One of the most recognizable American quilt blocks has got to be hands down the log cabin block.

One of my quilts is featured in I Love Log Cabins by Martingale Publishing. 

The setting seems fairly common but for me it is really different. I did not use 5,000,000 different fabrics like I usually do. Each “log” is the same fabric as it is built out from the center, rotating from light to dark and back to light. The blocks are then sashed with assorted putty grey fabrics on only 2 sides, making the blocks easy to assemble. This quilt looks just like it could be a modern version of a quilt on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s bed. Little House on the Prairie fan, anyone?

Stock # b1339 Available now at your favorite retailer!

How about this classic log cabin with the added stars?

Quilt made by Kimberly Jolly

Log cabins with red centers represent the hearth (fireplace/warmth) of the home while the light side of the blocks represents the sunny side of the home, dark side represents shady side. to me this version represents a happy cheerful home full of warmth. Isn’t that the fun part of quilting and sharing stories? Each quilt speaks to each of us differently.

Wouldn’t this be so yummy in Christmas colors?

And if you think quilting is for “old ladies” then you are in for a treat.  Just look at this Log cabin variation, Rockin’ the Rainbow by Jackie White. I have not meet Jackie and I have no idea how old she is but she has got to be a ton of fun just by looking at her quilt. It makes me happy, plus I love the funky pieced binding.

Young or old, their is a log cabin for you.

The log cabin quilt is symbolic for the westward movement following the civil war. There are all kinds of stories about the underground railroad and the use of log cabin quilts to send the enemies locations just by the direction of how the quilts were hung along the fence. Truth or Fiction? Who really knows but as a quilt enthusiast, it does my heart good to believe that quilts have had a social and political statement for hundreds of years. If you would like to learn more about the history of Log Cabin  quilts, visit Barbara Brackman’s blog.

If you are as hooked as I am on Log Cabins and want to make one of these quilts, visit Martingale for all the details.

-modalissa