Working on this year's Christmas quilt...

I could use your help... got opinions? Share them with me!
My quilt book study group chose a book of unusual log cabins, the title of which I have blocked as I didn't buy it. I wasn't going to join in until I saw one of the friends making an uneven log cabin with a special ruler...

That one, the 6" curvy log cabin Trim Tool. Another costly ruler to buy?? I'm in!
My plan was to make one of those swirly ones on the pattern to the right but in reds and greens.

Then I made one block. By "making one block" I mean sew, rip, scratch head, call friend for explanation, rinse and repeat. Several times. Nearly bite the ruler in frustration.
Consider throwing it away, except I'm, too cheap. And doggone if I'm gonna let some ole pattern get the best of me!

So, I looked at google images for curvy log cabin ideas and saw the two on the left. Now I can't find them to attribute but they are drunkard path quilts anyway.  (I was just told the  designer is found here springleafstudios)
 If I did the bottom one I needed 16 blocks, the swirly one needed 32. Winner winner chicken dinner!

I eventually kind of understood the ruler.
The whole experience reminded me why I make improv style quilts, and my own patterns.

Still, learning is good. Slowly it built up over two days.

Here it is in progress.  Measure, sew, press, trim, sit and sew, stand and press, trim, sit... you get it.

As Lynn said, Quilting can be aerobic exercise!


So look at the top picture now, it's done with a red and white dot around the outside.
I'm a bit stuck on borders as usual.

This is where a lot of my projects find their way into UFO-ville.
By the way the whole caboodle came right out of little scraps, 2" wide and less. I love the mix of tone you get even in white/cream/tan/gold.

So now I will show you some border possibilities.
Keep in mind this was to be quick and fun for this year not my magnum opus.
Also keep in mind I plan round quilting motifs with hand embroidery in the center with golden thread. Or tiny yo-yo's.

#2  a really fresh poinsettia print on white ground, with a sweet green inside border which makes it dimensional. Like a frame.

#3 green border with hearts, different from the inner border on #1

#4   hearts on green, with the poinsettia fabric

I kind of like the first view, just the dots. Kind of mod.
I am trying to use one of the numerous Christmas fabrics I have on hand.

I am trying not to talk myself into some kind of elaborate pieced/appliqued border that requires sketching out and long hours of work.

I want it to stay graphic, but kind of like the sweetness of the poinsettia fabric.

The thing is, I tried something new. I used it in an unusual way. Uneven log cabin blocks are a lot like drunkard paths. There's just no limit to the fun of quilt making!
Can't wait to get busy with quilting and embroidery.
And beads.

Oh, and funny enough, I can't close the scrap bins after using up ALL That FABRIC!