Thursday, May 19, 2016

the start of a traditional log cabin quilt

While I've made several variations of a log cabin quilt over the years, but I've never made a "traditional" one. Well, that is about to change!
Yesterday morning, over breakfast, I drew up a block and figured out some measurements. I immediately sewed up a few test blocks and I was happy that almost all my measurements were correct on the first try. That was before I had a chance to finish my coffee. (Ha!) As I was sewing, I decided that each block must contain some hoarded or precious fabric. It's time to use it!
These are my first four blocks......and if I can say so myself, I think it's going to be an amazing quilt!!! Each block will finish at 9".
I put together a little pattern sheet that lists the CUT measurements (available here), so you can make a block (or 100!) of your own. You know, if you have any scraps laying around that you aren't sure what to do with.... :)

One quick note...the pattern sheet isn't exactly to scale, but I just crowded my pieces on there anyway, so I knew how my block was shaping up. I used it to help me keep track of which pieces still needed to be cut.
mini design board is a helpful tool for transferring the pieces from your cutting table to your sewing machine. I've also found that it's helpful to sew up two blocks at a time, so you can chain piece, which saves time and thread.
These blocks are addictive! I love this diamond layout....
...but a straight furrow setting would be kind of fun as well. I could easily see spending a whole day making "just two more blocks"! It will be super fun to watch this one grow.

At risk of sounding like a broken record, I think THIS will end up being my new king size quilt...and I can still use up my basket of strings!!! Hurray!!!

36 comments:

farmhousequilter8 said...

I did what you are doing a couple of years ago during the winter using scraps. I made a baby quilt for a boy and then a baby quilt for a girl and then a full size quilt. I just could not quit making those log cabins. I set them all up in straight furrows......love love love my scraps and crumbs and love love love your blog. Paula in KY

Robby said...

I've been having trouble deciding on my next project. You know how it is, a million ideas, how to pick just one? I'm looking at this thinking that I now have a million and one ideas, but this might be the one. Look forward to seeing your progress.

Katherine said...

Twenty years ago my mother made a bunch of log cabin blocks and let me and my sister decide on the layouts for our coordinating bed quilts. I'm very much looking forward to doing that for my girls in a few years. :)

Jenny said...

Good luck - it's looking great already. Knowing the way you sew up a storm, I'm sure it will grow like Topsy in no time at all.

Lizjk66 said...

I have yet to make a log cabin quilt I love the fabric you chose.

Tami Von Zalez said...

I am on my second quasi-log cabin quilt, as I am utilizing log cabin squares along with other fabric pieces (i.e., the Daughter Quilt).
I tried to make my squares go from light to dark but that didn't happen for me. I need to pay more attention next time to placement.
Your creations always look so crisp and clean - great eye for color.

Tracybug Creative said...

All the Red centers!

Nann said...

I like the idea of using hoarded ("I can't cut this!") fabric. But "pieces that still need to be cut" -- did you consider cutting a bunch of strips in each of the lengths, putting them into stacks by length, and then just picking the top one off the appropriate stack as you go? (It's easier to envision doing that than it is to describe it.)

Frog Quilter said...

Beautiful. Can't wait to see the finished top.

Kelly Cline said...

I wish I had time to sew!! Your photos and color choices make me want to dive in!

DBrez said...

Thank you for the pattern!!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful!

Heather said...

These are beautiful already. My vote is to do the furrows. Have fun :-)

Heather said...

These are beautiful already. My vote is to do the furrows. Have fun :-)

Mary Marcotte said...

I've made a couple of log cabin quilts....they are always fun, fast, and easy. I chain pieced many blocks at a time--probably 15 or 20. It's a no-brainer process, which is nice because I often just let my brain wander without having to worry about which stack to take from. Just make sure you start the chain with the correct size/color and move all the other stacks away!
Have fun with this colorful, happy colorway and block!

Anonymous said...

ooooh these are all lovely and bright^^

Paige said...

Love that your centers are all red dots but different sizes. Thank you for the pattern sheet. What a great scrap project!

Lesley Gilbert said...

Thank you for taking the time to make and give away for free, your LOG CABIN pdf :)

Suzanne said...

Your post put me in a happy place! I love the dancing colors, the scrappy goodness and the trips around blogs. Thank you!

Diane Beavers said...

You are wonderful Amanda Jean! I too have always wanted to make a traditional log cabin. Everytime I watch the movie "New In Town", it reminds me of how simple it can be. Thanks for sharing your inspiration via the free pattern, that is truly appreciated.

bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jayne said...

Love this and thanks for the pattern sheet! One more amazing project I mt make!

Janine said...

I'm almost finished with my first ever log cabin quilt. I've loved the process and the finished design. I chose to go with the diamond pattern. I love the colors you're using. It will be such a happy quilt!

LJ said...

I sense a quilt along happening!!
Oh do start it?!

Lorna McMahon said...

You certainly do have the cutest scraps for quilting. And your blocks are all so happy! I like the furrow layout myself. Can't wait to watch this one grow!

Marsha L said...

Inspiring. Why are other peoples' scraps more appealing than mine?!?!?

coastal gray said...

Lovely! Always so inspiring.....

Janice Holton said...

I'm so looking forward to your progress on this! I love log cabin quilts. I haven't yet made one myself but it's on my "to do" list . Can you tell me how wide of strips you are using in this version?

Amanda Jean said...

Janice,

there is a link to the pdf in the post. :)

aj

gibbygoo56 said...

Beautiful quilt. I've never made a log cabin block. I just saw a quilt made from a hi de ho jelly roll on FB last night in the furrow layout. This may be a sign, to get on this one myself.

I adore this one and can hardly wait to see what happens next.

travelinsewl said...

Log cabin fun!

travelinsewl said...

Log cabin fun!

Louisa Enright said...

Gorgeous!! There is one of these in my future too. I made one with bigger strips a while back, and it's functional and useful and used a lot of my cut strips up, but I am so drawn to the bright fabrics and smaller strip size and the fabulous low-volume fabrics. Just have to clear my quilting plate first... So many projects, so little time!! I got one of those Log Cabin rulers--they come in various strip sizes--and they make cutting/measuring reallly easy. No need to figure the math size of each strip piece.

Cool Lizzie said...

I love your blog, and I love this log cabin. Any version of log cabin block makes my heart sing, and yours is no exception - fabulous!!!!! Thanks, you!!

Caroline said...

Thank you for the pattern. I think I will use it as my summer challenge to empty my scrap bin.

Pat said...

Beautiful blocks. I've never liked doing log cabins but your are lovely.

Lara Johnson said...

Those are so pretty! I'd have a hard time deciding which layout to use.