Steeped in Tradition

This adventure all started with a very simple block. Improvisational and minimalistic, it was created for Bee Sewcial, and fulfilled my goal to "make it mean something."

So off it went to my bee-mate Hillary/entropyalwayswins, but I often thought of it after, drawn to the way the inspiration of modern steeped in tradition had resulted in a very sparse log cabin block. So finally, I tried to recreate it and then some.

This kind of quilt just sort of evolves. I never knew what the next side of the 'cabin' would be until it was. It was also hard to know when to stop. But after letting it sit for a while, I guess the above block felt right as a focal point, so I simply framed it and let it be.

Built with a variety of neutrals - both prints and solids - on a background of gray interweave chambray, these fabrics made such good companions.

So what kind of backing does a modern traditional block deserve? What else, but another, this time in bold scrappy solids.

Using a rich Aurifil 50wt #5004 (Grey Smoke), I quilted in a squared spiral, reminiscent of the piecing rhythm of the most traditional log cabin block.

Measuring just under 36" square, finished off with matched binding, and dubbed "Steeped in Tradition," I'm pretty sure I want to visit there again.