Little Heart Blocks

I did it again.  I started another applique project.  This time it’s a journal-style quilt.  One heart for every day.  I want to honor a journey – a literal journey that is also a journey of the heart.  It’s beautiful and strong, difficult and impactful.  It amazes me yet doesn’t surprise me.  So there are hearts.  I need lots of little heart blocks for this one, so they’re small.  I think they’re cute!

So far this is all scraps.  I’ve started cutting 3.5″ squares and making the hearts.  Instead of my usual thread basting method, I’m using Cut Rite freezer paper cardstock to turn the edges in advance.  These are going to be stitched with the edges already prepared.  I’ll make it a really colorful quilt, and scrappy.  But there will also be structure.  I will introduce certain colors or fabrics to represent important days, events, or themes.

Unfortunately the idea struck months after the journey began.  (I do this too often, I think!)  Even though it will require extra work, and some of the calendaring will be representative and not exact, I believe it’s worth it.  Plus, who could be unhappy while stitching these little heart blocks?

I’ll work hard now to catch up, and then I can slow down.  I picture myself having a weekly stitching appointment where I applique 7 hearts at a time.  Typically I don’t love the heart symbol.  I have no idea why (My Heart, Today, is an exception, I guess).  But stars, they speak to my heart.  I’m a little surprised that I feel so drawn to this project, and to the hearts in particular.  It’s always fun to have something new catch your interest.  Wish me luck on catching up!  I have almost 300 hearts to make.  Surely I can do it!

Honestly, though.  Do you think I’m crazy?  Would you start something like this 8 months later?  What if the journey is a once in a lifetime thing?  Would it be worth it to catch up?  I’m curious.  These personal story quilts light me up, and I want to know how you feel about projects like this.  Please share!

Jennifer