Looking at a Log Cabin quilt, you would think it is so simple. And it is, or can be eventually. As mentioned in my previous post, I am using the Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool, which is terrific. I got the idea for the Log Cabin project from a YouTube video called Hope Blooms Log Cabin Quilt put out by the folks at Fatquarter Shop.
The ruler comes with detailed instructions. Fatquartershop also has a free Hope Blooms Log Cabin Block pattern you can print out, which shows you how to use the Creative Grids Log Cabin ruler to make their version of the quilt My first pitfall was trying to follow both pattern instructions at the same time. I realized at some point in making my first block that the patterns were reversed in their use of dark and light strips. If you are cutting strips to measure, it is important to get the lights cut to the right length and the darks cut to the lengths they need to be. You cannot interchange them, as they are different lengths. Also one pattern numbered the strips in order of use, and the other pattern used letters of the alphabet.
I tell you, I sat for the longest time staring at those two sets of directions and ended up more confused than ever. So, my advice is--if you use the tool pick one set of directions and don't confuse yourself with even looking at another set! You notice in my photo above, I have little scraps of paper with the Fatquartershop letters of the alphabet as well as my numbered pins that correspond to the Creative Grids ruler. I was making myself unnecessarily crazy.
The second pitfall is: know that you are going to have to end up cutting more strips. The main reason for this is that you will want to use certain colors or fabrics in the various "rounds" and you'll find you did not cut enough of whatever it is you need to achieve your desired effect. Believe me, you will end up cutting extra strips of certain colors.
You notice in my dark fabrics, the first round is light grey, the second round is a darker grey and the third round is black. Just trust me that you will end up cutting more strips in the colors you need. Have more fabric than you think you need.
A possible third pitfall is deciding if you want to cut your strips to various prescribed lengths or not. The Fatquartershop instructions called for cutting strips into various lengths: 3 1/2, 5 1/2, 7 1/2, 9 1/2. The Creative Grids instructions just have you sewing your long strips onto the side of the block and whacking it off close to the edge--no measuring. That lack of precision troubled me, so I followed the Fatquartershop instructions and cut my strips according to their use of darks and lights. So I guess I did end up kind of combining both pattern instructions. No wonder I sat scratching my head for the longest time.
Don't throw up your hands and declare with all this bother you will never attempt a Log Cabin quilt. I made 18 blocks over the weekend, and I can tell you by about block number 14 I wasn't even looking at either pattern any more. Or not very often anyway.
The blocks are fun to make, and easy once you get your head on straight. Not sure how big this quilt will be, or even how many blocks I need to make. I suppose I will be cutting more strips....
Love the fabrics, of course, and it is puzzling why the two sets of instructions are reversed in coloring and in organizational labeling. Did the left hand not check with the right hand once again?!
As you mentioned when you said you cut twice, once to the stated length and again when squaring up, I see no need to precut the "logs". When I made my three Log Cabin quilt decades ago, I just sewed strips around and cut squaring to the center after each addition.
My 1st Log Cabin was made with all of the blocks identical and I got so bored with that repetitious sewing that it took 8 years to finish that first quilt. My other two Log Cabins were scrap quilts and were lots of fun to make.
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | January 12, 2016 at 05:57 AM
We just had this conversation about how best to make a log cabin quilt. I like the precision of the paper pieced and cutting the pieces to length would be a close second. We agreed that whacking the pieces off after sewing was the least favourite method. Everyone is different and different methods resonate with different people.
Regardless, your blocks are beautiful!!! How many blocks do you need to make in total??
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | January 12, 2016 at 06:30 AM
Sometimes I whack better then others so cutting ahead of time works best for me...
Posted by: Becky T | January 12, 2016 at 07:33 AM
I've discovered that for me it's good to make a quilt layout on graph paper before I start cutting and sewing. It always helps me to realize and visualize a project and something to see some mistakes in a pattern or how I can make it easier.
And it's always good to have some extra fabric on hand ... or at least that's my excuse to have a stash;-)
Posted by: Hildy | January 12, 2016 at 09:05 AM
This is going to be a GORGEOUS quilt when you are done.
Perfect fabric choice for this quilt.
I have made a few Log Cabins quilts in my lifetime always cut all of my strips ahead of time then I can just sit down and sew all of my blocks together :-D
Posted by: Sue Babich | January 12, 2016 at 09:15 AM
those blocks are gorgeous!!! lucky sara!
Posted by: ina | January 12, 2016 at 10:30 AM
These are coming along nicely and guess it is never that easy even though it looks like it should be. Love your colors and can't wait till it all is put together;))) Love it!
Posted by: gailss1 | January 12, 2016 at 12:59 PM
The first quilt I ever made and finished was a Log Cabin. I used Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day method and it was super easy, as most of her patterns are. It was her method where I learned how to do strip quilting, and it made most of my quilts so much easier to handle. Good luck with yours.
Posted by: Jocelyn | January 12, 2016 at 02:07 PM
I find the "sew and whack method accurate, as long as I use an even feed foot for piecing. Do you sew one block at a time, or sew, say, strip #3 on all of the blocks before reaching for your #4 strips?
Posted by: Carol Woosley | January 13, 2016 at 12:58 AM
Thank you for posting about using this ruler! I've had this ruler for quite some time and have been wanting to play with my strip bins to make scrappy log cabin blocks, but had holiday and birthday quilt making I had to do first. Your post Monday morning was just the push I needed. I am having sew much fun!
Posted by: Panto Pam | January 13, 2016 at 07:56 AM
Thanks for the great advice. I love your blocks.
Posted by: Dresden Quilter | January 13, 2016 at 09:05 AM
I made my first one as the strip method. Second one I tried but I did not work so I had cut all the separate logs. Maybe I should try the ruler.
Posted by: sew happy | January 13, 2016 at 06:39 PM
Just saw a post over on Stitch This! and thought of you. Hope you see this before the offer expires and that you don't already have the book. http://blog.shopmartingale.com/ Kim Diehl's Simple Traditions in ebook form is $6. Hope it's a wonderful day for you.
Posted by: Sally K | January 15, 2016 at 06:41 AM
I am new to free motion quilting on longarm. I just finished my 1st Log Cabin quilt. I need suggestions for quilt motif. Please help. I use 5 strips from the center.
Posted by: tas1949 | January 15, 2016 at 07:39 AM
I have this ruler but have yet to use it. I also have the pineapple quilt ruler from the same company. I have made a quilt with that one using Little Black Dress. Turned out great! I love the idea of squaring up after each round so you have no surprises; but there is a lot of waste it seems like. Love your color choice for your log cabin. It's going to be gorgeous!
Posted by: Connie Morgan | January 18, 2016 at 08:11 AM
I adore that fabric and a log cabin is such a classic.
Posted by: CaraQuilts | January 19, 2016 at 06:24 AM