log cabinish

I made two log-cabin cushions this week, because I thought they would make nice Christmas presents for A and K to take away with us at the end of the year- something especially made for each of them to put on their new Norwegian beds. It was first time trying out the log cabin method (or any patchwork technique, come to think of it), so that's why the title of this post is 'log cabinish' - I took a lot of liberty with these, as you can probably tell.The placing of the blocks, and thinking about colour and balance was a lot harder than I expected. Hopefully, with a bit of practice, I'll get the hang of it one day.

As a guide, I used this excellent tutorial by Dacia Ray which was very helpful. (She called her tutorial 'log cabin-ish' which I found encouraging.)

It was also a good way to use up some favourite smaller pieces of fabric. This is Arlo's one, and I used some leftovers from some of the clothes I've made him, and some Japanese prints too. I ended up using an old woollen blanket as batting when I was quilting these. I didn't have quite enough quilt batting, and I wanted to finish them right then and there, as usual. But I was quite pleased with how well that worked. I used an envelope-style opening on the back, for easy washing.

And this is Keira's one- using up some more of that lovely brown sparrow fabric from Amisha, and a few other orangey fabrics I could find.

To see the most amazing log cabin pillows, you can view Lisa Congdon's flickr set here. Seeing those makes me want to keep practicing!

Comments

[Jo]

These are gorgeous. Love the colours, they feel 'warm' All the best for your exciting move!

[Louise]

These are lovely! You have reminded me that there is a log cabin pillow project in the Crafter's Companion book that I wanted to try out. Must add that to the always growing craft to-do list...

[Lina]

These are so pretty. Your fabric choices are fabulous.

[kirsten]

oh, they turned out so great! just log-cabiny enough! :) i just made a patchwork cushion, too - blogged soon.

[Lies]

Cute. What nice gifts for your children, it will make them feel more at home. And an excellent way to use those little left-overs that are just too pretty to throw out
X Lies

[Zelia]

I love them, specialy the last!

[claire]

These are gorgeous, I saw Dacia's tutorial and have linked to it on my blog. It's so useful to see what other people do. Of course I have never quilted, have no batting, so I think I'll have to put this on my to do list, when I've finished a few other WIP!! Thanks again for your lovely blog.

[Emma]

Seriously, you call that beautiful pair of cushions practising? To me, albeit a total novice on sewing, they look perfect. I love your colour and pattern choices.

I am sure A and K will feel safe and secure with their cushions, in Norway, on the plane or just packing stuff. What a thoughtful mama you are.

Oh, and great thinking with the back opening. That way you can stuff a small toy and a pajama in there too. :)

[cyndi]

so so pretty.

[Lindy]

Oh how pretty- I'm sure the pillows will look lovely on their Norwegian beds!

[Tash]

Pfft! That cannot be your first attempt! They're beautiful! I'm guessing A and K will love them in their new Norwegian abodes. Snug and comfy :)

[Kim]

Great work! Seriously! I esp love Arlo's pillow.

[Brenda]

I like them very much....good work.

[Lissilulu]

melissa...they are so lovely.
i think they are balanced perfectly and Keira's seems to feel so warm and glowey.
lori

[Belinda]

Very nice Melissa.
I love it when you use up some special leftover pieces that you just can't bear to throw out.
Having something handmade by mummy for their new home will bring K and A comfort and security whilst they adjust and things feel more familiar to them.

[kimberlee]

great pillows
what are you going to put on your bed to feel at home in norway? I hope you do something like this for you and tom too:)

-kimberlee

[Sally Anne]

Those pillows are absolutely gorgeous Melissa...I LOVE them...Yay I think you have definitely turned into a patchworker!!You can expect a delicious parcel of patchwork scraps to start your Norwegian stash in January, and I shall keep looking through your favorite recycling places here, never fear!

[caireen]

They look great - and the change in logcab proportion makes them really modern, yet traditional. Really lovely. Cxx

[amisha]

it makes me so happy to see that sparrow fabric pop up in your beautiful work :)
these 2 pillows are *wonderful* m. i love the log cabin (or cabinish!) technique... i find it really freeing. usually i overthink color and pattern and all the rest of it, and with the log cabin i feel like i can just go with it and have fun.
xox

[amanda]

Those are wonderful!! I want to make one now. Thanks for the links.

[Victoria]

Mmmmm, love the fabric combinations and the mix of old and new. (and the idea behind them)

[Dacia]

Glad the tutorial was helpful! They turned out beautifully!

[Regina]

I love these pillows! They are perfect in every way!

[Chara Michele]

Both cushions look lovely! I love the fabric combinations you used!