My favorite quilt is the Log Cabin. I like that it can be arranged in so many different ways to create a different look. I also think because it was the first quilt I ever made and it's so easy. I have made two full size log cabins and a lot of Christmas wreath wall hangings that use the same pattern. When I think of "Quilt" I think rustic first, then beautiful. Even the name gives that rustic feeling. Like sitting under a Log Cabin quilt cuddled in front of a fire with that special someone.

Vicky

The 4-patch and 9-patch are two of my favorite blocks that work well with plain squares, half square triangles, applique, or just by themselves. I love the scrappy look and you can go through a lot of scraps making "patches." I think about quilters in the past using a scrap of Granpa's blue stripe shirt, Aunt Molly's green apron, or Susie's red-check dress that she has outgrown. And the close quilting on a patch quilt gives it that wrinkled, puckered look that many of us love.

I also like to use half square triangles (HST) when making a quilt. They sew up fast using today's methods and can be set in many different ways to form a graphic quilt.

Here is a Rick Rack setting of HSTs:

{{!gwi}}

Today I'm doing a crazy quilt for a full size bed. My first bed size, if I finish it. It's an organized pattern where you chop up a stack of fabric and shuffle and then chain piece. Goes so fast and easy.

But, who knows what next week will bring. I'm thinking ahead to Christmas now. I change my priorities on a whim. So much fabric, so little time!

Linda

Ok, Linda.....I'll bite....do you have a link to the pattern where you stack up the fabric, chop and shuffle? Sounds like something that could be done quickly.

I really don't have a favorite pattern.....but I like hearts and stars....

SharonG/FL

Here's one of those stack and shuffle patterns and it's hearts to boot!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Heart pattern

I like 9 patch quilts that are scrapy. I think the 9 patch is the basis of so many different designs that I really like. Ofcourse the log cabin offers many options as well. It is difficult to pin it down to just one. Jayne

I don't know if this is the pattern source Linda is referring to, but I've got several patterns by Two Kwik Quilters. They have a Crazy, Star, Heart, and others.

Here is a link that might be useful: Two Kwik Quilters

I like the snowball block. You can combine it with so many other blocks to get different designs-very versatile.
Geraldine

My stack and cut patterns are from Karla Alexander's books. I chose the crazy quilt one this time but am looking at others. They go together so fast. She also has a heart one that was on simply quilts but I like some of her other square block ones. In her class I saw a lot of people using batiks and doing lovely things. I'll post my picture when it's done as well.
Linda

Here is a link that might be useful: Simply Quilts episode 801

I love the look of "two block" quilts and there are several combos I am drawn to. But for just a plain pattern I think the Mexican Star is my favorite. I made this one when I was new and the triangles were a lot of work to me. I think it would be easier now that I have more experience and I may make one as a QOV.

I'm not sure why but I just love this pattern. I would not have sashed it except this one looked too "white" w/out the sashing.

{{!gwi}}

I just love your pattern, Laura. Beautiful choice of colors.

And, I hope you can breathe down there.

Linda

Gosh Laura,

That's stunningly beautiful, happens to be in my favorites colors. Your fabric selection & workmanship are all superb; really, really well done! TFS

I will remember this pattern (unless maybe you could pls. provide it?). Pls. how big are the blocks, how thick the diagonal sashing thru the block & the separator sashing? Will hope I can execute it half as well as you did!

Thanks Pirate girl -- I just LOVED that blue fabric, I got it at JoAnns for $3 a yard and didn't understand how it was still on the shelf and have never seen it since. But the hope of finding it often takes me off the freeway and into that store to this day...

They have a pattern for it on Quilters Cache except they call it the Mexican Cross and it looks "longer"-- the result being it's less like "stars" IMO.

It is a classic pattern though and I have it in two books -- encyclopedia of quilts and Americas best loved quilts (going by memory on the book names.)

Since it's a traditional block I assume there is no longer a copyright on the pattern -- I can probably scan it and email it to you. I think the blocks were 10 or 12" finished and 2" on the sashing between and through. But I'll find the pattern for you...

You can send me your email address at laura@smooth-transition.com

Here is a link that might be useful: mexican cross on quilters cache

The quilts are wonderful!
My favorite is Snails Trail. It's not difficult and
it can make some wonderful designs.

Suellen

Beautiful quilt Laura! And I love the colors too. Thanks for sharing it.
Linda

A lot lean toward the classic traditional blocks--I guess that's why they've withstood the test of time.

Anyone else with a favorite pattern?

Dianne

Beautiful, Laura! Not just the pattern and your work, but the colors catch me!
I love the Peek-a-Boo I-Spy and the 9-to-4 patterns, and now am enjoying making a Slide Show. It's so easy. There are some others I might enjoy making, like the Baltimore Flower Garden, New York Beauty, and Shakespeare in the Park, as well as Kay's pattern that Mexico Marti made and named Mexican Tiles, but DH's dislike of "busy" patterns kind of puts a damper on my enthusiasm. I may make them yet! If he doesn't like them, then he can stay out of the bedroom while there is a "busy" quilt on the bed! LOL

I know what ya mean about pleasing the hubby, Jan.

My hubby doesn't like the spiky points of triangles. Says they remind him of a buzz saw. I showed him Laura's Mexican Stars quilt (above) and he said he didn't like all the blue tips of the stars. But if I were to do exactly the same thing, in a low-contrast version, I'm sure he wouldn't complain. I made the small rosebud quilt, and that certainly had lots of triangles in it, and he never said a word about spiky points.

Lately I've been more drawn to applique anyway. Lots of curves and organic shapes!

But to answer Dianne's original question, I think the simpler the block, the more versatile. Then it all depends on which fabrics you use. Bright and bold? Quiet and romantic? Stripes? Batiks? Who needs intricate piecing when you let the fabric do all the work?

Well, speaking of Husband's and quilts -- mine bought a plain cream colored duvet and put it over a comforter and got some eggplant colored sheets/pillows. He liked the "plain-ness" so much that I cam home to find my quilt in the closet!

I don't think they make a quilt block THAT simple! LOL. We do have a whole cloth quilt that I bought at a store and one day in the bedroom he started laughing 'cause he was about to tell me how much he liked it when he realized I didn't make it. He takes EVERYTHING off the kitchen counters too -- plants, pretty bowls, etc. If he had his way there would not be one frivolous nick-knack in the house.

But back to Dian's question -- I think I like anything with a star in it. When I see a block that is not a star, but would if someone just turned triangles a different way or swapped color values I always wonder -- why would they make THAT block when they could have made a star with no more effort????

I love Storm at Sea too.

I just had a laugh, but, oh my goodness, Laura, I sure would hate to have to fight to keep frivolous nick-knacks around! One of my cousins married an architect and as there was a minimalist mood around in those circles for years (apparently), their home was all black, white, and grey, with natural wood permitted, however. When I say ALL, I mean that the only real color in the house was the dark, almost maroon in a very subdued Persian rug in the living room and the bright red of a large painting of a bathrobe they had hanging above their bed. There was nothing else red or blue or any "pretty" color in the whole house, not even in pictures, so far as I can remember. They had a few cream and black engravings of architecture in the living room...I spent a few hours there and actually felt chilled. I presume that the husband, at least, really liked living that way, but my cousin is from a family that makes a big thing about color and crafts. I never asked her what her true preferences were.

Your question about why someone might make a block without a star when they could have made it into one so easily--ROFL!

I would love Storm at Sea, too, if only I hadn't made a 6'-square one and hand-quilted it. That was over 20 years ago, and the experience was sufficient for all the rest of my life. All those points to match up! However, I like to see other people's versions of it, the more so because they generally choose fabrics and colors that make the pattern stand out. I, unfortunately, didn't, so the whole point of the pattern is missed.

Interesting, what SueEllen Posts as Snail's Trail I know under the name Virginia Reel. It's one of my favorites too, she's right you can do a lot w/ it; depending on how it's colored, it can have a very graphic effect.

I have a UFO of it in smoky blue/grays/purple, it's down 4 or 5 quilts in on my design wall. It's the biggest I've made to date (bit bigger than twin size, 12 or 14" blocks), except my sewing machine had konked out in the middle of it & I never quite got back to finish it. Predates my even having a design wall. I hung an old sheet on the wall & pinned directly to that for it. Maybe next Spring when my scheduled quilting classes are all done, sigh ....

I'm all for easy quilts these days...I Spy squares, patchwork, etc. I also love to do machine applique. Just about any applique pattern will do. And raw edge applique is my new fave...

My favorite is the variable star. There are countless ways to put the center section together including one big block. IN any case I think it's a beautiful block. For speed, I love rail fence and the Yellow Brick road pattern. The latter is good if you want to buy fat quarters; the former is great to use up scraps.

Wow Fran, I was not familiar with the variable star so I looked it up on Quilters Cache and I must agree with you -- that is a VERY striking pattern.

One more for the "things to make" folder...

That is a beautiful pattern Fran. I've been looking for a two-color pattern for a quilt I want to make for my bed and I think I just found it. Thanks for sharing.

Geri

I have made two bargello hearts now and several watercolor hearts. They go together pretty fast and I love them. I keep trying all different patterns and techniques though.

Here is a link that might be useful: latest quilts

fran1523 - I love the pattern you shared with us - Variable Star. I went to quilterscache and found it (since I was not familiar with this pattern). THANK you for sharing!

I'm still thinking as to what my favorite pattern is...

Here is a link that might be useful: Variable Star at Quilterscache

Those are beautiful blocks. I want to make a bargello quilt but I absolutely love samplers.
So many beautiful blocks, so little time LOL!!!
Rosa