Just a note to self...
Building. On my mind, because patchwork is that. But then thinking about building in general. Remembering the reference to the built world in the book, The Inner Studio, by Andrew Levitt. And now trying to understand how to use the past as a foundation instead of trying to just live in it. Let it go to become a kind of sense. Not trying to remember or repeat but allowing the whole of it to just support the becoming. My foundation self. And then a note to that self. silly me
(and a note to you if you are new here, pictures open in new windows so you can look and listen at the same time, just keep an eye on the open tabs up top)
anyway, continuing with the log cabin block
Even the name Log Cabin evokes building. Frame. Holding. Home. Safety.
And actually it was originally designed as a block constructed by foundation patching. I'll try one (or two?) like that.
I like this one...
"Seams" like drawing, yes?
So there are 4, not counting the one I already used here. The first 3 , connected with, let's call it a plain seam. The fourth, let's call it an abutted seam, the fold and stitch. There are a few more (one quite personal) that I would like to talk about.
All these seaming techniques can be applied to larger work with a few modifications depending on what you are trying to do. Practicing small builds experience that helps with larger projects. Or the other way around, I guess. It's a circle after all.
Just some random thoughts as I’ve been catching up.
Crazy quilting patches are just really wonky log cabin patches.
A tall log cabin would be alternating wide strips and thin strips. Hmmm… these could end up a log cabin of log cabins.
A curved seam log cabin could possibly end up an actual spiral, but depending on the direction(s) of the curve, not necessarily.
For Celia, and anyone else with arthritic hands, wrap the end of the thread around the needle and pull the needle through.
The past as a foundation made me think of using old patchwork as foundation fabric–which is kind of like painting over an old painting.
the shape can really be fun to play with.
I started long ago by using an old existing quilt as a foundation
This post is so wonderful Jude! I learned to make log cabin in multiple – six at a time, on the machine. All that precise cutting in advance, so stressful !! So productive !! Never just enjoying the process !
And then, all that perfect hand quilting and hurrying to get it finished.
How I wish my wonderful, talented grandmother was here today so we could sit in a quiet corner and hand stitch your wonderful Jude style cabins. I know she would love them (and forgive and embrace all my imperfection-ness which frustrated her so).
P.S. you will be such a wonderful grandmother. Congratulations !
Funny how we demand so much of ourselves. It took years to relax… but it feels good. Thank you…
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Just love watching you stitch Jude, it’s like watching a needle go thru fabric like butter. And what a pretty log cabin you created with the seam stitch showing.
I always love to stitch when it has tgat butter feel. The old cloth here is so friendly. Loving the lighter colors for a change. I want to try one in all white , a sanity cabin perhaps.
Your notes on using the past as a foundation were appreciated as I was doing some collage work using thoughts of the past. When I watched the video and you tied the knot, I remembered how I discovered that I could do this action again. The arthritis in my fingers stopped my ability to tie this knot using two fingers. I made six peg dolls for Christmas, and the sewing up of the clothes needed this knot! The repetition re-established this little, so useful process – amazing, and I was so pleased I’d not lost it!
It seems those little things wait patiently to be useful again…and sometimes when we really need them, we find a way.
picturing clockwise-sewn cabins alternating with ounterclockwise-sewn cabins. also, cabins with a 3-d object sewn to the center square. or the center squares becoming pockets containing hidden treasure…
I realize the direction is not that obvious in the looking, I wonder what would make it so.
The past as a foundation, but not living there. I like that.
20 years ago, my friend helped me make a log cabin for my baby grandson. Very traditional making experience. This freedom method is much more pleasing, less stressful.
I think that is one of the biggest gifts you give us…making it all seem doable, inviting, inspiring, possible…
Thank you..
I love that it can have a plan that has to do with motion rather than measuring and how drastically it might change and still be what it is. What about a very tall cabin?
moonpatche love!
happy birthday Jude…
And here we are…🙃
what a collection of beautiful blocks. thank you for the great tutorial ! so inspiring
it’s a nice little relaxing side trip, this mini block thing.
I had never stitched a log cabin block before, but I’m giving it a try now. Fascinating in many ways.
yes, the natural order the changeable math, the spin, the frame and then I am dreaming of using the tradition of it as a jumping off place. A foundation that might wander with me.
Great to see all your new log cabin ideas!
You have such a big beautiful variety of cloth to work with 💙
part of my foundation self is scrap.
loving andrew’s words and the ikat eye
yes, I read the book, that is big, as you know, for me.
I’ll have to come back and watch the video later but just had to say that I love the observation about stitching the blocks on clockwise…had to check and I do too. 🙂
I rock back and forth, but direction is always an important element when I build story.