Using up Charm Squares

I have used up every charm square in the house on my latest quilt top! At least I hope there aren't any stragglers that I missed.

That includes 2 different charm packs and half a dozen leftovers including a flannel square (in one of the corners), a 30's style square and one square that just doesn't quite belong with the rest.

Both charm packs were traditional prints. One was in darker colors and a formal style. I never found the right project to use them in and never came up with any good ideas. The second was lighter pastels and a whimsical style. Every time I looked at it I was able to come up with a different plan that I wanted to start right away.

Instead I combined them both. I think the two styles go together in an uncoordinated way. Or at least they don't clash too badly.

My usual tactic is to come up with a design and use all the squares I can. Which always leaves a few orphans. This time I tried a new plan. A crib batting is about 45 x 60. So, I figured out how big I could go which in this case is 9 x 13 blocks or 40.5 x 58.5. As an added bonus I won't have to piece a backing.

I used the darker squares around the borders and the lighter squares in the center. I had to add about 20 or so background squares that came from my stash and not a charm pack. But, no leftovers after this quilt is done.

I like the result. The outside is filled with brown, burgundy and other dark colors and reminds me of fall. The center is light and bright with sherbet colors and reminds me of spring.

My sewing machine is now being serviced. While I'm waiting I'll get the quilt top basted and in a few months when it is cold and dark in the evenings I'll have a quilting project all ready to go.

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