Book Review: Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls & Charm Packs

Jelly Roll, Layer Cake & Charm QuiltsJelly Roll, Layer Cake & Charm Quilts by Pam Lintott

This is almost a pure project book and I wouldn’t have picked it up if Frances and Sandy hadn’t talked about it over and over. Frances has definitely made my favorites from the quilt projects in this book.

There is a lot to like about this book. There are a variety of patterns for every skill level. The authors clearly state how many precuts are needed to make the quilt. A lot of the quilts have colors that really appeal to me, but there are also reproduction and more muted fabrics used, so that the book covers a lot of bases in terms of tastes in fabric. Almost every quilt is made twice with the second quilt using very different fabrics. I like this aspect, because it is hard for me not to be influenced by the fabric choices in the photos. Seeing a second quilt in different colors reminds me to the design of the quilt rather than the colors.

There are small introductions to each quilt, which are similar, if not as detailed, as the color stories in The Gentle Art of Quiltmaking. They suggest other options, talk about the fabrics chosen and encourage the quiltmaker, as in the description of Little Houses (pg.102-109) where the pieces are on the small side.
One pattern I can’t get out of my mind is Stepping Stones, pg.72-79. It is one of the more complex patterns and it  includes four patches, so what is not to like? 😉 If I made it, I would want to use fabric on hand, so I have spent some, otherwise unpleasant commute time, daydreaming about various color variations, cutting strategies, etc.  Using fabric on hand (I am thinking green. I have lots of green I don’t use much)  would I start cutting 10″ squares and then start the quilt when I was finished cutting them? Would I cut half green 10″ squares and half cream or another light? Three quarters green and a quarter light? There is a lot of piecing in this this pattern and there are some areas in the example quilt that could use a bit more contrast.

I liked the border on the Raspberry Ripple quilt (pg.14-17) because it has the ‘self-bordering’ effect that I like so much. It fits well into the design of the quilt and finishes some of the motifs, which really completes the overall design. High Flying Geese (pg.30-35) is very similar to Serendipity Puzzle, a classic Dutchman’s Puzzle pattern. The colors are so fresh and appealing in the Lintott version that I would consider making another version just because I am inspired by that freshness.

Some of the blocks in the book are so easy and so large that you could do a quilt really quickly. Those quilts don’t appeal to me, but I know they might appeal to others. Some of the photos aren’t very crisp. I was disappointed in the photo of Damask Rose (pg.48-53), because the piecing is very hard to see with the fabrics the authors chose. This is one of the more complicated quilts and I would want to show off the piecing. It may be that the authors wanted a soft chintz feel to the quilt. This is also one of the few quilts in the book that does not have a second colorway.

Hexagon Hip Hop (pg.64-71) is version of a hexagon quilt, like the Attack of the Hexies quilts, but using half hexagons. It has a really interesting and well thought out border that fits the overall design. I also like that the second colorway shows how nice a gift a hexagon quilt would make for that special guy (dad, brother, etc) in your life.

If you want a wide variety of patterns to use with Jelly Rolls and other precuts, then you might enjoy this book.

View all my reviews, including non-quilt related reviews

Author: Jaye

Quiltmaker who enjoys writing and frozen chocolate covered bananas.

3 thoughts on “Book Review: Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls & Charm Packs”

  1. I agree with what you said about this book.. I bought it because of Sandy and Frances and I will be making some quilts from this book because I anticipate having a lot of 2-1/2 inch strips as I have been cutting strips from all my yardage that is not planned for other project.

    I have three quilt planned using a lot of 2-1/2 inch pre-cut strips and know I will have tons of left overs that can be used for other quilts once I am done with my three projects.

    As for this book I think because they are using pre-cuts in some of their project the directions were made harder then it had to be. … thinking of France’s STORMY WEATHER. I used my TRI-REC templates to make an almost identical 5 inch block. To me much easier as I had a problem doing the block as the book instructed.

    My main complaint with pre-cuts (all types) is the lack of contrast in their designs…. I am kind of old fashion and find I like contrast and value change in my quilt blocks. When you use pre-cuts most of the fabric is medium value and tend to have a bland, muted look regardless of what pre-cut you select….. BUT THEN THAT IS JUST ME.

    NONNIE

    nonniequiltingdreams@gmail.com

    .

  2. I just bought this book (because of Frances and Sandy). I don’t expect to use any of the patterns, just wanted to see what could be done w/ precuts. I think Frances and her mom have made (or planned) the best patterns.

  3. It was great getting your thoughts about Jelly Roll, Layer Cake (etc.). There are still at least two more quilts I’d like to make out of it (Damask Rose and … Jitterbug? Can’t remember if that’s what it’s called–the quilt on the cover), which will give me a total of four, and who knows, maybe I’ll make one or two more besides. Not bad for one pattern book!

    xofrances

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