Jelly Rolls. If there is anyone out there who doesn't know what this hot new quilting temptation is, a jelly roll is an entire fabric collection that has been laser cut into 2 1/2" strips, rolled up like a bakery confection and tied with a bow. Each pack contains one 44" long strip of each fabric in the group. They retail for around $30, and appear to be selling like, well, like hotcakes (sorry, couldn't resist).
I finally picked up a couple of these treats, with the thought that I could perhaps satisfy my craving to have the latest fabric offerings and spend a lot less money than I typically do when I purchase the entire fat quarter bundle for $100. Also, all the cutting is done for you, so you can leap right in and start your project. Quilt shops all across the country are starting up "Strip Clubs" where enthusiasts meet regularly and make projects out of jelly rolls. Believe me, these jelly rolls have a LOT of fans.
The advantages of these jelly rolls seems clear, however there are a couple of other considerations that occur to me. First of all (and most obvious), one is limited to a pattern design that incorporates 2 1/2" fabric strips or squares. You have to embrace that fact, and have a pattern in mind, or join in one of the many class offerings available at your local quilt shop. I am learning also, that it isn't easy to find a design that utilizes just ONE of these little gems in the making of a quilt. One of them on its own will make a crib quilt or a table topper, or,if you add in other fabrics, they can be extended to the size of a smallish quilt. To achieve the variety I like in a quilt, and in order to get something of a reasonable size, I think two jelly rolls are necessary.
I recently discovered this book by Anka's Treasures "On A Roll". It has pattern designs for several quilts as well as table toppers. Not wanting to be left out of the latest trend, I decided to jump on the jelly roll bandwagon, and buy one and get started.
My jelly roll of choice was one called Madeira, an upcoming Blackbird Designs group for Moda. The pattern I picked from the On A Roll book is called Jelly Roll Junction, an appealing design that cleverly makes each block appear to be made of miters. These are the blocks I made in relatively short time:
I love the fabric and thoroughly enjoyed making these four blocks. The quilt is comprised of 18 blocks, each one having a light colored center strip. It appears that with the strip selection I have in this jelly roll, I will only get 10 blocks. In order to accomplish the fabric and color combinations of my choice, I need to go out and see if I can find one more Madeira jelly roll. They are fast and fun and I am glad I gave them a try (and may even use them again), but I don't see jelly rolls replacing my fatquarter fabric bundle addiction!