Charming from Country Threads

There is a really interesting charm pack fabric design in this month's issue of Country Threads, by Tracy Wilson. You basically sew a square of 16 (4 x 4) squares together, cut off a strip from each side then mix the strips up and sew them back on. Tracy cut off a 3" strip, but being me (who hates following a pattern and normally just looks at a photo and then launches straight into it, working it out in my head and doing my own thing - I guess I have always had a problem with authority and being told what to do!) I cut off a 2 1/2" strip. What a quick and easy idea. I had a pack of Bliss charm squares so made 2 blocks, sadly not enough for a quilt, but I think I might make a bag or cushions from them. This is such a quick and easy idea. And with the right fabrics it could be really effective.

I wasn't really sure about the overall look of the quilt in Country Threads - even though I love the fabric range it was made in. Maybe because the sashings were the dark brown and I am a pastel girl! Actually, I like it on the cover (above) which is lighter, but the photo in the magazine makes it look very murky. I was intrigued by the idea, but the look of the quilt didn't really inspire me. But Sylvia, a very talented member of the quilting group I am in mentioned she found it interesting too so I put my misgivings aside and am glad I did.