A Valentine to You

I would bake you cupcakes if I could, but this is fun too!

First pull this half a heart off onto your computer and print it out.  It should print at about 1 3/4" X 3".  Gather up some "lovely" fabrics (snicker), and use this template to trace onto the back of the fabric with one of those fancy pens that are just for this purpose, or you can be like me and just find a pen that matches the fabric color.  Depending on how many different fabrics you have and what your personal preference is, cut out the half hearts.

I sewed mine together like so, so when you flip the one side over....it's um....I'm having trouble with my language skills here.  What I'm trying to say is that the patterns are on opposite sides.  Does that make any sense?  You can sew with the machine, but these are so small that sewing by hand seemed easier than hauling out the heavy machine.  Besides, there is something so soothing about a needle pulling thread.  You could also sing that song while you sew (so....a needle pulling thread, la...the note that follows so).  I sewed the seams a little over 1/8".

Leave a little opening on one side, not too big.  I find it easier for closing up the heart to put the opening low on the bottom half.  Now turn them right side out.  A chopstick helps for this task.  You can poke it around and push the fabric out.

Then stuff it with your choice of fiber fill.  I used some bamboo quilt batting that I didn't follow washing directions with and subsequently sort of destroyed.  Next, take your needle and thread and sew up the opening.  I crocheted a long cord with added in short cords to hang the hearts from, and sewed them on.  You could use ribbon too.  And ta da!!  Your house gets a Valentine too:)

This is my Valentine to me.  My friend, the lovely red-headed Laurie, came over to teach me to spin today.  Remember that roving that I dyed with Koolaid?  It's turning into some really cool yarn.  I think I may have developed another addiction;)

P.S. Thanks to Tortagialla for the technical assist on trying to figure out how to put the template in!