Originally Posted by Blinky
You all got me thinking....I just thought these hearts were made individual...but maybe someone cut them from an old quilt and did a zigzag stitch around them.....
They are definitely cut from older quilts and then someone with a "modern" zig-zag machine caught the edges probably to prevent fraying... I think there's a "Wedding Ring" quilt in there by the looks of some of the curved piecing. Not sure they are very old.
If you have more hearts, then perhaps remove the zig-zag and carefully hand-applique each of them on to a matching red solid background. The shape will still show up; but better yet, a nice neutral would work as well... and look more vintage.
I'd do a small wall quilt and have it framed. (maybe 24 x 36 inches or a little larger?) It would last longer and look even more nostalgic. Good Luck.