Sunday, February 01, 2009

A twisted mini-retreat



About a year ago I bought this Jelly Roll on an impulse. I'd never bought a Jelly Roll before and had no idea what to do with one, but those colors! I love saturated brights anyway, but it was January and I could just feel the sun shining when I looked at these. I left them on my desk near the computer for awhile, but eventually put them in the closet where they languished until my guild's mini-retreat yesterday.

I love going to these sew-alongs because it's fun to visit with everyone and I get so inspired by people's projects, but I do find it awkward to work in a cramped space without my stash. I thought I might piece an I Spy that I had already cut out, but I was afraid I wouldn't have enough space to lay the whole thing out. Then I saw Bonnie's post on the Super Bowl Twist, and I knew what to do! I stitched up a little sunshine on the last day of January.
Bonnie's directions emphasized that contrast was important, so I laid out some strip set possibilities and checked for contrast. I learned that the Jelly Roll had more darks than lights and quite a few fabrics that I would classify as mediums -- but of course, that depends on what they are next to.
I ended up with 4 strips left that just would not give me the contrast I needed. But Bonnie showed a photo of Freida B's Strip Twist quilt with a terrific diagonal border, so I plan to mix these up with the ends of the strip sets to make a border like that myself.
All the blocks are pieced (this is a very quick quilt when you start with pre-cut strips), but I haven't gotten my design wall up again since I got my new sewing table, so I couldn't lay the whole thing out.
Desperately wanting to see what it was going to look like, I put a few blocks out on the floor. So much fun! Tonight's the Super Bowl, so I may get the design wall up and the quilt laid out then. I am incredibly grateful that my husband isn't a big sports fan. Most years his football watching consists of tuning in to at least part of the Super Bowl. This year he's invited a friend who has about his level of interest in the game over to watch with him, and we're getting Indian take-out for dinner. My laugh for the day came when DH worried about having a long wait for the food because everyone would be getting take-out for the game. I think the pizza delivery guy will be busy, but I doubt there'll be a long line for aloo tikki chat!

20 comments:

Paula said...

Looks great! I think you did a great job in getting contrast between the strips!

I was wanting to make this quilt today too, but alas, I've got the quilting blahs and just cannot make myself sew. Maybe I'll make an After Super Bowl Sunday Strip Twist Quilt!!!! LOL

Anonymous said...

Those fabrics are bright and springy! Love the swirly fabrics! Blocks look great!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I'm sure you are right, the pizza places should be buzzing tonight.

your quilt looks like fun. I hope you get the design wall up right away.

Twisted Quilts said...

This is a really cool pattern. Is it really as easy as Bonnie says it is? Your colors are great.

Gari in AL said...

I am really impressed with the beautiful play of the fabrics. I am not a big fan of jelly rolls but that one is coming out great. I, too, bought a jelly roll when I went to a Bonnie Hunter class. No cutting was what sold me.

Becky said...

I love it. The colors are great!!!! Can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done.

SandyQuilts said...

I wanted to join in this quilt today but the cards fell in another direction.

Next time take a black/white photo to check for contrast. It really works.

Paula, the quilter said...

I just finished one of these using a jelly roll. It was all red, white and blue and I plan on donating it to QOV.

Quiltycat said...

Really wonderful colors! The blocks design looks fun...I'm waiting for the full top.
nichi

Clare said...

This is so bright, colourful, joyful and springlike. Reminds me a bit of Tonya's Marguerita quilt.

Indian take aways are the one thing I miss. (sigh).

Tonya Ricucci said...

fun and bright- woohoo! tikka aloo chat mmmmm.

Joyce said...

Very nice. I might try that pattern with my clothes horse piled with strips.

Libby said...

I love that line of fabric! I almost bought a charm pack of it on various occasions. It is super cheerful. I love the blocks; they have so much energy. That will definitely be a happy quilt.

Cathi said...

That is going to be such a cheerful quilt!! The block design looks great!!

Susan said...

Oh, so pretty! I love the bright colors!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Marvelous colors - when you get ready to lay it out to stitch, watch the direction of those little corner pinwheels (very tricky) . . . that part seemed to take the longest but it makes such a difference in the final outcome. And the Super Bowl is the only football game we watch all year, too.

sewkalico said...

Love it! So much fun!! I have never bought (or owned) a jelly roll, but I have had loads of Indian take-aways LOL

Victoria said...

This looks great! I just one a Moda jelly roll, and am really looking forward to playing around with the strips!

meggie said...

I love the design for the border!
Love the bright colours.

jacquie said...

i've never bought a jelly roll before. it would be great! what is that swirly fabric? it looks like the printing i did with kids when you mix and swirl paints. love that!