Twisted Log Cabin is another variation on the Log Cabin basic block. Instead of having regular squares build up from the center square, however, this one turns each square 11 degrees before laying up the next row. Sometimes these log cabin blocks are called skewed log cabins.

Each block is 1 1/2" square, and starts out with a center square measuring 3/8". The same technique for sewing log cabin blocks works for this design. Using the paper foundation, the center square is sewn down, with each successive round sewn in order. By varying the color sequence and the value of each round, I was able to create a spiral effect, that alternately appears to snake its way through the design or seems to sink into black holes created by neighboring blocks abutting after being rotated. You can see more of the detail in the JPEG image (26K)...(cont'd)

This quilt contains 100 of the 1 1/2" blocks. Approximately 400 different fabrics were used. The colors were contained to red, blue, yellow and white. This gave me quite a range, since these are the "pure" colors, from which all others can be derived. Moving through these colors creates the illusion of the blended colors of orange, purple and green. Lights, mediums and darks also create a range of possibilities for each block that seem to multiply as the work progresses. Part way through the piece, I give over control to the quilt, since the decision-making would be overwhelming. This is where it becomes fun, where you engage in a dialog with the work. This is also where the members of your family exchange knowing glances, write you off as a little odd, and worry at the constant muttering they hear from your workroom.