Black & White Log Cabin Quilt

My latest project has been working on this 8 1/2" block of black and white log cabin.  I really like the way it is looking on the design wall.  I think, after playing with it many times, this is going to be the overall design of the quilt.

Here is my material selection and the first cutting of 1 1/2 inch strips with 2 1/2 inch center blocks.

I then took my blocks and sewed them to my first light strip, leaving just a little space between the black blocks for trimming later. And while this goes very quickly and I'll admit that on the next strips I put my blocks even closer together....I discovered an even easier way to do my first two pieces together.


Instead of cutting all my 2 1/2 inch blocks and then sewing them to my first strip.....I sewed the center strip (2 1/2 inches wide) to the first light strip (1 1/2 inch wide).  Then I cut those into 2 1/2 inch sections.  It saved one step by doing this.

Back to the blocks on the first strip and to the ironing board.  Because I didn't butt the black blocks right up to each other, I had to do some extra trimming on this set of strips.  I ironed the strips open and then cut them into 2 1/2 inch sections.

Once I got the hang of what I was doing, having the blocks closer together meant that I didn't even have to use the ruler.  I actually cut them all before ironing them open, using the previous block as my guide.  Just make sure that you cut them straight each time.

Back to the sewing machine to add the second strip of the 1st light strip.  I lay the blocks I'm adding all the same way so I don't confuse myself and add the strip to the wrong side.  Then going to the ironing board, I do the whole process all over again.

This strip is now ready to be cut.

After adding the first light "logs", it's time to add the dark "logs".  Working from the side where the last strip ended, I add a dark strip.

Back to ironing and cutting, then ready for the 2nd "log" of the 1st dark strip. I will continue this same technique with each strip, alternating between adding 2 light strips and then 2 dark strips going in a circular motion around the center.  I'm using 3 shades each of lights and darks.

I worked up this stack of blocks last night while watching (listening really) to a movie.  I have all my lights and darks laid out and a finished block handy to remind me of how to add my strips.

Traditionally, the center block of the log cabin block is done in yellows or reds to signify the hearth of the home, the fireplace.  While it's true that almost every log cabin built (the actual log cabin house) does have a fireplace....it's not the center of the home as it once was.  In the first log cabin homes, the fireplace was the place the family would gather to warm themselves, add light for evening activities, and cook the food.  Today, the fireplaces are mostly for looks.  Families still gather around them for warmth, but truthfully...the fireplace is more for ambiance.

When we were building our log house, a small log house, we were talking of not even putting a fireplace since we are doing central air and heat.  But it seems that most people just think it's wrong not to put a fireplace in a log house and I ran into the same people when buying my material for this quilt.  When I told the lady at the quilt shop what I was making, she insisted that my center block be at least orange or red (since I didn't want yellow).

It's hard to buck tradition...but as you can see...I did.