Problem/Question - Jelly Roll Race Quilt

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Yes, I agree with Bubby, mixing them up creates more color variation. But many folks love them when they turn out like yours.

Welcome to the forum!

[mamo69]

I may not be the person to give an idea because I am so new to quilting but, do you think by adding a border would change your mind about the look? I have learned borders can make a quilt "pop". I have made 2 jelly roll quilts and a lovely lady at my local quilt shop help me select a border fabric that made everything "pop" and it made a difference. Take your finished top to the shop a "play with different fabrics". Ask others for their thoughts (I have found strangers are good for this).

[janbee]

Welcome to quilting. I think each one of us develops a "look" that is totally us as we go along. You are in the stage of developing your "look". That's what makes quilting so individual and fun. I love the quilt that you have pieced. With your next quilt you will know what makes you happy with how the colors flow together. I think of quilting fabric as a huge box of crayons that I can color a quilt with. Last night I was studying a quilt book, really looking at the colors that the author had used to get her "look". I encourage you to do that. You might be surprised as you look at the individual fabrics that make up a quilt. Congratulations on your first quilt.

[Sylvia H]

It is a lovely quilt. I really like the way the colors flow.

As someone already mentioned, to get the big difference between strips, you have to mix them up instead of using them in order. And even with mixing them up - you never really know how a jelly roll quilt will turn out. That is part of the process.

Congratulations on making your first quilt top, and welcome to the forum.

[tamdotcom]

Holy Cats! Post a message in the middle of the night and wake up to a boatload of replies! Thank you so much for the warm welcome and all of the encouragement and help. You guys are da bomb!!

I think I will take it into the local shop and get some suggestions for a border. I've never been very good at pulling colors together, so having another set of eyes on it will help. And, it's funny, Vonnie, but I'd done some Internet searching for some other photos of quilts and found one where someone also didn't like the way theirs turned out and cut it into a coin quilt. I also saw one cut into a fence rail. So, I'm going to mull those over. After looking at it in the morning light, it does make me happy and I'm proud of it. It just might need a little tweaking. Getting it finished is at the top of my list and that's always my biggest hurdle to anything. I'll post a pic when it's done.

Thank you again for such a wonderful welcome and all of your positive reinforcement. It's huge!

[Pandabear]

It's just the way it comes out. It's a lovely quilt.

[pokeygirl]

Welcome. It looks good to me. I've made about 5 of these and they all look different. You did it the correct way.

[MRoy]

It's a great quilt! I agree with the suggestions to mix up the JR strips before sewing. Welcome to the forum.

[GrammaBabs]

Just wondering... did you cut 18" off of EACH strip or just the FIRST one.. that could account for color balance.. but perhaps the way it was packaged may have been different from others... I have never used them as they come off the roll.. I place them in color piles and then take from each pile as it pleases me... makes more sense to me if I want a "mix" of color.. that's not always a perfect mix either, just a suggestion... If it bothers you a lot,, Jenny has a way of cutting it and placing a solid between as an applique that's pretty stunning.. or if you cut into blocks and do a "rail fence" assembly that would spice it up as well,,, I like it just as it is as well,, but wanted to share a few options... B

[GrammaBabs]

Your right,, finish this up,,, and on to another one... Didn't notice your that new.. Welcome aboard...you will not be wanting for help or positive feedback and help on this site.. I am an MA gal as well... Only Wish we had a M* and retreat around here!!! Barbara

Holy Cats! Post a message in the middle of the night and wake up to a boatload of replies! Thank you so much for the warm welcome and all of the encouragement and help. You guys are da bomb!!

I think I will take it into the local shop and get some suggestions for a border. I've never been very good at pulling colors together, so having another set of eyes on it will help. And, it's funny, Vonnie, but I'd done some Internet searching for some other photos of quilts and found one where someone also didn't like the way theirs turned out and cut it into a coin quilt. I also saw one cut into a fence rail. So, I'm going to mull those over. After looking at it in the morning light, it does make me happy and I'm proud of it. It just might need a little tweaking. Getting it finished is at the top of my list and that's always my biggest hurdle to anything. I'll post a pic when it's done.

Thank you again for such a wonderful welcome and all of your positive reinforcement. It's huge!