Unlike the “Carolina Lily” quilt pattern portrayed in The Pattern, Book I of the American Quilt Series, this “Heart-in-Hands” design is not traditional. It was designed specifically for this book by author Jane Peart, and she offers it as a way of thanking the many readers of her books. She would like to extend a special thanks to master quilters Connie Chapman and Liz Miller for their instructions and for the execution of the actual quilt.
Supplies needed for a 10-3/4-by-9-3/4-inch patch
Background Fabric: gray/blue, small print or plain
Doves: white fabric
Border Trim and heart: red fabric
Outer Border: blue fabric
Hands: peach or flesh colored fabric
You will also need: Fusable fabric or Wonder-Under
Copy the overall design onto paper to make the basic template. (You may trace the design by hand or enlarge the above design several times in a photocopier until it is the correct size).
Cut and fuse the fabric squares according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then trace the pattern design onto the fused fabric squares. Cut out designs and place them in the desired places on the patch background fabric. Then embroider the olive branches that are held by the doves.
When everything is in place, remove the paper backing, and with a hot iron, fuse the design to the background.
Sew on the blue border. Place the square on the backing, which is layered as follows: 1. Fabric. 2. Batting. 3. Muslin.
Stitch down the various pieces of the designs (the doves, the hands, and the heart—with running stitch, button-hole stitch, or pin stitch).
For the 1-1/2-inch border, cut 4-1/2 feet of red fabric two inches wide. Fold it in half lengthwise and press it to the width of I inch. Sew around front of patch, turn it over, and hand stitch it down.