Mini Modern Heart tutorial video is live!

This pattern is just too perfect for beginning foundation paper piecers to pass up! I HAD to record a video tutorial for it, too. ;) I'm kind of on a roll having uploaded the series for the Fierce Feathered Star less than a week ago. AND I have an unreleased pattern and video tutorial just waiting in the wings for you all, too! But that'll have to remain a tease for now.

Back to the Mini Modern Heart. I love this pattern for using up scraps. These templates allow for small scraps to be used, too.

I can't help loving scrap quilts! There's an economic element at play for me, it's like a bonus quilt because you didn't "buy new" [fabrics] for it. And it's always fun to revisit some really great prints that you've used for quilts from your past. It's a trip down memory lane!

But you don't HAVE to use scraps, charm squares (5" squares) would be perfect for this pattern if you're into buying and/or collecting pre-cuts. 

The video that I recorded is just under 30 minutes and will cover everything to need to know for successful foundation paper piecing, even if it's your first time!

Layout option for Modern Heart lap quilt

My Modern Heart quilt is done and I wanted to share the details with you! It finishes at 50" x 60" which makes such a great size for a lap quilt.

I made the Modern Heart block (click the link for your free pattern) a total of 28 times for this size. Here's the breakdown: 4 blocks each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. I also made 4 rainbow blocks (using every given color). This block is perfect for raiding your scraps and using low volume fabrics!

I pieced the blocks together in 5 columns total.  There are 6 blocks sewn top to bottom in columns 1, 3 and 5. The 2nd and 4th columns begin and end with 5.5" x 10.5" background rectangles to offset them and 5 heart blocks in between. See the diagram below for the block placement of my finished quilt.

Since I had partial strips of my background fabrics leftover, I seamed them together to make the 4 - 5.5" x 10.5" rectangles used to offset the even columns.

Once all of the columns were sewn, I pieced them together to form the quilt top.

I quilted lines horizontally across the quilt top about 1/2" apart and bound with a fantastic black & white striped fabric.

I'm so happy with how this quilt turned out and hope you will give it a try!

FYI: There is a full video tutorial for this block if you've never paper pieced and want to tackle this versatile method! Visit my tutorial page for more information.

Modern Heart Block

Like many of you, I've been moved to action as a result of the recent tragedy in Orlando. Quilters quilt. It's how we show love and support. The Orlando MQG is organizing a quilt drive. To donate your blocks or quilts, see their informational post here.

I came up with an easy foundation paper pieced block that reflects my own interpretation of a heart. If it's your thing, too, please download the free pattern and make and share, share and make!

If you're familiar with paper piecing, you shouldn't have any issues. The downloadable PDF is part pattern and part photo tutorial with the actual paper piecing templates included on the last page. 

UPDATE: I now have a video tutorial posted here on my site and on YouTube showing each step of how to make this block, even if you're new to paper piecing.

Here are a few of the visions I had for this block, but my all means: let your creativity soar!

Offset grid for a whole quilt:

Monochromatic blocks:

(Wouldn't ombre fabrics work well?!)

Shades of warm colors...

Let's be a blessing to the countless number of people affected by this tragedy.

Let me know if I can be of any help! 

Modern Heart Block

No Y Seam Feathered Star FREE pattern

The feathered star block is shown here at 16" square, I surrounded it with solid fabric to make a one-block baby quilt. Psst! I made a video showing how I draw/quilt those fancy feathers in the background here.

I've been working on a little project for you!

I wanted to make the feathered star foundation paper piecing templates that I've been enjoying so much available to you!  Oh yeah, and it's FREE!!  Get yours today!

I've had a lot of fun putting together different fabric combinations to make this block - some more successful than others - just being honest. ;)  I've also tested out this block in three different sizes that are included in this one pattern: 8", 12" and 16".

Here's the 12" version of the block. 

What I really like about this method is that it includes the precision of foundation paper piecing.   As I get more experienced in quilt-making, I've come to expect a certain level of point-matching and perfection.  To be honest (again), I don't want the burden of being perfect.  I'm trying to shed that.  But at the same time, when I can use easy methods to get a great outcome, I don't consider that problem-level perfectionism. :) Why am I telling you this?

Back to the pattern, so: foundation paper-piecing is accurate, that we know.  This pattern breaks down the seemingly complex block into somewhat small, easy-to-sew segments.  Those segments are joined by easy straight seams to form a 9-patch before the whole block comes together.  As the clever (or not - ha!) name so clearly indicates: there are no y-seams!  

Helllllo, cute & tiny patches! This is the 8" version of the block - THREE sizes are included in the pattern: 8", 12" and 16".

For me, I find straight seaming more comfortable and predictable, and I tend to get better results than when I sew y-seams. Better results make me happy!

I HEART SOLIDS!  Solids are always a good choice for this block.

Grab your pattern here.  

I'd absolutely love to see the fabrics you use and how you incorporate this block into your quiltmaking!  Share on Instagram using the hashtag: #noyseamfeatheredstar and feel free to tag me too, I'm @threadedquilting.

One more thing!  As an extra bonus, I've created a closed group on Facebook if you'd like to join up and show us what you've got going on, ask questions or just chat about quilty things.  I'd love to have you : Friends of Threaded Quilting Studio.