I have done 2 log cabins quilts and 1 wall hanging. On the 1st one, I thought it had to have a foundation or be paper pieced.
One of my friends who taught at the college here, showed me how to do it without either method above.
Cut your strips 1and 1/2" or 2"--I did mine 1 and 1/2". Have the center Yellow or Red--Yellow for the sunshine coming into the cabin; Red for the warmth of the fire in the cabin.
Start stitching about the 2" center square of Yellow or Red. 2 sides the dark side, the next 2 sides, the light. Keep going until you have your block the desired size.
Iron very thoroughly, then spray fabric sizing and iron again. Mine have always turned out very well with this method.
Good luck!
Mariah.
I used scraps on mine, and they all turned out beautiful!