Friday, January 16, 2009

Log Cabin Improv

15 days and counting! Still stitching here in New Hampshire ;) Sometimes it doesn't start until 11.30 and goes until 1am - OK I'll admit, that's exactly what happened tonight. But I do have photos to share!

You all saw the pink and orange improvised log cabin in my last post. Well I am now working on my actual project, and decided to keep going with the log cabin theme. I haven't actually done many in my quilting life. I never really liked them that much. BUT I am in love with the wonky improv kind. Maybe it's just the traditional ones I don't like?

So I pulled a Kaffe fabric from my stash that I bought last year specifially to be a border in a quilt. I had no idea what that quilt would be at the time, all I knew was that I had to make one using it!

I pulled the colors for my blocks from the Kaffe fabric. I do this ALL the time with my quilts - it's my favorite method of choosing colors. This way you know that your blocks will all look great together. After all, if the colors were good enough to be put in fabric together, then they are good enough to combine in blocks. I haven't gone wrong with this method yet!

For this project, I only chose 3 colors. Red, blue, and green. My main goal with this project was to do something out of my comfort zone. First to fit the bill was using log cabins. Second was to use solids. I can confidently say that I now love solids! I think I need to buy a yard of solids in every different color!

Back to the quilt....my plan is to make some kind of 'Welcome' wallhanging for my living room entry way. Right now it is looking very plain and unwelcoming, since all the Fall and Christmas decorations are put away.See? Told you! The colors are a little off - I mean, I did just take the photo at 1am and the flash makes it look awful!

Anyway.....I am just trying to figure out a good design for the blocks (I will be making more), the border fabric, and the word welcome somewhere in there. Perhaps even a wonky house or two might make an appearance. If you have any ideas, please let me know! I think it needs to be horizontal to fit the space. Oh, and DON'T tell my husband, but I plan on painting my living room soon - preferably while he is at work one day. I love the brown, and was quite insistent on painting it that when we moved in, but it has run it's course. I think a nice light aqua with white trim would do the trick. Darling, I really hope you're not reading this!! Opposite this space, on the other wall, is this quilt, so you can see I'm going for the whole red/aqua theme...

10 comments:

Ele said...

Realy love the colors!! nice combinations!!!
Muac

Marie Rayner said...

Log cabin has always been one of my favourite quilt patterns and your blocks are beautiful! Love the colours!

jacquie said...

you are having fun. i love that you'll be adding words to your quilt. the fabrics and colors you chose are divine!

Unknown said...

Your log cabins are spectacular. I love the colors, especially.

Sherri said...

I love your log cabin project! And like everyone else...I love the colors!

Teresa said...

Well that would be quite a surprise to come home to a new color on the walls, but sounds like a fun one. I have an idea he is used to these kind of surprises from you, LOL.

That is really some wonderful fabric you have and will make a cheery greeting to guests coming into your home.

em's scrapbag said...

Had to laugh at your story of wanting to repaint. Happy to know I am not alone in this need for change. I think aqua would be lovely. And I'm loving your wonky log cabin blocks. And the border fabric is fabulous. Keep up the great work.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I LOVE what you're doing, Joanna!!! Those blocks are great! Your inspiration/border fabric is one of my faves. Wonderful!

Brenda said...

I'll cover for you if you come and help me strip the kitchen wallpaper, LOL! I think I like that aqua idea for your space. You better use a semi gloss paint, you KNOW you have lots of sticky fingers just waiting for a new paint color so they can touch....

Swapna said...

Joanna, you have achieved so much..keep going.. and I am sure the quilt will turn out great..good luck...