Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Review: Build Your Best Log Cabin by Fons & Porter



Fons and Porter are offering a free .pdf ebook of 24 pages showing three examples of log cabin quilts plus a few variations of each of the three. The ebook also includes patterns and instructions for four quilts from beginner to challenging, several charts and illustrations, as well as some tips. It begins with a well-designed cover photo that hints at the many variations that can be done with the log cabin blocks.

While not a fan of vintage quilts, I found the photos and brief history of log cabin quilts interesting and thought it was a good idea to include these examples. 

The strength of this ebook is the detailed instructions and charts for each pattern. Directions are in simple, easy to understand steps. The block diagrams are numbered and colored as are the cutting charts. I particularly appreciated this for it makes it easy to substitute my own color choices. 

Another positive feature is the sewing tips added to the patterns. Some are brief but helpful. Others are accompanied by excellent step-by-step photographs.

Two things could be added. A beginning quilter would appreciate the insertion of a labeling tip on page 11 showing 1-2 ways to label cut pieces so as to keep track of them. Also, on page 15 there is a chart for “Chimneys and Cornerstones Courthouse Steps” but no photograph of a quilt using this block. I kept looking for it.

The instructions for binding with piping and for joining ends of the quilt binding are excellent, as are the photographs for these instructions. 

I am an art quilter, but occasionally do something pieced from a pattern to give the creative side of my brain a bit of a rest. This ebook has been printed and filed to use for that very purpose! Download it here.

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