My original quilt inspired me by...

My original design consisted of traditional log cabin blocks that were set in a non-traditional manner. The seams of blocks in one vertical row lined up with the center of the blocks in the neighboring vertical row. In this quilt I explored what design possibilities exist when one takes other block designs and uses the same technique. In the blue/gold border that surrounds the central medallion the 3x5 reverse appliqué blocks are offset in the same manner as the log cabins in the original quilt. This creates a pattern that is reminiscent of the original log cabin design. The red/yellow/green saw-tooth variation border uses the same technique – the rows are offset with the seams between the blocks lining up with the center of the row that is next to it. The central medallion consists of log cabins in the outer parts of each star point, the setting triangles are framed in a log cabin style, and the final border is constructed of rectangular log cabin blocks.

I experienced the following challenges with this quilt...

I decided to add my own challenge to this final challenge. Before I received the parameters I thought that if it was possible I would like to do a medallion style quilt, and to use a fabric palette that I do not normally work in (namely reproduction fabrics). After receiving the challenge I sketched out a quick design outline of what might happen in the quilt and then went shopping for fabric. I decided to use the Baltimore Album line by Mary Koval for Windham-Baum Textiles. These are reproduction fabrics from Baltimore Album quilts that date from around 1850. The quilt bears little resemblance to my original design sketches – the geometry is there, but the blocks I used and their placement are all different – I learned to go with the organic flow of the process and work from the inside out. I didn’t know what the final design would be until it was finished! And the ultimate challenge was finishing this over the holidays.