My dilemma -- or, too much of a good thing

The Start -

    This quilt top was started in late January. It was made from a kit purchased from Fons & Porter. The pattern appeared in the May/June 2009 issue of 'Love of Quilting'. I was attracted to the pattern because the Log Cabin blocks (all 100 of them in the original quilt) are paper foundation pieced -- a technique I really enjoy, and I like the variety of fabrics that are included in a kit.

The Preparation -
    The pattern called for the centre squares for each block to be cut to the exact size needed, and all the 'log' strips to the exact width needed. Mine were cut slightly oversized to allow for the shifting that inevitably occurs when I sew fabric to paper (a decision I might later regret). Now, 100 Log Cabin blocks seemed like a lot of blocks, but I was cautiously optimistic that I could make 4 or 5 in a day (hah!). I was sure that all 100 blocks could be completed within a month. Did I mention that I really enjoy paper piecing?

The Block Assembly -
    I tried putting all the fabric strips in a large bag and then randomly selecting strips for each block, and I tried (and settled on) grouping small piles of each fabric around my sewing machine and selecting strips in a more controlled way. Regardless of which method I chose, I was taking an hour or more to complete each block, and I found that after two blocks I was exhausted. The blocks all looked great, but I was taking much longer than I had anticipated, and by now it was mid February and watching the Winter Olympics was seriously eating into my sewing time. Still, the blocks were adding up.
    Finally, I had 40 blocks stacked on my ironing board -- almost halfway there! My exhilaration at achieving this 'milestone' was cut short when I realized that although I had sufficient centre squares for the remaining 60 blocks, I certainly did not have enough fabric strips, and even worse, some of my favourites were in very short supply. (What can I say, I was drawn to some fabrics more than others.)

The Dilemma
    I had a big decision to make. I could maybe buy more fabric, but it wouldn't be the same and I would always be aware of that, or I could make a smaller version of the original square quilt. So, 10 rows with 10 blocks per row became 8 rows with 8 blocks per row -- only 64 blocks. I was 2/3 of the way there, only 24 blocks to go. I am still amazed at how quickly I was able to complete those remaining 24 blocks.


The Finish -

    The 64 Log Cabin blocks were sewn into rows with sashing strips and cornerstones, and eventually wide borders were added. My top is 57 inches square (the original was 74 inches square) and was finished in early March.
    I know it is too early to celebrate -- I still have my 'quilting the quilt' struggle to contend with, but the finish line is almost in sight. I really do enjoy paper piecing, just not 100 blocks worth.

Sandy