I did a l.c.quilt with a foundation, and it turned out fine. A friend who taught home ec at the college had me come to her house and see how to do it without a foundation.
She had the strips ready and showed me how to make a log cabin block by just stitching around the center, then around the strips to the size block you want. It turned out fine! Now, I have made another l.cabin quilt and a wall hanging with that technique.
I figured she knew what she was talking about having taught home ec. in college for 20 years. Saves buying muslin or whatever for the foundation.
Good luck!
Mariah.