A Splendid Sampler - First Block - Hearts Aflutter

Are you taking part in The Splendid Sampler? It seems like most of the quilting world is! If you'd like to know more check out the files in the link to the website.

The first block released on Valentine's Day was a heart applique. I've done plenty of applique over the years and usually use fusible web and finish with satin stitch but I thought I would try a different method seeing as the idea, for me at least, is to try new techniques.

I chose to use the back-basting method from Joan Ford which you can find here.  I haven't done any needleturn applique before but this seemed easy enough to get a neat finish. You start by basting the shape from the back, trimming around the fabric on the front and then after leaving it for a while you stitch it down, a small section at a time.

 This is my block when it was all done and pressed! Quite pretty I think.

This was the bonus block and I think I'll throw that into the mix as well. I may make some extras as we go too. I thought about making an extra heart block as I'd like to play around with different fabric options but I'll decide as I go along.

I have block 2 all cut out and ready to go so hopefully I can get that one finished in the next day or so.
Cheers,