I did it. I started my triple Irish chain quilt from Thimble Blossom’s pattern Nesting. I am very excited to make this because, believe it or not, I have never made an Irish chain quilt! The sewing is simple, and the pattern develops from the design formed when the patchwork blocks alternate with a second plain block. I need to make 24 of these patchwork blocks, and am off to a good start with…ta da…four.
I am using a jelly roll of Camille Roskelley’s Rosemary Cottage, a fabric collection I adore. I have some other fabric of hers in my stash that works well too, so I am using that also.
Did you ever wonder if you could starch jelly rolls? It turns out you absolutely can. I am a passionate starcher, and nothing gets by my can of Faultless. Now, starching will cause any fabric to shrink a bit. A jelly roll strip will shrink very slightly along its length. That 2.5-inch width will not be altered, so you can starch away and be sure that if you are cutting your strips into 2.5″ squares, they will be accurate.
Here is another question: Did you ever wonder where you measure your width on the jelly roll? From the outside of the pinked edge, or the inside? You measure your 2.5″ from the outer point of the pinked edge.
Honestly, I don’t use jelly rolls very often, so that is pretty much the sum total of my knowledge. There are some great patterns out there for using them, though, and some good pattern books too.
Hope your week got off to a good start. Mine did, with a “fresh-start” attitude on my part, and some blue skies to lift my spirits. Temperatures are supposed to rise into the 70s this week, so I plan to do some outside reading. I have two books I am trying to finish by April 30, for a total of 11 this month.
13 Responses
Wow, attitude is everything!! Compared to some of the other blocks you tackle this should be a delightful quilt for you. I am still hoping you have a miracle with your lost quilt, but in the mean time enjoy your sewing and reading.
This project is perfect for listening to audio books while I sew. I don’t have to think too hard.
I love your fabric and the Irish ☘️ chain blocks! Yes, I have wondered about starching jelly rolls and the pesky points on some of them-where to align with a straight edge. Thanks so much for your info! I have only just started using starch and I love it!❤️❤️❤️
I tend to starch everything!
Irish chain quilts are some of my favorites! Yours will be spectacular!
I don’t use jelly rolls often either, mainly because I find so many that aren’t cut accurately – either a little too wide or a little too narrow, and I hate taking the time to test them all before using. Precuts tend to have patterns or colors that don’t seem to go well with the other pieces, too. I had one layer cake, which was mostly gorgeous, but which included 2 children’s patterned pieces in it. When cutting my own fabrics from yardage, at least I have no one to blame but myself!
I’m looking forward to seeing your Irish chain quilt!
I stick to Moda precuts and haven’t had any issues. Other fabric companies may not be so accurate. Most of the fabric collections contained in Moda precuts are quite cohesive also.
I have that pattern and have always wanted to make it. But not with a jelly roll-I have a whole bin of her fabric cut in 2 1/2” squares. It will be more time consuming but I think I can do it. You may have inspired me!!
The funny thing is, in this pattern you are instructed to cut the jelly roll into 2.5″ squares! You could actually use any line of fabric you have on hand, just cut it into 2 1/2″ strips, then 2 1/2″ squares. I think this pattern is perfect for using up a jelly roll you don’t know what to do with, but a jelly roll isn’t technically necessary at all.
I like using jelly rolls because there’s usually very little leftover when the project is finished. Your blocks are so pretty! It sounds like your week is off to a good start!
And today the skies are blue and it is supposed to reach 69 degrees. I plan to be outside for part of the day at least. I feel sunshine deprived!
I really like that fabric! And it is perfect for the pattern. I once was given a whole bunch of JR tht I’m pretty sure were from JoAnn’s. They were so uneven that I spent way too much time trimming them. I was making donor quilts but they didn’t go as quickly as I was hoping for. You are right though that Moda’s are fine. I recently pulled out a top of Lella Boutique strips I’d forgotten about. Now that one was a pleasure to make!
yay!! Irish Chain!! I’ve had no problems with Moda precuts. They have all been accurate for size. I have so many charm packs…..so little time. enjoy the sunshine. I am.
Simple sewing is a nice way to get your spirits up! Progress comes quicker. It is always a delight to see it come together as it builds. Sunshine doesn’t hurt either.