Do you ever look around your sewing room and think, I really should finish that quilt…
And then look at the stack of fabric next to it and think, But wouldn’t it be fun to make something completely different? I know I do!
That’s one reason I think National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is such a fun idea. Scheduled for the third Saturday in September, it gives us a perfectly good excuse to take a break from whatever serious quilting project we’re working on and sew something just because it looks like fun.
What’s a Jelly Roll?
If you’ve been quilting for a while, you’ve probably encountered those tempting bundles of 2-1/2″ wide fabric strips known as Jelly Rolls (or strip bundles, or … so many other names).
Moda Fabrics helped popularize the concept and started National Sew a Jelly Roll Day years ago. What began as a Moda event has grown into something much bigger, with quilt shops, quilt groups and quilters everywhere finding their own ways to celebrate.
And really, what’s not to like? Someone has already done the cutting for us. The fabrics are coordinated. The strips are rolled up into one colorful, irresistible bundle.
All you have to do is find a pattern and start sewing!
A Jelly Roll Is the Perfect Quilting Detour
I think that’s my favorite thing about Jelly Roll quilts. They’re an invitation to play.
Maybe you’ve been working on a complicated project that requires a lot of concentration. Maybe you’ve been making blocks for a Block of the Month. Or perhaps you’ve simply reached the point where you don’t want to look at the same quilt for one more minute.
That’s when a Jelly Roll project can be just the ticket. Pull out one of those pretty bundles of strips you’ve been saving, choose a pattern and give yourself permission to make something that doesn’t have to be the next big project.
It can just be fun. And who knows? You might even end up with a finished quilt top before you’re ready to go back to the other project!
Need a Jelly Roll Project?
If you’re looking for some inspiration, I’ve got several Jelly Roll-friendly patterns in the Quiltblox shop.
Jelly Roll Jam: Simple Quilts Made With 2-1/2″ Strips
Let’s start with the obvious choice! Jelly Roll Jam is all about making simple quilts with those handy 2-1/2″ strips. If your goal is to grab a Jelly Roll and start sewing without making things overly complicated, this is a great place to start.
Not-Your-Typical Jelly Roll Quilts
Looking for something a little different? Not-Your-Typical Jelly Roll Quilts offers another take on what you can do with those familiar strips. Because a Jelly Roll doesn’t have to mean a predictable quilt!
There’s something about the word charming that seems to fit Jelly Roll quilts perfectly. Charming Jelly Roll Quilts gives you another collection of possibilities for putting those colorful strips to work.
Daybreak by Cozy Quilt Designs
Daybreak by Cozy Quilt Designs is another option when you’re ready to turn your strips into something a little more structured and eye-catching.
Chasing Windmills by Cozy Quilt Designs
And then there’s Chasing Windmills by Cozy Quilt Designs. Because sometimes the best way to use a Jelly Roll is to let those strips become part of a quilt with a little movement and personality.
So, What Are You Stitching?
Maybe National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is the perfect opportunity to finally use that Jelly Roll you’ve been saving. Or maybe it’s your excuse to buy one. I’m not judging!
Find a quilt shop hosting a Jelly Roll event. Get together with your quilting friends. Pull out a pattern you’ve been wanting to try. Or simply clear a little space on your sewing table and enjoy an afternoon of stitching.
You don’t have to finish a masterpiece; you don’t even have to finish the quilt. Just have some fun with those 2-1/2″ strips.
Because sometimes the best quilting break is simply … more quilting!
Happy Stitching!