The Scrappy Log Cabin Kits have been the most difficult and challenging kits
since I started selling the kits a year and a half ago.
My original samples were easy and quick. I used freezer paper and cut the
'wonky' logs, basted together and stitched.
Easy as could be!
However, when it came to kit up the designs for orders
a multitude of problems happened.
My logs worked because it was one freezer pattern, cut to sew
one log square. To use the freezer paper and send out to cut the logs would not
work because each individual log needs to match with the original sheet of paper pattern.
Even if the cut varies one eight of an inch it would not work.
This was after cutting over 40 freezer paper blocks and finding they would not work!
Most of those logs had to be hand cut over again to save and most I did not save.
These orders were for over 200 individual log blocks of which all were hand cut
with the rotary cutter to make sure they fit perfectly when you open your package
to stitch. Each block was then wrapped individually and numbered.
My daughter in law took over and 'piece cut' the blocks after about 150
blocks done by me..I taught her to put the blocks together and also to
cut the strips...I could not have gone through the last terribly stressful weeks
without her help. I now can do the 'big quilt' kits with her help.
These past weeks have been a struggle not to mention the stress and preperations
for the holidays but it has shown me that I just cannot keep going as I have.
It is taking a toll on my health, with each new design I receive new customers along
with my every growing faithful regular customers.
It is time for a new plan. The next kits will have a limited number cut
BEFORE I list for sale. Those will be offered and shipped with those who did
not order from the mailing on a waiting list. Those kits will be made and then
the waiting list customers will be notified and invoiced.
In this way I am always current and kitting up problems if any, will not
have my customers waiting for shipping.
One problem with this will be postage but that is something I can deal with
and another will be customers missing out on ordering. My next kits will
have several designs that will only be until I have used what I have in fabric
supplies. If you are not receiving my mailing list showing the new kits please
message me to be added. This is where the new diesigns and the available
kits will be offered first.. just click below and ask to be added to my
The individual blocks (A B C) for the Runner Kit
and (A B C D) for the Bewitched Cushion Kit are
in either plastic bags or tissue.
It is very important to not mix the logs in these packages.
Open and work on one square at a time.
More later in instructions on how to do this.
Included in your kit are the base for the log squares
in either flannel or cotton.
The logs are numbered clockwise as to the placement
and I have also added an arrow showing the placement
It is very important to keep all arrows pointing towards you.
Most blocks will center on the base fabric by starting the
C block (center) on the center fold of the fabric
if not adjust as necessary to have an equal amount
of the base fabric on all sides of your square.
This is a sample of Block 'A' for the Bewitched Cushion.
Again, double check the arrows.
Assemble the logs as close together and neatly as possible.
No gaps should be seen in the log rows.
Remove placement numbers.
It is now time to pin and baste the logs.
It is important to baste and not only use pins
to keep logs in place on the base fabric while
doing the decorative stitching.
Pins tend to raise the log pieces and may go
out of place however, I have also used
long pieces of scotch tape to hold the logs
instead of pins while basting.
I baste in large running stitches from the botton
to the top of the log keeping my basting away
from the parts where my decorative stitching will
hold the logs together.
In my sample log squares of which I took these instructional photos,
I, of course, had no problems with the blocks matching in size or
the last outside logs meeting.
Because of the rotary cutting and fitting you may find a block
that does not match when putting the four cushion blocks or the
three runner blocks together.
It is very important at this stage of the instructions to
make sure you start and stop your basting stitch on all four
outsides logs.
You may need to remove the basting and cut to fit the next to last
log in the design to have blocks match.
It is very unlikely you will need to cut to fit
but if this should happen this is the way to fix the problem.
THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT
PART OF THE INSTRUCTIONS IN
STITCHING THE LOG SQUARES.
WHEN DOING THE DECORATIVE STITCHING
STAY ONE HALF INCH IN FROM THE
EDGE OF THE LOG SQUARES on all four outside logs.
The stitching is finished in these areas once your blocks are put
together. The decorative stitching is what holds the blocks
together. If your blocks need to be trimmed to size or when
stitching the bindings or backings you mistakenly snip
the starting threads of your decorative stitching
the floss will unravel once your piece is finished.
.
Open, place and baste all four blocks in the cushion
or if you are stitching the log runner, the three blocks
It is at this point you would check to see if the blocks
on the last outside log match or will need adjustment.
The above photo is of the cushion, blocks are
turned to have the light part of the log squares
meet in the center.
The rows of logs should match in the center
to form straight up and down lines.
I have adjusted the layout from the
regular log cabin to use the last dark logs
as a border. These should line up
as one long row.
If adjustments are necessary (fingers crossed not!)
remove basting from last log and cut to adjust
the next log to fit.
If you cut the last row log in the example
of the cushion above, this will make
the dark logs which will make the
border to the cushion squares uneven.
This photo shows the two areas where blocks need to match.
Once your blocks are matching it is time to
enjoy the stitching!
I have used the herringbone stitch but you may
use your favourite stitch or many types of decorative stitches.
Once your blocks are sized and the decorative stitching
is finished, it is time to stitch the blocks together,
either four blocks for the cushion or
three blocks for the runner.
This technique is very similar to the lap quilting
popular in the 80's and 90's.
Keep the excess base fabric on one block
usually the left block and trim
excess to 1/8 inch less than the log strip
on the right block.
Match up logs, pin and baste making
sure the excess fabric base under the
top blocks is pinned back so as to not
catch your decorative stitching.
Stitch block A to B for the cushions
Continue with block C and D for cushions.
If you are stitching the runner continue
as above with block C to form the runner.
Once your two row block for the cushion or
the three row blocks for the runner are together,
it is time to finish the base seams on the back.
Cut excess base fabric to have enought to
fold under, pin and slip stitch.
The cushion blocks will be hidden and
it is your choice to finish or not.
If you are using a lining along with binding
the runner, this step also may not be necessary
Please note Options at the end of the instructions.
Stitch the base only to the edge of the log squares
Complete these steps to add the second row
blocks C and D to the cushion.
Trim excess base fabrics on both cushion and runner
Complete stitching on logs where needed.
This step is completed before adding
linings, backing and bindings,
however please keep in mind when
stitching the seams to not trim the edge of
the logs as this will break the threads.
Complete the Bewitched Cushion with
adding a back, turn, stuff and enjoy!
Complete the Scrappy Log Cabin Table Runner with
trimming the logs even, adding a lining and binding.
The Scrappy Log Cabin Pot Holders
are very simple.
Complete steps as for assembling the log blocks.
Add lining and binding.
The Set of Four
Scrappy Log Cabin Pot Holders
are cut with freezer paper templets
attached using numbers and arrows
as placement.
Assemble, remove freezer templates
and stitch using your choice of
decorative stitching.
The oval shape of the pot holders are
pre-cut with the design.
I have included a binding of heavier weight
fabric for the old and antique look
to these pot holders however,
you may use any binding of your choice
if you find working with the heavier
strips difficult.
The binding fabric has rows which
act as lines for the sttiching of the binding.
Trim excess base and lining fabrics,
attach bindings and your
Scrappy Pot Holders are ready to
enjoy!
Please note and be mindful of the edges
of the pot holders when stitching and
trimming for the linings and bindings
to NOT CUT the edges of the pot holders
and break the decorative stitching threads
Other Thoughts and Options
I like the look of the herringbone stitching showing on the back
of the base and I have used this on the pot holders and
no lining materials.
You may uses your choice of print fabrics as bases for
the log squares to emiminate lining the runner and pot holders.
Another option is to use lining and add quilting with the
same shade of threads as the decorative stitching.
This is called 'stitching in the ditch quilting'.
Adding quilting will 'puff' the logs for a
pleasing effect to the log design.
Adding the blocks together before the
decorative stitching is added is another option
however, be careful not to catch your stitching
in the fold over areas of the base.
It is possible to baste all blocks, finish
the base stitching
(slipstitching block bases together)
however I found it much easier and quicker
to stitch one block at a time.
I'm always here to help and answer questions
I can be contacted HERE via email and
I ask your patience with replies as it seems
I'm always behind on emails.
The new kits of a Log Cabin Quilt are a 'GO"!
They willl be sold per block which allows
customers a choice of size and what to make
be it one small cushion, runner, lap quilt etc.
Thank you all for your patience, support
and understanding through my
'growing pains'
Patterns are coming this month along
with a few other designs and
need I say..
a big relief for me..
.
FAST DELIVERY!!!!
Happy Stitching!
cee
No comments:
Post a Comment