You can do a quilt as you go with all the layers if you keep it small, table topper size. Anything larger you'll want to foundation piece it so you can get where you need to go as you work your way around. To get away from log cabin framing, try lopping off a corner to change up your shape. Another way would be to create wonky sqares the all end up ----inches and then join them. Possibilities are endless. I created some great purses from left over quilts this way.