Jeni from In Color Order has put together a colorful Log Cabin Pincushion tutorial that's the perfect sewing starter craft.
Lately I've been pretty darn excited about pincushions. Why? Well, they are the all-time best sewing starter craft. I love 'em partly because they're easy (yay for easy!), and partly because they make organizing your next project extremely simple.
Sewing anything bigger than a sachet requires lots of pins, and those little so-and-so's love ending up in the most ridiculous places. Even if you're not constantly treading on them, you're always needing to buy more. Ugh! C'mon, folks, you need a pincushion!
This Log Cabin pincushion by Jeni from In Color Order (via the wonderful Riley Blake) is starter craft squared - because while you're making your lovely, useful pincushion you're also learning how to make a Log Cabin Quilt.
Left: an antique Log Cabin scrap quilt with light-dark blocks laid out in a pulsating overall pattern.
If you dig old-style quiltmaking, the Log Cabin is a real keeper. Boldly geometric, easy to piece, and great for using up scrap fabric, it's been a favorite since the late 19th century. Read all about its rich history on Womenfolk (men, do not be afraid! The Log Cabin is for you, too!)
Jeni's easy-to-follow photos show steps that would be just as easy to execute using different tools - for example, don't be afraid to use scissors instead of a rotary cutter.
And definitely don't be afraid to keep expanding your pincushion until it's a potholder, a pillow, or even a triangular quilt! That's what I love about Log Cabins - they're endlessly expandable! Check out this amazing gallery from About.com for more ideas.
Got any fun beginner pincushion patterns? Share your thoughts in our comments section.
[Image of antique quilt via The Old Quilt Company.]
