I have a confession to make. This is the first project I've made with a pre-cut that wasn't a charm pack or fat quarter/eighth bundle!
In late 2013, I picked up a Carolyn Friedlander Botanics roll-up, my first (and only) jelly roll. I know there are tons of jelly roll patterns and ideas out there, but I just never felt particularly inspired to use it.
Until now! Earlier this year, Jacey stitched up a big log cabin baby quilt. I loved the sweet and simple design, and knew it was perfect for my jelly roll. Thanks for the push and inspiration, Jacey! See her baby quilt and second jelly roll log cabin quilt here.
I am all about big quilts, so I knew I wanted to make my quilt a healthy throw size. It ended up around 64" square. I started with a 2.5" square for the center, in order to end up with a square quilt. I split the jelly roll and my stash of Carolyn Friedlander fabrics into lights and darks. I brought my fabrics along on a little retreat and pieced the entire quilt top while I was there. To keep things from getting too scrappy, I pieced together strips in order to continue building past 44".
I knew I wanted to quilt this one myself, since it needed a little tugging and smoothing during basting to make sure it was straight and square. All those long strips are hard to keep aligned!
I quilted it with straight lines, starting with two diagonal lines across the middle of the quilt. Then I echoed the X in each section.
A nice tumble in the washer and dryer and it crinkled up nicely.
I used this Ladder Lines print in Slate from Doe for the backing and the binding. After auditioning binding, I realized this print would be perfect to finish the quilt off. It wasn't too light or too dark, but a nice middle ground. This is the first time I've used the same fabric for the back and binding, I like it!
This quilt was a true exercise in working outside of my comfort zone. I had a plan, but I had no idea how much fabric I'd need, and I made each color/fabric decision in the moment. I'm still a little surprised by how square it ended up, there was definitely a moment in the piecing where it felt like it was going to be a bit lopsided. I had a lot of fun working on this quilt, and it helped me use up enough of my jelly roll that I can add the rest of the strips to my scraps, yay!
Happy Quilting!
Love the idea and glad you stepped out of your comfort zone
ReplyDeleteWow. This is so cool! Just stunning.
ReplyDeleteThis is really beautiful quilt and you had great idea for the Jelly Roll! I have bought also only one'Grand Canal' by Kate Spain and I'm enjoying to make diamond blocks. x Teje
ReplyDeleteJeni: I just love he simply beauty of this quilt! Thanks for sharing your idea
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quilt! Love the idea of using jelly rolls!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely quilt! And I love how you've quilted it too.
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is gorgeous - a real treasure! Beautiful backing choice and love the quilting you did!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea for how to quilt a square quilt. I'm keeping it in mind for the next baby quilt I make because they are usually square. Thank you!
ReplyDeletereally beautiful Jeni! I love how it turned out. so great! And the pics, so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS QUILT! I love everything about this.
ReplyDeleteThis is so fabulous Jeni! You nailed it with the Carolyn Friedlander choices, absolutely perfect!Jacey's quilt was great inspiration and I remember seeing this here too www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/log-cabin-quilt-designs.html Absolutely beautiful quilting and pictures! Sarah
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