Crafter Extraordinaire Susan Beal has a new book that you'll probably want to check out. Modern Log Cabin Quilting is, as its name suggests, all about Log Cabin. In it, you'll find quilts, home dec projects and bags, all featuring this popular and simple-to-construct block style.
My post today is part of a lengthy blog and events tour, which you can read more about here. I definitely recommend taking a peek at the other posts for some interesting interviews with Susan. If you're looking to get a signed copy of Modern Log Cabin Quilting (or if you're just looking to quilt with friends) bring your latest project to Modern Domestic's book-signing and open sewing event this coming Saturday, April 2.
In the meantime, I'm going to share my 5 favorite things about Modern Log Cabin Quilting.
1. Learning More about Log Cabin: Did you know that Abraham Lincoln's presidential campaign contributed to the popularity of the log cabin block? Or that the traditional red center of a log cabin block represents the hearth of the home? Susan has included lots of fun facts, as well as diagrams of many different styles, both traditional and modern, of log cabin blocks.
2. Fabric Flexibility: Susan's book doesn't assume that you'll be using the same quilting fabric that she did . . . or that you'll be using quilting fabric at all. Each pattern includes a chart showing how many of each size piece you'll need, making it easy to substitute scraps, stash fabrics, or even repurposed/thrifted clothing and sheets. The materials section at the beginning of the book includes helpful hints about quilting with materials like corduroy and denim.
3. Inventive Log Cabin Variations: I have a feeling that I'm not the only one who wants to make the gorgeous Modern Crosses Quilt shown on the book's cover. This one looks to be great for using not only scraps, but buttons. (Each of those pieced crosses has a button tie at its center!) The Northwest Modern Quilt, designed by Daniela Caine and pictured below, is another favorite of mine.
4. There's a T-Shirt Quilt Pattern: I get a surprising number of questions about how to make quilts from old t-shirts, so I'm thrilled to now have a pattern to suggest.
5. Fun Small Projects: Besides the quilts, there separate chapters for home decor and bag patterns. I was especially drawn to Susan's Red Cross Bag, which uses both the front and back of corduroy to create a unique textural effect.
I had some pretty gray corduroy in my closet, so I decided to make one for myself. Instead of using the back of the corduroy, I used some gray and yellow print scraps that I had on hard. I was able to finish the project easily in an afternoon and love the result!
Would you like to win a copy of Modern Log Cabin Quilting? Leave a comment telling me about a log cabin project you've made, or one you want to make. I'll keep comments open until Thursday morning.
