Just 9 blocks done and I’m not positive I’m in love with this palette – I hate those two dark teal strips. I think I’m going to lay my strips aside for a bit while I look at this on my design wall.
Here are the directions I’m using to piece these log cabin blocks with 1-1/2” strips. With this method you don’t precut anything except the center 1-1/2” square. You trim each strip instead of precutting.
These instructions are the same if you were using any other width strip. Log Cabin blocks are traditionally light on one side and dark on the opposite side.
Mine are all mixed up with low volume fabrics – except for that teal which may not stay.
I really have enjoyed the “First Quilts” pictures and comments. It’s not too late if you haven’t sent yours.
Reader quilts
I’m in the same boat as Becky today. Your blog post was in my junk mail for the first time. It’s always been waiting there in my regular email. Man these gremlins are messing us up.
Oh, Three- he’s not fat, he’s fluffy. Is Hazel jealous of the attention Mortie is getting? Is that why she’s giving you the stinkeye?
If you don’t like the teal in the low volume log cabin blocks, then try adding teal to more blocks and spread it around in the layout. Or just don’t use the teal blocks. Either way, I think the quilt will turn out lovely.
I need to get started on binding a large quilt today, but I also need do some yard cleanup before the rain starts later today.
As always, I love today’s post. Seeing the beloved animals lightens my heart. I am in love with Martie. She had to have come from someone who loved her. She is so tame and not in the least wild. I would love to know why Hazel is upset with you? I also really like the idea of the low volume log cabin. Thanks so much for sharing everything!
A suggestion for the teal color. Take white and/or tan embroidery thread and run a line of stitching or crosshatch the teal with a permanent whilte marking pen to tone down its effect.
Sending along an image of my teal mistake. It is a “smoke” shot cotton and pretty hard to ignore. Will be stitching it to tone down soon.
Li – and when I see yours, I like it – I just need to make more blocks first before I chuck the teal
That’s an idea Mary. Throw some light corals or sage green tints into the mix to bridge the gap. The fourth block across and fourth down, that coral. I tea dyed a peach floral that was on the shelf. Maybe tea dye a light pink. Just put four black tea bags in one or two cups boiling water for an hour. Soak the pieces of fabric in water during that time.
Remove the bags.
Wring the fabrics out well.
Swish around in the tea and walk away for a while. After rinsing the fabric I do an additional two rinses. One with a teaspoon of baking soda and the final in clear water. I don’t know if it makes any difference, but it can’t hurt.
Can you provide more info on the picture of Three. The vignette is adorable. And is the quilt a painted block or pieced
Beautiful
Good morning, Mary! I agree that the solid teal strips are too imposing, I agree about removing them. I have never seen a low volume log cabin block, of course. I find it interesting, and it is lovely. I am going to be sashing around about 20 more Halloween squares first black then orange, then I have to figure out how to turn this into a tablecloth. These are from my friend that I did the log cabin blocks for a table cloth. I have made a list of what is next, but first I am cleaning up my sewing area, and completing the sleeves for my Granddaughter’s Halloween costume! She is 13 and already designing things. She got a t-shirt and turned it into a dress, slit and all for her dress in the style of Silvia Blood, a video character. The scythe is done, so just the sleeves, or, long gloves without the hands-part on a glove. Plus she had a top, her mom’s no doubt and took the regular neckline and made it a square one, then touched the center so it is curvy in the middle. Quite the eye for detail and style already! She also sewed the sides of her costume dress.
Cynthia – wow! She is destined to be a fashion designer!!
One time when I was working on something she designed on paper, and I said this is hard to do..she said I just design them…you figure out how to make them! Now she is doing both.
I like the teal in these blocks. It gives some movement to the eye as you look. It reminds me of a Duckworth quilt. You can look her up on line. She makes mostly monochromatic quilts with a bit of a surprise color thrown in.
I would keep those few teal strips. It gives spark and definition but it’s not too heavy. Gonna be a great quilt.
Love the cats and the dogs! They depend on you, Mary. They entertain in return.
Loving this weather but I know nasty weather might be coming so I hope today I can get some of the outside stuff done. But I would rather be at the long arm. I have a quilt half done and I hear it calling.
I love the low volume log cabin blocks. When I first started quilting I’d make the quilt as you go blocks. For pillows. Do you use foundation fabric on your blocks?
Morty has sure settled in. She seems like a calm cat.
Our beautiful fall weather looks like it will end tonight. Has been a nice fall so far.
Great post today. Dogs and cats…doesn’t get much better. I love your low volume log cabin blocks. I’m thinking I would like to try one. Thank you for the directions.
I love the soft contrast of your log cabin blocks.
I would remove the teal and happily carry on if it were mine.
I really like the low volume log cabin – soothing! And I like that it doesn’t have one side light, one dark – a very nice change!
Hazel can sure give the stink eye can’t she?? 🤣 Love all the pet pictures
Have a great day everyone!
I love all the pictures of your animals! I’m afraid if I made a log cabin without precuting the pieces, it would be terribly wonky. I love the low volume fabrics, it is such a great combination.
I like the teal strips in the blocks, make more and you will like it better, too few and it looks like a mistake. One of my first quilts was a log cabin made with the method you described. They turned out a little round because not cutting the lengths needed resulted in too much length in the strips. It’s like not measuring for borders, more fabric is added making wavy borders.
Mary I like your low volume blocks. They are calming and inviting. You are fortunate to have so many lights! Looks as if Mortie is bonded to you.
Hi Mary, Morty is certainly a busy girl, now office manager, no wonder Hazel is upset! Is three supplementing cat food with a few mice? He certainly is chubby! Bella had a bath yesterday, had to put her sweater on today as it is cool and blowing a gale! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – I think Three is too fat to move fast enough to catch a mouse.
Your cats are beautiful. Such pretty markings. I actually laughed out loud with the Maxine joke!! I like your nontraditional log cabin. I learn so much from your blog. I mailed cards to Anita and Ginny today. Another good project from the blog!
I like the teal for a little pop of color.
Wow- 3 is a big kittie!
Super foggy here this morning.
Charlotte – thank you so much for sending cards!!
Hankster looks like he would like to get to know Mortie. Hank would have rolled her across the room. Everything smaller than him is a play toy.
A low volume log cabin quilt has been on my bucket list for several years. I’m sure yours will look great when you fix what you don’t like and continue on.
I can tell, Morti does not get too far from you. What does Hazel think of her? It was nice Hankster and Keeper could have a playdate. Hank must like all cats. We haven’t seen Three for awhile he is beautiful.
I like your Log Cabin blocks; you may be correct about taking out the dark teal.
Thanks, Mary 🥰
That Maxine cartoon is too funny! Thanks! (I enjoyed all the rest too, but that made me chuckle out loud…)
Hank looks like he’s trying to figure out this small furry thing. I love Maxine!!!
The caption for the photo of Hankster and Mortie should be: Make your move!