Through the Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA), I was inspired by a program to make and donate hand-stitched hearts for local hospice organizations.

At about the same time, I became obsessed with a few different heart-shaped projects, and I started experimenting--with technique, with design, and with purpose.

A long-ago conversation with my good friend, the late Joan Hawley, popped into my mind and wouldn't let go. Back then, she suggested that the bird blocks from The FLOCK could become ornaments. Stiff Stuff, part of the Lazy Girl interfacing collection, could be the internal support for that proposed concept. The plan to convert FLOCK blocks to ornaments never materialized, and isn't in the cards. However . . .

The heart shape came later. Birds, flowers, nature, and mythical spirituality have become on-going themes as the inspiration for the designs.

At their inception, the Heart Fulls were simply a personal project, but the bright colors, whimsical designs, and easy felted-wool-applique-on-cotton technique combined with a passion for making hearts during a time of tumultuous world events. All factors seemed to collide to propel Heart Fulls toward a broader distribution of patterns and kits to share with you.

Whether you make Heart Fulls for yourself or for gifts, or if you connect with your local hospice, I think you'll enjoy making the fun designs.