I would like to make my son a Log Cabin quilt. I have picked 8 different colors of blue, ranging from dark to light. If the pattern
calls for 16 strips, does that mean I need 8 more different colors?
Also, I'm thinking about doing the foundation type. (not sure yet.)
Would I use a batting, or would that make it to thick?? I would like to hand quilt. Can I do quilt as you go on this, or wait till the top is completed???

I know there are some wonderful quilters out there. I have seen a lot of lovely quilts. Any advise would be so helpful. Everyone have a wonderful sun shine day.

lol

Foudation, i would not use batting, but I have never quilted as I went.

Half your fabric need to be light and half dark, the number of each is up to you, sometimes each fabric is used on two sides, equals 2 strips. I only make scrappy log cabins and use each fabric only once in each block.

Good luck and show is a picture once you get started :)

I am making a log cabin quilt for my DD and SIL - will attach a pic. of it in progress. Have more done now but not a pic. I am doing regular piecing and will hand quilt when I am all done. I used greens, blues, blacks for dark and whites, grays, very pale greens and blues for the light side.

You would need a contrasting color. Typically half of the log cabin strips will be dark and half will be light. Although it would be possible to use only dark blues and light blues, since you already have a range of blues from dark to light it would make sense to choose another color for the contrast. It could be just one color, such as cream, or it could be multiple tones of cream. For the contrast, you probably would want to stay all light but it could be different fabrics that are all shades of light cream, for example.

Most likely the pattern is calling for 8 strips of blue and 8 strips of contrast.

Do not do foundation piecing if you plan to hand quilt. The foundation will make it much harder to push the needle through the layers. Experienced quilters would not even try this.

If you do foundation piecing you can still use a batting. There are many different types of batting, and some are quite thin.

There are different techniques for making a log cabin. Strip piecing is a very easy method and is the one I would suggest. With this method you do not cut the individual logs first. Basically you cut the centers, strip piece them on to an uncut strip of the next fabric (butting the squares right next to each other as you sew), cut them apart, press, then strip piece these partial blocks on to the next fabric strip. There must be websites with tutorials on this method.

I am experimenting now with cutting out all the logs first (something I don't normally do) and am finding it less satisfying than strip piecing. For one thing, it takes a lot of time cutting before I can sit down to sew (because this is a scrap log cabin); for another, I realized I already have made a mistake in cutting sizes (certain sizes should have been dark while others should have been light).

Thanks ladies so very much. After reading your comments, ya'll have got me to thinking again. ( sometimes that can
be dangerous,ha ha}

Liblueeyes, your top is just WOW!!. I just hope for that effect.

Prism99, great idea for the tan , need to look for that color thinking about piecing,sounds good. I hope I can get the strips straight. Sometimes I make things harder than they need to be.


Brushandthimble, Thanks so much for your suggestion, I could
use another color.

I knew I would get some very good ideas.

Still thinking.......I have made several quilts, but never made a log cabin. Still learning, and learning. It keeps our minds young and alive. Will send pic, once I've started.

Thanks so very much

I'd recommend Eleanor Burns Log Cabin Quilt in a Day booklet. It has detailed instructions on strip piecing a Log Cabin design in a variety of different sizes. I strip pieced my first ever quilt using this book and the instructions were just what I needed.

Miss Kitty,

Here are my 2 cents but you have a good start. I am doing a log cabin on foundation hand piecing. This technique it is already quilted when you are finished with no batting.

Log cabin is a great block with so many options. You can strip piece, paper or foundation piece, quilt as you go or whatever. Find out what works best for you. If you want to hand quilt it, I agree you should not use a foundation.

I am sure your blues are beautiful, but the bigger the contrast the larger the effect. If you want something subtle choose the contrasting side accordingly.

Look forward to seeing your top :thumbup:

I made this for Jim for Christmas. I used a lot of scraps. I really did not think about how many, but I thought you might like to see this.

You'll love Log Cabins, I bet! I've made many. If you'd like to see some there are photos on my website pages--skip the horses and go to the quilt pages. :wink: Address is in my signature.

lilblueyes--that is one GORGEOUS top--LOVE the colors.

I too learned from Eleanor Burns book, but I never made one with strips as wide as she suggests--just too wide for my liking. Great instructions there though--for color ideas as well.

Barnbum,
Thank you - now if I could just finish it.... I started a new project and I am addicted to it and have just 14 blocks to finish after 2 weekends. Now if I could get re-motivated on the Log Cabin.
Anyone want to slap me around once in a while so I keep working on it ! :lol:
liblueeyes