Uber Quilt Fest Block 4

It's finally my day for my Quilt-Uber-Fest Block!  For some reason it feels like "finally" even though it's only day four!

We are using Nel Whatmore's fabric line Sleeping Beauty that she designed for Free Spirit along with some Kaffe Fassett shot cottons and stripes.

Here is an interview with Nel:

http://bluenickelstudios.com/?p=3417

I am a math teacher turned quilter.  I have a treasured quilt from my great grandmother, but I never knew anyone who quilted until I was expecting my first child.  It was one of those times that when the student was ready, the teacher appeared.  In my case, the teacher came in the form of a neighbor.  After that neighbor explained to me that a magical thing existed called a quilt machine, I found out that my aunt had one at her school where she taught home ec.  I fell in head over heels in love the first time I tried the machine. 

It didn't take long for me to acquire a quilt machine and begin long arm quilting for hire.  That was in 2002.  I haven't looked back since.  In 2007, a guild brown bag challenge introduced me to the magic of a charm pack, and I started writing patterns.  Simply Charming Modern is my 9th pattern book.  All but one of these books are patterns for charm squares. 

My most recent excitement is having my quilt, Snow-Kissed Star on the cover of McCall's Quilting!

http://moosequilts.blogspot.com/2011/09/mccalls-cover-quilt.html.  AND starting my third quilt along, Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along!  We just started last week, so feel free to join in the fun!

BUT what I really want to show you is my block!  For these blocks we were asked to use either half square triangles and/or log cabin blocks.

I call my block Cabin in the Woods.  It really is a log cabin block even though it doesn't initially look like it.  My favorite part of the block is the narrow strips.  I like to think of it as the mortar that holds the larger logs together.  Did log cabins use mortar or is that just brick?

**Note**  A word of caution on my block.  Log cabin blocks are actually difficult blocks to make because your seam allowance needs to be exactly 1/4."  A slightly larger seam allowance is compounded as you go, and the block will be too small.  If that happens, you may just want to add another two strips instead of redoing the block.

CLICK HERE for the link to the Block Instructions.

And when you are finished, post a picture on the flickr page:  http://www.flickr.com/groups/bloggersquiltuberfest/!


Tomorrow the block will be by Amy Lobsiger of Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts.  Let the Uber-Quilt-Festing continue!