Chain piecing blocks

When I was working to QUICKLY make the quilts for my grandsons I had decided on the framed squares and when I started to cut the pieces I realized that I could piece them like a log cabin block.

Cut the 6 1/2" center squares and the 2 1/2" strips. 

Lay a strip right side up on the machine. 

Lay a square right side down on the strip and sew them together. 

Continue placing the next square on the strip, leaving a space between them, until there isn't enough strip left for a full square

Take the completed strip and do the same with the other side of the squares.

Cut the blocks apart by cutting the strips and press the seam towards the strips.

Trim the top and bottom of the strips even with the block.

Do the same with these sections, sewing them to a strip on both sides.

Cut the blocks apart, press, and square them up.

I made half the blocks with a blue center with beige frames and half with a beige center with blue and red frames.

Hmmm... that gives me an idea for using jelly roll strips and layer cakes cut into quarters.  Lots of possibilities.  I wonder what it would look like to sew strips to full layer cakes and then cut them various ways?  Cut them diagonally, cut them into quarters, and sew them back together in different ways and colors.  I might have to try that.  Cut into two triangles and they turn into half framed triangles.