Monday, February 20, 2012

Lincoln Logs

The first day of our January quilt retreat I made blocks from a bowtie block exchange that have been waiting for some attention.  By day two I was ready for something different.  I brought along Patchwork: Iowa Quilts and Quilters by Jacqueline Andre Schmeal for the nightstand.  I decided to replicate a log cabin doll quilt from the book which was quilted in Baptist fans.

I posted about log cabin blocks on my very first blog post.  I've been saving 1 1/4" scrap strips for a long time.  I don't think I've sewn a log cabin block since that post in 2009.  While sewing 36 blocks in one sitting, I found that it's much easier to keep the blocks square if I start with 1 3/8" strips.  I rough cut the strip length and square up after each log.  The extra strip width leaves a little margin for error.  Probably not news to anybody that makes these blocks, but thought it'd pass it along.

The original doll quilt was 48 blocks, but I thought I'd have a better chance of completing 36.  I ended the day two rounds short.  Finally, two weeks later I found some sewing time to finish up.  These little guys are 4 1/2", so the quilt will measure 27" square.

The layout from the original doll quilt 

A little re-arranging, but close to the original

Lots of options - I need a design wall.

Happy President's Day to you, Mr. Lincoln!

11 comments:

regan said...

These are adorable! Sweet!

Lynn Dykstra said...

I love them--good idea to make the logs a bit wider.

Janet O. said...

So, so cute, Vicki! Love those little log cabins. Smart to add that extra sliver on such small pieces.

antique quilter said...

love the layout of these blocks, I am going to have to get that book out and look.
Yes I am making 4.5" log cabin blocks too and I start with 1 1/2" strips and trim down to the size I need
I don't care about the minimal waste more about the block being square!
great blocks!
will you hand quilt it with baptist fans too?

Karen said...

Squaring up the strips make sense. I seem to get a bit wonky when sewing some of the narrow strips.

Lori said...

That is super sweet!! The size of the blocks is just adorable!!

One Minnesota Quilter said...

A darling little quilt. Love how the hst block makes the curve. Very cute.

Randy D. said...

Those sure are adorable log cabin blocks. And don't ya just love how different they look when you change the arrangement?

Dawn said...

Great blocks - and a good size. Amazing farbic variety is such a small scale. I think it could be hard to quilt w/so many seams? Maybe no batting?
Thank you for sharing.

Michelle said...

I love that layout that looks like circles -- looks like I've got to add another log cabin to my to do list!

Miri said...

Terrific! I like the "circle" layout best. I've done tons of log cabins but I always cut my logs to length too because I'm afraid of going off square-thanks for the tip.