Saturday January 28, 2012
Quilting Forum members designed this 6" patchwork heart quilt block for a 2008 swap, and are using it again this month. The design is a natural for a Valentine's Day wallhanging and makes a lovely baby quilt. The heart block is assembled with quick piecing techniques, so it's super easy to make. For the swap, a different focal fabric was used in each half of the block (two pinks or two reds), but choose another combination if you prefer. You'll find instructions and yardage for a small heart wallhanging on the last page of the pattern.
Photo © Sophie
Friday January 27, 2012
This vibrant Snowball quilt block is assembled with a white on white interior and purple tips. A red heart is appliqued to the center of the 6" (finished size) block. If you're already into applique, the gentle heart will be a breeze, and beginners will find that it's a perfect first applique project (read my Needleturn Applique Basics for technique how-tos). The block is from a 2009 Quilting Forum event, where it was sewn by numerous members.
Heart Blocks by Sandy
Thursday January 26, 2012
The reverse version of the Capital T quilt block isn't seen as commonly as its counterpart -- where dark fabrics create the diagonal T-shape at each corner. Both blocks are assembled the same way, it's just the color values that are flip-flopped, but the two versions are unique enough that I felt a separate pattern would be a good option for the quilt block shown here. I've included instructions to make the block's flying geese units in a couple of ways -- both are quick-pieced but one technique results in no fabric waste. Choose the method that works best for the fabrics you have on hand. I saw some examples online recently of quilts made using this value layout, but can't locate them now -- the blocks looked wonderful placed on point.
More T Blocks
Capital T with Values Reversed
Single T Quilt Block Pattern
Thursday January 26, 2012
Hearts 'n Rags is an easy rag quilt pattern, one that you can assemble pretty quickly. The quilt is made with a combination of block types: squares with raggy heart applique, plain floral squares, blocks cut from a border print and another unit created by sewing two bars together. Mine is lightweight, with no batting, but I've provided yardage and cutting instructions for a middle layer if you choose to add it.
I machine sewed my hearts to the blocks and left their edges ragged, but didn't clip them. They frayed pretty well during a couple of washings, but feel free to clip into the seam allowance of yours to make them a little bit fuzzier.
Photo © Janet Wickell