Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Distracted by 99 Charms Quilts

Who is determined to work on UFOs, WIPs and nothing new? Not me! 
As many of you already know, this year - for me - is dedicated to working on UFOs. My UFO/WIP list is long, but there are progress!  

So far this year, so good! I have finished several UFOs (need to take photos!!).
But it comes to a point where other projects are more tempting, like the '99 Charms Quilts'. I just needed to do something else, something new, and these easy, fast and fun quilts caught my attention! 

I have a big shoe box full of 5" squares, which I started to attack! 
First I made 3 quilts - here

I needed a break from stitching down binding on two big quilts and this is what happened:  


This one has a mix of brown, orange, red, green, turquoise, teal, neutrals


Blue and white, with bunnies in the centre, and a touch of red

I woke up one morning and the first I thought of was this bunny stripe! I knew I had it somewhere and knew I could use it in a quilt. 


The stripe was long enough to be divided into two. I had some leftover narrow strips I added in between the bunnies stripe. Blue as well as red 5" squares were used to finish the top. 
It's slightly longer then the other 99 Charms quilts

By getting distracted from UFOs as well as inspired to make these quilts, a dent in the shoe box is visible! 
6 quilts = 558 5" squares.
Approximately 11 yards fabric used - for the tops

I'm soooo glad I was able to use that bunnies stripe! The bunnies have been hopping around on the shelf for too long! 


Not empty, yet! 

The shoe box containing 5" squares is not empty (it was full when I started making these quilts). There are still some squares. There should be enough for at least one quilt, maybe two. I also have a small box containing 5" Christmas fabrics. I don't remember how much, maybe enough for one or two quilts. 
I don't think I have enough batting either, except if I do some frankenbatting (which is long overdue!).

Earlier this week I dived into the 'flannel shelf'. I found more than I thought I had! As if that was a surprise! LOL 
I haven't used flannel for a long time and didn't remember what I have. Some pieces can be pieced together. I have two flannels of the same pattern; cute teddy bears on blue and red background. 'Of course' they were not wide enough, not more than about 3" inches missing. I just made it easy by cutting each piece into half and added a strip in beige big dots on cream in the middle. Voila! Done! 


These are backing for the blue and red tops I posted here
Of course I forgot to unfold them to show the strip I added in the middle on both!
Oh well, I'll do it when they are finished. 



 

16 comments:

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

I really love the colours and patterns, Astrid!

Astrid said...

Thank you, Linda! These are so fun, fast and easy to make.

Carolyn said...

Good job! Sometimes you need a new project to energize things! I have some fabrics that I don’t want to cut up, but not big enough for a quilt. I may try to use some charm squares with them. Like you, I have several boxes of 5” squares I need to use.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

I know what you mean about having a lot of UFOs. But the quilts you are working on right now are adorable. I love the bunny strips- how cute.

Karen S said...

These are all looking at.
Love the way you used that bunny stripe in the quilt top.
Perfect way to use up those pieces.

Julierose said...

Love the bunny stripe addition to the squares, Astrid; so charming;)))
I want to attack my small UFOs so that I will get them "outta here"--they are hanging on hangers in my closet and keep on slipping down...
i also have quite a few 5" charms --all assorted--will try to make a few smaller quilts with some in scrappy fashion...yours turned out so well...
hugs, Julierose

Rosemary Dickinson said...

I'm so glad you used up the bunny stripes. They are just too cute. I love how you're using up all your scraps. You're using up so much of your stash. I wish I could do that. Maybe some day!

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

I love those bunny stripes! Your quilts are adorable, and yay on the diminishing stash.

Helenchaffin said...

Everytime I tell myself no more till I finish all UFOs & quilt tops, something amazing happens,a new quilt top is born!& now I have to look for bunny fabric 🤣🤣

Magpie's Mumblings said...

oooh - I love the blue one (not that blue is my favourite colour!). Great use for the cute bunnies too.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Lovely charms quilt, and I love this bunny stripes! Fun projects.

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Cute as the dickens! Yes, they are addictive, in a good way! Perfect use for the bunny stripe, too, Astrid!

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

So fun to use your 'parts' department to make quilts! :)

Vicki in MN said...

Sometimes we just need to start something new to satisfy that craving and then we can get back to the 'other' stuff! Great use of your charms!

Barwitzki said...

Fantastic!
Wow, all those squares, dear Astrid... at least you have a perfect selection of colors there, don't you?
And every now and then, you just have to break the mold—deviate from your plan. Lovely tops you’ve sewn there; it’s always great to get a top finished... I broke the mold myself and created a bag for the theater...
Wishing you a happy Sunday.

Astrid said...

Thank you, Viola! It's fun doing something new in between other (old) projects. I saw your bag, it's beautiful!