Ready to add a touch of handmade warmth to your home? The “Seasons Turn Table Topper” is a delightful quilting project that’s perfect for adding a pop of color to any room, any time of year.
Featuring classic Log Cabin blocks, this pattern by Colleen Tauke is both approachable for confident beginners and enjoyable for experienced quilters looking for a quick and satisfying make. Its versatility in fabric choice means you can truly make it your own, reflecting your personal style or the current season!
The Seasons Turn Table Topper
This beautiful table topper, designed by the talented Colleen Tauke, utilizes the timeless Log Cabin quilt block. The Log Cabin block is renowned for its straightforward construction, typically starting with a center square (often representing the hearth of a home) and building “logs” around it in a spiral fashion.
The pattern offers a fantastic opportunity to play with color and contrast, creating a stunning visual effect with relatively simple piecing. The design, as seen in the accompanying image, features a central cross-like element formed by lighter strips, surrounded by a vibrant mix of oranges, yellows, and teals, giving it a fresh, inviting feel.
Whether you’re looking to brighten your dining table, spruce up a coffee table, or create a lovely gift, this table topper is an ideal project. It’s a manageable size, making it a great weekend project or a wonderful way to use up some of your favorite fabric scraps. Plus, with a free downloadable pattern, you can start stitching right away!
Creative Color Palette Suggestions
While the original image showcases a beautiful blend of autumn and coastal hues, the Log Cabin block is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few palette ideas to inspire your own “Seasons Turn Table Topper”:
- Sunny Meadow: Imagine soft yellows, sage greens, and pale lavenders, perhaps with a touch of cream for the central strips. This palette evokes a fresh, spring-like feel.
- Ocean Breeze: Dive into shades of aqua, teal, and deep ocean blues, accented with sandy beiges and crisp whites. Perfect for a coastal-themed home or a summery vibe.
- Rustic Harvest: Embrace warm oranges, burnt reds, golden yellows, and rich browns, similar to the original image but perhaps with deeper tones. This palette is ideal for autumn decor.
- Winter Wonderland: Think icy blues, silvers, and grays, with pristine white central strips and a subtle hint of deep navy or evergreen for contrast. A sophisticated look for the colder months.
Fabric Requirements Guide
To create your “Seasons Turn Table Topper,” you’ll need the following fabric amounts. Remember, these are general guidelines; always refer to the specific pattern for precise cutting instructions.
| Fabric Type | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light Assorted Prints | ~1/2 yard total | For inner ‘logs’ and central strips. Scraps work great! |
| Medium Assorted Prints | ~3/4 yard total | For outer ‘logs’. Consider coordinating colors. |
| Dark Assorted Prints | ~1/2 yard total | For accent ‘logs’ or to create depth. |
| Backing Fabric | ~1 yard | A single coordinating print or pieced backing. |
| Batting | ~1 yard (approx. 24″ x 24″) | A small piece for a table topper size. |
| Binding Fabric | ~1/4 yard | Enough for continuous binding strips. |
Where to Buy Fabrics
Finding the perfect fabrics is part of the joy of quilting! Here are some fantastic online fabric stores where you can discover a wide array of prints and solids for your “Seasons Turn Table Topper”:
- Fat Quarter Shop: A popular choice for quilting fabrics, patterns, and kits from top designers.
- Shabby Fabrics: Known for high-quality quilting fabrics, precut bundles, and exclusive quilt kits.
- Hancock’s of Paducah: A long-standing supplier of quilting and home decor fabrics.
- Marshall Dry Goods: Offers thousands of quilt fabrics, specialty sewing fabrics, and more.
- Fabricworm: Excellent for modern fabric collections, bundles, and organic cotton.
Tips for Success
- Accurate Cutting is Key: Precision in cutting your fabric strips will lead to perfectly aligned Log Cabin blocks. Use a rotary cutter, mat, and a good ruler.
- Pressing Matters: Press seams carefully after each strip is added. For Log Cabin blocks, pressing seams towards the darker fabric or pressing them open can help reduce bulk and keep your block flat.
- Chain Piecing for Efficiency: If you’re making multiple blocks, chain piecing can significantly speed up your process.
- Consistent Seam Allowance: A consistent 1/4-inch seam allowance is crucial for Log Cabin blocks to ensure your finished blocks are the correct size and fit together well.
- Oversize Backing and Batting: Always cut your backing and batting a few inches larger than your quilt top. This accounts for shifting during quilting and allows for easy trimming later.
Watch the Tutorial
Sometimes seeing is believing! Enhance your quilting journey by watching the full video tutorial for the “Seasons Turn Table Topper.” Colleen Tauke guides you through each step, making the process even more enjoyable and easy to follow.
FAQ
Q1: What skill level is this pattern suitable for?
A1: This pattern is ideal for confident beginners and intermediate quilters. The Log Cabin block is relatively simple, making it a great learning project.
Q2: Can I make this table topper larger or smaller?
A2: Yes, the beauty of Log Cabin blocks is their adaptability! You can easily adjust the size of your strips or the number of blocks to create a larger quilt or a smaller coaster.
Q3: What kind of batting should I use?
A3: For a table topper, a low-loft cotton or 80/20 cotton/poly blend batting works well. It provides a nice drape without being too thick. Consider using a good quality quilting thread for smooth lines.
Q4: How do I care for my finished table topper?
A4: Most quilted items made with cotton fabric can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Tumble dry low or air dry flat to maintain its shape.
Q5: Can I use pre-cuts like jelly rolls or charm packs for this pattern?
A5: Absolutely! Jelly rolls (2.5-inch strips) are perfect for the “logs” in this pattern, and charm packs could be cut into smaller strips or used for the center squares, making it a wonderful scrap-friendly project.
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Download Your Free “Seasons Turn” Pattern!
About the Designer
Colleen Tauke is a renowned quilter, designer, and quilt educator with over 40 years of sewing experience, with the last 17 years dedicated to quilting. Her passion for quilting began when she was challenged to piece a daunting bed-sized quilt, which not only became a quilt shop sample but also won a third-place ribbon at the Iowa State Fair! Colleen loves sharing her expertise through various patterns and tutorials, often focusing on projects like table toppers and runners that bring joy and beauty to everyday life. You can find more of her wonderful designs and tutorials on National Quilters Circle.
Ready to Brighten Your Space?
The “Seasons Turn Table Topper” is more than just a quilting project; it’s an invitation to bring color, comfort, and your personal touch into your home. With Colleen Tauke’s expert guidance and the timeless appeal of the Log Cabin block, you’re set for a truly rewarding creative experience. So gather your fabrics, fire up your sewing machine, and let the seasons turn into a beautiful quilted masterpiece right on your table!
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