I do love seasonal sewing projects, and I also love a mini quilt/table topper. When the two worlds collide, as they did this weekend, you get some great results. The quilt pattern is Mahalo Mini by Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life
You can download the PDF pattern for under $7. And how cute is that?
I used a variety of Valentine-themed fabrics for my project, but the pattern says a charm pack will work. The pattern gives directions for two piecing options: curved piecing or applique.
I opted to do machine applique. I made a triple layer of freezer paper template (surprisingly sturdy) and applied spray starch with a little brush to the edges before turning them over the curved edge of the template. I was pretty happy with how nice each one turned out. Each template is good for about three applications of starch, then the edges start to get soft and soggy.
It's been a couple of years since I have done any machine applique, so it took me a while to get up to speed. Jeesh, what a trial that was. Once I remembered the technique and machine settings I was good to go. I used a blind stitch and invisible thread on the top.
This is not a beginner project by any means, and I sure wouldn't want to do a full-sized quilt with this block! I enjoyed the challenge though and would make this mini quilt again in a variety of colorways appropriate for other holidays or seasons. Sherri's instructions are excellent. A 30°triangle ruler helps with the cutting, but if you don't have one, she includes a template in the pattern
The 14" size is just perfect for the end of my kitchen peninsula, where I like to keep a vase of flowers and a candle. I know I will enjoy this little piece for years to come.
Hope you all had an excellent weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed myself up in the sewing room.
Very nice- and seasonal without needing hearts on it. I'm working on-and-off on a wall hanging that requires many curved edges. The pattern has you clip the edges and use a glue stick and that seems to work too.
Posted by: sue s | January 23, 2023 at 05:40 AM
Beautiful! Sometimes I forget the satisfaction of a small, immediately useful project :-) I get so immersed in "big quilt" projects!
I also noticed your pattern binder...is that how you store your patterns, or do you simply use it while actively making it?
Posted by: Nancy | January 23, 2023 at 06:56 AM
Your little quilt is lovely. Doing a little quilt sometimes while in the middle of much bigger projects is so satisfying. It is done so quickly and you get to enjoy it right away!
Posted by: CarolE | January 23, 2023 at 07:26 AM
Your Valentine quilt is so cute with its themed red & white fabrics. ❤️🤍🌺 I can see how sewing a mini would be a fun way to spend a couple of days! Will you tell us about your pattern binder idea, please? Have a great week!
Posted by: Jan | January 23, 2023 at 07:47 AM
really adorable!
Posted by: Ina | January 23, 2023 at 09:09 AM
That mini-quilt is just darling! Great job of appliqueing those all on. Much better than the curved piecing it would entail otherwise. Gah!
Posted by: Sally | January 23, 2023 at 11:55 AM
So pretty! Nicely done.
Posted by: Jocelyn | January 23, 2023 at 03:47 PM
Love it!❤ I too love pretty little toppers for around the house. Reminds me of our Schnibbles days, which I think should make a come back😊
Posted by: Shelley Dionne | January 23, 2023 at 07:18 PM