Note to Iron Quilters--Lovely charms

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Some have noticed that the Lovely charms we've bought for the iron quilter contest are not the size we are used to working with as charms. They measure larger than 5". Mine measured 5-1/4" square. Some have reported that they are 5 by 5-1/4".

So before you cut and sew a significant portion of your quilt based on the usual 5" square block, you might want to measure and trim if necessary your Lovely charms. MSQC knows about it, has talked to RJR about it. Just be aware that these may not be what you are used to working with if you have used Moda or Kona charms in the past.

Just thought I'd share to spare some frog sewing.

[Judy, USMC]

Thanks for posting this as a separate thread. I bought 4 charm packs 2 measure 5 1/4 square. One is 5 3/16 square and the last is 5 3/16 by 5 1/8. I can work with uniform squares without trimming them to 5 inches - as long as they are all a standardized same size.

I'm sure you can understand how frustrating it would be to get packs that, even to RJR measurements, are now known to be shorter/smaller cuts. Luckily I can paper piece and will have to relegate these to the paper piecing stash ...

[kensington]

Will measure, one of mine was a bit askew... but I can fix that. Thanks Jean.

[Oleg]

If I'm making half square triangles or four patches, I can just square up the finished blocks to the desired size (4 1/2" I'm thinking?) It wouldn't benefit me to cut all the Lovely charms first since I will be using my squaring up ruler on the finished block anyway. Right? LOL
I get my 3 charm packs tomorrow, so it will interesting to see what awaits me (to say the least.)

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Just wanted those to know who this might affect. Frog sewing really isn't that much fun!

[rpettijohn]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that noticed that - it was odd, but thankfully none are smaller than 5"sqd

[Terri]

Don't like frogging myself! As I said in another thread about this....I had just finished a table topper/wall hanging size quilt from a lovely charm pack RIGHT BEFORE they announced the Iron Quilter contest. I didn't measure the charms before starting, as I was doing a D9P and it is pretty forgiving. But you can see where the seams that are "supposed" to match do NOT match. I haven't measured my 4 new lovely charm packs.....yet, almost afraid to. I did 4 or 5 other small tops (not sandwiched) while on vacation ALL from Moda pre-cuts and didn't have a problem with any of them, except for operator error. I am now convinced I will stick with Moda pre-cuts. I have used at least one other line and it was way off in it's measurements too. These manufacturers need to get their heads together & get these pre-cuts consistent.