Log Cabin Question
 

I've never made a Log Cabin quilt and want to make one, but I'd like to use just the pieces and scraps I have left over from quilts I've already made. I found a free pattern online that I like, but in all the patterns I looked at there is a definite color scheme to each of them. Is it acceptable to just use random colors or does it absolutely have to be the way it is shown (although I am aware that I can change the colors in the scheme to suit my needs). I have a bunch of random bright pieces and would like to use them instead of buying new. I've never made anything just out of my scraps and am not really sure how to go about this. Any advice you more experienced quilters could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance .... :)

You can use whatever you like in log cabins. They look great done all scrappy!!

I like to at least seperate lights and darks. One side of the block done in light the other side dark. I think you get more design options using the light/dark.

http://dontcallmebecky.typepad.com/r...ork-quilt.html

this is an example of using scraps and brights in a log cabin to give you an idea how it might look.

Go with your scraps and make this anyway your heart desires. If you want one side light and one dark that's ok but if you just want it totally scrappy that's good to. Let your creativity flow and have fun. Grace

You can certainly use the fabrics you want to, but the log cabin should be divided in half by color, a "light" side and "darker" side. Enjoy, this is a fun block to make and I love to see my scraps become a work I love.

I love log cabin, all I do is match enough for the 2 sides..I don't seperate the lights and darks all the time....

You can do it scrappy. I find the idea of the paper bag method great for true scrappy. If you want to have the log cabin divided by color/value/contrast, then get 2 paper sacks. Put all the strips of one side (lighter) in it and all the strips for the other side (darker) in the other one. When you start to sew, you simply pull a stripe from the bag and use it. The only way to exchange if you pull the same fabric you just used. Trust that the colors will work out in the end.

I always use scraps for log cabins. I make more of these quilts than any other - as you can see.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...in-t23612.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...r-t139982.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...lt-t23986.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...rs-t82165.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...py-t25246.html

I'm in the process of making my first one, too. I am using 1 1/2" strips and mine is totally scrappy. I bought nothing for it. But, also in separating out my lights and darks, some of them were not truly what I'd call "lights", they were just lighter than the darks on that square. I hope that makes sense.
I have attached a picture where hopefully you can see what I mean. Im not sure it's closeup enough. It's a WIP in that picture, but now all of the blocks have been done and sewed together in rows and now I'm in the process of quilting it. I hope this helps. I LOVE scrappies!