You may remember a few weeks ago I started a vintage-inspired Log Cabin quilt. Well, she's done!
I've been so excited to show her off in all of her glory, but I'm sorry to say the pictures don't do it justice.
Part of the problem is that this is the biggest quilt I've made in a while! It finished at 80" x 80". It's hard to get a good photo of a quilt that size. (I realize I could put it on my bed, but then I'd have to do too much cleaning to take a pretty picture 😉 so this is these are the best I've got for the moment.)
I thoroughly enjoyed making every last block of this quilt. There's something I really love about making log cabin quilts. I think they're one of my all-time favorites.
If you'd like instructions for piecing a Log Cabin quilt as well as the measurements for the strips I used go here.
I ended up making a square quilt this time - 80" x 80". I thought about making it bigger for a bed size quilt, but had decided the purpose of this quilt is for carrying around for whatever sounds fun from Sunday naps to picnics outside. Also, this one is all mine. I mean I'll share it sometimes, but it's mostly for my own pleasure.
I finished my blocks at 10" x 10" making 64 blocks altogether. You can read more about the size strips I cut as well as tutorials for making your own Log Cabin quilt blocks here.
We've had such cold, rainy weather for the past few weeks so I've been waiting for some sun to get pictures outside. I also wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous blossoms that have come into bloom over the past few days, so I tried to get a decent full body shot, but as you can see, my valiant quilt holder's arms had to really stretch to even get it this wide. So it's not the best picture.
(Full disclosure: also, our neighbors were in their front yard and I was feeling like a dork, so I kind of rushed it. We may need to try again. My husband - to his everlasting credit - is the best sport. It's only me that has the dork complex.)
While as much as I love the overall look of the quilt, it's actually the fabrics up close that I love the most. Log Cabin quilts are so much fun for going all-out scrappy. They're great for actually using your actual scraps too.
As I mentioned previously, I went "controlled scrappy" on this one, sticking to a pastel palette with fabrics that are vintage reproductions or the like, for the most part.
I cut up years worth of stash favorites for this quilt and it was so much fun to finally put them to use. Why do I wait for the "perfect time" to use stuff? I finally decided this was the perfect time. I think I need to make more perfect time quilts.
I once heard Jen Kingwell teach that the best quilts have over 100 different fabrics. There's something magic about them. I fully agree and I think I can safely say this one meets that criteria.
I was also fun to throw in some of my own fabrics for this quilt. Prints from my Gretel collection fit the palette just right. I also used the pink gingham with daisies as the backing fabric and the red heart stripe on the bias as the binding. Worked out pretty perfect.
So there she is (this quilt is totally a 'she') in all of her glory. Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting did the machine quilting for me with the allover Little Flowers edge to edge design. I love that it give it lots of all-over texture, but the curves of the flower petals give it some softness.
UPDATE: I finally got some pretty pictures of this quilt with the orchard blossoms near my house. You can see more of those "Springtime in the Rockies" shots here. 🙂 Plus a little bit about the sentimental thoughts and feelings on the passing of my Grandma that week. ❤
xo
t says
Congrats on your vintage vibe finish. Definitely a keeper!!
Carole Moore says
Absolutely gorgeous! I just added a lot cabin scrap quilt to my to do list! Thank you for the inspiration!
Katie says
It is beautiful! I love the secondary diamond design. Scrappy and cohesive!
Karen Seitz says
I love this one too. I'm glad it turned out as you imagined. Have a wonderful Easter!
Little Quiltsong says
This is gorgeous!! I too love Log Cabin Blocks - and you did the layout so super special. The low-volume sections remind me of little nooks and crannies with pops of colours showing through. A real treasure Amy!
Allison says
Gorgeous!
Audrey says
Love love love love love love love love love this quilt. Simply love it
Sharon Mann says
Oh my goodness, that is absolutely the prettiest quilt I have ever seen!
Aqua Paisley Studio says
It's so lovely!! It makes me want to raid my scrap bins and make a log cabin quilt too :).
Amy says
Ooh, I bet your scrap bins would make a stunning log cabin quilt!
Pamela J DeMarrais says
Amy, this quilt is one you could study for quite a while. There are so many cheerful fabrics. I’m sure this brings many other creations to mind. Thanks for this tutorial and beautiful inspiration!
JEAN says
Ooooo, Amy! Your very own girly log cabin quilt is absolutely gorgeous! Enjoy! And Happy Easter!
-Jean ❤
Amy says
Thank you, Jean. xo
Doreen says
Thank you for posting some absolutely beautiful eye-candy for Easter! Awesome quilt in every aspect- fabric, backing, log cabin design, and quilting. Definitely a keeper!
Donna Weeks says
Inspiring, Gorgeous, Absolutely lovely.
Quilting in Maine says
Love the vintage style. Inspiring!
Janet says
What a beautiful quilt!! Love the scrappiness of it. You are inspiring me to make another log cabin- they are fun!
Debbie says
I love it! I have many of the same fabrics...scraps...it’s calling me to make this beautiful log cabin!
Debbie says
Would 2.5” strips be too wide for this?
Amy says
You can make a log cabin quilt with strips of any width - it will just change the proportions of the block. I'm sure there are tutorials for log cabin quilts with 2 1/2" strips. I would definitely google that - then you can get a visual of how they look too.
C Hick says
I am making one now using Donna Jordon's free pattern, botjh Jenny on MSQC or Jordon Fabrics have video tutorials that help out with this! Have fun
happyquiltingmelissa says
Such a beautiful and special finish!!! What a treasure for you!!!
farmhousequiltsblog says
It turned out gorgeous! Now I have to make one too...?. And if you moved next door to me I wouldn't think you were dorky at all..I would run over and help you photograph that quilt!
Rosemaryflower says
Amy, this quilt is really pretty. I clean my kitchen floors because that is the best place and lighting to get photos of my quilts. That is the ONLY reason I clean my floors, hahaha
I really love this quilt
Amy says
Haha! Sounds like a great motivation to me!
Sandra B says
Awesome quilt, Amy! Scrappy quilts are my favorite, and this one is beautiful!
Thanks for sharing!
Happy Easter!
Sally ChristiansenSally Christiansen says
I love this quilt! It is so pretty, thanks for sharing.
Jane Cisneros says
Stunning and sweet and perfect. Love your layout! The combination of old and new in log cabin designs always brings a smile❣️
Susan Olsson says
Beautiful quilt. I love it!
Janice says
It turned out beautifully. I started my own scrappy log cabin quilt yesterday and saw this post last night. You've inspired me.
Amy says
Oh, I love it! And I relate. Every time I see a log cabin quilt, I want to start a new one. 😉
Jocelyn says
I love it! So pretty!!
Jill says
Beautiful. I love following your blog.
Amy says
Thank you, Jill.
Jeanne L Hoerr says
Stunning, Amy! That will be a quilt to treasure for years to come 🙂
Patti A. says
You are so right to want to keep it for yourself. At least for awhile. It is so sweet! Happy Easter to you also.
Elaine Papworth says
This quilt is stunning, and one of my all time favorites! You are amazing! ?
Jane Sprague says
I'm totally with you about log cabin quilts. They're fabulous to look at and even more fun to make. The best thing about them is that they invite you to snuggle into them! I love yours, and thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Allysgrandma says
Oh Amy, I just LOVE IT!!
Cindy Stulken says
It’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing your love of quilting with us!
Brenda says
This is stunning. Definitely you should be keeping this for yourself. It turned out wonderful. I have never made a log cabin. But I have a book of log cabin quilt block patterns. I am excited to make one. Have a Blessed Easter
Linda says
I also enjoy making scrappy quilts with lots of color and the visual interest of many, many fabrics. This Log Cabin is one of the best I’ve seen. Thank you, Amy, for sharing it, and for all the inspiration you provide to us quilters!
Lynette says
Beautiful and inspirational! I love it! Happy to hear it's all yours, we often forget to treat ourselves!!
Adrienne says
Incredibly gorgeous Log Cabin Quilt. Lots of love, care, planning, and thought went into it. Plus, all the time and effort of doing it. Really beautiful.
Krystyn D says
Beautiful!
marcusandlauren says
Wow! I love this so much! I haven't popped in to your blog in awhile, but was wondering what you've been up to. You do NOT disappoint! 🙂 Gorgeous work, Amy!
Amy says
Thank you! xo
Gwyn says
All I can say is, "WOW, WOW, WOW!!" It came together fabulously! Great inspiration for those of us who have a log cabin on our bucket list. Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer Graham-Rateliff says
Red and white is always so sharp looking, while the other colors are fresh and bright. Really fabulous!!!! Love your quilts!
Genna says
I LOVE this quilt! I haven't been quilting long, so I don't have a steady random stash, but I would love to make one like this - just afraid mine would end up looking junky instead of scrappy. Putting that many fabrics together would make me a nervous wreck, but I totally wish I could pull this off!
Kimberly says
Hi, Beautiful quilt.I mean gorgeous!!! FYI...
Never ever be embarrassed or intimidated by others especially when you are sharing your pictures with others. The only reason I can think your neighbor would be looking is because it’s Beautiful!! 😋😋. HAGD
Lisa Provenzano says
This is so precious! I have a new granddaughter coming and would love to use this pattern for a log cabin quilt for her. This is so delicate! Thank you for sharing it!
Jane Sprague says
Amy, your quilt is beautiful! The colors are perfect as is the layout, too. Your work inspires me!
Amy says
Thank you, Jane!
Adriene says
Yes, so much inspiration on Amy's blog. She hits my quilt style perfectly.
Adriene says
I love your blog Amy. You're one of my favorite "all-star" quilters. But our relationship is love/hate because I'm like a squirrel quilter...."oh look, I need to start that quilt." When the truth is I just started a version of your Sublte quilt by Amanda Nyberg. I'm doing a blue one. But then I open this blog this morning and see this fabulous log cabin and my ADD goes off and I'm chasing another quilt idea in my head. Happy Sunday. Thanks for all you do for quilting.
Amy says
Haha - well, we are kindred spirits then, because I'm very much a squirrel quilter too!
Susan says
Wow! I actually gasped when I opened up this post. It's absolutely stunning. Love everything about it and I'm going to try making one, although I may have to wait awhile to get enough scraps. Thank you for the inspiration!
Amy says
Aww, thank you! And you're welcome!
Debbie Brugman says
I remember reading this blog back when you first posted it in 2023. And it was the first place I came to when deciding to make my own Log Cabin quilt. I cried with you when your granny died thinking of my own grannies.
Each year my friend Toni (Arizona, me San Diego) and I each make a quilt using the same pattern. Last year it was Robin Pickens. This year it’s Amy Smart.
My Log Cabin is a scrappy version using a variety of cheddar and blacks from many designers with a creamy center. Toni is using 7 batiks and it’s stunning. We “meet” once or twice a month via what’s app. It’s such a fun way to stay connected with my Quilty Bestie.
Thank you Amy for all the beautiful patterns and fabrics but especially for the way you inspire. I love reading your posts. God Bless