Log Cabin Moves to the Design Wall

I've been playing around a bit with possible setting layouts for the Log Cabin blocks I have been making for Sara's quilt.  At the moment, I like this idea, but may change my mind once I get a few more blocks made and can get an idea of the effect more blocks can have when laid out.

I do want to tell you about one more little "pitfall" to avoid when making this block.  Do you see how when arranged in this pattern, the black strips form a nice bold design?

Notice the block on the lower left.  I wan't really paying attentions when I was sewing the strips on, and grabbed a dark grey instead of a black, thinking it would work fine, as it was a "dark".  Well, I don't think it works at all.  The use of the lighter grey fabric strip spoils the uniformity of the design and breaks up the pattern the black strips are making.  

So watch out when you are reaching for your strips.  If you have a certain pattern you want to stand out, the use of a fabric in the wrong value can spoil that.

I am still enjoying making the blocks, and think the Creative Grids Log Cabin ruler is terrific.  My only other observation at this point in the construction process is that in my opinion, the block would be more interesting and more complex if there were more rounds of strips.  In my blocks, I have the red center square and a line of light grey, a line of dark grey and a line of dark.  Three rounds of strips going around that center red square.  I think it would be more interesting if there were four, five or six rounds!  And maybe even narrower strips of fabric.

But there isn't a ruler for that, so I am going to stick with with I've got.

Comments

[Karla Brown]

Nicole, your log cabin blocks are beautiful! I received a layer cake of the Modern Background Ink as a Xmas present -- I may do something similar!
Thanks for the inspiration!

[Barbara Anne]

Cheers for the great Log Cabin blocks in progress but I do agree about the gray not holding its own as a substitute for the blacks.

It's been more than 2 decades since I made my 3 Log Cabin quilts but back then, I cut my strips 3" and that was just too wide, but I was a baby quilter then and didn't realize that. I, too, have come to love narrow Log Cabin "logs" and an organized but scrappy look.

Have fun!

Hugs!

[Julia Wareing]

I agree with you about there being more interest with narrower strips and more rounds to each log cabin block. I didn't buy the ruler for that reason. I was disappointed that they didn't make it that way. Yours are beautiful, though! Love your colors! Will be very striking when you get it finished. I love log cabins, there are so many different settings, that achieve so many different looks with the same simple block.

[ina]

gorgeous and i love that red center!

[Hildy]

I love your blocks and the setting you choose! I've put a log cabin quilt on my to-so-list this year (thanks to you:-) but I like the idea with more and narrow strips.

[Mary Wood]

Hi Nicole just having a look in to see what you are doing still love your work xx