I Heart Mini Quilts with mini tut

[cmarion3]

Our church Holiday Fair has a Pride booth selling everything rainbow. Last year I made soft rainbow frisbees, magic wands, and cat toys. This year was too busy and so I only managed 4 rainbow heart mini quilts. Using bits and bobs from my tiny scrap bin, I turned out these 8 inch beauties just in time!



I pull out some muslin and draw out my shapes and guides. I use an indelible marker that will bleed through the fabric so I will be able to see the design on both sides. It will be hidden when finished. They always shrink a bit when stitched and washed, so allow for this...maybe a quarter inch or so more.

Then I pull out my box of tiny scraps and start layering up the colors, cutting them smaller if necessary. I go for lots of texture and variety in the colors. If absolutely required...I cut off bits from larger pieces of fabric. Either way, it really doesn't use up much stash.



I cover with a water-soluble stabilizer. I have one with a slightly sticky backing that works great for this. you can do it without the stabilizer by using lots of pins and being careful. And don't sneeze!



Then stitch over and around and about and then go over it again. The more the merrier. Great way to use up old thread too and almost empty bobbins.




I then dissolve the stabilizer in warm water and scrub the fabric together to raise some frayed edges to give interest to the bits and pieces. Then let dry. You may need to stitch some more at this point, but sometimes I simply glue wayward bits down.

Because you cannot see the original shape from the front, I place my front fabric over the heart, then stitch once around from the back. Then trim about 1/8" away from the edge of the stitching on the front to reveal the heart. Rough up this edge.

Then finish the quilt sandwich with a layer of batting and a backing piece. Stitch around the heart in any way you want. I just outlined in ever-expanding lines. Then add the binding and a hanger piece. Yay, done. Oh, I added a few beads too.

[craftylittlemonkey]

Be still, my heart! This is just the best post ever, I love it!

[BigBangMomma]

I love seeing your creative mind at work! Lovely pieces!

[LadybugsAndBumblebees]

They are indeed beauties!

[TheMistressT]

WOW! These are both pretty and cute!