Saturday, February 8, 2020

Quilt Reveal: Heart Quilt

When I learned that you could make a heart with squares and rectangles instead of triangles, and saw the sweet quilts that were made that way, I wanted to make that quilt.  But every February, when I saw a quilt that was made that way, I resisted.  I already have enough heart quilts. I need to work on some other holiday quilt, if I make a holiday quilt at all.

But then this month, I came across a quilt tutorial from Sew Can She. I was about to resist again, but then Project Quilting made it their challenge to make something with a heart on it. I can make this quilt and break out of my cycle of desire and resistance. How long can it take? One week max.

So I made it, adapting the pattern to make a small quilt. It took less than a week.


February 2, 2020. 02/02/2020 was the first global palindrome day in 909 years. The next will come in 101 years on 12/12/2121 and after that there will not be another until 03/03/3030. It was the 33rd day of the year and there are 333 days left.  The date is so special, wouldn't it be nice to have a quilt with a finish date of February 2, 2020 on it?  I started this quilt on that date, knowing there was no way possible I could finish it that day. I figure I can use that as a start date. Who said you can't put a start date on the quilt?

I decided to make a quilt with 20 blocks on it. I made the 20 blocks. I made the setting blocks. Then I realized there isn't a way to make a quilt on point with 20 blocks (If it is possible, please let me know how).  This meant I had to make the quilt with a straight setting.

While you are still close enough to the picture above, did you notice how perfectly the quilt sits on the batting scrap? The batting scrap is just exactly the right size.


Unfortunately, I had already chosen a border fabric when I took that picture. To finish it within a week, I birthed the quilt. I carefully cut the backing in two and pressed down the edges so that I could piece it like a pillow without having to sew any edges. The quilting would seal in the space where the pillow would be inserted.

However,  I made a mistake with the layers. I had the top on top so I could see the edges, the backing under it, right sides together, and the batting at the bottom. This meant that when I sewed it together, the top was upside down on the top and the batting was at the bottom. I had no access to the backing.  It is good that I had to piece the batting, because I had to cut into it to turn the quilt.  I was afraid that I would have to rip out sewing the edges, but once I had access to the back, I was able to turn it again to make everything be in the right  position.

I lightly quilted it so it would retain the sweet, minimal look.


Since the Project Quilting challenge is Put a Heart on It, let me show you the quilt on point so you can see the hearts! See, there are 20 hearts to represent 2020!

13 comments:

laughing gas quilts said...

Those little hearts are sweet! Nothing wrong with giving in to a little whimsy once in a while. And yes, I have completely screwed up when making a pillowcase finish. You were lucky to get away with just cutting into the backing.

Joyful Quilter said...

Where there's a will there's a way! This is the prefect instance to use that saying. (hehehe) Your little quilt turned out adorable - love all the pinks, especially the border.

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Sweet! Great motivator to make your heart quilt! I love those fun dates, too!

Kim Sharman said...

This little quilt is very sweet. Love the fabric on the border and the two little rogue hearts look fabulous. 20 hearts to match the date you started this pretty......perfect!

Kaja said...

That was quick work and a very sweet quilt to show for it.

Kate said...

A very sweet finish!

O'Quilts said...

great job...now, I kinda want to make one too!!

Kyle said...

What a great little quilt to commemorate the global palindrome.

PersimonDreams said...

lovely quilt and I'm impressed with your problem solving! thanks for sharing you're process!

Emily said...

Looks great and I love that border fabric. And I think it's great to put a start date on a quilt!

The Joyful Quilter said...

SEW glad to hear that the challenge allowed you to make a quilt that you have been putting off making!!

tierneycreates said...

I did not know you could make hearts this way - awesome :-)

Tanya said...

Well done! And in just one week, amazing!