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How do I set log cabin blocks? PDF Print E-mail

Dear Cindy,
I am a new but eager quilter with 70 gorgeous traditional log cabin blocks in shades of blue and yellow. In my inexperience I just made a 'bunch of blocks' and through trial and error realize that I am limited in designs for a 10 X 7 block quilt. I can't use the designs that have a center pattern.  (I would like to add borders etc to make a twin size quilt. The blocks are 9") I think I can do what are called furrows but they don't seem to make the most of my blocks - not much of a design. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you so much in advance for considering this  question.
Tracy 


Tracy,
Your possibilities for Log Cabin designs are endless, even if the 'center pattern' you mention (which I assume is the setting known as Barn Raising) is not possible. For example, have you considered doing some kind of off-center Barn Raising-type set? Many art quilts have been exploring this recently.

Two excellent books on the subject are Bonnie Leman's LOG CABIN QUILTS and Mary Ellen Hopkins' book on Log Cabin Quilts. (I believe the latter is also called Log Cabin Quilts.) Eleanor Burns has some Quilt-In-A-Day Log Cabin titles, too, as do several others. The Log Cabin is also covered in general quiltmaking books. If I were looking for setting ideas, though, I'd go to Bonnie's and Mary Ellen's books. Both are out of print (sigh), but copies can and do often appear on Ebay and other used book sources like Amazon. Both are softcover.  

YES, you can do Furrows, which is a diagonal  set. If you like the "running-cornerwise" look, also consider the Streak of Lightning set. It should work with the number of blocks you're  mentioning, as well. Do you have a floor or table you can lay out the blocks on, then leave them for a few hours or so? You'll get a fresh new look at them this way, and probably discover a new variation of your own! At any rate, be sure to step to the doorway of the next room, so you can view any setting possibilities both from close-up and from far away. The change in perspective will work wonders.  Good luck, and e-mail privately if you're just not getting anywhere.

Cindy Brick 

 
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