Thursday, December 1, 2011

Jelly Roll Races

Let the Races begin!
The Nimble Thimbles Quilt Guild recently hosted a Jelly Roll Race/ Sew-In For Charity.
The goal was to make as many charity quilts as possible in a few short hours.

Each guild member was asked to pre-sew 40 (2 1/2" WOF strips) end to end before the start of the race.
*approximately 1600- inches in length.
Most of the fabric strips were scrappy and donated for the cause.

Ready, set, go!
The clock was set, and the races began.
Who would be the first to complete the quilt?

You know how competitive quilters can be!
Machines began humming away.

Matching ends, the first two rows were sewn together creating large piles.

Some served as pit crew, helping untangle the long rows of fabric.

And some, like Barbara brought her son as a personal attendant.

Matthew really did a great job and made quite a difference in helping his mom get ahead in the race.

Others nearby began bribing Matthew with candy and food if he would jump ship and move over to help with their untangling.

Pit crew members helped with the ironing.

Soon we had a winner.
Nancy finished in 1 hour 17 minutes.
Many others came in close behind.

This technique can also be called a "lasagna quilt".
Finished size around 48" X 60"

I loved seeing how each quilt turned out differently using a variety of fabrics.

A great way to go through your stash and use up a certain color.

This really is a win-win competition.
A great way to use up all those old scraps of fabrics you no longer want, and provide charity quilts for your community.
Plus we had a lot of fun.

If you want to know more about how to host a Jelly Roll Race for your guild or church group, there is a great video available on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EomX7t7to_o

10 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have some strips that I intend to use with this pattern. It looks easy.
Karen

Needled Mom said...

Those are gorgeous too!!

Miki Willa said...

These quilts are lovely. I love the pit crew idea. What a wonderful son to help his mom like that. Thanks for sharing.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

What a wonderful idea! I love all the quilts and they are such a nice size too!

life in red shoes said...

I have to admit that when I began reading this post I anticipated a train wreck! But these quilts tuned out beautiful!
Way to go ladies :)

Cindy said...

Wow, I'm impressed. So many beautiful quilts and each so interesting. What a fun project.

Unknown said...

Wasn't that fun!! Mine is quilted for my son for Christmas. Now to put the binding on...

Julierose said...

I am a new visitor--Super idea for those scraps....thanks for sharing Especially like the blue quilt pictured--Julierose

Liz said...

Wow! An hour and 17 minutes must be some kind of record. I love this technique for jelly rolls

Nanette Merrill said...

Very cool. Matthew reminds me a bit of me lugging mason around. Good sport but not their favorite thing.