I Spy Log Cabin Quilt
I pieced the 36 blocks for this “I Spy” Log Cabin Quilt while in Maine during September 2017. The scraps are bright, cheerful and fun. The variety of novelty fabrics make it even more interesting – there are all kinds of things to “spy” including: corn on the cob, Snoopy, Minions, cats, rocks, cars, planets, etc. All the fabrics in these blocks came from my scrap bin.
Each center block was a 3″ square sewn into a half square triangle (HST). The fabric strips were 2.5″ wide and as long as I could cut from each scrap. The exception was the outside border which was cut 4″ wide.
The borders also include more strips sewn long-way instead of the usual piano key type border. This was a quick way to finish up the quilt top and allowed me to use up a few more scraps. (Did you notice the mistake? One side has only one strip of scrap border instead of two like on the other sides).
This quilt was a Christmas 2017 gift for my daughter and grand-daughter. It makes a fun way to snuggle and play “I Spy” with the various fabrics. The backing was purchased by my daughter and is a peacock theme.
All cotton fabric and poly batting.
“I Spy” Log Cabin Quilt was machine quilted by RLM in November 2017 in an all over stipple design.
The binding matched the outer border. Machine sewn to the front and hand sewn on the back of the quilt.
Finished size is 96″ square.
My conclusion:
I admit it – I was super slow to figure out how much fun Log Cabin quilts could be. The blocks can be set different ways depending on how the quilter wants the finished quilt to look. Log Cabin quilts can be scrappy or planned or even planned scrappy. There is simply no limit to what can be done with this pattern. Try the Log Cabin design out and see what you come up with. Have fun.
For more ideas about Log Cabin blocks and quilts:
https://indianaquilter40.blogspot.com/2019/08/purple-without-apology-log-cabin.html
https://indianaquilter40.blogspot.com/2009/10/log-cabin.html
https://www.freequilt.com/logcabin.html
https://indianaquilter40.com/lettuce-be-berry-christmas-quilt/
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL PHOTOS AND WRITTEN CONTENT ARE MY OWN UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
60 thoughts on “I Spy Log Cabin Quilt”
Superb blog! So many ideas here. This quilter is so inspired to make more quilts. First, I am going to do a major sort thru my fabrics and scraps – what a mess. Need some organization in there. Then I think I will start with this quilt. Thanks so much for sharing this part of your life.
Yeah, I am so glad that you are inspired to make this quilt. It was fun to make and will easily adjust to whatever size of strips you want to use. Happy quilting.
Hi, I keep coming back to this post. I have many pieces of novelty fabrics and am thinking that making two smaller versions of this (twin size) would make wonderful Christmas gifts this year for my grand daughters age 5 and 6. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and creativity with other quilters. Happy quilting back to you.
I love when people find my ideas inspirational for their own quilt projects. This would be a fun quilt for each of your gr-daughters. “I spy” with little ones is a fun way to spend time making memories. Happy quilting.
Love scrappy quilts and this is a really great idea for using up some novelty fabrics. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us readers.This is a wonderful quilt blog.
I am so glad you enjoy this quilt blog. Thanks so much for subscribing.
I have tons of novelty print scraps and this is a wonderful idea for using them. Love your blog. Thanks for sharing your quilt ideas.
Thank you for subscribing to my quilt blog. Happy quilting.
I’m impressed, I must say. Hardly ever do I encounter a quilt blog that’s educational and entertaining, and you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding and it is a fun quilt. I hope your daughter enjoys it.
Yes, this quilt was a hit with the daughter and gr-daughter. I am so glad you are enjoying the blog. Happy quilting.
Great idea and a really cool quilt. I have all kinds of novelty fabric scraps that this would be perfect for. Make smaller sizes for the grand kids. Thanks.
Yes, the strips and total quilt size can be adjusted for the size you need. Novelty fabrics are fun and this was a great use for them. Happy quilting.
Fun looking quilt. I read your directions and I can do this! I am so excited! Love how quilts look and feel but have been scared to do one – convinced I will mess it up. You make beautiful quilts seem easy and do able. My mom gave me a bunch of left over cotton scraps from her sewing projects (clothes) and after reading several of your posts, I am so ready to make this quilt (even with the mistake you made in the border !). Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for visiting this quilt blog. I am glad you found directions for this quilt to be easy and do-able. Believe me, it is. Just remember to cut all the pieces a consistent size, and to sew the same size seam through out the top. You can do this quilt. Have fun.
Great blog here! Additionally your web site lots up very fast, which is amazing with all the photos! I can’t believe how much wonderful information there is here on quilts and quilting. Please keep posting.
Thank you for visiting and reading. Happy quilting.
This is a brilliant quilting blog! I will bookmark and subscribe. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this website with my Facebook group.
Thank you so much. Happy quilting.
After looking into a number of the articles on your site, I seriously appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Love all the wonderful quilt photos.
Thanks for stopping by and reading posts here. Several readers have asked why I don’t write a book – frankly I would rather quilt 🙂 Anyway, glad you enjoy the blog. That makes it worth my time to write – knowing others are enjoying the blog and/or getting inspired on their quilt journey. Have a good day.
Informative article, totally what I needed. Your directions and photos are great. I have been looking for a quilt to make as a beginner for a first quilt. This is it!
I am always happy when a reader contacts me and tells me the posts are easy to read and understand. This is a great first quilt. I will be happy to add it to the gallery if you send me a photo when complete. In the meantime, happy quilting.
I subscribed to your feed so I don’t miss any posts. This is a great blog. I have also gone back and read some of your old blog posts on various quilts. A life time of inspiration here.
Thanks for subscribing. Have fun reading about the various quilts on both this blog and the old one. Happy quilting.
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for supplying these details for this quilt.
So glad you stopped by this blog. You are so welcome for the details on this quilt. It was fun to make and can easily be adjusted to other size pieces. Have a great day.
I regularly spend time reading this webpage’s quilting articles along with a mug of coffee. It is my “inspiration” time and man oh man have I gotten a ton of quilting ideas from your posts. One of the best quilt blogs around. Thanx so much for allowing us “wanna be” quilters into your world.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you get beyond the “wanna be” stage and make a quilt. Even making just one quilt for yourself is a rewarding thing.
Do you ever run out of quilt ideas? When you buy fabric, do you like it or do you have a use for it right then? How do you know how much to buy? What kind of budget do you have for fabric? Do you shop at fabric chain stores (like JoAnn) or independent? Do you teach classes or do online tutoring? What kind of organization system do you have for fabric and patterns?
I am amazed by all the quilts on this blog. You are really creative.
** Nope, I never run out of ideas. **I buy fabric both because I like it and because I have a use for it. The last several years I have tried to keep my fabric buying to what I will use immediately to complete a project. ** I have no idea how much fabric to buy – I just know I want to have enough to finish whatever I am getting it for. I hate running out of a certain fabric before the project is complete. It’s basically guessing which is probably why my stash is overflowing. ** My fabric budget for the last two years has been $50 a month. I don’t go over (except at Paducah), but I usually don’t spend all that unless I need fabric for backing. **I shop at any fabric store that has fabric I like. I do buy quality fabric though. ** No to teaching either in class or on-line. For one thing, my job keeps me busy but mostly because when not at work I am a very big introvert. ** Organization system consists of open shelving for yardage, and tubs for scraps (quarter yard or smaller). Patterns are in a file cabinet. Use the smallest bedroom as a “walk in closet” for this stuff. For the first 10 years of quilting, my fabric stash easily fit in boxes under the bed.
I don’t really see myself as creative, but thanks for thinking I am. I see myself as having way too many ideas for quilts and just needing to make them so I can actually see them for real.
I am genuinely delighted to find this quilt blog. The posts includes plenty of valuable tips and ideas. Thanks lots.
You are very welcome. Thanks so much for visiting the blog.
Great post, just what I needed to help use up a tub of scraps. Thanks.
And best of all is that it is easy and quick. Happy quilting.
I am so thrilled I found your blog page. Cheers for a tremendous post and all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design). Lots of great quilting info here. I book-marked it and also subscribed to your feed. Please do keep up the fantastic work.
Thank you for the encouragement. It makes me happy to know other quilters are finding useful ideas here. Happy quilting.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging every time I read posts on this blogs. Thanks for inspiring to get back into quilting.
So glad this blog is useful to you. Enjoy your quilting.
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
Please share this blog with other quilters. The more the merrier.
Happy quilting.
I am regular reader and I love this quilt blog. Lots and lots of great ideas here. I am slowly working through my scraps by using ideas from this blog. Thanks so much.
Scrap quilts are so much fun. Thanks for visiting this blog regularly.
Good article on using scraps! I am sharing this blog address with the quilt group I belong too – several people are looking for fun and easy quilts to make with their scraps. Thank you for sharing your passion.
Thank you for sharing my blog with other quilters. Happy scrap quilting.
Good quilt site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the info is well written. Many, many quilt ideas here. I have subscribed to your feed! Have a nice day!
Thanks for subscribing. Happy quilting.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and this quilt blog covers it all. Are you sure you are the only person doing all this stuff?? I must waste a lot of time because there is no way I am near this productive on my quilting.
Yes, I am the only person involved in this blog. Sorry there are no hidden elves in the sewing room who finish projects while I sleep (I wonder if such a thing is available 🙂 ). Being organized and good at time management is a real skill that helps so much with this blog. Please subscribe and visit often.
Very nice blog! Great place to find tips and info for making scrap quilts. You make quilting look so easy.
It makes me happy to know that the blog is helping other quilters.
I love this brilliant quilt blog! I subscribed so I don’t miss any posts. Can I talk about this blog with my Facebook group for scrap quilters?
I am so glad other quilters like the blog and subscribe. Yes, please share my blog with your FB group for scrap quilters. The more the merrier when it comes to quilting.
So lucky to discover this quilting blog. Lots of great info here. Love that you have all these ideas for scrap quilts. Just what I am searching for!
I am very glad you are finding helpful ideas here for scrap quilts.
I really like your writing style, the good information, and photos. You make quilting seem really easy. You have inspired me to drag out my UFO quilting projects and get them finished.
Glad you are liking the blog. Finish up those quilting UFOs so you can start a new project.
I love you quilt blog. Stumbled on it several months ago and now I am a regular reader.
Thanks to your encouragement I actually finished a king size log cabin quilt.
What wonderful news. I am so glad I could inspire you to complete your quilt.
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been looking for a way to use novelty fabrics in a log cabin quilt. You must not ever sleep because you have so many quilts to share and so many ideas. Thanks again.
Thank you so much. Yes I actually do sleep a few hours each night and yes I have tons of ideas for quilts.
Please visit again and/or subscribe so you don’t miss any posts.
Have a great day.