HOMESTEADING

 I've always loved the architecture of log cabins and wanted to someday own one; but that never happened. That doesn't mean that I wanted to endure a pioneer lifestyle.  I admire my ancestors that did, but I didn't turn out to be an outdoor or make-do, rugged individual.  So, I now live vicariously through log cabin quilts with their many variations.

This is a quarter-log cabin block design. There are so many variations, but this is one of my favorites.

In spite of its small size this quilt turned out to be consuming. I spent a lot of time choosing fabrics, then sewing the 294 half-inch logs.  

Homesteading is never fast!

THE STATS:  Homesteading, 2022, 28"x28", Paper pieced, Machine pieced, Machine quilted. 

My ancestors didn't come west and build log cabins --- not that many trees on the Colorado prairies.  They built their structures out of adobe bricks and rocks made from the available resources.

A picture of my family's homestead is below.  In order to prove up free land according to the Homestead Act of 1862, trees were to be planted on the property.  Notice in the picture my great, great Uncle Asa's effort to grow trees to keep his part of the contract.   The claim was filed by Asa T. Haines in 1882, and patented in 1889.

I'm forever grateful for the time and place in which I am able to live and quilt.

PS:  I have never claimed to be an artist, nor have I ever had any training.  I'm only someone who loves quilts, math, fabric, and to sew.  My creative grandson has had some high school art classes and said this about the quilt:  "I quite enjoy the moments of lapse in color with the black. It feels like a void into the uncomplete."  I said, "Is that good?"  He replied, "Yes."  This proves I'm not an artist -- I don't understand their language!