The Joy of Jelly Rolls

A bumper book, compiled from Carolyn’s best sellers. It includes 44 gift projects and 24 quilts to make use of the ever popular jelly rolls for quilters. This is super value, especially if you do not have the previously published books. Gifts include patchwork and quilt home accessories such as coasters, bags, bunting, toys, hanging decorations and key fobs. The quilt designs include hand and machine sewing and use a variety of techniques. The latter are clearly explained with step by step instructions and good photographs. Backing, binding and finishing instructions are also included with templates. There is lots to love about this book including good tips and techniques. Projects I like include the patchwork dog, Manx log cabin mat, hanging fish, flower power coasters, Russian dolls, sunshine pot mat (my favourite), beach hut key fobs, thread pot and of course the quilts.

Fabric manufacturers want to make it easy for quilters to combine colors and patterns; Moda, for one, branded their Jelly Roll, a precut bundle of fabric strips that are designed to go well together (other companies use similar names for their bundles). This book, which contains content from three of Forster’sprevious books (Little Quilts & Gifts from Jelly Roll Scraps, 2015; Jelly Roll Scraps, 2014; Sew Jelly Roll Quilts & Gifts, 2012), provides a typical introduction to basic quilting techniques and materials followed by 68 projects (24 of which are full quilts) made using Jelly Rolls or scraps from them. Eachproject includes a materials and supplies list, the item’s finished dimensions, and a list of instructions. A knowledge of basic quilting techniques is assumed; the instructions are minimal. Some feature process photos, but most do not. Some of the items, including all of the quilts, include diagrams for piecing. Atreat for Jelly Roll enthusiasts, this will find use where quilting books are popular.

This is a fantastic resource that will provide inspiration for beginners and more experienced quilters. Loads of advice, many different techniques clearly explained, stunning photos, clear diagrams, cannot fault this book at all. It is a combination of three of Carolyn’s previous books but has a fresh new feel. Cannot wait to get started but my only problem is deciding which design to begin with. My favourites are ( in no particular order ) FLOWER. GARDEN, TINY BAG, COIN POUCH and LOG-CABIN QUILT. Fantastic value and a great gift ( for yourself or a quilting friend. )

Lovely collection of techniques and projects from Carolyn Forster for Jelly Roll lovers. However many of the projects are on a smaller scale and would do well as scrap busters. It is worth noting that this is a collection based on three previous books and I have worked from two of the books before so a lot looked familiar. The techniques section is clear and covers quite a lot which is extremely useful for beginners and a handy reference or reminder for others. There are then two other sections one for useful smaller projects and then a section on quilt projects. There is a lovely combination of photographs of completed projects and diagrams to illustrate key stages of the projects. I was surprised when I lifted this book as it is heavier and thicker than many sewing books of this type. It is crammed full of projects, not padded out with filler pages and for the price is excellent value. I think this would be a brilliant resource for simple projects to sew with learners or for school fete or charity fundraising. The only problem will be deciding what to sew next :-)

For anyone like me, who has sewn for years, but is only now learning to do patchwork and quilting, or for someone who has used jelly rolls before, this three-books-in-one volume is a boon.

The book starts with the basics. What a jelly roll actually is, what threads are recommended, the equipment needed and all the sewing techniques you will need to make any of the 24 quilts and 44 gift ideas in the book. Some of the gifts use such small pieces of fabric, that they will be wonderful for using up the scarps that we all keep without really knowing what the can be used for. Coasters, and pin cushions I might have thought of, but Russian dolls? I never would have thought of those!

The book is crammed with beautiful photographs, illustrations and diagrams with lots of templates at the back. Most of these can be used at the size they are printed, while a couple are printed at 50 per cent and will need enlarging. the colours used are mostly bright and cheerful, with some slightly more muted.

All in all I love this book. There is so much inspiration in it .

As someone who is new to Jelly Rolls, this book has made me realise that they are not just for quilts and are incredibly versatile. I have a Jelly Roll of beautiful fabric which has been living in my stash for several years as I have not found a project to justify the colours but thanks to The Joy of Jelly Rolls I don’t think they will be staying in my stash for much longer.

The Joy of Jelly Rolls starts with an explanation of what a Jelly Roll is and advice on choosing thread colours which is an important consideration due to the variety of colours the fabric comes in. Next is a list of equipment needed which is always handy as you can prepare by gathering everything you need before starting your project.

The instructions on how to cut and sew the fabric are clearly written and also include colour photos showing the steps and I feel that this book is excellent for beginners as well as providing projects for the more advanced crafter.

There are many types of project and plenty of ideas for gifts for all ages and by resizing the templates this would give more flexibility to use any left over pieces of fabric.

Carolyn Forster started making quilts when she was a teenager and went on to study Textiles at the University of Bath. Since graduating, she has taught patchwork and quilting both in the UK and the USA and has had her quilts featured in a number of books and magazines, including Fabrications, Popular Patchwork and Patchwork and Quilting. Carolyn lives in Tunbridge Wells, UK with her husband and son.