About Those 2" Strips...

Here is a photo of a log cabin quilt I made (it is about 85X85 and does lie flat - it is just on a bed full of folded up blankets underneath, plus the headboard and footboard were in the way). Actually, once I started to cut those 2" strips, well, I just kept cutting and cutting. Each time I would go fabric shopping I would come home with more darks and lights and cut some more. I used a folding clothes rack to hang my cut strips on - seperated only by light or dark. I sewed and sewed, and in the end, made FIVE of these quilts with various log cabin settings.

This quilt is with a cut 3 1/2" red center square (finishes at 3") and the 2" strips (finishes at 1.5"). I use 3 1/2" because I have an old top that either my Nana P. or Great Aunt made - circa early 1900's - and it has 3 1/2" center squares! I think this old top uses 1 1/2" strips though - I will have to post a photo of it when I get back to Canada. Anyway, I just cut long strips and trim them as needed - I do not pre-measure each strip ahead of time - that would drive me absolutely crazy! And I chain stitch about 5-6 blocks at a time, all in various stages of construction so I can use up left-over shorter strips as I go along. Does that make sense? All my fabric was from Joanne's fabrics... hey! I happen to like Joanne's calicos - they all look great together. Here is a close up of some of the fabrics and top quilting - varigated thread. I am not sure this will show up too great, buy if you click on the photo it will enlarge.

I sent the top to my long arm quilter - here is a photo of the pattern she used from the back... I just LOVE her work!

With the left over light 2" strips I pieced a rail fence top which is just too sweet; it is currently at my long arm quilters right now! And I still have left overs - the only thing to do now is to cut MORE 2" strips to go with the ones I already have and see what happens. I think that this must be how these 2" strips multiply.

And in closing - we did have decent weather for Christmas, so were able to enjoy the weather outdoors. And at night I was able to get some knitting done too, so - stay tuned for those photos. Here is a photo of Little Boy enjoying the Christmas tree (yes, those are REAL candles on that tree and glass balls - every toddler's Momma's worst nightmare, but all in all, he did very well at leaving it pretty much alone - now the chocolate bowl - that is another story altogether!).