The Story of a Charm Quilt

Charm Quilt

Hanging Quilt Frame

In days gone by this quilt pattern was called Odd Fellow and the pattern used was called Double Bitted Axe.  Ladies used to carry the pattern piece in their purse and when they visited they would ask to cut a few pieces from the lady’s stash of scraps, etc.  The first time John’s step  mother came to our house this happened to me — so I have first hand experience.  In this quilt no two pieces are cut from the same fabric.

The Charm Quilt was one I had always wanted, but it took me a while to get started.  Remember I told you my neighbor used to say doing a job is all in getting started.  Well, little by little I cut the pieces.  I’m not sure why I didn’t use the Double Bitted Axe pattern, but chose one called Casket.  Hopefully you can see the shape of the little pieces in the picture.

In 1987 I went to Europe with a group of quilters and met some wonderful quilters.  About 1990 two quilter friends from Holland came to the Quilt Show, held yearly, in Paducah, Kentucky and I met them there, then brought them to the Windy Knoll.  What a week we had.  They were in awe of the fabric stores in this country and we visited several — most of the time was spent talking about quilts.  I had enough pieces cut for the Charm Quilt and this couple had just taken a course in color.  This fit right in.  I have a large drapery table 5’x9′ in my work room and they laid the quilt out there.  After they went home I picked a row at a time up and hand pieced the little pieces  together.  It was a tedious job, but I’m pleased with how it turned out.  When I quilted it — I just meandered, but in long rows — perhaps to look like a stream of water.

At a later show in Marietta, Georgia it won the Viewers Choice award and, of course, I was thrilled.  I have not quilted in some time, but I yearn to quilt again.  I’d rather quilt than piece.  I have a frame hanging in my den ceiling that I can roll  down and put the quilt in.  At night, if needed, we can roll it back up so we can use the  floor space.  I’ve spent some happy hours seated by that quilt frame and, for me, it has to be one of the best parts of country living.