For several years I have fondly studied a book, ‘make a Quilt in a Day, log cabin pattern’ by Eleanor Burns; smoothed and sorted 2 ½” strips of Fabric Freedom’s William Morris prints; and collected bargain fat quarters and backing to make my own log cabin quilt. Last Saturday was the day!  Eleanor Burns’ book has clear instructions and pictures to follow and I really enjoyed putting together the blocks in production-line style.  It was quick but there was no way I would complete the quilt in a day! Still, I did have hopes of pressing on and finishing before the end of the week!

One of the completed log cabin blocks.

Well!  I’ve got this far:  Sixteen blocks completed and needing to be trimmed.  I think while the continuous and rhythmic process of sewing several partial blocks to long strips of fabric is fun and relatively fast it does allow inaccuracies to occur.  If each rectangle (log) were cut to size before being added to the block it would be obvious if seam allowances were ‘out’ or fabric cut across the width of the fabric was stretching.  But, hey, I love the blocks and the multitude of patterns that can be created by just rotating them and as there are no seams to match whilst constructing the blocks it is a very relaxing process.

One configuration of the sixteen blocks – I love the star.

The amazing range of patterns to be made from just 16 log cabin blocks.
From: Quilt in a Day by Eleanor Burns

Completion of the quilt has unfortunately stalled as I need to buy fabrics for the borders.  I ordered some on-line which I hoped would be a good match – the fabrics were from a range called ‘Morris Apprentice’ – but, as is more often the case than not with trying to match fabrics on line, they don’t!  I’m hoping I might get to Nature’s Threads, a local store that just happens to be having a sale this Saturday!

I find log cabin quilts fascinating:  The huge variety of patterns that can be created and the history and symbolism of the block.   The central square is traditionally red and represents the lighted hearth of the home surrounded by the log walls of the cabin. The light side (in the sun) evoking happy events such as weddings, babies, good times with family and friends.  The dark (shadowed side of the cabin) is a reminder of the sadnesses shared by family and friends in every home.

The ‘Whirligig’ design I’ve decided to use for my quilt. Note the wrongly rotated block – row 1 block 3 – despite my labeling system!

I pin labels to the top left hand corner of each block so I can keep them in order while I’m sewing the quilt top together – but sometimes I have a systems failure! (See next picture).

Linking with Work In Progress Wednesdays at Freshly Pieced.

Allison