Saturday, December 27, 2008

Log Cabin with Cornerstones

There are still a few more days in 2008 to whittle down my stash - a Log Cabin is a GREAT user of stash, so I started another project. Seems to me it takes about ??? 125 yards? Do ya believe that? LOL I DID purchase 2 yards of that dark brown for the centers and cornerstones and binding if there's enough left. I am thinking that using one solid cominant cornerstones would help to coordinate a wide variety of colors, but these are already fairly coordinated.

Does anyone have good figures for estimating yardage used for a queen size log cabin quilt? I'm guessing 13-14 yards for the top? Finished size will be about 86" x 100" inches. There are 64, 9 1/2 inch blocks. (Of course, at this stage, I cannot even see a dent - like we ALL say!)

I count Batting IN and OUT. And, I'm gaining ground slightly!. Happy Day!

2008 Fabric in 152.37 yards
2008 Fabric used -170.15 yards
2008 $ spent for sewing supplies, classes, retreats - $1,763.72


If you happen to make one with Cornerstones, be sure you use a strip method for making the units with the cornerstones. Seems fairly elementary, but this pattern might look complicated to a newbie, when in reality, it's easy. I DID cut my dark strips to exact length each. Some methods say to just lay the dark strip on the block and sew, then trim. I've found that method leads to inconsistencies. While it's a little more work to cut them to exact lengths, it's easier to maintain accuracy. And also, this time I cut my strip WIDTHS across the grain so the lengths are on the length of fabric -- much less stretching. In other words, if my log was 3 1/2 inches long, I cut a strip WOF 3 1/2 inches wide, then cut the logs.

The cornerstones are all sewn to the light logs, and I pressed to the LIGHT.

18 comments:

  1. The old rule of thumb for estimates was that the top took 1 and 1/2 times the amount needed for the back. It looks like you would need close to 8 yards for backing so 12 yards would be the estimate for the top. However, the more seams there are in the pattern, that will increase slightly for the top amount.

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  2. Thanks for the tip to cut the logs so the long way is on the lengthwise grain. Good idea!

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  3. This one looks interesting! I think it'll be fun watching this one take shape. I LOVE log cabins!

    Wow, I can't believe you keep track so well of how much in, how much out and how much spent. I think I'd rather not know! But it looks like you're gaining ground on using up the stash. Yay for you!

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  4. I am a big fan of Judy Martin who believes in precision. She cuts her strips like that too.

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  5. This looks good! I use EQ6 to estimate (although there is a 'quilt calculator' which seems complicated) and make a block the right size, color it approximately how the quilt will be, then make a quilt the right size with my block. It has a view/print fabrics, and is always a bit more than needed, but very helpful. If you don't have EQ5 or 6, there must be a place online to do this?

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  6. I feel I should keep track of my quilting expenses but I'm afraid to! Lol.
    Have a great New Year.

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  7. I think you are being a bit conservative, there are lots of seams in a log cabin.

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  8. I learned from bitter experience to always cut your logs lengthwise grain (aka - the blocks that just kept GROWING - that was a long time ago, haha). Alternately, I cut sashing strips so the grain is crosswise, because that gives you a little "leeway" when assembling blocks in case they are a smidge different.

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  9. I haven't seen this tip before but that might explain why I've had so much trouble with log cabins! Thanks for sharing this one. blessings, marlene

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  10. I love log cabins, I'll enjoy watching yours take shape. I'm also interested in whether you are still liking your home made laundry soap. It sounds like a big savings.

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  11. Quilting math! grr, I'm not great at it. Don't you love a log cabin though. It is such a fun quilt to sew. I saw the new log cabin ruler at a quilt store - kind of nifty, takes the math out of the quilt.

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  12. ugh! You kept track of how many yards you bought this year! and used! ooh! I don't wanna know!!!
    I just hit a fabric sale, and already blew my budget for this month...and next. But how can you resist fabric at $1.50 a yard???
    ;-)
    thanks for sharing can't wait to see this quilt together!

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  13. I have always wanted to make that LC with the corner squares. It will be great!

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  14. Your choice of fabric is great on this log cabin. It is a simple pattern, but the fabrics can make it super. Nice job. Happy New Year 2009!

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  15. There must be log cabin fever in the air......We are working on various ones here too!

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  16. Wow! great quilt. Thanks for the birthday wishes. Happy sewing.

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  17. I love log cabins so this will be interesting to follow!

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  18. Love the colors in this Log cabin..i agree with cutting the logs lengthwise for less stretch while piecing. question..could a person sew the stones on long, wide strips..and cut as in speed piecing? I don't have much luck cutting the logs the right size..my evenfeed foot on the singer is just won't let that work right..I always cut a tiny longer and trim..to keep the size right.
    DEB};o

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