Thursday, August 15, 2013

LE Heart Circle sample

This morning I woke up to the exciting release of the next part of LE. Each month seems to present a new challenge and this month is no exception so I decided to make a sample of the heart circle for my "brights sampler" quilt. I really wasn't sure how well I would be able to get those points to meet in the center but figured that I could always appliqué a circle in the center if necessary. I am actually really pleased with how it turned out.




So here is how I did it. As always, I am just showing what worked for me and by no means suggesting that this is the only way to approach these hearts. First I cut out the pattern of the heart from freezer paper. Using the same piece each time, I ironed the pattern piece to each piece of fabric, on the right side, and then traced around the pattern using a Frixion pen. Oops, I did not take a photo of this step or the next but nothing new here. I then put my background fabric over the pattern on my light box and glue basted each piece in place making sure not to glue near the points. I did make sure to mark the center point of the background with the pen so I knew where the point of the first heart should be sewn.


Before I began stitching anything I pinned all the points back before I started stitching. I didn't start taking photos when I first started but hopefully you can see what I mean.





I made sure to stitch hearts opposite each other as I went as it is much easier to match the center that way. I pinned each point in place before stitching and began my stitching about 1/2 inch or so before the point so keep its location under control. I am left handed so it is quite probable that these photos look backwards to you, no worry you would just be starting form the opposite side of the point.







The tiny football shapes in the center of the hearts were done in reverse appliqué as seen here.




For my brights quilt I may just appliqué this little circle in the center as I love the look of turning these hearts into a flower. So cute!




And finally here is how the sampler is coming along. I finished the EPP yesterday and love how it looks.




Now that I feel more confident, it is time to get busy with LE. I am truly amazed at how this quilt has taken hold of so many quilters around the world and once again want to thank Esther for sharing this pattern with us. I can't wait to see these little hearts in my LE fabrics but am delighted with how much this block will add to my Brights Sampler.

12 comments:

Dolores said...

You've done a wonderful job. Perhaps when you work on your "real" hearts, you can take photos of the steps you forgot to take here. Or not.

Marijke said...

You are really fast beautiful bright colours!
You can join the middle points as I do my flower points...
groetjes van Marijke

Raewyn said...

This is gorgeous - you have done a beautiful job of it. I have just had a lovely read-back of your blog, your work is lovely and LE is going to be a real masterpiece.

Carrie P. said...

great job. that does look like a tricky block. love all of them together so far.

Carla said...

Very pretty. I'm enjoying your progress on your quilt ; )

Anonymous said...

Just love your sampler and a fabulous job of the heart block. The LE is wonderful....looking forward to see what you do next. Marie (mlismor@optusnet.com.au)

Rachaeldaisy said...

Heather , you are brilliant to make a bright version and you are wonderful for sharing your technique. I would never have thought to leave the pointy part till last to make sure they line up perfectly.

Rachaeldaisy said...

Oops.. I mean sew the pointy bits first to make them line up .. :)

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

Nice job Heather and great tutorial.

Glenda said...

Hi Heather you are very generous with sharing your knowledge so a BIG thank you from me for the tutorial. Love love the colours. Cheers Glenda

Donna~~ said...

Wow, what a gorgeous heart circle! Really stunning! I really appreciate your taking time to show how you've done it too! Your brights sampler is really shaping up nicely, too. Could you please send me some of your energy (or quickness)? You accomplish so much, surely you have a bit extra to share?

Jane in Cumbria said...

I love your heart circle, and you work so fast!