www.quilt.com/Blocks/LogCabin/LogCabin.html.
This is a good way to make a log cabin if all your blocks will be the same fabric. But the center "hearth" and the first log can be sewn together when they are both still strips. Then cut them the width you want for the center. The first log will be already attached. A very fast way to begin.
If the hearth will be a 2 1/2 inch square and the logs 1 1/2 inch. Cut the 2 1/2 in. WOF strip from hearth fabric. Then cut a strip for the first log 1 1/2 inch WOF. Sew these two strips together and press. Then cross cut at 2 1/2 inches. Now your hearth is square and it has the first log already attached.