Two new patterns...

The Oriental Log Cabin Sampler and the Fukusa Applique Cushions - at last!

The log cabin sampler started out as a set of samples for my weekly beginners'/improvers' class in 2006, then appeared in "Popular Patchwork" as a 3 part series, and I also teach it as a two day workshop. I found out recently that all the back issues of the PP version have sold out, so it was time to produce it as a pattern. The photo shows the quilt at the Great Northern Quilt Show last September, where it won the Scrap Quilt award. It has also been shown at the National Quilting Championships where it won a Judges Merit in the "Log Cabin Frenzy" themed category.

There are 7 different Log Cabin blocks, from the easy Courthouse Steps to Pineapple, which takes nearly twice the time to make and requires some nifty 45-degree angle cutting with your quilters' rule. They are made from 1in and 1 1/2in strips and can be any patchwork fabrics you like. There's no foundation piecing but, following my piecing tips, you'll be able to make your blocks without foundation papers. The whole thing is quilted by the quilt-as-you-go method, so the individual blocks are quilted before being assembled, making quilting in the ditch possible in spiral patterns, using the walking foot.

I made mine from the strips leftover from cutting the packs for "99 Treasures", my circles applique quilt.

The machine applique cushions are good for practicing free motion machine quilting, with the applique added after the background is quilted. These really sparkle, as I used metallic machine threads for the applique outlines. Fukusa are ceremonial gift covering cloths and inspired the applique designs. Perfect for using those oriental prints, like Kona Bay's wonderful gold print fabrics, that have large motifs.

I'll get both of these added to the website soon, but they are available by mail order, at the same price as other patterns on my website, www.susanbriscoe.co.uk - I'll also be selling them at the Edinburgh Spring Quilt Festival next week and at the Southwest Quilt Show in Exeter at the beginning of March.