This month's lotto is one of quilting's oldest and most loved blocks, the log cabin. Log Cabin blocks can be arranged together in so many ways I can't list them all here!

This lotto is open to all and new quilters are encouraged to participate. You will learn much and have fun doing it. Participate in as many or as few lottos as you want, but even if you don't like the current month's block think about doing at least one. The winner will appreciate your efforts!

Here's the drill:
> each month there will be a designated block or theme
> you can send 1, 2 or 3 blocks
> all blocks must measure 12.5inches x 12.5inches with no more than 1/4" variation, please
> with your blocks include name, mailing address, forum name and $1 to cover postage for the winning blocks (Any money left over at the end of the year will go towards prizes!)
> if possible, either attach your name to the back of each block or write your name in the seam allowance with a fabric pen so the winner knows who made the block (this is not a requirement, just a request)
> all blocks received by the last day of the month will be included in the lotto drawing
> you will have 1, 2 or 3 chances to win, depending on how many blocks you've sent in
> we have a clever way of choosing the winner, with a couple different quilters involved, to keep it fair

June 2012

For June, the block will be a variation on the Log Cabin block. Use the link below for instructions. We'll do this one in neutral darks and lights. Traditionally, the center of a log cabin block is done in red to represent the hearth; that's not a requirement for this one but it is acceptable if you want to to it. No juvenile or novelty prints. Please use all cotton fabric, with nicely pressed 1/4 inch seams. Pre-washing is strongly encouraged!

Link to the block instructions: Log Cabin - scroll down to the May entry!

I've attached pictures of the blocks I made for this one.

Don't hesitate to ask questions or make suggestions. This is YOUR lotto!

Kate

Here's the half-square-triangle center that makes this log cabin a little different than those with a square center:

As you can see from the pictures, "neutrals" can be lots of colors in a quilt. It's not all browns and beiges. Anything that will blend well with others will work for this block, especially for the 'dark side' of the block. Medium to deep jewel tones go with anything: you can see in the posted blocks that deep reds, blues, golds and greens are beautiful additions. These posted blocks are all wonderful and will go together to make a rich pattern.

Oooo! This one is going to be fun!!!!

Kate

Kristene

Sue

Dutchman's Puzzle
(make this one kind of scrappy but keep it to anything that can be called an autumn color)

Roberta's Jewels
(make this one as scrappy as you want!)

Someone will have a very nice quilt from these blocks.

I haven't counted yet but I think we have 22 or 23 so far - and they are all beautiful. But there's still time to make and mail a couple blocks for those who haven't done that yet. Log cabin quilts always receive compliments, even from non-quilters; they are so 'homey' and classic. If you're a quilter, this is a block you need to know how to make. Why not give it a try?

Don't forget: you can use some of the same fabrics for your August and September blocks.

Kate

Anyone else just getting ready to send blocks this month?

I love the log cabin block and thought it would be fairly simple the first time I tried it, years ago. I quickly discovered that it's very easy to get off track and it isn't as simple as it looks! But it is SO worth the effort. The history of this block, combined with the almost endless ways to use it in a variety of patterns, makes it a block all quilters should try.

Thanks again to all of you who have participated in the lotto. I appreciate your support and continued enthusiasm!

Kate

SharonG/FL-IN

Kate

Putting the list together now, so if anyone is on line to help with the drawing, let me know.

We have 27 beautiful log cabin blocks! I've received 26 but know the 27th was sent so we'll count that one too.

Back in a minute after I Excel the list!

Kate

I'm missing Kristene's but know the mail can take a while from Oz so we'll count it.

There are a couple people who have opted out of the drawing so there will be 19 entries. Good luck!

I did opt out of this drawing.

(I opted out of the drawing too because I have too many projects right now but it was hard to take my name out once I saw all these blocks!)

Bev2009!!!!

Congrats Beverly!!!

Kate