Monday, January 26, 2009

Scrappy Log Cabins

I wanted a piecing project to dive right into once I finished the 'Purple Stars' top - and given that I'm seriously into cutting up my scraps, I thought a Log Cabin quilt that I'd envisioned would be the perfect thing.

Judy Martin is a wonder at piecing blocks that have other blocks inserted into them, and I thought I'd give it a try on a small scale. I'll have fun playing with the light and dark fabrics.

All blocks will have the same red print in the centre. I found the fat quarter in my stash and set about cutting up the 36 x 3 1/2" squares that I needed. I was only able to get 30 from the fq, but didn't worry too much, I just resolved to choose another 30's style print from my DJ box. I don't know if I had a psychic episode or something, but when I opened the box, there was another fat quarter of the exact same fabric in there. It had been a gift from Linda. I purchased my original fq in Paducah, I wonder if she had done the same. It was all a very happy accident.

I made up four blocks to see if I liked the pattern, and I do very much. What I don't like is that I wasn't careful enough with my seam allowance while making up the blocks, and the outside row is a little rumpled. I'm not going to pick the blocks apart however, I'll just let them be. I'm sure it'll all quilt out.

Yesterday I set about making up the other 32 blocks that I need, and I've made up all the blocks to the point where the last four rounds need to be attached. I'll need to make up eleventy-four half square triangles first. This is going to be the time consuming part. I've also paid better attention to my seams and these blocks are lovely and flat. I can't believe after all my years of quilting I can still sometimes err with silly things like seams!

These blocks have all been made up using the contents of my 2" scrap box. I'm thrilled to say that I can actually notice a visible reduction in the contents of the box. I did have to add some light fabric however, as I'd pillaged most of the lights for the green and cream leader and ender nine patches. (Ohh, and I have made up 51 nine patches so far!) I'll keep you posted with my progress :-)

Also, a big thank you to Shasta who has identified the purple block I was working on. I had no idea, and I'm thrilled to know it's called 'Dogtooth Violet'. I have found a similar free block pattern at Quilter's Cache - be sure to check it out. Thank you once again Shasta - I think I'll be renaming my quilt!

8 comments:

loulee said...

Spooky, I was looking through my Jelly Roll book last night and stopped to read about a design just like this, with the hidden stars.
Seems coincindences abound with this one Tazzie.

Idaho Quilter said...

Log Cabin block is a great way eat up those strips. The Star in the corner is a bonus. I love scrappy quilts the best.

Michele said...

Nice choice. I like the colours, I like the star in the corner, it's going to be gorgeous. And you're using up scrap strips - hurray!!!! Too funny about the same fq from Linda. :)

Happy Australia Day!

Hugs, M

sewkalico said...

These are lovely blocks with the extra star.

Lori in South Dakota said...

the first blocks had rumpled edges because your eyes were tired from all the tournaments! And I love the phrase--"it will quilt out" and I often use it on my quilts! (I once made a scrap quilt similar to a long cabin that had "boobs" in the center of each block when I loaded it, and yes, they quilted flat--my quilt got a "boob reduction!")

Katie said...

That's going to be wonderful! I look forward to seeing the blocks all together.

Jantine said...

I already loved log cabins, but those stars make it even prettier! I will have to remember this!

Lady of the Cloth said...

Love your log cabin star quilt, I want to make one and finally, by seeing your picture, I figured out the stars in the intersections, Yay! Thanks for sharing.

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