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©
Flavin Glover 2000 |
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Around the Corner
(click name to see picture of finished quilt) is a small wall quilt
depicting six Log Cabin patchwork houses. It was inspired by
Row Houses, one of my favorite quilts. You are welcome to print and use the pattern as illustrated or be inspired
by
it to create
your own patchwork houses variation.Before the construction considerations, I invite you to preview the design. A block placement diagram will aid you in seeing how the houses fit together and share roof blocks with an adjacent house. Each Log Cabin block is designed as a 4 1/2-inch finished square with logs of 1/2-inch finished width. Each block is ready to print and contains the piecing route (A to B, etc) for that specific block. To view or print all of the full size blocks click here. |
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Color Plan and Fabric Considerations |
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Half the fun of making a quilt is
selecting a color plan and choosing the fabrics. For color
inspiration see the quilt,
Row Houses,
selected as one of the
20th Century's 100 Best American
Quilts. (click here)
As you experiment with color choices and
placement of the houses, think about contrast in order to distinguish
one house from another.
For small patchwork buildings, I prefer
fabric in 1/2-yard cuts or fat-quarters in order to cut fabric strips
lengthwise (parallel to the selvage) rather than cutting crosswise. I cut crosswise to gain a specific fabric variation such as a crosswise stripe.
Narrow logs cut from lengthwise strips tend
to have less stretch when pieced, as compared to logs cut from crosswise
strips.
Cutting narrow logs to specified lengths
needed prior to construction can also aid in block accuracy and actually speed
up machine piecing time. |
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Construction Considerations |
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For ease in designing, each house has
the same size windows and doors (not so in
Row Houses). You can adjust the style of the first
floor windows and doors, if desired.
At first glance, the blocks may appear to be
Basic Log Cabin squares. They
are all based on the Traditional Log Cabin, with logs stitched
concentrically around the center (A). There are variations in the
piecing routes to set in roof lines, balance the windows and accommodate
the doors. Also note the east and west blocks of first and second
floors are mirror images of each other.
Using the full size block, I measure each
finished log length, add seam allowances to the ends and cut the log
lengths from one-inch strips in the desired colors.
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If you prefer to use the sew and snip construction method, be methodical
as you cut away remaining strip after each log is sewn into place.
Accurate sew and snip blocks are possible with narrow logs--but not as
easy as when wider logs are
used. |
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If you prefer foundation piecing the blocks, print additional blocks for each house. Piece the fabric strips directly onto each paper block. After all the blocks are stitched together, create the quilt top; tear away the paper. |
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With any of the construction methods, the
piecing route remains the same. To piece a block using the letter  routing,
begin with Logs A and B with right
sides facing and join with a 1/4-inch
seam. Finger press seam toward B. Using each block's piecing
route, continue sewing in a concentric manner, joining Log C to the A/B
unit as illustrated to the left. Continue to follow specific
piecing route for that specific block until all logs are stitched.
Press completed blocks with seams outward from the center square. |
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 One block that needs special attention is
the West Upper Roof
Block. Note Log C is cut from a chimney
(contrasting to roof) fabric. Begin piecing A to B, finger press
seam to B. On right side piece C (chimney) to A/B; then on the
left side, piece D to unit as illustrated before continuing the piecing
in a clockwise direction.
When all blocks for each house are completed
and pressed, arrange blocks in rows. Double-check block placements
before joining blocks. Stitch blocks top-to-bottom to form short
vertical rows for each house. Stitch the rows together to form
each house. Stitch the houses together.
Cut inner border strips 2 1/2" inches wide from a
selected inner border fabric. Join a border strip at the bottom
and top of the patchwork top. Join border strips to each side.
To create color chip squares for the border,
cut 2 1/2-inch squares from all the fabrics used in houses and
windows. Border each square with 1-inch wide strips from a variety
of coordinating, yet contrasting colors. Join the squares at side
to form four border rows. You will need 10 color chip units for
each row on the top and bottom of quilt; and 16 color chip units for each
row on the sides. Join the rows onto the top and bottom, then the
sides.
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