Videos and Suggestions

Examples & Suggestions

Introduction to the Project:

What is the project about?

How you can get involved?.

What is Combat Stress? www.combatstress.org.uk

Why are there 1,568 hearts?

What will happen to the hearts after the exhibition?

How can you get in touch with a question? ww1hearts@aol.com

Introduction: How to Cover Your Heart:

You CAN pin directly into the calico, if you prefer, but if you do want to cover the heart with another fabric you need to take into account whether you have a fray or non-fray fabric, and if you want a removable on non-removable cover.

The next 3 videos show you these 3 methods with separate instructions.

Covering your heart with Non Fray Fabric:

If you are using a non fray fabric, the easiest way to cover your heart is one side at a time. This video will show you how.

Template for use with non-fray fabric

Print pdf on A4 at 100%

Covering your heart with Fraying or Constructed Fabric:

Scar visible

If you are using a fabric which frays easily, or which you have constructed (like patchwork) and you don't mind being able to see a scar on the back of the heart, this video will show you how.

Template for use with fraying fabric

Print pdf on A4 at 100%

Covering your heart with Fraying or Constructed Fabric:

Pillowcase

If you intend doing a lot of work on the fabric itself (like embroidery, smocking etc ) before you start pinning, making a pillowcase is probably the best way to go forwards. This video and the accompanying template will show you how.

Template for removable pillowcase

Print pdf on A4 at 100%

Pinning:

Which pins should I use?

Does it matter what length the pins are?

Can I add beads and sequins to the pins?

Making an Authentic Symmetrical Design:

A lot of the original hearts seem to have had a symmetrical shape cut and pinned onto the centre of the heart.* This video shows you the simple method of creating the shape from a square of fabric.

* Forget Me Not by Diane Grant

Lettering:

It maybe the lettering on the original pincushions which give them their greatest character. This video shows you a simple way to position your pins using a template, and therefore giving you much neater and regular lettering.

Thread Wheels:

These simple embellishments were often used on the original hearts, because they fill space quickly, and use only a relatively small number of pins, which may have been in fairly short supply. This video gives clear instructions of how to form a thread wheel.

Neatening the edges and adding ribbons or fringes:

This video shows you how to compete the edges of your heart, to give it a neat and 'finished' look. A bit like framing a painting, this really adds a touch of professionalism to your piece.

Imaginative Surfaces:

This video is in NO WAY exhaustive! It is meant as a stimulus to help you to 'think outside of the box' when deciding what materials to use on your heart.