After finishing up writing and publishing a new quilt pattern last week, I realized I had a deadline-free window right now (which is a rare feat for me, but one I’m actively striving to make more time for).
Anywho, I’ve been wanting to replicate that quilt (or at least make one inspired by it) ever since. Last Friday we had a crazy all-day snowstorm and I figured that was the permission I needed to cancel most of my plans, stay in my sweats and dig into and start cutting up 10-years-worth of stashed away vintage-inspired prints and scraps.
Here is a sanitized version of the mess that has ensued. I’m trying to cut and refold as I go, to maintain some semblance of controlled chaos. And so that the fabric mountain doesn’t get too out of control (or look too embarrassing for public consumption).
Here’s a shot at some of my blocks thus far. It’s very safe to say that I like where this is going. I wasn’t sure at first if it was going to look like a chaotic mess, but now that I’ve got a few blocks done and can stand back and look at them, I am super pleased.
I’m going very traditional with my piecing. Since sharing on Instagram I’ve had a few people ask about a tutorial to make these blocks. At some point I will write one, but if you’re anxious to start in the meantime, there’s lots of Log Cabin Tutorials online if you just search for them. I like this log cabin tutorial as it’s very similar to the way I piece mine.
If you like the accuracy of foundation paper-piecing, Amber from Gigi’s Thimble has a free printable log cabin template here.
There are lots of different methods and I give you permission to find the one that works best for you! I have lots more Log Cabin inspiration on this pinboard here.
Then I can take a stack of blocks and a stack of the next size strips and just chain them through my machine. I’ve also found this as the easiest method for making my blocks super scrappy – no two blocks are the same.
I also recommend sewing with a scant 1/4″ seam allowance as that will help your blocks stay accurate in size as they grow.
For my fabric choices I’m calling this ‘controlled scrappy’. I want it to look like it’s a very scrappy quilt, but I’m sticking with a limited color palette and choosing fabrics with a vintage-reproduction feel. I’m happy that my Gretel fabrics are playing so nicely with this bunch. The fact that I’m using pieces I’ve accumulated over the past 10 years means I have plenty to choose from. It’s a little bit ridiculous, but I’m feeling no-holds barred on using all the favorites.
PS I had a few people ask about my snazzy white cutting mat. It’s designed by Christopher Thompson for Riley Blake Designs. You can find them here and here.
I love your log cabin! They are very happy blocks. I have been making a spider web with patriotic fabrics. I think strip piecing is so relaxing! I hope you have more time soon to work on it!
OMG, I finally figured out how to comment. Suffice to say, after a year of reading, I love your blog! I too have homemade clothes memories from the ’70’s and some Sunnyside Ave. fabric. 🙂 Thanks for the inspriation!
This is an adorable quit! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and pictures! Precious fabric!
I just love it. I started quilting in the fall of 1976 after my high school graduation. Log cabin blocks were the second thing I learned after crazy quilting (which was all stitched by hand onto muslin with embroidery around the seams. I just loved the crazy quilt blocks and log cabin blocks and I really need to stitch one. I would give anything to have those first blocks I made as a young 18-19 year old. 61 now and have been back to sewing for about 20 years. I have lots of time to make up for.
I love log cabin quilts! You’re is gorgeous!
These are adorable. I have mountains of scraps and really should do something about them. I like this idea.
Log cabin blocks are one of the best uses for scraps!!
I made a prototype Manx block Sunday. Sew much fun! Thanks for the quilt lesson. Love learning about different methods. Especially if I can use up some scraps.
Adorable fabric used for these logs. Great work as usual Amy. I am now the proud owner of multiple yards of each of the fabrics in each of your lines. I am now broke (Hahaha), but so happy to begin using these luscious, memory-enticing fabrics. If I had to choose which I love most I would never be able to in a million years. Thanks Amy for your energy and cheeriness. You make my day!
Aww, thank you, Anna! You made MY day!
LOVE this log cabin, Amy!!
It is so cheerful! I have always loved log cabin quilts…. I have a log cabin flimsy made several years ago, now in line, awaiting hand quilting.
Thanks for sharing your process….I, too, like to cut my strips first rather than sew first and then trim… Cutting them first helps with accuracy which keeps the blocks consistent in size, making the blocks fit together like a dream….ask me how I know that!
Thanks for the inspiration you give us!!