This quilt top took just over six hours to make. Seriously, you could do it in a weekend, with no great effort at all! The quilt is made with a jelly roll (I used two), so the cutting is just about done for you before you even get started. You do have to cut the strips into smaller segments for the blocks, but that takes no time at all. The blocks are gigantic and go together fast.
The pattern I used is in the book Strip Happy by Donna Kinsey. I used two jelly rolls of a Kansas Troubles (for Moda) fabric group called Autumn Journey. A jelly roll in any fabric group would work for this quilt, but you know me, I always go for some contrast in my quilts, so I like more choices than I normally get with just one jelly roll. Wouldn't this be an adorable child's quilt made out of one of the Mary Englebreit or American Jane (Sandy Klop) fabric groups? Oooh, or that Fresh Squeezed group in the citrusy prints?
This is a photo of the quilt shown in the book.
Since I had two jelly rolls, rather than the one that was called for, I chose to make my quilt larger. I added an extra row of blocks, and expanded the border to two scrappy strips instead of just one. I worked on the project for three hours one day and a bit less than three hours the second day. The quilt ended up just over 60 inches and is almost square.
Usually I find the jelly roll patterns just a tad too simple for my taste. However, if you want to knock out a quilt quickly, for a gift, or as a break between more difficult projects, you may love to try them. I've decided to have this one quilted with an all over design of acorns and give it the grandparents as a Christmas gift. Sorry, I am sorry to have mentioned the C holiday so far in advance.
What a fabulous quilt! I love the unusual look of the rectangular blocks - gives it a contemporary flair, but rooted in tradition. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Anne K. | May 27, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Very nice! Reminds me of the one I just finished with Fresh Squeezed.
Posted by: Darlene | May 27, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Yeah, I'm sorry you had to mention that dern C holiday, too. I'm going to start in on my RANT now that you lifted the lid off!
OH LORDY BEE!!!
However, I haven't finished my coffee, I absolutely adore you and I feel my RANT would ruin the lovely quilt you've shared with us today.
NO FLAMING TODAY. ;) Silly Karen Under Control with Love, *karendianne.
Posted by: Karen Lee | May 27, 2008 at 06:20 AM
Pretty quilt ! I just completed the same one using a Deb Strain DayDreams Jelly Roll. I'm still a novice quilter so it took me a "little" longer than you! I think using two jelly rolls would work much better - great idea! Love the jelly rolls tho - it was a fun project. (If you want to see a pic of my quilt, check out the May 1 post on my blog)
Posted by: Janet | May 27, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Adorable.
Posted by: Sandy | May 27, 2008 at 06:44 AM
I love that quilt. Thanks for showing it.
Posted by: MichelleB | May 27, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Beautiful quilt, Nicole. But even with a jelly roll, I don't know if I could make it as quickly as you did.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | May 27, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Great quilt! Now that's a productive week-end! The colors you chose are really pretty.
Posted by: Jeanne | May 27, 2008 at 07:33 AM
This is really beautiful, thanks for sharing it!
Posted by: Blondie | May 27, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Oh, I have that book, but haven't even browsed it properly. You are right, that's a wonderful quilt for a gift....but for me, to be sewn in twelve or more hours perhaps ;-)Beautiful quilt!!!!
Posted by: Georgina | May 27, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Love your quilt. Reminds me of Darlene's. She used the Fresh Squeezed fabs.
Posted by: sharon | May 27, 2008 at 09:49 AM
And I just ordered that book and a couple of jelly rolls over the weekend to give it a try. Now I can't wait to get it! I'm a novice quilter; I just started about 7 weeks ago. I've never sewn with a sewing machine or quilted before. I bumped into your blog and I find it very entertaining and full of information. I read it every day. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Jen | May 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM
What a great quilt and so quick to put together. I could see this working with scrappy strips too... :o)
Posted by: Jane Weston | May 27, 2008 at 11:33 AM
What a great quilt and so quick to put together. I could see this working with scrappy strips too... :o)
Posted by: Jane Weston | May 27, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Love this. I'm going to have to bookmark this so I can remember how to get the pattern. I've never used a jelly roll, but it sounds like just the thing for someone who doesn't much like cutting!
Posted by: Jacquie | May 27, 2008 at 12:18 PM
So nice! I am into simple designs nowadays. I hadn't heard of the book, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Marianne | May 27, 2008 at 12:27 PM
LOVE it. Now I have incentive to buy jelly rolls!
Posted by: Stephanie | May 27, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Oh never to early to start thinking about holiday gift giving . . . and sometimes the simplest patterns have the greatest impact. This pattern is a good one to stash away for just that purpose *s*
Posted by: Libby | May 27, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Beautiful quilt - I have the jelly rolls - guess I had better order the book now....
Kris
Posted by: Kris | May 27, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Love the quilt!!!! What a great idea for a gift. I'm sure it would take me longer. I am soooooooooo slow at quilting. I'm good -but slow. I have to check to see if I have that book. Have you ever done that? Bought a book or pattern and you already have it?
Posted by: Miss Jean | May 27, 2008 at 02:05 PM
I agree about Jellyroll patterns tendong to be simplistic, which is great some of the time, not so much other times.
I was thinking about the C word earlier too. Never too early, especially with the Christmas fabrics coming out now.
Posted by: Cara | May 27, 2008 at 02:12 PM
I love your Quilt I dont know how you do them so quick and what a nice gift for the grandparents you amaize me.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Mary Wood | May 27, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Nice comfy looking quilt. I love your pictures on your blog, thanks for sharing. Can I come and stay at your house???
Posted by: Teresa | May 28, 2008 at 04:22 AM
Love that quilt. I made something similar as a wedding quilt for my son - the pattern was out of a Australian magazine and I didn't use jelly rolls which would have made it soooo much easier. Very cute and I am a fan of Kansas Trouble fabric :)
Hugs - Karen
Posted by: Karen | May 28, 2008 at 05:01 AM
You've been busy! I have this book, too. This turned out very nicely. I like the baskets in the next post, too. You crazy quilter, you! I need some of that energy.
Posted by: Dandelion Quilts | May 28, 2008 at 08:07 PM