Charmed, I'm Sure (a giveaway)

It's time for Sew, Mama, Sew's May Giveaway Day, and my contribution is this set of charm squares.  Forty-two different 5" squares of Amy Butler fabrics from a variety of lines (Gypsy Caravan, Ginger Bliss, Charm, Belle, Lotus, Daisy Chain).  Just leave a comment and you are entered.  It's that easy!  The winner will be randomly chosen on May 20, and I will ship internationally.  

What can you do with a set of charm squares?  

I asked several Flickr friends and blogging buddies if I could share photos of their lovely quilts for inspiration, and they generously agreed.

 

Believe it or not, this was Pam's (Flickr name: flint knits) very first quilt.  Simple but beautiful (and look at those Amy Butler fabrics!). I wish my first quilt looked like this! Check out her Flickr photostream to see other crafts and her beautiful knitting! 

This is Elizabeth's (Oh, Fransson!) Charm Squares Baby Quilt. Wondering how it would look in different fabrics/colors?  What about this one or this one?  You can access Elizabeth's free tutorial for Sew, Mama, Sew here, and if you're interested in efficient ways of making your own charm squares (which are fun to swap), see her recent post here.  Elizabeth is leading an activity on charm squares at this Thursday's meeting of the Portland Modern Quilt Guild (see button in side bar to the right) so come back later in the week to hear all about that.

This beauty, featuring Heather Ross'  Far, Far, Away,  is by Ashley of Film in the Fridge.  Ashley not only makes amazing quilts, but she is a wonderful photographer as well.

Look what a simple four patch plus white sashing creates!   For even more eye candy and inspiration from Cristin (aka Hazelnut Designs), visit her blog, Sew This is My Life.

So many of you have enjoyed my value quilt, which I made in a quilt along led by Katie (Sew Katie Did), who does absolutely beautiful work!  Charm squares can easily be made into half square triangle units, especially when you have a tutorial to follow.  Thanks, Katie!

Any way you slice them, charm squares can make a simple but beautiful quilt.  This one is from Manuela (Katinka Brusselsprouts), and also features a free tutorial.  I can't wait to make one of these myself.  I'm picturing a wall hanging for the living room....

And last, but not least, is the fabulous Charm Bracelet quilt by Kate Conklin (Kate Conklin Designs).  

I bought the pattern as soon as I saw it and love to dream about making my own Charm Bracelet quilt with favorite fabrics (like Amy Butler) and choosing just the right framing and background fabrics!  You can purchase a copy of this pattern here, and take a look at her many other wonderful patterns while your there. 

Thanks again to Pam, Elizabeth, Ashley, Cristin, Katie, Manuela, and Kate! You've made today's post especially beautiful!

And, dear Readers, now that you've been distracted by all the lovely quilts, don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway.  Good luck!

With wishes, true and kind -- Joan

Updated 5/20/10 -- the giveaway has ended!