1. Cut an 11″ block of background fabric.  (It will be trimmed to 10 1/2″ during the final step.)
2. Print the pattern I’ve supplied.  Please check the size of the pattern pieces to determine if you’re happy with the size as all printers are a bit different. Printers typically have a setting to allow for resizing if you prefer the pattern to be larger or smaller.
3. I used raw edge applique for my block.  Choose the method you’re most comfortable with. 
4. Cut out the pattern pieces and place them on the front of your fabrics.  Pin and cut.  
5. Wind a bobbin with fusible thread and place a cotton thread in your needle.  Sew 1/8″ from the edge around all of your applique pieces, including the fur for the gnome’s beard.
6. Position the applique pieces on the background fabric and …using a pressing sheet…iron the pieces in place.  As the fusible thread melts to fuse the fabrics together, the cotton thread will appear to float to the surface.  This is because there is no longer bobbin thread to hold it in place.  Give the top thread a tug and remove it.   Your applique pieces are now secure although they can easily be repositioned if you choose to.  
7. As I was stitching around the hearts, I lifted a bit of the edge and stuffed the heart with a bit of batting and continued sewing.  
8. Trim your block to 10 1/2″ if you plan to use it for CPQG comfort quilts.  
9. The process of including a free motion handwritten message will be described in the March 2023 BOM.  If you feel you’d like to be “in the know” now, just email me at KNutley1223@gmail.com and I’ll give you a heads up 🙂 

Note:  If you’d prefer to turn the edges of your appliques under, do so before stitching around each piece.  The remainder of the process will be the same as with raw edge.