Log Cabin Home Sampler Blocks Review

This post is going to cover a review of the patterns, in the order we offered them, for the Sampler Blocks of the Log Cabin Home Block of the Month.  We previously posted blocks 7,8,9 and 12 so I won't re-visit them here.

Some of the photos that follow will refresh you on the names of the blocks and the colors that were chosen for each block that you will find in your kits.

Blocks 1 and 3 were similar in their construction of the basic patch known as half square triangle unit.  Just note that you need to 'square up' the units in block 1 to 2-1/8".  You will not have to trim the units in block 3.
Block 1 was the Bear Paw and Block 3 was the Kansas Troubles.  After you have made the half square triangles just follow the pattern to complete each block.

Just a reminder:  click on the photo to make it bigger & easier to view!

Block 2, Twisted Star, is shown below for the placement of the colors.

The only thing to really watch out for in this block is the use of the templates B and B-2.  If you read and follow the directions slowly & carefully you will have no trouble.  We used red and blue in our kits.

Block 4 was the Old Fashioned M Star.  This turned out to be the most challenging block for some of our gals.  I think it's because there are many bias edges that need very careful handling.  So do not iron this block until it is all sewn together.

Getting the templates right for the colors did not pose a problem.  You need both colors of each template - so follow the cutting directions in your pattern.  After stitching the star points in pairs you may need to check your measurement for the center square.  It's ok to adjust it as needed.  Your block should still measure about 11-3/4" but it's ok if it is smaller.

  

Block 5, The Nosegay, looked like it was going to be trouble, but happily it goes together quite nicely.

This block features practice with Y-seams.  The piecing method is not popular but it really gives a great look so I sure hope you give it a try.  Once it is done you'll know if you ever want to do it again!!!

Block 6 was the Honey Bee, which we did in Blues with some yellow.  Just follow along on the pattern.  It's an easy block with an introduction to an easy applique.  Choose any applique method for the 'wings'.

Block 10, Wild Goose Chase, is quite the traditional block and one you should really make.  

Our sample was made starting with the dark red-orange rectangle and the orange squares.  This is an easy technique for flying geese patches - just watch your quarter inch seam allowances!!  Repeating this block makes an attractive quilt and works in a wide variety of color combinations too.

And lastly Block 11, the Lily of the Field.  This one also looked hard but went together pretty well by just following the directions.  Again, watch the seam allowances for accuracy.....

So that's it for the 12 Sampler Blocks.  Thanks very much for participating in this project!  The next Blog post will show you how to make the log cabin triangles that will be set onto the four sides of each of your  Sampler Blocks.