BlockHeads- ZEST

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:

Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Enjoy,

 

Modalissa

 

366 comments

  1. Janice Witteveen says:

    That is a really cute block! And you said it goes together quickly…. which I can use this week! Thanks! Love the heart in a heart and your 4 hearts that represent your grandchildren!

  2. Nikki says:

    Love the hear in heart block! I took the scrap from all the clothing I made my granddaughter and made heart blocks for a quilt. I cannot wait to add some heart in heart blocks. Thanks so much.

  3. Vera says:

    Thank you for the variations in your block, cute designs, I will put four of the 4” together, I love when small blocks come together! Thank for sharing with us all.

  7. Andrea Dukate says:

    This block is so cute and love the heart in a heart idea thank you for sharing and I would like to try one of the rulers Please <3

  12. Brenda Carter says:

    My 8 yrs old granddaughter loves the heart so I’m letting her make one to turn into a pillow. the ruler would help Her greatly

  15. Lori L says:

    Would love to try this ruler. Have seen many designers using it and I think it would be fun to try it out. Even more fun if it’s free. Thanks

  17. Kimberly Lantz says:

    I love everything about your block! The variations and colors choices are beautiful. Can’t wait to make this block! Thank you!

    • Susan Taylor Hambly says:

      What a wonderful Block. Even better was your story about the stockingand the pin. This inspires me to go through my little treasures and write a quick note about them! Then give them to loved ones.

      Thank you

  20. Laura C says:

    I was working on a bumblebee pattern and I thought, I could just stick these wings together and make a heart. And presto, your heart pattern appears!

  21. Lovie Ball says:

    I love heart blocks. Really like your heart in a heart. I have used a large heart as part of my quilt label. With the first name of Lovie, it just seems to fit. Lol

  22. Marlyn says:

    Hearts always make me feel happy. It full of love and don’t we all need that. I think the heart in a heart block is rather clever. Although, I do not have any children I do have little dogs that are full of unconditional love so making a heart for each of them must make it’s way into my quilt. Thanks for the heart block.

  28. Kaye says:

    Love all your meaningful hearts, but for me, it’s the heart in a heart. Thank you! The folded corners ruler has been on my wishlist for awhile!

  29. Sandy says:

    Oh my goodness! I just love heart blocks! I cannot wait to make some and put them in a quilt! I love how you say that every quilt tells a story! I am so motivated to get started! Thanks for sharing!

  30. Becky Lomasney says:

    I love this block. Sometimes the simple ones speak to us the most! They make quick and easy mug rugs for your friends too. Happy Quilting!

  32. Susan Taylor Hambly says:

    What a wonderful Block. Even better was your story about the stockingand the pin. This inspires me to go through my little treasures and write a quick note about them! Then give them to loved ones.

    Thank you

  34. Karen Tanner says:

    Love the idea of hearts for grandkids. I am going to let them pick out their favorite fabric for me and then make a wall hanging!! Would love the ruler to make life easier!

  40. Karen Gaither says:

    Lissa so glad you used the Mini FoldedCorner Ruler. Last year, Lisa Bongean used the tool on one of her blocks, so I ordered it from her website that day. I have not made any Blockhead 2 or Blockhead 3 blocks yet, because I am making myself finish a couple of quilts first. I have not used the ruler yet, but after watching the video I will used it instead of connector squares. You can also make something with the discarded triangles, since they are all the same size versus the scraps cut off connector squares. This might be my new favorite tool along with the Creative Grid Primitive Gatherings Rulers collection of itty bitty rulers with 1/8” grid markings.

  43. Mary Meek says:

    I love you story with this block. Inspired me to do the hearts for my grandchildren. I would love a ruler. If I am not lucky enough to get one free where can I get one? Thank you for this design, this is one I will use over and over. Love the 4″ size

  46. Pam Allen says:

    I would love to win this ruler. I would use it a lot. I especially like your heart in a heart block, which I’ve never seen before. Thanks.

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