If you’re a subscriber to American Patchwork & Quilting and have received the latest issue of APQ (February 2024), you may have noticed Moda designer Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co. is kicking off a new, year-long Designer Challenge series!

In this new feature, called “Designer Challenge: A Conversation on Modern and Traditional Quilting,” Joanna will invite a different designer to interpret a traditional quilt block in a modern way. Each issue will bring a new block that Joanna and her guest have chosen, along with their two interpretations of that block -- one traditional and one modern -- as well as a conversation between the designers on the traditional to modern continuum in quilting.

The first installment of this creative Designer Challenge features Alexia Abegg from Ruby Star Society as Joanna’s modern counterpart, and their interpretations of the classic log cabin block grace the magazine cover.

“I really thought that it was time that I got to know the Ruby Star Ladies a bit more!” said Joanna. “For the kick-off issue I invited Alexia Abegg to join me, and it was so fun to get to know her better.”

Joanna will be doing a weekend-long Instagram takeover on the American Patchwork & Quilting (@allpeoplequilt) account starting on December 8, where she’ll share more about this exciting new series. Be sure to follow along on Instagram to learn more!

Join Joanna’s Log Cabin Quilt-Along

Want to make your own log cabin quilt in Joanna’s fresh vintage style? Join Joanna on her blog and social media channels for a fun sew-along.

The quilt-along officially begins on December 11 with a “Gather Your Materials” week. Be sure to visit Joanna’s blog for more details on the quilt-along schedule.

Here’s a little more information from Joanna’s Facebook group:

“These blocks are easy to make and a great scrap-friendly project. Or you can use a curated bundle of fabrics like Joanna did. She chose a mix of 14 different Fig Tree greens paired with a low volume fabric. This still gives a super scrappy look and allows for quick cutting.

This sew-along is a bit different in that you will need to pick up a copy of the February 2024 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting to have the pattern. Copies are available at local quilt shops, newsstands, or digitally from American Patchwork and Quilting itself. You also might consider subscribing to the magazine since Joanna will be part of a year-long Designer Series Challenge!

Just like all of our other sew-alongs, there are no "official" sign ups -- just post your progress and blocks and join in on the fun!  We will be sharing alternate settings and color ways featuring some of our BFFs (Best Figgy Friends!), and Joanna has generously offered weekly prizes!”

Ready to join in the fun? Here are all the links you’ll need:

• Joanna’s blog
• Fig Tree Quilts Friends Facebook group (Joanna’s official Facebook group for sew-alongs)
• Green Log Cabin Quilt fabric starter bundle in Joanna’s shop 

Joanna has partnered with a few other quilt shops for exclusive cover quilt kits in different colors as well. You can find those kits at:

• Box Car Quilts is kitting a red version 
• Corn Wagon Quilts is kitting a coral version 
• The Quilter’s Lodge is kitting a yellow version and an aqua version 

Not a subscriber to American Patchwork & Quilting yet? You can get the February 2024 issue here or get the digital pattern only here.