<![CDATA[THE GREAT JELLY ROLL BASH

<![CDATA[THE GREAT JELLY ROLL BASH - Blog]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:20:04 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Sumer Block Pary]]>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:22:33 GMThttps://www.thegreatjellyrollbash.com/blog/sumer-block-pary

Something Special Is Coming in may… 🎉

The makers behind The Great Jelly Roll Bash have something extra fun planned for you this year — and we cannot wait to share it!

We’ve created a brand-new block series designed to stretch out those long, lovely sewing days and give you something creative to dream about at night. Think star blocks, fresh inspiration, and that feeling of “just one more seam” before bed.

Here’s How It Works ✨

For 5 weeks, you’ll receive a weekly email featuring a new block in the series. Each week builds on the excitement, and yes… we’ve tucked in a few bonus surprises along the way. Mini blocks? Extra goodies? Maybe a little something unexpected? You’ll have to join us to see!

The best part?

The series is completely FREE.

All we need is your email address so we know where to send your weekly blocks. You’re welcome to jump in at any time — even if you sign up late, you can sew at your own pace and still enjoy every design.

]]><![CDATA[Give A Warm Welcome to Shereece Nicole]]>Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:11:51 GMThttps://www.thegreatjellyrollbash.com/blog/give-a-warm-welcome-to-shereece-nicoleI am so excited to introduce you all to another new pattern designer for this year!! Shereece Nicole from Sew Hooked Treasures. Welcome!!! Now, I remember you from weekly Club House chats. I love having a space to chat quilty things. You don't know this but I swoon over your IG account. If you don't follow her you really should. She has a beautiful and cohesive look and a very strong brand presences. Shereece has worked with brands like Riley Blake, Aurifil, and Art Gallery. This year she was featured in Quilt Folk. She teaches on all kinds of different platforms. I am always so amazed to see everything you are doing and putting together. I have really enjoyed getting to know you this year. That might be my favorite part of putting this event together -- getting to know other designers and really becoming a fan!! Finding those people that you can geek out with and about. It is such a gift.

I was sooo happy that you said yes and joined the Great Jelly Roll Bash team. Well let's get to the interview. Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?
Well, I’m a mom of 2 (girl 9, boy 8). I’m originally from Ohio but now we live in Southeast Georgia (and I’m still not acclimated to the heat). I enjoy crocheting and reading. My favorite color is pink, pink and more pink! I have this obsession with Barbie and piratey things.

E: LOL!! Piratey things!! I love it and have a feeling it's because your B-day and Talk Like A Pirate Day are one in the same.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST QUILTING PROJECT?
In high school, I tried to do an FPP project as my first. Um… how crazy was I?!? I had no clue about seam allowance, pressing or even that you’re supposed to cut off the selvage. It’s so horrible! It won’t even lay flat in the center. I kept it as a reminder of where I started. I didn’t attempt anything again until 2008 when I learned all those things I didn’t know.

E: So CRAZY!!!! As a seasoned sewist, I have to be in the right state of mind to do FPP. I can't imagine it as an introduction to quilting. I am so happy you found your way back to quilting.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN QUILTING?
2008

WHY QUILTS?
When I moved to Missouri in 2008 (in the middle of nowhere), I wanted to meet people. I found this group and one of the things they taught was quilting. I said, “why not?”

E: Quilting can be a great way to meet people!! I have met so many wonderful people through my quilt guild and now at quilty events. To every one reading this, if you are someone looking to meet people, I highly suggest joining a guild and getting involved.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU?
I kind of lost my creative mojo due to an injury early this year. Getting myself back to where I was is my goal. I have to accept that I may have a new “normal”.

E: I am sending you a big quilty hug!! I hope you get past everything you are going through. I am rooting for you!!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED?
That everything I make is NOT going to be perfect.

E: That's a good one is a good one. It can be frustrating when things don't turn out to be perfect. So often we put unreal expectations on ourselves. However, handmade isn't perfect.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUILTING TECHNIQUE?
You know… I don’t really have one. I guess fast forwarding so I can get to the free motion quilting.

E: So the end of the quilt is where you find your Zen. I love that.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NOTION?
Seam ripper

E: The necessary evil!! I definitely have a love hate relationship with that guy.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PATTERN?
That I designed, Stay Focused pillow because it was my first and then its throw companion.
Of a different designer, Church Window by Lo & Behold Stitchery.

E: Stay Focused is such a cute pattern!! I am having a hard time deciding but I my favorite pattern of yours is the one you just released. Such a cute Christmas quilt. And Half Rectangles. Those are new to me but becoming a favorite!!

Stay Focused Pillow Pattern

WHAT IS THE THING YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT QUILTING?
Before, it was my place to regroup and relax.

HAND OR MACHINE BINDING?
MACHINE!!!!

E: Agree!!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO QUILT A QUILT?
I enjoy free motion quilting. I don’t even know what the design is called, but my go-tos are a swirl design, wavy lines and (lately) watery meander.

E: That sounds interesting!! I will try to add some examples so everyone can see.

This was so nice! Thank you Shereece for taking the time to do this interview. I greatly appreciate you being part of the team. I can't wait for Jelly Roll Day!! It is going to be so much fun!!

Thank you so much for reading!! See you soon.

]]><![CDATA[Let's Welcome Brandy Maslowski]]>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:30:50 GMThttps://www.thegreatjellyrollbash.com/blog/lets-welcome-brandy-maslowskiThis year we have two new hosts joining us for the Great Jelly Roll Bash. Pinch me!! Today I am introducing you to one of them. I can't believe she said yes... Brandy Maslowski from the Quilter on Fire podcast is joining in on the fun.

I first met Brandy a few years back at QuiltCon in Phoenix. We both attended an after hour-mixers. I distinctly remember her jean jacket that had flames stitched on the back. Last year I advertised on her podcast. Since I had a host spot opening, I decided to put on my big girl pants and ask her if she would be a host, and guess what? She said yes!!

I love her podcast. I love her story. She is and sweet so down-to-earth, even though she teaches, host quilting vacations, works on magazines, judges shows... The question is really, what doesn't she do? I feel so very excited to be working with her.

So, grab your favourite drink and let's get to know the lady behind the Quilter on Fire.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am a quiltmaker, textile artist, teacher, speaker, author and NACQJ certified quilt judge. I have curated a portfolio of workshops from modern improv to textile art which aim to nudge the quilter into their own personal creative zone. I am the founder and host of the Quilter on Fire Podcast and can be found everywhere online as the Quilter on Fire.

E: Wow!! I am so impressed. I don't think you sleep.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST QUILTING PROJECT?
‌A friend said to me, “You are kind of crafty, can you make a quilt for my great-grandmother?” She wanted photos, lace, and floral fabrics in the quilt. I said yes. It was the perfect disaster, but she loved it, and the rest is history.

E: What a story for your first quilt! That is amazing and sounds sew fun!!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN QUILTING?
OVER 30 YEARS. Since I was about 21. I’d say over 3 decades, but I don’t want everyone to jump on their calculators to start doing the math. Just the fact that I said calculators instead of Siri might have you guessing I’m Gen X.

E: LOL!! I grew up on calculators but love using Excel because my fingers don't always work the way I want them to. I can also double-check I typed the right numbers. 

WHY QUILTS?
It the tactile nature of cloth for me but also the giving nature of quilters. We wear fabric in our clothing, we wrap ourselves in it to sleep, it brings us comfort in many areas of our lives and there is just another level of comfort having a textile art piece on the wall that has beauty and a purposeful meaning.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU?
‌The biggest business challenge for me in quilting has been saying yes to too much, especially volunteer work and not taking the time I need to build the foundation and systems of my biz. I’m getting there now with the help of mentors but it can be hard to avoid the last minute crunch of deadlines. (as I answer these questions at the very last minute)

E: It can be hard to say no and there are only so many hours in a day. I definitely feel that. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUILTING TECHNIQUE?
I love free-form, layered, raw edge quilting to build layers of colour, texture, stitch and embellishments. This is what I teach in my Colourways Workshop.

E: Oh my gosh this sounds fantastic. How do I sign up?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PATTERN?
Although I love many patterns and designers, I don’t buy patterns. I’ll mention my own Glorious & Free Pattern here because I designed it for Quilts of Valour and it gives me joy to bring benefit to sick and injured soldiers.

E: Same. I can't follow a pattern to save my life. I always end up doing it my way.

The Glorious & Free Pattern

WHAT IS THE THING YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT QUILTING?
It provides a thoughtful, engaging, creative outlet and calms my mind.

HAND OR MACHINE BINDING?
Hand for sure. I love to get cozy with my dog, watch a good movie and hand stitch the binding.

E: Sounds like the perfect rainy-day adventure.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO QUILT A QUILT?
For modern quilts I love geometric walking foot quilting and for my art quilts I do all over free motion original designs as I go.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
If you are ever wondering if you should try to do something new that appeals to you, or you feel scared to try something because you love it, but it looks hard, that is probably the exact thing you should do. You have that feeling for a reason. Surround yourself with people who are experts at it and go for It!

Self Care Checklist

Thank you so much for letting me interview you. The Self-Care Checklist you gave us is so useful. I am going to start using it. I really need to make moving a part of my routine again. I feel so inspired!! I am going to go into my sewing room and work in my Fields of Flowers Quilt.

]]><![CDATA[SAY HELLO TO Shankari Paradee]]>Sun, 30 Jun 2024 22:53:07 GMThttps://www.thegreatjellyrollbash.com/blog/say-hello-to-shankari-paradee

Welcome everyone to The Great Jelly Roll Bash's Blog. Today I have a special treat for you. I am so happy to introduce to you Shankari Paradee of Sewl Sister. She is such a kind and beautiful human! I feel honored to have hosted the Great Jelly Roll Bash with her for the last three years and I am so excited to have her back for another year. I haven't told her this, but I look up to her and love the way she deals with every situation. She has been featured in Patchwork Love and Quilting Magazine, Modish Magazine and has many patterns published with Villarosa Designs. I am so happy to learn more and dig into the person behind the designs. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and let's get to know Shankari.
(E: are my responses)

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m a scrappy quilter, I love designing and creating quilts for my clients, for various companies, and I like to think - for myself. :) I’m a wife of 18 years to my supportive and amazing husband. I have 3 crazy smart kids. I have a dog and a cat which show up as my quilt inspectors in my sewing room. I’m also a cardiac nurse and enjoy being able to take care of my patients.

E: That is beautiful! Just with working with you I can say that I love how you bring your kids into your design world, are inspired by them and nourish their creativity.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST QUILTING PROJECT?
I made a quilt for my sister and that was the beginning of my journey. She still has it to this day.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN QUILTING?
I’ve been quilting for about 16+ years.

E: Whoo-Hoo!! I like referring to decades. You would be more than a decade and a half in my personal dialect. LOL. It makes us more seasoned.

WHY QUILTS?
There’s something so inspiring about thinking of the design, creating it, and then seeing it come to life as you sew the pieces together. There’s also that feeling of knowing that your piece is not like any other quilt out there, even if someone chooses your pattern. Yours will always be unique and one of a kind.

E: YES!!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU?
Being in the quilt biz for 7+ years, yes it’s challenging. My biggest challenge is navigating social media and staying organized with all the projects. Now, I realize, just do what you can and work on something a little each day - that makes a big difference!

E: That is great advice!! A little progress each day becomes great progress.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED?
Sometimes, it feels challenging to step outside and put your quilts out there in the world, ie, a show or having them be judged. The lesson is that everything comes out of going to the next step. Just go for it, whether your work gets critiqued or not, you created something special and that’s the main thing to remember.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUILTING TECHNIQUE?
Chain piecing, and free motion meander quilting.

E: Chain piecing is the best way to save time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NOTION?
Rotary cutter - I have several different kinds!

E: There is nothing better than a sharp cutter.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PATTERN?
My Jelly Snake pattern is one of my favorites. There’s just so many that come to mind!

E: That was your first pattern for the Great Jelly Roll Bash. That one was sooooo good. I love it!

Get the Jelly Snake Pattern

WHAT IS THE THING YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT QUILTING?
Seeing the hard work you put into it as it all comes together while piecing.

E: It puts a smile on my face!

HAND OR MACHINE BINDING?
Machine

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO QUILT A QUILT?
I love working on my longarm, whether it’s free-motion or computerized, I love both.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Every quilt has a story. Take time to listen to the story and you will learn to understand a little bit about the quilter.

Thank you so much for being such a delight to work with. I really don't know how you do it all. I think you are secretly wonder women. I struggle with work life balance. I know that has to be hard for you as well. You work nights!! I know we dream of the day when we can turn this into our day job, and I can't wait for that to happen for you.

Follow Shankari Paradee: Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Website

]]><![CDATA[Eight ways to cut your own Jelly Roll]]>Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thegreatjellyrollbash.com/blog/eight-ways-to-cut-your-own-jelly-rollHey!! It’s Annelies here, aka Elisabeth DeMoo.
Who is getting excited for Jelly Roll Day?? I know I am!! In preparation for the party, I have been busy writing patterns and testing out quilt samples. I am trying to decide on what pattern will be mine as part of the pattern bundle. I always try to use my stash while testing out a new pattern. Most of the time, I can’t come to a decision and end up buying more fabrics. For my Café Terrace Quilt, the pattern I am leaning toward, I decided to create my own Jelly Roll to test out the pattern. Yes!! You can make your own Jelly Roll.

Creating your own Jelly Roll is simple and there are so many ways you can do it. Here are eight ways you can create a Jelly Roll using different yardage and cutting different amounts of strips.

Eight ways to cut your own Jelly Roll

40 different fabrics cut at ⅛ yard, cut 1 strip for each fabric
13 different fabrics cut at ¼ yard, cut 3 for each fabric
10 different fabrics cut at ⅓ yard, cut 4 strips for each fabric
6 different fabrics cut at ½ yard, cut 7 strips for each fabric
4 different fabrics cut at ¾ yard, cut 10 strips for each fabric
3 different fabrics cut at 1 yard, cut 14 strips for each fabric
2 different fabrics cut at 1 ½ yards, cut 20 strips for each fabric
1 different fabrics cut at 2 ⅞ yards, cut 40 strips for each fabric

How to cut 2 1/2" stripsLine up your fabric to the grid on your mat. Make sure there is a little above the grid line. Place your ruler on top of the fabric. Line up the ruler to the grid marking. Cut. Now line up the fabric with the 2 ½ inch mark on your ruler. Cut. Repeat for the number of strips you need for your project.

Time Savor Tip: I like to stack two or three fabrics on top of each other, but if you do this, you want to double and triple check your measurements. One error here triples your error.

If you liked this blog post, head over to Brown Bird Designs and read about The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on The Yard + Make Your Own Pre-cuts. There I share some great quilty tips. You can bookmark the page, so you have easy access to some of the amounts quilt shops sell.

The Great Jelly Roll Bash is on September 21, 2024. Are you ready?? You can plan ahead and get jelly rolls at your local quilt shop, and our sponsor The Fat Quarter Shop has a beautiful assortment of them. Find the one that makes your heart go pitter patter.

]]><![CDATA[Behind the seams]]>Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thegreatjellyrollbash.com/blog/behind-the-seams

I am Elisabeth DeMoo aka Annelies the creator behind Brown Bird Designs. 2023 is the year! I am so excited to open up this space to talk all things Jelly Roll. Last year I hosted the Great Jelly Roll Bash for the first time, and let me tell you, it was an experience. I thought up the idea and jumped in head first. I put together a website, a landing page, and roped some other designers in. It was a lot of work and such amazing experience, so I decided to do it again.

This year it feels like I did a lot of the same work I did last year, but now The Great Jelly Roll Bash has an official home (this website), a few social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook), and a blog. I am so excited to bring you some fun and interesting content on … what else? The quilting industry! I will be posting interviews of the designer that take part in the Great Jelly Roll Bash and I thought I would kick it off with one that is about me... So here is a little about me.

I am a creator at heart. In the past, I have dabbled in knitting, mosaic tiles, jewelry, soap making, drawing, quilting, and more. I have never met a craft I wouldn't want to try at least once. I am from New Mexico, but now I live in Tucson, AZ with my husband and four 4-legged roommates. A desert girl through and through. In 1999 I started quilting but started making garments when I was 8 years old through 4H. I started quilting in college when I lived with my sister and her family and fell in love with it instantly. A funny fact about me is I have such a hard time sticking to a pattern because I can usually find different ways to make something that will save me time.

My first quilting project... came about as an afterthought. My mom was visiting. Me, my sister, along with my mom, and my 3-year-old nephew went to JoAnns. My mom wanted to find fabric to reupholster some chairs in her bedroom. After 3 or 4 hours, she had not found anything she wanted to buy. However, I pulled an assortment of yellow and blue fabrics that became my first quilt. They included two woven plaid fabrics. At the time, Mom was in a bible quilting group, and she had all sorts of block patterns. I pick my favorite blocks and put them all together in a quilt for my twin-size bed. I used the plaid fabric as the sashing, border fabric, and backing. After that, I had enough leftover fabric to make two more quilts. I still have that first quilt and love it. I must say that quilting is easier than sewing garments.

Quilting instantly drew me in! There is something so tangible, so useful, and so beautiful about quilts. The fabrics are soft, and the patterns are entangling. I find it interesting how you can create just about anything with squares.

The hardest lesson I have learned is always when I need to go to bed. I am a night owl, but at some point, when it gets too late, the process will break down, so if I make one or two mistakes, I send myself to bed.

My favorite notion is Binding Babies. They are functional and soooo stinking cute. If you haven’t seen them before, you should really check them out. They are also made by my friend Shari of Doohickey Designs, one of the pattern designers for the Great Jelly Roll Bash.

My favorite pattern is one of my free ones. It is called The Double Pinwheel Quilt, and have had a lot of fun making it numerous times.

go to my pattern shop

The thing I like most about quilting is how comforting they are and how you can pour your heart and soul into something while you are creating it. And that it is here for decades providing warmth and big hugs for all those who get one.

I machine bind my quilts. In the past, I think I have hand-bound two quilts. I finished one, and the other one is still in the bedroom, yelling at me to finish it.

My favorite way to quilt a quilt is with lines. It always looks good!

If you have any questions for me, ask them in the comments below.

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Something Special Is Coming in may… 🎉

The makers behind The Great Jelly Roll Bash have something extra fun planned for you this year — and we cannot wait to share it!

Here’s How It Works ✨

The series is completely FREE.​

Sign me up for weekly emails during the summer block party!

Eight ways to cut your own Jelly Roll

The series is completely FREE.