Saturday, March 3, 2018

Lesson from a log cabin variation


   I have had this project in mind and on my to do list for a while.  This was seen at a quilt show in 2014----all floral fabrics and of course it called to me.

  I ran across several very similar designs on Pinterest over the last couple of years too.  So I finally sat down to figure out the pattern.  LOL......who knew?  It is a log cabin variation.  And I have done this several times with different value placement.








  Look familiar?   A log cabin block called quarter log cabin, or off-set log cabin.   It is the block that became the Faux Braid.  The divided placement of value--light on one side, and dark on the opposite-- was done by Sharon at Vrooman's Quilts and I had to make one.   This links to her tutorial using jelly roll strips. 







  I made not one, not two, but at least three quilts with this block.  And each one looks different.


 Done all in batiks.








   Done in floral fabrics.
  Actually, I did two in florals....one to keep and this one was donated to an auction.   This one used 2 1/2'' strips.










   Again, the same block using 2'' floral strips in a barn raising layout design.  For this one  I had to adjust the cutting measurements due to the size of strip I was using.













  This is a close up of the block in the inspiration quilt.
 Differences to note:
  • First, the starting square is over-sized for the strips. 
  • Second, the design is arranged on-point.  
  • Third, the value placement radiates from lightest in the starting square to darkest to the last logs added. 
  • The dark logs form a trellis design with a 3-D effect against the light areas.  


  My next step was to go to EQ7 and find a block to draft and color.  Then I can make a test block to measure.  (Imagine this block rotated to look like the above inspiration block.)
  I will actually print out a plain block and mark it up with values and measurement.


   A note on the starting square that is over-sized.  My logs will be 2'' strips, so they will finish at 1 1/2'' in the block.   I want the starting large square to be twice that size.  So for the square to finish in the block at 3'', I will begin with a cut square of 3 1/2''.   If my logs were narrower, I would still double the size for the starting square.

  Insight:   Lesson learned once again......from a basic, classic, simple block many design variations can be created.  

  •   The size of the logs can vary and alter the finished design.
  •   The arrangement/placement of value can change the appearance of the       block.  
  •   The setting placement changes it all.  
   I am not re-inventing the wheel, just breaking it down into simple parts.  The design process is difficult for some quilters and I get many emails about how I figure things out.  So this seemed like a great block to give some insight to my thought process.    
  My next step is to do some math, cut some fabric, and try a test block. It's the only way to  be sure it is what I want.  But for now, I have more rows to join on those boxed squares and backing pieces to join......good rainy day sewing.
Happy stitching.  

13 comments:

Ray and Jeanne said...

Beautiful quilts - I especially like the barn raising layout one. Isn't it fun to see a quilt and figure out the blocks and how it was created?!I love your repeating the lesson learned once again......from a basic, classic, simple block many design variations can be created. So very very true! ~Jeanne

Gene Black said...

It is interesting how the process works. It would have taken me a bit to figure out the block on this. When you show it, it suddenly looks so easy. When I get the opportunity to get back to sewing, I want to try this one.

Mary said...

Gorgeous quilts! Thanks for sharing.

Robby said...

Thanks for the thoughtful explanation. Funny how we all see things differently and it can take the perspective of another for the lightbulb to click. Everyone of these from the inspiration through your last one (so far) are lovely.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

This looks like a fun quilt. You get the sashing look without having to add sashing.

---"Love" said...

The blend of all the floral fabrics make this pattern special! All of the variations are beautiful; thanks for all the pictures and explanations. ---"Love"

Quilting Babcia said...

I do love the softening effect of the watercolor florals with this layout. I also try to challenge my brain to figure out how a block will go together and then draft it in a different size. This looks like a fun pattern to make!

MissPat said...

There you go again. Coming up with another floral quilt I just have to do. Good thing I have so many florals it won't be a problem.

Pat

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Thanks for the shout out and share. I love this new project and your perspective into the creation of building a block.

Janet O. said...

So many possibilities from one simple design.
I think the batik one is my favorite in this batch. :)

Mystic Quilter said...

A beautiful inspiration quilt Debbie, I look forward to seeing this quilt come along. Log Cabin and all the variations is a classic, so many settings available.

Karla said...

Gorgeous quilts - I really like the jewel colored fabrics!

Cheree @ The Morning Latte said...

They are all such beautiful quilts, especially the barn raising layout (a favorite of mine); always a unique touch when the quilt goes out into the border. I love it--and one of these days maybe I'll finally fit it into one of my quilts!

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