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09 Apr 2007 07:11 PM |
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What are
Quilt Charms? Charms are small squares of fabric cut to a
pre-determined size, the size being dependent upon the specific
need(s) of the collector/user. My favorite charm size is 5″. It is a
size that is easy to cut and large enough to work with, yet small
enough not to be bulky.
There are also
other sizes, too… 1″, 2″, 2.5″, 3″, 4″, 6″, 7″, 8″, 9″, and 10″. You
rarely find anyone who collects charms over 10″ square, but when it
is all said and done, charms are any size that a quilter desires. I
am sure you can probably find someone who collects sizes not
mentioned here. |
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Collecting
charms is fun, and it can also become very addictive! There are
clubs and fabric swaps that are completely devoted to doing
nothing but exchanging charms. You choose the size you want,
contact another member to exchange information, and then start
sending your little squishy packets in the snail mail to another
participant. Charms are usually exchanged in lots of 10, but can
be traded in any other amount that is agreed upon.
Many times, collectors are particular
about specifications they want their charms to meet. Some people
request that their charms be pre-washed; some do not. Some may
want all blues, some may want all florals, some may want all
calico fabrics, some may be collecting 30s prints, some steer
clear of novelty fabrics, and so forth. It is entirely up to you
and your swapping friends as to what you want to exchange!
Charm quilts are everywhere and the
reasons for collecting charms vary. Charm are great for:
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Appliqué projects. Collecting
these small squares of fabric can really give your fabric
stash a big boost, bursting with color, texture, and
variety. |
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“Nickel”
quilts, in which the term “nickel” simply refers
to using 5″ squares in the quilt, are quite popular. There
are quite a few quilting books dedicated to patterns made
from nickel charms.
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Yo-Yo quilts (watch for
more information regarding these in the near future!). These
little, round, gathered “blocks” are used in a wide variety
of things, including (but not limited to): Quilts,
bookmarkers, doilies, tablerunners, embellishments (such as
flowers), etc. Here is an example of a few yo-yos
(approximately 2.5″ in diameter), which were made from 5″
charms:
Yo-yo quilts are, in my opinion, easy and gorgeous. And, unlike many
people think, there is much versatility in the pattern layout that you
choose to use. The most common yo-yo quilt is to simply use up charms
or scraps of fabrics, with many quilters choosing not to repeat any one
fabric in the quilt. Yo-yo quilts have no backing or batting,
therefore have a "lacey" appearance. As I collect charms
over the years, I make them into yo-yos and have developed a unique pattern,
shown below.
As more of these diamonds are attached, the quilt becomes more
difficult! Someday I'll update the photo with my progress, which is
currently at about 30 diamonds. This pattern is supposed to represent
"flowers", with each diamond having a yellow center and two green
leaves, one at the top and one at the bottom.
My mother has made several of these quilts over the years, and my sister
finished one last year that I designed for her. Of course, I can't
find a single photo of any of these right now, but will continue looking!
So, how do you make a yo-yo? Cut circles from fabrics (about 2.5 times
the size you want your finished yo-yo to be; you can also cut multiple at
once), then fold the edge over to the wrong side and use a running stitch to
sew around the entire circumference (In the quilt pictured above, I did not
fold the edges over, but chose to leave them raw. It is hardly
noticeable!). Leave a thread long enough to tug on, then gather the
circle up into a yo-yo. Yo-yos are attached to one another by an
invisible whip stitch. Typically, these types of quilting projects
cannot be laundered.
Right now, I am
not collecting charms, but there are several swaps (fabric
and block) on the
Quilting Passion Forum (basic
membership is free).
Let the charm square
addiction be contagious to all who read this! |
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