With this simple project, you will learn how to create a block using the concept of value transitions, to create a fun block that is a simple log cabin but made with beautiful color transitions! You can make as many as you want in different color combinations, to create a quilt in any size that you want. The block that I create for this tutorial is a 8” square, but you can make it growth as much as you want!
Janome Supplies Required
• Sewing machine, I’m using my JANOME 1600P Professional
• 1/4” inch foot for sewing
• Quilting ruler
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Iron & ironing board
• Fabrics in one hue and different values to create a value progression from dark to light. For this tutorial I used 7 different values for red and an extra color for the center of the log cabin.
• Fabric for backing and binding, batting
• Threads for piecing and quilting
Instructions
From each fabric cut two strips that measure between 1 1/2” and 2 1/2” width. I used fat quarters so the lenght of the strips goes from 18” to 20”. Put the strips in value order, from Light to dark and then returning to light or from dark to light and then returning to dark, I used the first organization.
Sew all the strips following the order, using your 1/4” foot and a stitch length of 2.0 in your sewing machine. Press your seams open.
You will create a wonderful Ombré “Fabric”
Cut as many strips as you can in different width between 1” and 2” (or all in the same size) and cut a square that measure approximately 3” side in a lighter value.
Start sewing the strips around the square as you always do when making a Log cabin block. You can make it growth as you wish.
Press toward outside
Repeat this process as many times as you want. In my case I made grow the block to a size of 8” approximately.
Once you have reached your desired size, press well and square up your block. Repeat this process to create as many blocks as you want! This project is great to play with value! Or you can make it growth as a one block quilt! The possibilities are endless.
Once you have all your blocks ready, you can sew them in rows and then sew the rows together. Once you sew your complete top, you can square it up, baste and quilt it.
Below you can see that you can play with the layout of your blocks! You can turn them and see what happens.
