OK, I'll admit it - I do not like jelly rolls. Those pinked edges just aren't for me. They stretch and I cannot get the accuracy that I always strive for in my piecing. What was I thinking, volunteering to make this sample for the shop with 45 degree strip pieced diamonds? Yes, it was not a good decision, but I so wanted to work with this Fig & Plum jelly roll that my shop owner brought back from Portland Quilt Market.
This is my second attempt at making a Jelly Star. Looks pretty good, doesn't it? I will not show you my first attempt. It's in a wad in the closet. I've never had so much trouble lining up seams and having poofy seams - ever. I'm so ashamed of it.
For my second star pictured here, I trimmed the pinked edges off the strips, leaving them 2-1/4" wide rather than 2-1/2" wide. My stars will be a smidge smaller than the original pattern intended, but they will be accurate and will not make me cringe every time I look at all the seams that don't meet. I can just add an extra wide border if I want a bigger quilt.
But this looks dreamy, doesn't it? And these new Fig Tree fabrics are certainly drool worthy. Ok, I'm off to make more stars while I'm on a roll!
Yes, it is certainly dreamy! =)
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh....do I ever love those fabrics! This star turned out perfect by the looks of it and you're on a roll so don't stop now! I hate the pinked edges also on the jelly rolls, drives me nuts. Can't wait to see this done. Nancy in WI
ReplyDeleteYes it looks dreamy. Looks like a lot of hard work to me.
ReplyDeleteHugs Mary.
I agree with you Lisa. I hate the pinked seams. I have learned to work with them, but don't do many quilts using them. This is going to be a beautiful quilt. Is this just one block from the quilt?
ReplyDeleteI have not used a jelly roll, but I am not of fan of charm packs either. Some of them are just not quite 5" even with the pinked edges. And I am a fabric pre-washer. It's quite a mess to have 40 squares all wrinkled and needing major pressing.
ReplyDeleteBut you have done a wonderful job with star #2!
Your star is just beautiful....I wondered how those would work out with those pinked edges. But you made it work and it's wonderful...Keep going! Can't wait to see it together.
ReplyDeleteI hate the pinked edges on jelly rolls and charms too! Wish they would cut them just a little larger to make up for the pinked edges.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful!!! Other than the stupid pinked edges, is it hard to do? These kind of stars scare me, so I haven't attempted one yet.
Isn't that gorgeous? I love the star and think the quilt is going to be stunning. What a trauma the first one must have been! Good for you for figuring a way around it.
ReplyDeleteThose colors are beautiful but what a lot of work to cut down those strips. I have one jelly roll that I won but I am going to do something simple like a rail fence or nine patch because I am a chicken :)
ReplyDeleteWwwow. I'm bummed you had a negative deal the first time out but I'm over it now! This is killer. I would never think to work with those fabrics but boy you sure make them look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteLearning new stuff all the time... *karendianne.
Have you tried starching your fabrics BEFORE cutting them on a bias angle? I figured this trick out and it works GREAT for me! Also, the starch adds a bit to the fabric, so it actually gets a little bigger (for cutting, obviously, when you wash it it will shrink up again.)
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, with this type of star, you may also try pressing ALL the seams OPEN. It won't be as sturdy, but it is easier to piece and less bulky. Just make sure your quilting goes over the seams to hold down the weaker seam lines.
Anyway, give it a try and don't be too heard on yourself about the points on these, they are tricky, but people seldom notice if they aren't perfect!
I'm sorry you had such trouble creating your star. Your second attempt is beautiful, that's for sure. I found Suzy's comments to be very helpful. I don't always have good luck with jelly rolls either.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I love this star. Spill the beans girlfriend, what is the name of the pattern. I am like you, I don't like using jelly rolls either.
ReplyDeleteI too am not fond of the pinked edges of jelly rolls, because it make an accurate 1/4" seam more difficult. (Not to mention all that fuzz and thread dust that you unleash when you unfurl the jelly roll LOL!) But I have succumbed to their charms and am in the process of making a diamond log cabin quilt using the Allspice Tapestry line. The stretchiness and bias are about to drive me mad, so I can definitely sympathize with your star troubles. Your finished stars look great to me.
ReplyDelete