Book Review - Build Your Best Log Cabin

Recently I was contacted by someone at Fons and Porter to review their eBook 'Build Your Best Log Cabin'. I didn't know what to expect but decided to give it a try. They sent me a link where you can download the book for free.

The book was an interesting read. It gives a brief history of Log Cabin quilts and talks about variations in the block arrangements.  It also provides step by step instructions on how to piece the quilts along with measurement charts.

What really caught my attention was the Chevron or Off-Center pattern. It's a very modern take on the traditional log cabin arrangement. This illustrates how the log cabin block can be used as a building block for some interesting patterns. The zig-zag log cabin quilt is timeless. I love the simplicity of it.

I have not made a log cabin quilt yet but this book might be the one to get me started. I like it's concise nature akin to a handy manual. A lot of information packed in a few pages.

I however did try the lumpless binding tutorial provided at the end of the book. I used it in my Madrona Road Challenge quilt. Really liked the way it turned out. The instructions were simple enough to follow and there were plenty of photographs to follow along with.

Wonky Cross Quilt for Madrona Road Challenge

This space has been quiet for a bit now, sewing time has been at a premium lately. Nevertheless I managed to squeeze in a finish on my Madrona Road Challenge quilt. The design is inspired by this pin on my Pinterest board. I decided to make the crosses a bit wonky instead.

Wonky Cross Quilt - Front

Wonky Cross Quilt - Back

My original improv quilt is still a WIP so decided to give this quilt an improv look. I had not done spiral quilting before so gave that a try too. It was a shaky start but once the circle got bigger than 6" it was fairly simple. The walking foot and guide were very handy. I also off-centered the spiral for a more dramatic effect. It's more visible from the back.

I used a text print for binding as I wanted it to be noticeable but not over-power the quilt. I do like all the negative space in the quilt. Had to really restrain myself from filling it up. I also tried machine binding for the first time. It wasn't picture perfect but not bad either. The binding was done in a jiffy compared to doing it by hand, the convenience is a big plus.

Linking up to: Finished Friday

Lucky Stars BOM - January Block

Here's the January block for Lucky Stars - BOM over at Don't Call Me Betsy that I am participating in this year. I am finally getting the hang of paper piecing and this block went much faster than the practice block.

On another note, my Kitchen Window quilt based of Elizabeth Hartman's design was featured on Quilt Story blog yesterday. Now that is a first. Thanks everyone for you kind comments on this quilt, it was truly made from the heart.

Speaking of BOMs I just saw another free Online Quilting Class offered at Craftsy. You can check it out below.

Lucky Stars BOM - Practice Block

After what seemed like an eternity I finally pieced together the first practice block.

The block measures at 6.5 inches and the pieces are quite small but paper piecing makes it look very crisp. May need to rethink the background, a bit overpowering don't you think? Probably use a cool color instead of a warm one. Switch it up a bit.

Paper piecing anyone......

In the new year I decided to tackle my first block from the Lucky Stars BOM that I have signed up for. I have decided to make the 6.5 inch blocks as I like the look of smaller blocks. 

Well let's just say this exercise was not for the faint hearted in spite of the great step by step instructions provided with each block. I have made two sections so far and hopefully it will get easier as I move along. I decided to use my stash of batiks for the bright saturated colors. Small blocks in these colors will make them pop.

To add to things I sliced right through my cutting mat. Wonder if this has happened to anyone before. Is it just the quality of the mat or that I am really pushing down too hard on the rotary cutter? Maybe I should invest in an Olfa mat this time around. Anyone have any views on that?

I am progressing well on the Madrona Road Challenge quilt. I have decided to make a lap quilt with the fat eighths we received. Here is a quick preview

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