Monday, January 7, 2008

Month 1 Tip

The layout of the nine charm squares in each block isn’t as important as selecting a charm square that will stand out as the smaller corner triangles. I find it very helpful to “audition” the block on a wall before actually beginning to sew and/or cut. If you don’t have a design wall, try purchasing an inexpensive flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth and pinning it on a wall with the flannel side out. You will find that the charm squares will stay up without pins, making it easy to move them around until you are satisfied with the layout.

5 comments:

alexis said...

Hello, Since I've never worked with charm packs before I need to know when I square to 41/2, do I leasve on the "pinking" edge or trim around it. Thanks

Karen at ConnectingThreads said...

Alexis, I see that no one answered your question. You can leave the pinked edge on or remove it, but personally I remove it because I'm not accustomed to pinked edges when I sew. I like the cut edge for sewing 1/4" seams.

Olivette said...

Hello,
I just receive my kit. I'm very happy. I live in Canada. I speak french but I can read english. I'm not very good for the english writting. My first question: Do I have to wash these charm packs before quilting them? Thank you.
Olivette

Karen at ConnectingThreads said...

Hi Olivette,
Looks to me like your English is just fine. Personally I would not prewash the charms. They measure exactly 5 inches right now, allowing you to sew some of the steps with no further cutting. I find small pieces are too hard to wash. This fabric shrinks very little, so no prewashing should be fine.

Olivette said...

Thank you Karen for your answer. I will follow you tip. The following question: Will I have to prewash the largest pieces of fabrics of the kit? Thank you very much.
Olivette