The cover quilt in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine issue 393 was designed and made by Judith Thompson of Wenonah, New Jersey. Four blocks and applique for the border were given in the issue. Download the PDF file to find two more of Judith's applique motifs. Directions for the skinny fabric stems appear below.
If the June 2007 issue of QNM is no longer available in your local quilt shop, order a copy online at www.VillageQuiltShoppe.com.
Skinny Stems
The bias fabric stems and the bias on the heart finish 1/8" wide. Here is a technique for making skinny bias strips. Mark the stem's or heart's curve on the background fabric. Cut a bias strip 1/2" wide and longer than the stem. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Position the raw edges of the strip on the marked line and the fold toward the inside of the curve. Use a small running stitch to sew the bias in place a scant 1/8" from the raw edges. Ease–don't stretch–the bias around the curve (Fig. 1). Then fold the strip back on itself to cover the raw edges and the stitching. Applique the folded edge in place (Fig. 2).
The cover quilt in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine issue 393 was designed and made by Judith Thompson of Wenonah, New Jersey. Four blocks and applique for the border were given in the issue. 
The bias fabric stems and the bias on the heart finish 1/8" wide. Here is a technique for making skinny bias strips. Mark the stem's or heart's curve on the background fabric. Cut a bias strip 1/2" wide and longer than the stem. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Position the raw edges of the strip on the marked line and the fold toward the inside of the curve. Use a small running stitch to sew the bias in place a scant 1/8" from the raw edges. Ease–don't stretch–the bias around the curve (Fig. 1). Then fold the strip back on itself to cover the raw edges and the stitching. Applique the folded edge in place (Fig. 2).
