Following the horrific attack on Pulse Nightclub on June 12th, the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild put a call out to help make quilts for the survivors and victim’s families. Quilters all over the country, and many abroad, were quick to mobilize and began sewing, sending supplies, and doing everything they could to make sure they reached their goal.

Along with the two scrappy heart blocks I made for the quilts from the LAMQG (tutorial by Crimson Tate), I knew I wanted to design and make a complete quilt. But what should it be?

I grew up surrounded by love of all kinds. It was beautiful, and inspiring. And something to be celebrated. This is what I decided to focus on when I sat down to design my quilt. I wanted to create something bright and cheerful. And I wanted it to be bold, because LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE!

So, without further ado, here’s my finished quilt for Pulse!

Something about nested or double hearts just felt right. And I couldn’t help but set them against the high contrast of a checkerboard background. I kept the back much simpler, so the quilting and focal fabric really stand out.

I designed and printed the “love” fabric on Spoonflower a while ago, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect use for it. I just love how it looks surrounded by the rainbow of Kona Solids.

I used my favorite grey Aurifil 50wt to quilt around each heart, as well as on a few key diagonal, horizontal and vertical points.

I’m so pleased how this turned out. I’m already itching to make another one. And I’ve started writing a pattern for it, so stay tuned for that!

So, there it is. My quilt for Pulse. I hope it will bring the recipient some comfort in this difficult time. May it serve as a reminder that they are not alone, and they are loved.

I’m happy to report that not only did the Orlando MQG meet their initial goal of 102 quilts, they far surpassed it. The current total is over 1,000 quilts, and more are still coming in. If you want to see what other quilters have contributed (and get a good dose of the feels), you can search #QuiltsForPulse on Instagram.

LOVE WINS!

xoxo

Linking up with the 2016 finish-along for Q3. I finished something! Woo!