Design your own Stencil/When the words *I Love you* are not enough

*Ethnic Heart*

stenciled, hand-embroidered and machine quilted

If you have read my previous posts you will know that I been making my own stencils in a Silhoutte Cameo machine. In this case, I combined and modified two of their designs to achieve this particular one, which I called *Ethnic Heart*.

After the stencil was cut, I decided to do a monochromatic quiltlet and chose two shiva paint sticks to colored in on a white piece of satin fabric.

With the help of the sewing machine I sewed with thick Aurifil 12w thread all around the shapes. Once finished, I chose a 28w thread from the same color family to embellish with hand-embroidery.
This was an excellent project to do while watching the Winter Olympic Games...pausing my work when the ice skating performers were on, since it is my favorite part!

 I never chose white thread to sew on white fabric. I love to choose a light colored thread to give the piece a lightly colored background. Especially good are 28w Aurifil thread, which gives you just enough coverage that it plays beautifully with the light and adds interest to your piece.

Started sewing freely around the heart.

This is the finished quiltlet. It is for one of my dearest friends, to let her know how I feel about her because the words *I Love you* are sometimes not enough!

Happy Valentines Day!