Pineapple Quilt for Island Batik Log Cabin Blog Hop

Blog Hop February 2020 - Log Cabin Blog Hop

Log Cabin quilts come in hundreds of variations. Imagine my delight when I learned that the Pineapple Quilt Block fits into that grouping. I had purchased the Creative Grids Pineapple Trim Tool from Cardinal Creations Quilt Shop in Lake City, MI last October. The Island Batik Ambassador February Challenge presented the perfect opportunity to put it to use.

The Pineapple quilt block, with all of its sharp points, is perhaps the most dazzling of all the Log Cabin quilt block designs, especially when coupled with the bright colors of the Island Batik Kismet line designed by Tammy Silvers. At almost twice the number of pieces as a comparable log cabin block pattern, it definitely takes longer to piece but the results make it worth the effort.

If this really does take twice as long to make, I better get started. A.) I first gathered half yard pieces of Island Batik Kismet fabrics and the Creative Grid Pineapple Trim Ruler. B.) Next up was more than twenty scraps and yardage of light Island Batik. C.) The block starts with a precisely cut 2-1/2” X 2-1/2” block. My Accuquilt Go! and it’s 2-1/2” square die cuts all 16 accurately and quickly in one swoop. D.) The beginning of block one with its center square and first two rounds. Stitching is with Aurifil thread and Schmetz CHROME Microtex Needles.

Starting a quilt with a sample block allows a chance to learn the design and catch any possible issues before creating the same error sixteen times over. A.) Stitching round three to the squared up block. B.) Block with five rounds completed, three lights and two darks. C.) Ready to stitch the last round. D.) One block stitched and pressed. Only fifteen more to go.

With the sample block completed, the remaining fifteen can be stitched in a production line style. A.) Setting the seam and pressing last stitched light colored round with my Oliso Iron. B.) Scraps or any strip 1-3/4” wide with a straight edge are used in each round. C.) My frugality pushes me to cut strips at an angle to save the tiniest amounts. I just can’t help myself! D.) The last four pieces are stitched to the corners of all blocks. Each block of the sixteen blocks have 37 pieces. Each block have nineteen different dark colors and one duplicate color.

All sixteen blocks are ready to become a quilt. A.) Pressing the last four corners. B.) The last squaring up with the Creative Grid Pineapple Trim Ruler. C.) Organizing the blocks carefully so the same colors don’t touch. D.) Stitching rows and then columns together.

There are still design decisions to be made. A.) auditioning colors for a double border. B.) Selecting an edge to edge design on my Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher. The design is Celebrate by Urban Elementz. C.) Quilting with Aurifil Cotton 40wt thread in 4026 green. D.) The quilt basted and stitching has begun. The Hobbs 80/20 Cotton Batting shows off the quilting well.

The finished quilt takes on a modern look with the bright batik fabrics. The 48” X 48” size can be used for everything from a toddler quilt to a picnic throw. And for those who are curious…there are exactly 600 pieces in this quilt top!

GIVEAWAY

I will be giving away one copy of my newest pattern for the Mini Whimsical Bicycle in the first week of March. Just leave me a comment below stating how many pieces are in the PINEAPPLE QUILT TOP to enter. (Be sure I have a way to contact you if you are the chosen one)