Moda Jelly Roll or Moda Layer Cake????
I have a $50 gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket and can't decide what to purchase. I'm on a very tight fabric buying budget so I need to shop carefully. :)
What's your preference? And, why?
LAYER CAKE (40 - 10" squares)
Moda Jelly Roll (40 - 2 1/2" strips)
I'll be waiting to hear from you!!!I appreciate your help :-)
In Friendship!
64 comments:
I think the layer cake is more versatile. You sort of have to know what you want to do with the jelly roll.
Tough call! I love using both but they both have they're own unique uses. I'd go to fatquartershop.com and look at some of their jelly roll and layer cake patterns and see if that can help you decide. They have a great selection of patterns.
I've never purchased either. How about just picking an assortment of fabrics you just love? *s*
I think the layer cake would very useful to you, like having 4 charms packs.
Without a doubt--get the layer cake!
i think that i've been on a layer cake kick lately...mostly because I can make so many different kinds of blocks with them!
I have to say that I love the fabric in the jelly roll.
But personally, I would buy them both. Because you can never have enough beautiful fabric.
I agree with the Layer Cake posters....it's like getting 4 charm packs...go with the Layer Cake!
I've not been fortunate enough to use a layer cake yet, but I do have a soft spot for jelly rolls. I guess it just depends on what you plan to do with it.
Go for the one that tickles your mind the most.. then it will be a wonderful quilt..;o) Yo´ll come up with something good with both of them...
btw.. love both of them.. but am drawn to the lighter ones now at Spring /Summer...:o)
The problem I found with pre-cuts is that I need to know what I will do with it at the time I purchase it. I have several jelly roll books and several charm square patterns. I seem to do better with charm packs or layer cakes. I don't seem to need as much additional coordinating fabric for those patterns. Have fun!
I haven't used the layer cake yet, but I've used charm packs and jelly rolls. The layer cake might be nice for the larger pieces, think of the possibilities.
Layer Cake for sure -- pretty much any Jelly Roll pattern can be done with a Layer Cake (just cut it into 4 2.5"x10" strips) but not vice-versa.
Since you are asking which to chose I have to assume that you don't have anything in mind for these precuts. If you don't have a pattern in mind, go with the Layer Cake. The jellyroll limits your pattern options alot more than a Layer Cake. I have two Jelly rolls of a fabric I just love and I don't know what to do with them. Yet FQ and Layer Cakes don't sit in my stash at all. Have you thought about buying some FQ? You can get at least 20 FQs with $50. I don't know about you but some of the precut packs have fabrics that I would never want to use but since the pattern calls for 40 - charms or 40 Layers I throw them in, but I could easily select 20 of my favorites in the line and come up with something wonderful. It really depends from where the GC comes from. I know most online stores will not offer FQ but if it's a local shop, most will offer to cut them for you. Any which way, enjoy your shopping!!
I would get whichever one would challenge you the most. If you're more comfortable with jelly rolls, get the layer cake. Think outside the box... go for it!!! Life is short LOL.
Wait for a sale and get both!!
;o)
Paulette
I haven't used a Layer cake yet but I love the Jelly Rolls. They are cut and ready to start sewing.
Hmmm, I think I'd have the same dilemma. Maybe choose the pattern first? Good luck!
If you're on a budget, buy fabric, not jelly rolls or layer cakes. They are fun and convenient but I don't think people realize how much those things cost PER YARD.
No question...definitely the layer cake. Way more versatile. You can always cut short strips from a layer cake if you need strip, but you can't cut large squares, etc. from a jelly roll.
I like layer cakes. I haven't purchased a lot of them and have not used them much for patterns for layer cakes. I like that you can see more of the design on a large design fabric. I like that I can use them for applique pieces or in a scrappy quilt for variety. And often, the local quilt shop does not have bolts of the fabric. Just layer cakes. It gives me a taste of a whole line of fabric.
Layer Cake!!! It's your next two schnibbles- or a big one!
Layer cake...4 charms to a layer cake...split it to share with a friend. Hee! Ok....just kidding. But you do have the new Schnibbles book using those layer cakes...
I am going to have to say Jelly Roll. I have more patterns for Jelly rolls than layer cakes. I have two layers cakes that I don't know what to do with yet. The thing I like about the Jelly rolls is that there are a lot of patterns that call for 2/12 inch that were created before Jelly Rolls existed. Sometimes too, if a pattern calls for a bit bigger strip I use the 2 1/2 inch strips and just add on a border.
What a fun post...I've only bought one jelly roll and no layer cakes, so I'm no expert. I'll be eager to read what you decide!!
I know there's a group of quilters that do not embrace either, but here are my thoughts (from experience). My first layer cake was Harvest Home from Blackbird designs. I loved every fabric in the line--- the entire color palette spoke to me. Yes, Fabrics talk to me. I operate on a budget so the layer cake was a neat opportunity to make a 'Harvet Home' quilt. With what would have been a $100.00 of fat quarters. I just finished my first use of a jelly roll. It was purchased with a gift certificate. It was the Blush fabric line. I should post on it this weekend. My stash is not that huge and this was a project for my college daughter-- who doesn't like Mom's northwoods country fabrics. It gave me the opportunity again to use an entire fabric line of coordinating pieces on a limited budget. Together with muslin, I think I made an Uptown sassy piece. There was just a tiny bit of scraps after the project(2 strips I think) Truthfully the jelly roll was more fun because the strips were already cut. With the Moda Bake Shop Pattern I used I had more fun and a completed project in a couple of evenings. Remember I'm a part time quilter and a fulltime Aviation employee. Throw in a charm pack with what ever you order. For 6-8 bucks, you can make a coordinating pillow or giftbag or purse to hang on the closet door handle.
Hope I helped....
A layer cake sure gives more options but does take time to cut into what you want...me, I'm eyeing a layer cake of Mill House Inn just about now :)
I seldom have used the layer cakes because I seem to have a lot of patterns for Jelly Rolls. How about if you look for a pattern that peeks your attention and then decide. That is what I often have to do when I can't decide what to order. I choose my project first. Hope that helps you a bit.
Hi Darlene!
First: congrats on the gift certificate...I'm glad you won it! And congrats on your stunt sewing - it's gorgeous & I can't wait to get my copy of Carrie's book!!
And here are my 2 cents worth:
I love Layer Cakes & Jelly Rolls, but until recently I seldom bought JRs simply because I could imagine designing my own quilt with a LC (not restricted to the small width). As others already said, it's much more versatile regarding sizes/shapes for appliqué and piecing. But (there's always another side of the cake ;o) ) - but: I have rarely used any of my layer cakes (that will change for sure as I now lost my fear to actually cut into my fabric) & if I want to make a quilt from a given pattern there aren't that many quilts to choose from which captivate me. Imho, most are simply boring and don't use the potential of the given size. Quite different from Jelly Roll patterns - there are so many (mainly by Fig Tree Quilts, but not only) that I die to make one day.
So you could ask yourself if you have already some patterns in mind which you always wanted to make, be it your own or a designer pattern (either LC or JR) and then decide on the fabric.
BTW, I love 3 Sisters, but if I were to choose from the bundles shown above I'd definitely opt for Verna! I'm currently making a simple spring-y quilt out of 3 charm packs at the moment and you can't imagine how much fun I have with that fabric ;o)
Have a great weekend!
Julia
p.s.: sorry for not keeping it short!
I like the layer cake...but both are so pretty!!
What jelly roll is that? So pretty! I think I like layer cakes better, more versatile. Also I have way too many jelly rolls lol!!
I would save the gift certificate. If you already have things to sew or work on, save it until you don't or until the mood really strikes. That way it will be an EXTRA treat. You never know now days, the budget may get tighter.
I am on a tight fabric budget, also. I don't NEED more fabric....at least for now. I have been spending what money I have on thread and batting so I can get these flimsies finished.
But since you didn't give an option for "fill in the blank", I would go with the jelly roll. It's almost summer and they looked like more summery fabrics. How's that for a reason!
hmmm more fabric with the layer cake.. get the cake.. its non fattening too...
Lissa
It's the same amount of fabric so I'd say it depends on what you want to do with it!
I like that you can make 4 charm packs out of a layer cake so they are versatile.
I'd say pick a pattern and have a plan then choose :)
I like these books...
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Layer-Cake-Jelly-Roll-Charm-Quilts/Pam-Lintott/e/9780715332085/?itm=1&USRI=Jelly+Rolls+and+Layer+Cakes
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jelly-Roll-Quilts/Pam-Lintott/e/9780715328637/?itm=2
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jelly-Roll-Inspirations/Pam-Lintott/e/9780715333112/?itm=3
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Schnibbles-Times-Two/Carrie-Nelson/e/9781564779861/?itm=1&USRI=schnibbles
That should help with the search for a pattern!!!
My first inclination was to say jelly roll but after reading all the comments, it would seem that there are more uses for a layer cake. I've never had one so maybe I should consider one for my next purchase.
Why not rob your piggy bank to make up the difference and get both? *wink*
Ahem . . . I see I'm outnumbered here, but I vote for the jelly roll!
I've never used a layer cake, but have the jelly roll's. You can squeeze soo much from a roll.
I have more patterns to make with Jelly Rolls but I like the fabric on the layer cake better. I'm kind of a peach and brown kind of girl! I think there is more to do with a Jelly Roll though.
I like the layer cake - more ways to use it - and oh so many pretty colors.
I have never had a layer cake, so don't know about that...they're not big around here.
Love jelly rolls, and especially cinnamon buns!
I would have to agree with another blogger.. wait for the sale and get both. I haven't used a layer cake.. but, another blogger did say Scnibble Two!! Wait for the sale!
I say layer cake - much more versatile. I get an awful lint problem with jelly rolls, I have to cut off the pinked edge.
layer cake because you can do more with it
I think layer cakes are more versatile too...or you could wait for a sale and just about get both!
Oh I think taking a jelly roll and going over to Bonnie Hunter's site at Quiltville for all those free patterns with 2.5 inch strips and squares is just about heaven.
so many quilts.......so little time.
Quilting to me is like meditation....most of the finished projects I just give away but I so enjoy the process.
Happy sewing
You know I can't answer that because I have not had either one yet. I Know, what kind of quilter am I?
I'm also in the minority, but I'd go with the jelly roll. The layer cake may be more versatile, but in my personal library, I have 5 or 6 books exclusively dedicated to creative and varied ways to use 2-1/2" strips. I don't own any featuring the layer cake squares. If you know the pattern or book you'll use, there's your answer.
That's a hard one, which ever is the one that'll do for a pattern in mind. I don't buy many of either, way expensive here.
I'm catching up on blogs since I haven't been able to with guests staying with us.
Well, let's see - toss a coin. LOL I'm sure you'll come up with wonderful patterns no matter which one you choose.
And, congrats on the win - you are so deserving!!
Darlene ~ I would say the jelly roll because you get a greater variety of fabric. The layer cake is wonderful too but I would probably buy fat quaters if I were needing that large of a piece of fabric. No matter what you choose... I know that you will find a wonderful project for it.
Hmmm. I've never really used either one, so I'm not much use. Just popping in to say hi LOL!
Depends on what style of quilt you like best. I'd go with the layer cake as it's versatile, can be used for piecing and applique, but if you preferred piecing, particularly little blocks, then the Jelly Roll would be a better option.
And if we're talking about ranges, love both, but really love the Kate Spain
Hmm....seeing the quilts you have made I think you might be happier with the jelly roll? Either way you go, I'm sure something wonderful will come of your purchase, Darlene!
Cheers!
I vote for layer cake. You can cut it into 4 charms or 4 2.5 strips (which almost equals the amount of fabric in a JR strip).
I'm going for the jelly roll! Love that line:) Did you see the 10% off code in the new AP&Q magazine for FQS? It could well justify buying both!
Eat Cake!!!
Layer Cake!
Layer Cake!
Layer Cake!
Or the Jelly Roll. Either one. :)
Layer Cake ~ versatility rules!
I'd have to say the jelly roll. Then you could cut it into any shape or strip size you want:)
I seem to do lots with 2 1/2 inch strips so that's my preference..but finding the pattern first might help with your decision.
Oohh - I'd go for the layer cake! Don't know why, but I always feel like I have more options with the layer cake (you could always cut it in 2 1/2" strips for the equivalent of a jelly roll) but not vice versa! How's that for a long answer to a short question??
I say layer cake. You can gt bigger pieces out of it. Jelly roll your limited. My opinion of course. lol But you did ask for it. :-)
I say Layer Cake. I am always looking for ways to use them and have found some really creative ways out there~! good luck choosing
I love the jelly rolls - maybe because I've used more of them, but they are so versatile in patterns. I just got a layer cake and have been searching around as to how I'm going to use it (without buying a ton of coordinating fabrics) and haven't found anything. So...I'll wait and see what you do and then follow - how's that for a non-answer Darlene? Whatever you do, have fun choosing.
Definitely the Layer Cake! Itis useful for many kinds of projects; usually the jelly roll is for a specific pattern.
Thanks for sharing,love,Linda
jldouglas@wispwest.net
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