We were working on our Blockheads blocks back in December, which seems so long ago. I watched the Gringe with my grandkids many times over the holidays, and we often talked about having a big heart. I named the block ZEST for great enthusiasm and energy and, of course, a big heart.
Here is the link to the pattern download. But wait, there is more past the download!
This block is so simple that I had to play around with all kinds of options.
My 4″ block is half and half.
As I have done in my other blockheads’ posts, I have featured a few of my treasures. This week I am showing two pins, modalissa and Moda certified. But one of my favorite treasures is this pin that was in my stocking many years ago. That year, after all the gifts were open, bellies were full, and kids were down for naps, my mom brought out a huge sack for my sister and me.
Each item was individually wrapped and had a handwritten explanation about the history of the treasure. My sister and I spent the rest of the afternoon going through the makeshift stocking while mom told us all about the goods. This reminds me of how we all tell the stories about the meaning behind our quilts and the messages they leave behind.
I couldn’t help but incorporate my family into this quilt, combining 4 of the 4″ hearts to represent my three grandsons and one granddaughter.
To represent my four boys and one girl, I did the same but made them as 8″ blocks and will add this to my quilt somewhere. Every quilt tells a story, and mine would not be complete without adding these.
I was in the process of photographing these two blocks, and it gave me an idea!
I made a heart in a heart version combining the 4″ block and the 8″ block.
This is probably not the most efficient way to make this, but sometimes you just have to roll with it. Here are my notes to make your own.
Using the math from the blockheads 8″ Zest heart block, layout as shown above.
One ruler I am obsessed with is Simple Folded Corners by Antler Quilt Designs.
Cutting away the extra leaving seam allowances makes this process quick and accurate.
Here is half of the block. Join the two sides together.
When I told Doug I was going to be using his ruler, he graciously let me give away a few!!
So I have 3 of the mini Simple Folded Corners. Who wants one?
Leave a comment, and I will contact three winners directly for your shipping info.
Visit each of the designers listed below for their take on the ZEST block:
- Laurie Simpson
- Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
- Stacy Iest Hsu
- Robin Pickens
- Janet Clare
- Jen Kingwell
- Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co.
- Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts
- Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life
- Betsy Chutchian
- Jan Patek
- Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic
- Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings
Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.
Enjoy,
Modalissa
So cute! Also love the heart inside the heart! Great fabric too! Thanks so much for this design!
Hearts in quilts have always been a favorite of mine, and these are all beautiful. I especially like the heart in a heart block, plus the idea of including some to represent family. Thank you!
The pin! Oh, my heart; what a treasure to have your mom’s note with it!
And the heart representing each grandchild?! I’m totally copying you. Nine might be overwhelming … maybe a 9-patch of hearts … or a long row to be an accent insert in the quilt backing.
This is a cute block with a wonderful story, thank you!
Great block – hearts are always near to mine! Thanks for being a Blockheads designer – you are all great!
Love this and look forward to adding this to my quilt! Likely will make many more too!!!
Beautiful block with so much meaning. I would love the opportunity to win this tool to help me create this weeks block.
I’ve not seen that ruler, but it looks helpful! Love your blues!
Ohhhhh – I can’t wait to get this done or two or three. I was actually looking at your page the other day and thinking how cute is that? And it’s simple enough that I could do an entire quilt for my granddaughters 🙂 Any tool that helps in the quilting process is always a welcome. Thanks for the cute block!
I love your heart blocks! I should make 4 of these to give to my 4 grandchildren, all girls. I’ve been wanting a folded corner ruler, but haven’t bought one yet.
Love this heart. Glad to see the different sizes. It makes me want to pull out my reds & make one!!!
Adorable block! And my colorway is pink…yay!
Love the heart in a heart block!
This quilt is so full of LOVE and HEARTS! Just the process makes me happy! Thank you for your work on this cute Block!
Can’t wait to get started on this one!
Hearts and stars are my two favorite blocks. This one is wonderful and I love the heart in a heart! All the variations are so creative
Love this block so much!! I know it will find a way into lots of future projects as well as the Blockheads 3 quilt… great giveaway!!
Rulers do rule the heart!!!!! Love this!
Love your Heart-Felt block and story behind it!
I love the progression of your heart block. Ideas I will use in this quilt and others to come. Thank you!
Oh what’s not to amplify the love with the lock in a block! I need that ruler!
Thank you for the giveaway! Looking forward to making this block.
Love the heart…and the heart in a heart. Lots of possibilities on using this block! Thank-you!
I love this heart block. I especially love the extra ideas and the meaning behind your design. I may have to use the heart in a heart and the four hearts in my quilt.
Such a cute a block! Excited to give it a try. And how generous to be giving away rulers
Love your 4″ heart block inside the 8″ heart. That’s the one I will be making for BH3! Your stories behind the block(s) inspiration are special. Thank you for participating as a BH3 designer!
Wow! I “stumbled” across your blog from FB. Your historical background makes each item precious! When you can have such simple and meaningful stories, your life is full of joy! Adding you to my blogs I follow! Nancy
What an adorable square! Looking forward to making several Iike your idea of one for each grandchild. I will make in their favorite colors!❤️
You’re blocks are super cute!
I love this block! Especially with the smaller heart added inside. Thanks for sharing your technique.
Love this block! Love having a heart block in my quilts. And what a great giveaway, thank you!
I ❤️ the story behind your block- makes it that much more special!
Thanks for giving all sizes for this design. Looking forward to making both the 4″ and 8″ blocks. Making two quilts now that have folded corners, but have never used this ruler; would love to try it.
love your block and will be making several versions! thanks for a chance to win the mini ruler — fingers crossed! laurie
Love your heart in a heart! It made me think of a “mom” holding the heart of her children within her and always forever. I can think of so many things that this will be added to is remind the “kids” they are always in my heart! Thanks so much for the pattern.
I like the way you showed various ways to do this block. It will be interesting to see all the ways people incorporate their own ideas when making this block. Thanks for the pattern and ideas.
Love your heart in a heart, great way to sneak in another fabric. This ruler is wonderful-no more line drawing!
I’m loving the multiple hearts for your family! So inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Cute block! Can’t wait to get home and sew!
I love the pin… and the memories surrounding it… I collect antiques… Also I would love a Doug ruler!! He creates the best stuff!
Love the block Thanks
Looks like the ruler that will do the job! Thanks for the chance to win!
Great story for your block and a lovely block!
What a wonderful block! This is my first Block Head quilt and I am learning new techniques every week. Your “story” of the hearts representing your family is so sweet. I love being able to point to a specific block and explain to my granddaughters that they are represented in the quilt!
Nice block for a bit of breathing room.
Cute block. Will make it in several sizes, and first time doing multiple sizes with any of the blocks.
I would love to try the mini simple folded corner ruler. I have seen a few tutorials using it. Thank you for doing the giveaway.
So cute, so many possibilities
Love this Block! And would love the ruler give away! Thanks for your creativity!!
I love the heat in a heart version, that’s what I will be doing. Hearts are a favorite of mine. I will he happy to include this in my quilt story❤️
I’m SO living the idea of doing one heart for each of my 5 children, 3 boys & 2 girls. I could also add my grands, 1 boy & 2 girls! I absolutely love the items on your site. That sewing machine cover and the two handed hot pad are awesome! Thank you so much for the great ideas. That little ruler looks like a must have as I have nothing even close to work with!
What a great thought to include a heart block, as every quilt is made from our heart. Love your blocks with a heart for all the family you love.
I love your heart in a heart creation! ❤️ Thank You for sharing!
I love the simplicity of this block and can think of dozens of ways to use it. Thanks for the guidance!