Spring Log Cabin Quilt Along at the Missouri Star Quilt Company!

I'm hosting a Spring Quilt Along!

It's a Log Cabin sampler style lap quilt. You know, just something to help you keep that sewing fix in check while the spring bug is biting and we're spending so much time outside!

Feel free to grab the button and post it on your blogs and spread the word and join us! I'll be posting info here as well as on the Cutting Table Blog and in the MSQC's forum Sewing Together Far Apart Section! (This is open to all things virtual sewing by the way, incase you want to host a swap or bee, etc. this is a great place!) So pick your place, swing into the forum and let us know if your in, and have a little spring sewing in your life!

We are currently gathering fabric and friends! I will post cutting instructions April 17th! Yay! It's coming! Oh, and the plan is to take 2 weeks on each block style & step of this quilt since things can get busy this time of year :) I know we have several new to quilting out here so, there's no need to feel overwhelmed by this project.

We're taking it slow and having a good time together!

I've posted most of this previously in the MSQC forum but for everyone else here you go :D

- The finished quilt size will be 57x70 approx. (It will likely vary slightly oh well ) with 10.5" finished block sizes & 3" sashing

-A log cabin square traditionally uses several fabrics of the same color that change from light in the center of the block and the fabrics get darker as you go out to the largest outside row of fabric or vice versa. Each block uses 2 colors. We will call them our primary and secondary colors. (The primary color will have slightly more of it on the quilt.) You can also fade from bright to deep or however you like it. Just be consistent.

-You need to decide what 2 colors you will be using in your quilt. Each color will need differnet shades of fabric. Such as Dark, Medium, and Light. When you have decided you can start finding what you have and what you will need to complete your color groups

-This Log Cabin Sampler quilt requires 8 Fat Quarters of your primary color and 5 Fat quarters of your secondary color. It will also require 1 2/3 yard of sashing fabric. The back and binding will be in addition but this tutorial will not cover that... unless there's an uproar and then we'll figure it out

Here is our list of how many fat quarters you will need of each color group.

Primary Color - 4 shades
Dark - 4 FQ of the same fabric or 2 sets of 2 matching FQ
Medium Dark - 2 FQ of the same fabric
Medium Light - 1 FQ
Light - 1 FQ

Secondary Color - 3 shades
Dark - 2 FQ of the same fabric
Medium - 2 FQ (they don't have to match, just both be of the Medium shade)
Light - 1 FQ

Don't forget your 1 2/3 yd for sashing. I will be using an Amy Butler Slate, really anything neutral usually works great. You might consider getting enough of the fabric for your squares so that you can also use it for your binding. I will be taking extra strips in the same and similar colors from my fat quarters to piece together a scrappy binding. (if you do this you will probably want a couple extra FQ's or scraps, to the equivelant of .5 yd)

Again, we will not be covering the finishing of the quilt, but depending on how you choose to finish it you will need batting, binding, & backing to 6"larger than the quilt top on all sides.

You can choose to make this quilt larger or smaller depending on your block size and sashing width. There are 3 variations on the Log Cabin Block in this quilt. Including the Log cabin, Courthouse Steps, and Square in a Square. (I will be throwing improvisational guidance for the last block. If you want to do it that way :) )

You can also use precut honey bun's or jelly roll's for these blocks. They will give a very scrappy look as the color changes will likely not be as smooth, they will also change the size of your block's. My strips are cut 2" wide. A honey bun is 1.5 and a jelly roll is 2.5 . So, it can be done but my instructions will be for working with FQ's. Feel free to adjust and share what works for you!

My sister has been participating in a fun quilt along by Elizabeth Hartman at Oh, Frannson! who has agreat discussion of color and color choices if you want to go check it out

Something else I read about choosing fabrics on Elizabeth's site (this is not an exact quote but feel free to go check out her blog she has wonderful insite on all things quilting) is that there is no secret, just choose fabrics you love. You don't want to work for hours on a quilt with fabrics you can't stand. So step back and think about what you love. What colors did you paint your house what colors are in your closet are they florals, stripes, solids? Find what you love and you'll be happy.

***So that's my opening info if you have question's feel free to let us know we'll be actively posting progress in the forum and we look forward to seeing you there with us!