For a little while now I’ve been thinking about a new blog feature I want to do on Fridays: “Favorites on Friday.” This will give me an opportunity to feature favorite fabrics, favorite notions, and even favorite quilt designs and patterns. It will be something different every week!
Recently I made some log cabin blocks for my “Bees Knees” quilting bee group and decided to try out a ruler I’d had in the drawer for a while (fabrics are S’More Love by Eric & Julie Comstock for Moda). A few months back I saw the Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool for 8″ Finished Blocks Quilt Ruler (CGRJAW1)
demonstrated at a quilt shop. It looked like a nifty way to utilize some of my strip scraps and get them put into perfect log cabin blocks.
I was pleased with the results! You start with an evenly cut center square and then use strips. Only one edge of the strip needs to be straight, the strips can be all different sizes as long as they meet a minimum width requirement, and you trim at three different points while making the block. The result is a log cabin with absolutely no “wonky” edges at all. I really feel like this will help me use some of my scraps–since the strips don’t need to be cut to exact sizes I’ll save a lot of time.
So, this is definitely a ruler I’m happy I purchased. The ruler also offers options for half log cabin and courthouse steps blocks. I’ll have to try those versions as well: maybe I can make a noticeable dent in my scrap bin!
And also for today’s “Favorites on Friday” is the Aurifil Fig Tree Thread collection. I do sew a lot with Fig Tree fabrics, and often need the perfect color for sewing bindings or for applique. This is a wonderful collection of thread that will last me for many years to come, so I was okay with paying a little extra to get this. The colors are beautiful and blend wonderfully with the Fig Tree fabrics.
Thanks so much for stopping by! If you have any suggestions for upcoming “Favorites on Friday” posts, please feel free to send me an email or leave your idea in the comment sections.
The Woolen Cellar says
I also use the Log Cabin Trim Tool and love log cabin quilts. This tool is so perfect and my blocks come out the same every time. I only wish they would make a tool to make mini log cabin blocks. I've suggested this to the company but so far haven't noticed anything new. Thanks for reviewing the tool,
The Woolen Cellar says
I also use the Log Cabin Trim Tool and love log cabin quilts. This tool is so perfect and my blocks come out the same every time. I only wish they would make a tool to make mini log cabin blocks. I've suggested this to the company but so far haven't noticed anything new. Thanks for reviewing the tool,
Jean says
First time to see the log cabin trim tool, looks interesting.
Lesley says
Thanks for your favorite, Sheri. I actually have this ruler and have never used it. Perhaps I'll try it this weekend.
belarmina says
No conocía esta regla, y me gusta
todas las que tengo son de gran utilidad
hacen el trabajo mas cómodo
los hilos tienen colores preciosos
saludos
BillieBee (billiemick) says
Your blocks are so perfect and neat!!!
Christine M says
I haven't seen those rulers before. It has been years since I did a log cabin block.
Jeanna says
Love the log cabin blocks and the fabrics you chose. Thanks for sharing the ruler…I've never seen that one.
CJ says
Maybe a step by step demo of that log cabin ruler would be helpful! There is no way I am ever going to see that in a demo in a quilt shop since there are no quilt shops here in Podunk. :S
Hildy says
Your log cabin looks great and the ruler sounds good, too. My log cabins (the few I've made so far, not my favorite block) always came out a bit wonky. But I agree with CJ a tutorial would be great:-)
Have a great weekend!
Cathy Ewbank says
Hi sherri :o), I really enjoy your blog, thank you. I love log cabin quilts, and only last week discovered this ruler while googling log cabin tips and techniques. There is a great tutorial on YouTube which shows how to use it in a very clear way. This ruler is now on my shopping list! Looking forward to next weeks post
Cathy x
Tracey Holzer says
I couldn't have imagined those fabrics in a long cabin block, but they are gorgeous! Way to go.
Karen says
I'm glad to read the good reviews of this ruler. I have it along with fabric partially cut for a quilt. Maybe this fall will be when I pull that project out and finish it. Two other quilts need to be completed first…
greg @ grey dogwood studio says
I'm glad to read that you like the ruler. I bought it months ago but haven't used it yet. And my Aurifil box is already on preorder from Joanna's shop!
Helen L says
that ruler looks interesting: I started a log cabin quilt long ago and it has been languishing because of the wonkiness of the blocks! It's going on a list for me to look for at PIQF, which is coming up soon: someday I hope you can go there: I'd be happy to accompany you!! 🙂 Have a great Sunday and week ahead!! Hugs, H
Carol Stearns says
I have that ruler, now I'll have to drag it out and try it. I wish you would post a visible tutorial on how it actually works. Thanks.
Bari Jo says
Thank you for this! I went and found one here at my LQS and can't wait to try it!
Laura says
I love reading posts like this because it's so fun to find new things!
Myra says
Can't wait to get a ruler like that; looks like a real time saver!
Sarah says
Might have to try that ruler. Don't think it would make a visible dent in my scraps if I made a quilt a day for a year.