Log Cabin Jam in Quilter's World
Hooray! My latest pattern, Log Cabin Jam is in the Spring, 2022 issue of Quilter's World. Once again, since this was a project for publication, the timeline was a long one. Michael Miller Fabric was kind enough to provide me with a fat quarter bundle of their Coco line, in the Reef colorway, which is so lovely.
I designed and submitted this quilt in April, in response to a call from submission asking for log cabin quilts. I used Electric Quilt 8 to design the quilt, as I often do. It is such an easy tool to use when I am doing design work. I really enjoy working with it. The only downside is that I have a vast library of designs that I will never have time to make. The software is 20% off from 12/29 - 1/2, if you are tempted.
This is the mock-up I submitted. My original submission used a lovely hand-woven collection from Diamond Textiles. My original inspiration had me thinking about different neighborhoods in my home town. The lots with the big houses, then the communities with lots of little houses crammed into the one large lot. All of the greens in the collection reminded my of the trees between the houses.
I received notification that the quilt had been accepted in late May. The editors decided they would prefer a brighter color palette, and I was happy to work with them to choose a new fabric line. We decided on Coco from Michael Miller Fabrics. After settling on a replacement fabric collection and re-coloring the mock-up, I requested fabric from Michael Miller Fabrics. They were kind enough to approve my request, which is always nice.
I spent a week in July putting the quilt together. There were so many strips - it was absolute chaos.
I put together the big blocks first, to trick myself into thinking it was coming together quickly. Those little cabins were a bit of a soul crusher, but so worth it in the end.
I did have to move from my studio to my dining room, which added to the chaos. I also opted to use the floor to lay out the quilt during constructions. This is one reason I prefer a design wall. Oscar had some opinions on block placement. I also dislike bending over and crawling around on the floor.
I'm particularly pleased with the back, which I pieced from leftovers of the fat quarter bundle and some lovely solid fabric. Piecing a backing isn't my favorite activity, but when I make the effort I'm always happy with it.
Label your quilts! I have gotten into the habit of putting labels on my quilts for publication, after receiving someone else's quilt in return once. I imagine a publishing house gets pretty chaotic, and putting a label on my quilt helps minimize confusion. Also, I use up a tiny bit of the scraps.
I love it when the finished quilt looks so much like the mock-up. I know that if I can draw something into EQ8 I can bring it to life.
Once the quilt was finished, it was time for the hard part- writing the pattern. Pattern writing is a struggle for me, which is why I don't get many released. I managed it, and got everything shipped off to the publisher in the nick of time. They have had the quilt since July, and when it showed up in my package bin today I was startled to see it again. I never know when they are coming home, so when I get the box, I sometimes struggle to figure out what is in there. Then I'm delighted to see such a pretty quilt!
If you spot Log Cabin Jam in Quilter's World, let me know! Also, if you make your own version, please tag me on social media when you share photos. I love seeing what people make using my patterns.
Previous Log Cabin Quilts