Some quilt designs never grow old. Instead, their popularity continues through the ages. This describes America’s love affair with the versatile log cabin quilt. Beginners will have great success with this simple block. It’s a great way to use leftover scraps from other projects.
The log cabin design lends itself to countless possibilities. Just make simple changes in the color, orientation, size, and number of the blocks.
In a traditional log cabin block, one half of the pieces will be light while the others are dark.
Regular patchwork and paper piecing techniques are suitable for this no-nonsense block. For a quick and easy project, use the strip quilting method.
Without a doubt Eleanor Burns of Quilt-in-a-Day is the foremost expert on the strip quilting method. Year after year, her books on the log cabin continue to be popular.
Make a Quilt-in-a-Day Log Cabin Pattern is the latest edition. This has complete, easy to follow, step-by-step, color-illustrated instructions for eleven sizes from wall hangings to double kings as well as patterns for tote bags, ruffled pillows, and pillow shams. This is a great title for beginners.
In her anniversary book, Still Stripping After 25 Years, Burns has other log cabin patterns. Among these are quarter log cabins in five sizes, including a heart-decorated table runner that would be perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Updating the traditional log cabin
Recently, contemporary quilt designers have given this much-loved block a makeover. A New Look At Log Cabin Quilts by Flavin Glover from C and T Publishing reveals innovative updates for this adaptable block.
From this title, quilters can learn how to create all sorts of urban and nature scenes with these adaptable blocks. The design on the cover shows a street scene with a bunch of row houses.
This book has nine fast and easy projects made from square and rectangular log cabin blocks. There are complete, color illustrated, step-by-step directions.
Designer Sharon V. Rotz has given the log cabin quilt a jazzy, contemporary look in Log Cabin Quilts With Attitude-A New Twist On An Old Favorite, published by KP Books, a division of F and W Publications.
Instead of the evenly matched corners and perfect seams that are reflected in the regular log cabin, the author trims them at odd angles. The result is bold and eye catching quilts.
This easy to follow book has over 15 fun designs complete with color-illustrated instructions, full size templates, and appliqué patterns. Among the projects are totes, pillows, table cloths, table runners, a picnic quilt, and even a note card.
