the hearts without quilting, kind of liking the trapunto effect. I did add in the candy pink fabric because I wanted a little more variety in that big heart. The background dotted pink I used for the reverse appliqué is from Benartex, part of the 'Better Not Pout' line I used in my Shine quilt.
I put folded triangles in the corners for hanging and I remembered my satin label!
Now I'm ready for next year's Valentine's Day; meanwhile I'm enjoying it for a little while on a wall in my sewing room where my 'Blue Moon' quilt usually hangs. I love switching up the quilt décor. Next year it will go on the mailbox as my other little seasonal minis have gone. I need to make more of these mailbox minis, one for every month I'm thinking!
Quilt Stats:
Pattern: Strippy Improv is the inspiration; my own layout and my own drafted hearts
Size: 42" x 54"
Fabric: mainly 'Be Mine' by Stacy Iest Hsu for Moda; background is Benartex 'Better Not Pout'; a piece by Zen Chic for Moda is in the big heart and one small heart
Pattern: Strippy Improv is the inspiration; my own layout and my own drafted hearts
Size: 42" x 54"
Fabric: mainly 'Be Mine' by Stacy Iest Hsu for Moda; background is Benartex 'Better Not Pout'; a piece by Zen Chic for Moda is in the big heart and one small heart
Backing: 'Be Mine'
Batting: Hobbs 100% wool
Quilted: on my Bernina
Batting: Hobbs 100% wool
Quilted: on my Bernina
Threads: pieced with various; quilted with Essential cotton 50 wt Tea Rose
PHD Update
I'm moving along nicely! I am shocked at how many starts there are within the first two months - 14! However, PQ accounts for five of them.
I am so happy to have finished two UFOs in February! So far I am on track. Wish me luck. (Damn Joyful squirrels.) I need to finish 12 as one of the requirements for the Projects Half Done programme. I have 3 completed!
OMG
I have two: the main one is that I plan to turn this pile of RSC blocks from last year into a finished quilt!
Elm Street Quilts for OMG
Quilting Gail for PHD
You already know I love the heart mini! Two cat mats sound good, but how about one larger one for a certain fur friend?
ReplyDeleteOh Sandra, I love everything about your reverse applique improv heart mini!! I have a reverse applique project I started two years ago when our guild had Karen K Buckley as our national teacher. I need to get that out sometime soon and finish it. It's a heart too! You've inspired me! LOL
ReplyDeleteHearts are great all year round IMHO. I love the fabric on the back and the quilting is just right. The bindings is like a candycane! You are doing a great job with PQ this year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet finish. I fully support you making a fun mini for every month to put on your mailbox. How many do you have right now?
ReplyDeleteHow fun to make mini quilts for your mailbox, and this one is just perfect for February. There are so many clever little adds to this quilt, the mini hearts, the quilted hearts in the pink background, leaving the large heart unquilted. Very cool, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteLove the mailbox mini quilt. Do you leave them out in all weather? I may need to make some of those.
ReplyDeleteThe heart mini is great and you are doing very well with your PhD!
ReplyDeleteYour heart quilt is so sweet. It couldn't have stayed on our mail box, as it's often windy around here.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mini quilt. And what an awesome idea, to hand it on your
mailbox. I'll have to give that try for my mailbox. Have a great day!
SEW sweet, Sandra, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you put those RSC blocks together, too!!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of mailbox mini! I like to hang seasonal quilts on my front door; same idea. This is super cute!
ReplyDeleteWay to work all those pinks & reds into your mini. It'll be cute by your mailbox next year. Maybe time to work up a patriotic one for this summer if you haven't already!
ReplyDelete