Hmmm.... What to do with all those leftover bits...

Making patchwork is a fun and creative way to use up scraps of fabric you still love. One traditional patchwork combination is the Log Cabin square. Here’s how to put one together.


All you need is to be able to cut, measure, and sew a seam! Here's how you make one log cabin square.

First, get a set of strips of fabric. They should all be 1.75 in wide. A quilter's rotary cutting tool, cutting mat, and one of those hard plastic rulers are indispensable!

Cut the following 9 pieces in a mix of pattern and color that you like: 2 X 1.75 in., 2 X 3 in., 2 X 4.25 in., 2 X 5.5 in., 1 X 6.75 in.


Begin with the 2 squares. Put them right side together and sew a .25 in. seam like this:


Then, turn your new piece upside down and press the seams apart and flat so you should have something that looks like this:


Next, take a 3 in piece and place it right side together with the piece you just made. They should fit exactly. Sew another .25 inch seam.


Continue adding pieces, from small to large, going around a circle, being sure to always touch part of the most recent piece you added--I mean, go clockwise or counterclockwise, but be consistent.


You will end up with a square that could be used any number of ways—maybe as fabric coasters, in bags or pillows, as part of a quilt or wall hanging—anything you can come up with!

Post written by BennyAndHeidi

Craft Therapy

Crafting has really gotten me through some hard times.

A few winters ago, I was going through a divorce and many other changes in my life, and I passed a lot of time sitting in the basement with my dogs, crocheting tons and tons of granny squares. I found the predictable circular patterns of the crochet comforting and the yarn warm and soothing to touch. After that winter, I was left with all those squares and I put them together into what I call my Divorce Afghan.


When I look at it, I think about corny (but true) ideas like learning from adversity, being proud of personal growth, and the importance of keeping my sense of humor when things get tough.

I continue to count on crafts to serve as a stress reliever, pacifier, escape, and many other things----how about you? Has crafting ever saved your sanity, too?

Post written by bennyandheidi