Need ideas for using charm paks.....5" squares
By coffeebreak
@coffeebreak (17797)
United States
January 4, 2012 10:09pm CST
do any of you quilters use Charm pak squares? THe precut 5 inch squares? They are sold in a pack and are all different colors. I have an opportunity to buy 100 for $20 but get 100 different colors and it is a good deal, but what do you do with them? If they were of several different colors and you got a couple of the same color I could figure that out, but 100 different 5" squares? I figure I could cut them angle to angle and then have 2 triangles of the same color...or mount them with a matching color and have 2 matching squares, but still...
I know I can do a scrap quilt but I am not to crazy about those.I'd like to do a little more than just put the squares together.
Anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what to do with 5" fabric squares? I have until January 31 to get them..without paying shipping! So please, let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks
2 responses
@cotruelove (1016)
• Denver, Colorado
5 Jan 12
I buy packs of precut squares at times from eBay. But I wait until I get them to determine color values, light, medium and dark. I look for colors in the squares that may be the same on several. I usually plan my quilt based on the color values, rather than the actual colors. Then I choose either a block that uses color values for part of the pattern, or I make one of my own with EQ7. If I find a group with the same color in the patterns, than I'll use it as the centering color for the quilt. Remember whatever you do in planning to make sure you allocate the seam allowance either 1/8" or 1/4." 100 blocks don't make a very big quilt when you cut them up for use. Enjoy the challenge!
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
5 Jan 12
Thanks cotruelove...my problem is I am having horendous trouble cutting squares with templates and rotary cutter...no matter how many times I measure and try..they always come out not even. I match them up and they don't match. I have even interfaced the fabric and then cut it...hoping the interfacing will firm the fabric up enough so that it doesn't stretch at all or move..but that doesn't work!
I have the chance to buy 100 5" squares and thought this might help me, in buying pre cut squares, but then again...I have no idea what to do with color squares that have no match! I know I can scrap and strip quilt with them, but I prefer something with not so much "movement" and something more coordinated. It is just the cutting that is such a problem.
But how would you do the color values? I mean, I have 4 same color values....now what? Do I just sew them together to make one block? Put matching color border between them? Cut them some how? Thanks so much for suggestions!
@cotruelove (1016)
• Denver, Colorado
5 Jan 12
I'm posting a link for you to see what foundation piecing is about and I think you will find it is the best to use. Since I found it, I don't do any thing else. There are presentations on YouTube you might like to check out in regards to Foundation Paper Piecing. MyLot will not post the link, so you will have to search YouTube for it.
The good part about strip piecing is the width of the pieces is not so important and the patterns can be bargello. I love bargello quilts they are very beautiful and the widths of the strips vary greatly. Let me know how it works and what you decide to do. I find it interesting when I find another quilter to talk to.
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
6 Jan 12
I always forget about YouTube! There's sure to be something there! Thanks for reminding me. I to am glad to have a quilter to chat with. I think you and me are the only ones! Do you have a page where you post what you have made? I enjoy looking at what others have done...it is inspiring and gives me ideas and the ambition to "keep on going!". I've been sewing for nearly 50 years and quilted about 20 years ago and nothing since, but my favorite style is applique quilting..I can applique on a block and then just do the strips. But now that I am getting back into it..I want to do more versions of quilting. Of course my first try is a night mare!!! But at the same time..it has given me pratice. I love the assembly line sewing that i "learned" on Quilt in a Day and have been practicing onthat and that is great! I just have this horrific problem of cutting the square and they be the same size when I sew them together that they were when I cut them!!!
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
7 Jan 12
Happy New Year, coffeebreak. I think maybe a project made with all different squares would be too busy! Ah, but I am from the old school where all quilts were made from free fabric we cut out of old clothes and neighbors exchanged their scraps to help each other have the right colors. Have fun with your quilting whatever you decide!
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
7 Jan 12
I know that is how it started and trust me...I give honors to those women that made them back then and under those conditions!!! They are really the true "Quilters Guild". And to look at them it is just awe-inspiring especially all those tiny stitches!!
I am a very organized person, so that is why so many different colors seems "busy" to me. HOwever, In perusing YouTube and quilting sites and store...I am seeing it in new light. Gets down to just how you put it together. Just a sashing around a group of multi colored blocks makes a huge difference in the layout. So I guess all is not lost! I ordered some 5" charm paks from a store 2 days ago... I don't know if I am going to be coherent by the time they get here as I am so excited and anxious to just look at the beautiful colors as well as start creating!
I learned how to make a pinwheel out of them and also about a 9patch that is "hidden" due to the way you cut it...so this is going to be the LONGEST weekend of my life!!!! I just hope they get here MONDAY!!!! Hurry up USPS!!!!
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