The log cabin block became popular in the middle of the 1800′s but has been around much longer than that.   It’s an easy, versatile block and can be found in traditional quilts, contemporary quilts and in wonky quilts.  

In Wild Goose Chase Through The Cabins, Carolyn Beam of Colorado Quilts combines a fields and furrows layout with flying geese blocks.  The colored inset shows another variation of the pattern. Hmmm, in the main layout I see one block that looks as if it is in the wrong place.  Do you see it?  A design choice or is Carolyn just making sure we’re paying attention?

Color Bridge by Elisa’s Backporch Design combines the bear paw block  with the log cabin block for and easy quilt with a stunning look.  Elisa suggest batiks for this quilt.

An off center setting and “curved” logs give One Classy Cabin a contemporary look.  This sample was made with bright African fabrics.  Instructions for two sizes are included.

Mosaic Star Quilt Pattern is another contemporary twist on the log cabin design.  The bright colors make this star shine!  Make it in red, white and blue for a patriotic look.    Scraps would work well also.

An original patchwork block has been created from elements of Birds In The Air and Log Cabin blocks.  Some applique is added and you have a little funny story (well, not so funny for the hen!).  Fox In The Hen House was designed by Cathy Wierzbicki of Time To Quilt

Go “house hunting”, you’ll find plenty of log cabin quilt patterns in different styles.

The first Friday of every month all of our Facebook Fans are treated to a special offer.  It lasts all weekend and all you have to do to take advantage of it is “Like” QuiltersWarehouse on Facebook!   That’s where you will find the code to use at checkout. 

March’s Facebook First Friday deal is 20% off all quilting books!

Books like . . .

. . . Ladybug Nursery with directions for a complete crib set,  nursery accessories, window dressings and more. 

You’ll get directions for eleven lap size quilts in Laps From Fats.  Simple directions tell you how to stack your fat quarters for quick cutting – you’ll be sewing before you know it.  

Seven bags are found in Bold Bags by Lazy Girl Designs. You’ll be sure to learn some cool tips and fast tricks from Joan Hawley as you build up your bag collection.

The Quilt Maniac’s Playbook  includes instructions for 12 quilt and 6 table runners.  But even more than that, you will learn all about color concepts that will help you next time you shop for fabrics.

So, what are you waiting for?!  Like QuiltersWarehouse on Facebook, grab the code and get your books!  The discount is good now through the end of day Sunday.  Happy shopping!

Tulip Tonals Salmon

and Tulip Tonals Sky by Kona Cotton are soft, rich looking, tone on tone fabrics.  Beautiful colors with romantic tulips scattered about.

Fusions Spring by Robert Kaufman Fabrics is a multi colored background with white flowers.  This makes a great border fabric.  I’ve used it around the Periwinkle Lane blocks and it looks so pretty with them.

This is Maisy Green Flowers by Andover Fabrics.  There is a whole line of Maisy Fabrics and they are bright, colorful and fun.

Empress Bouquest Spring by Robert Kaufman is an explosion of spring flowers, bursting forth from the brown “dirt”.  They look like they just can’t contain their enthusiasm for spring!

Garden Party by Troy has a blue background with buds and flowers scattered all about.  This whimsical print also comes in a lilac background.

Sage Wildflower by Timeless Treasures has a light green marbled background and is bordered by basket weave stripes.  The flowers and leaves are delicately illustrated and are being visited by butterflies.

Go to QuiltersWarehouse and click on Quilting Fabric Categories, then on Florals and you’ll find nine pages of floral fabrics just waiting for a Spring project.

It’s been a long winter and the month of March is surely welcome.  Spring will follow soon.  I’ve even seen a few crocuses’ leaves poking through the ground.  Have you seen any signs of Spring yet?  If not, here’s a few Spring quilt patterns to hold you until the real thing gets here.

Pieces of Spring is constructed with log cabin blocks and fusible applique. Pull out your spring fabrics and fussy cut squares for the border.  Then embellish with buttons galore and you have a quilt that will brighten any room.

Spring Row Quilt features flowers and bird houses and combines paper piecing and applique.  Ivy vines are climbing the poles on the bird houses.  This color way is fine, but wouldn’t this be fun with colorful scraps… leave the ivy vines and leaves green and then really play with color when sewing the flowers and bird houses.

Just nine 10″ blocks make up the Tulip Twirl!  Keep the green and change out the red with your favorite tulip color.  The tulip blocks and the swag border can be appliqued by hand or by machine.  Quilt finishes at 51″ x 51″ and would be just right to brighten up your breakfast nook or the three season room that you can start using again soon.

It BEE Spring is easy to piece, with Broken Dishes blocks in the center and Checkerboard blocks in the corners.  The rest of the quilt is abuzz with bees and flowers.  Your quilting becomes the bee flight path as they travel from flower to flower – how cute is that?!

That’s just four…. there are so many more Spring quilt patterns.  Go ahead and browse.  You’ll be sure to find one that you like.

Bobbi’s “Just Right” bag pattern, by Sweet Season Quilts, really is just the right size.  At 11″ x 10″ x 2″, it’s not too big and it’s not too small.   And it has pockets galore:  five interior pockets, a pouch pocket on the outside, and a convenient front pocket that zippers so you can keep your license and keys handy but safe.  Finish the top your way… with a zipper or a snap.

The Hampton Tote is big enough (14″ x 13″ x 6″) for your all day outings.  A little flair at the sides of the top, plus a few buttons add some personality.  This is a great place to use those novelty buttons you’ve been saving.  The pink is perfect for spring.   For a summer tote you could use lots of bright colors. 

Cami’s Tote is another generous sized bag.  It’s bigger than it looks – those sides open up!   It’s easy to make with lots of options to add, or not, you choose.  Choices include an easy-to-apply back zipper pocket, a roomy front pocket, and/or tons of interior compartments.  Finished size is 16″ x 13″ x 4.5″.

One more big one… the Village Bag will really show off that large scale print you haven’t wanted to cut into.  You knew you were saving it for just the right project, didn’t you?!   This one finishes at 13.5″ x 30″ – just right for tossing in a few file folders if you need to bring work home, or that stack of papers that you need to grade, or maybe your handwork project-to-go.

With all this toting, you are going to want to include a lunch bag. Ciara’s Munch bag can hold a few snacks or an entire lunch.  You can make it insulated or not.   And the best part is that is folds up small when you are finished…. just toss it in your tote bag. 

Well, that’s the latest we have to offer.  Start sewing now because spring is nearly here and you know you’re going to want to get out and roam…. and you’ll need a bag for all your essentials.  If none of these work for you there are plenty of other purse and bag patterns – lots of old favorites.

I don’t know about your neck of the woods but here we are enjoying sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures today… and loving it.  Makes a person want to think about decorating the house for Spring… maybe pick out a new table runner pattern and get ready!

Grandma’s Clematis will be blooming soon.   Beautiful, bright flowers are set on a trellis background and the whole thing is finished with rounded corners.  Pattern includes easy-to-follow instructions and full size patterns for the flowers.   Table runner finishes at 17 1/2″ x 47″.

Spring Pocket is one of Briarwood Cottage’s cute little pocket patterns.  These patterns are sold in small pocket size packages (approx 4″ x 6″) and they come with a small price to match.  Spring Pocket has instructions for a 14″ x 30″ table runner and matching 12″ x 18″ placemats.

Can’t you just see all these pinwheels blowing in the Spring breezes?  Sew Darn Easy has instructions for 10 different blocks to use in your table runner.  Use them all for a sampler look, or just choose your favorites.  You’ll be able to make several table runners before you tire of this pattern.

Garden Path is a new pattern.   When you finish the table runner you can make the placemats.  Then a lap quilt.  Plus, there are four more sizes included!  It’s like a Spring festival!

Check out the rest of the table runner patterns.  There are literally hundreds from which to choose.