ANOTHER Off-Kilter Log Cabin, and a Great Book

ANOTHER off-kilter, scrappy log cabin - it started with a 'just gotta sew' day, in a futile effort to use up scraps. It became MUCH larger than I expected (72 x 92 inches), but I was wanting to try out that border to 'see what happens!' I kind of like it! And must admit the idea came from a book by Margaret Miller. This one is now on the waiting list for quilting, in my closet. When I started, I had not planned a border, and then had to be creative in the center of each border. Hey, it all adds to the "hmmm, it's interesting" factor!

I publish my quilt guild newsletter and from time to time add my own suggestions or ideas, or blocks. I printed 4 of these border blocks in the newsletter hoping someone would gain from the suggestion but ended up using it myself. Yeah, enthusiasm often gets me overloaded! This simple border block can be so creative, depending on how it's used, and the values. You might want to give it a try. This particular block is 8 inches and consists of only 2 half square triangles and 2 four patches. I was careful to use the same light background, the diagonals in the four patches were always mediums and lights and the half square triangles were always darks and lights. I think a person could float one of the edge darks into the quilt for a REALLY clever border!

This book (below) was a pleasant impulsive purchase from my LQS ($22.95). What I liked at first was that it is small (less than 6 x 8, but fat), but the "1000 Great Quilt Designs" didn't hurt either. Amazingly, it's from Readers Digest and is a WEALTH of ideas.


It is written by a quilter/graphic artist and I am overloaded with all her ideas. This is NOT a details book about how to quilt, although there is good info included. Also, you don't have to be a quilter to appreciate all the designs. If you are searching for an idea, you WILL find one here. I tend not to read the parts about enlarging, transfering, etc., but they are included. If I had anything negative to say, it's that it is printed small, and the lettering is not very bold, but then I also need new glasses, so give that some consideration if your vision needs improving. (I tried to find if there is a Large Print version but was not successful.) Even so, the drawings are wonderful. IMHO, the reader would need some quilting knowledge other than just this book.

Happy quilting from Nebraska, where it's been 100 degrees for the last few days and for at least another week!