I recently discovered the joy of charm packs. Not sure how I missed it before, but if you also don’t know, charm packs are 5 inch square samples of a line of fabric that are great for getting a good variety for patchwork projects at a reasonable price. I ordered the new Amy Butler line and Moda’s Apron strings, and they’re both fabulous. I also see on quilter’s buzz that Moda is starting to offer ‘jelly rolls’ that are 2 1/2 inch strips the width of the fabric. Fat Quarter Quilters also has a good selection of charm packs and patterns.
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Have you heard about Nickel Quilts then? The 5″ squares are sometimes called “nickels,” and there are quilters who just swap those in different themes. There are a couple of books on the market that specialize in quilts that are made from just nickels, they’re fun and there is so much variety. I like them because they don’t take up too much room and are easy (well, easier) on my storage space!
11/8/2006 @ 12:46 am
I’ve never heard of those, but they definitely look charming and I’ll have to check into them further. I’m not a quilter, but I love making other fabric stuff and love love love getting little mini pieces of fabric.
If you just want samples — and I don’t know if they’d have what you’re looking for, but they do have a pretty wide variety — I really like distinctivefabric.com for samples. If you place an order — even an order of samples — they give you even more samples for free. And their customer service is awesome.
KJ
11/8/2006 @ 5:50 am
Ooh! I love those sizes - so great for sampling and many little bits of projects. I’ve been wanting to organize a swap of scraps, all in this size. Hmn. Must do that soon! Thanks for the reminder!
11/8/2006 @ 3:32 pm
These are all great ideas ladies, thanks! I had never heard of nickel quilts before, but I’ll keep my eye out for patterns in the future. And a swap would be fantastic, count me in! I’ve also never seen that site before for fabric samples, I’ll definitely check it out. Just what I need, more fabric temptation…….
11/8/2006 @ 5:51 pm
Hmm, Hancocks of Paducah seems to have a much better selection than regular Hancocks. I am not a quilter, but that is useful.
11/9/2006 @ 1:07 pm
Oh I have never heard of Charm Packs, seems neat!
11/11/2006 @ 6:17 pm
Thanks for letting me know about charm packs, it’s a great idea, now I know to look for them!
11/14/2006 @ 10:18 pm
charm squares of any size are good. All kinds of scrap quilts patterns out there on the web for them.
I have lots of charms I need to get rid of…….used to own a quilt shop so have lots of leftovers, so if anyone needs packs of charms….I can do them up!!!
Trying to downsize my studio so I can actually see the tables!
11/15/2006 @ 12:36 pm
need some scraps to make a quilt dont have much monet got a new sweing machine for christmas used to sew them by hand could you help me out if you dont have some send to KAREN ROBINETTE 710 DYNASTY FENTON MO 63026 i would really appreciate itd for my new grand baby shes 4 months old thanks
3/4/2008 @ 5:37 pm
what’s the charm pack in the pic??
9/17/2008 @ 7:44 pm
duh I should read the whole thing - thanks… I love it!
9/17/2008 @ 7:47 pm
I love charm squares too!! Check out my new book “Charmed, I’m Sure” published by Martingale and Company. Moda has also come up with “Turnovers” which are 6″ triangles and “Layer cakes” -10″ squares, “Honey buns” -1 1/2″ strips and “Dessert Rolls” -5″ strips. You can use the 5″ and 10″ squares for the projects in my book, as well as the 5″ strips! Yummy!
12/25/2009 @ 12:02 am