Red Pepper Quilts: Step Back in Time

Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt

It has been quite some time since I last featured a quilt from my "early days", before blogging. This Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt was made in 2007 and it is my first log cabin quilt.

I have many fond memories of making this quilt and looking at it takes me back to a time and a place. With this quilt also came the realization that I love small patchwork piecing, the repetitive kind. Cut, stitch, press, trim ... again and again.

It is obvious (to me) that my fabric stash has evolved since then. This quilt is heavy on Kaffe Fassett fabrics, which I don't often reach for today and many of these fabrics have since been passed on to quilters in my community. I note also that there is not a single text fabric used in this quilt!

Sometimes I catch a passing glimpse of this quilt and all I can see is the color purple, a color which I now struggle to use. This quilt is however a catalog of my fabric stash circa 2007. I am very fond of the Katie Jump Rope as well as (original!) Flea Market Fancy fabrics used, and I like the use of the light (low volume) fabrics for contrast. The quilt was quilted by professional long arm quilter (and my sister), Karen from Quilts on Bastings.

This quilt is made from just one block, a very traditional Log Cabin Block. Nothing new here, but I thought I would share with you the size and construction details of each block.

Cutting Instructions:

A - Center Square 1.5 inches x 1.5 inches
B - 1 inch x 1.5 inches
C - 1 inch x 2 inches
D - 1 inch x 2 inches
E - 1 inch x 2.5 inches
F - 1 inch x 2.5 inches
G - 1 inch x 3 inches
H - 1 inch x 3 inches
I - 1 inch x 3.5 inches
J - 1 inch x 3.5 inches
K - 1 inch x 4 inches
L - 1 inch x 4 inches
M - 1 inch x 4.5 inches

Points to note:

Half of the log cabin block is made using light fabric (C, B, F, G, J, K) and the remainder of the block is made using dark fabric.
All measurements include a scant 1/4 inch seam allowances.
Each finished Log Cabin Block measures 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches including seam allowances.
I have made 144 log cabin blocks. The finished quilt measures 48.5 inches x 48.5 inches.
It is a good idea to make a test block prior to cutting all of your fabrics for your project.
There are many different layouts for this light/dark log cabin block. I have used a traditional layout called Barn Raising. Once you have finished making all your log cabin blocks lay out all blocks in whatever design you prefer and sew together in rows.

Having said all that, and having given you all of the exact cutting instructions I prefer to cut logs longer and wider, trimming back after each piece has been added. It is time consuming but ensures accuracy. I prefer to sew way - there is no right or wrong way.

I have been cutting 1.5 inch strips for some time just in case I decide to make another scrappy log cabin quilt, or even a string quilt. Perhaps it is time to use them.