Thursday, November 17, 2011

Facts I learned on the Log Cabin

I learned some interesting facts on the Log Cabin Block that I would like to share with others.  Some, like myself, are unaware of the interesting history behind these beautiful quilts.   Did you know that each square is a piece of history itself?  The block is a representation of an early log cabin home that was being built on the wide prairie.


The story behind the Log Cabin Quilt is as follows:

The center block is usually red or yellow.  This represents the fire in the hearth.


The light strips of fabric found on one isde of the square is the sun shining on the eastern side of the log cabin.


As of course the dark strips are for the shady side of the log cabin.


Together these simple strips were stitched together in a precise manner to form a complete picture of those who lived on the prairie.  They were to represent:  Home, Warmth, Love, and Security.


According to experts the earliest American Log Cabin Quilt that still exists was created in 1869.  Apparently it was signed and dated.  That does not mean there may have been many others that were fashioned by hand prior to that date.  






I also read that some will argue with the history and say the block was originated by Egyptians during the early Centuries,  No matter where or when this block first was originated, we are fortunate to still be able to enjoy the beauty of the Log Cabin Quilt.


Happy Quilting everyone, and hope you have a Great Day.






Check my website gallery for more selections: http://janesquilting.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Christmas Card Holder

I have been working on a lot of different Christmas projects lately.  Yesterday I made a Christmas Card Holder.  I had made one last year and it not only holds all your cards but looks good too.  Plus, you can hang it almost anywhere.





This is so easy to make and you get to use up all your scrap Christmas material.  But I can almost guarantee you that anyone who sees it will like it and want one too.  I started with these Christmas prints:



Then made a total of 8 Log Cabin Blocks.  Each block will be 5  1/2 inches square when completed.



Then sewed all of my blocks together in a row and put a 2 inch red Poinsettia boarder on.

From there I painted 18 mini clothespins gold.  You can paint them any color, but I wanted something shinny.



When they were dry, I carefully sewed the backside of the wire to the quilt.  I then used fabric glue to keep them straight and even.  It is a fun project that will last for years.  Total size is:  10" X 48"

Happy Quilting............Have a Great Day!





Check my website gallery for more selections: http://janesquilting.com

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Winner of my 10 Fat Quarters


CONGRATULATIONS TO Sharon Pernes , she is the WINNER of my 10 Fat Quarters "Summer in the City" by Urban. I used the random counter and it chose "Number 9", Sharon was number 9 on the comments.   They are beautiful, brightly printed fat quarters I hope she likes them (I am sure she will)



AGAIN.......................... CONGRATULATIONS,  Hope you enjoy them


Happy Quilting Everyone........Have a Great Day! 







Check my website gallery for more selections: http://janesquilting.com

Monday, November 7, 2011

Summer in the City....Fat Quarters

I have 10 Fat Quarters of "Summer in the City" by Urban, for Moda......Is there anyone interested in having these beautiful prints? 






I have purchased 30 of these prints not that long ago and made a quilt for on my porch swing. A Crazy, Scrappy, Reversible quilt, it turned out beautiful.  The fabric is bright and cheerful, will match anything.






Anyway, I have these 10 full fat quarters left over and wanted to share with someone who would enjoy them. 


 


Check them out.....



 

So, all you have to do is leave me a comment.  "What do you want to make?"  I could ask for you to "Like my Facebook page, or my site...but why?  I really don't want to make this a problem to enter, I just want you to have fun.




Just think, there are 10 Fat Quarters......"Summer in the City" by Urban  for Moda 
Large prints, beautiful material, just leave a comment and they could be yours.  Friday, November 11th, I will use a random counter and announce the new owner of this fabric. 



Good Luck and Happy Quilting...........
Have a Great Day!




Check my website gallery for more selections: http://janesquilting.com









Friday, November 4, 2011

Pin Cushions and Scissor Holders

This week was a busy week for us. So instead of a big project, I have been making Stocking Stuffers for Christmas.  One which was making small Pin Cushions and Scissor holders to match.




They were so easy to make.  I started by digging into my scraps and pulling out about 5 or 6 different pieces of fabric that matched.




Then I drew a 4 3/4 inch square on my foundation paper and made lines where I wanted my different fabric to be to make it look scrappy.




Next I sewed the fabric all together.  I cut a backing (a 4  3/4 inch square also).  With the right sides together, I sewed all around but about an inch to turn around.  Then turned and stuffed with little scrap pieces of batting that I had.  (I do not throw Anything away...never know when you can use it)  Then with a slip stitch, I sewed the opening shut, found a matching button and sewed it in the middle pulling it through the whole pin cushion.  (I used a piece of yarn as thread to sew on the button)




Next, I made my matching Scissor Holder.   I started by drawing a heart, (fairly large but not too big) this was going to be my scissor holder.  I then drew lines so I knew where I wanted each piece of material to make it look scrappy.  Then traced it on my foundation paper.




I sewed my fabric on, then cut a piece of plain material and thin batting using the same heart pattern.  I layered them with the right sides of the top and bottom together and the batting on the outside.  Then using a blanket stitch, I sewed around the top only.  Turned it around and matched the two open sides down to the tip and again used the blanket stitch to sew them together.  Then folded the flap down and added a matching button for decoration.






I think they turned out pretty cute.  So, I made some with just one piece of material.   I quilted the material in a 1/2 inch grid.  Then layered, did my blind stitch and put my button on.  Every Crafter uses scissors and most carries them with them piratically everywhere they go.

With the Holidays approaching  -  What better time of year to made all kinds of neat little things and pass them along to others.

Happy Quilting................Have a Great Day!

Check my website gallery for more selections: http://janesquilting.com