Another Surprise, More Options

While working at the house computer last night, I noticed a bit of red fabric peeking out of the pile of junk mail that no one wants to deal with.  Of course, I ignored the junk mail and tugged on that piece of red fabric.  Much to my surprise, another heart block materialized!

Wow!  I now have 9 blocks to work with instead of 8!  This opens up a whole lot of options that couldn't be considered before.  I mean, what can you do with just 8 blocks?  A linear wall hanging or valance?  A table runner?  A tote bag?  Two chair covers?  Eight mug rugs or coasters?  Four placemats?  A border on a girl's skirt or jumper?  A sewing machine cover?  Two armchair caddies?  Eight eyeglass cases?  Four tiny tote bags?  Eight apron pockets?  Four doll-size jumpers?  Eight pin cushions or needle keepers?  A dog jacket or four (depending on whether you're dealing with a German Shepherd or a chihuahua)?  A teddy bear or two?  Four Christmas stockings?  Two valentine keepers or notebook covers?

What can I now do with 9 blocks?  Now I can make a lap quilt or a baby quilt or a square wall quilt or a uh, uh, .... 

Lol!  I guess the options didn't increase all that much in reality.  Nine just seems so much easier to work with than eight.

A Call for Hearts

Whenever a natural (or sometimes unnatural) disaster occurs, quilters and other crafters open their hearts and want to put their hands to work to help those affected by the disaster.  It can be a little frustrating to hear that financial help is all that's wanted.  But Evie Harris (no relation) of New Zealand has come up with a way for crafters to use their talents to show emotional support and boost the moral of the people of Christchurch, New Zealand, recently shaken by a devastating earthquake.  She's asking people to make hearts with a string for hanging that can be displayed in public.  For more information, check out the blog that Evie set up for this mission:

Hearts for Christchurch - http://heartsforchristchurch.blogspot.com/

This sounds like a great activity for involving kids.  Perhaps you still have a heart-shaped candy box still hanging around from Valentine's Day that can be used for a tracing template.  I dug mine out of the trash a few days ago thinking it might come in handy for something - I just found that something!  If you don't have a box, there are lots of free heart coloring pages on the internet that can be used as patterns.  Dig out the craft supplies and have fun!