Pieced Brain

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Tutorial and Giveaway

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Happy Friday, everyone! Remember this quilt I made for my grandson, Alex? You asked for the tutorial and here it is. Actually, I will show you how to make the block and give you all the measurements you need to make a larger quilt.
I started with the pattern No Bake Jolly Bar by Fat Quarter Shop. It is free and you can download it by clicking here. Here is the one I made with this pattern in December for the Fat Quarter Shop blog hop:
I love this quilt – the pattern is simple and beautiful. For this quilt I used Daysail by Moda, and the leftover blocks I turned into Alex’s quilt. Here is the tutorial for the block which I am calling No Bake Jolly Bar Shuffle:

Start with your favorite Jolly Bar by Fat Quarter Shop. For this tutorial I am using Fresh Air by American Jane for Moda Fabrics. Stitch 2 pieces together lengthwise with a 1/4″ seam. Press seam towards dark fabric.
Stitch the bottom and the top only of a 9-1/2″ by 10″ square of solid, contrasting fabric, RST, onto the fabrics you just pressed.
Cut this block in half, right down the middle (notice on photo above – cut in between the stitched lines, not through them).
You will get two blocks from each set of 2 rectangles and a solid square. Now, prepare to ‘shuffle’:
Trim 1-1/2″ from each side of the block.
Trim 1-1/2″ from top and bottom of the block.
This is what you will end up with.
Shuffle bottom and top strips as shown (as I grab the top strip, I turn it around so prints aren’t aligned with the top prints anymore).
Now, do the same with side strips so prints align at the bottom.
Stitch top and bottom strips to center of block. Press seams.

Pin side strips to center of block as shown above. See how it looks on the back? My pins catch all the seams so they won’t move when I stitch over them.
Stitch the side strips, trim ends and press open. Let seams fall where they may.
This is the finished block. I love it! Remember, you will chain piece the blocks so they come together pretty fast. Now, for the materials for the quilt:
Quilt measures 67″ by 83″
2 Jolly Bars
(or sixty-four 5″ x 10″ rectangles)
2-1/2 yards solid, contrasting fabric
1/2 yards border fabric (cut 2″ x WOF strips)
5-1/4 yards backing
5/8 yards binding
The original blocks measure 9-1/2″ x 9-1/2″. When you are done shuffling them, they will measure 8-1/2″ x 8-1/2″. Two Jolly Bars will give you 80 blocks which you will assemble in rows: 8 blocks in each row, 10 rows exactly. Nothing left over! I did add a 1-1/2″ border to my quilt and the yardage for that is mentioned above. I think this should do it. 
Now, for the giveaway – Fat Quarter Shop is offering 2 Jolly Bars for a lucky quilter:
The Vintage Picnic line by Moda is gorgeous and it will look so nice with this pattern, don’t you think? All you need to do is leave a comment telling me if you dream of changing patterns, or if you prefer using them as they come. Make sure I have a way to contact you (if you are a no-reply blogger, leave your emails as “soandso at myemail dot com” so you don’t get spammed). For an extra chance to win, leave another comment letting me know how you follow this blog. I will announce the winner next Wednesday, March 9.
I hope this makes your day fun. Mine is looking brighter now (it is cloudy outside and the photographs reflect it, but the colorful fabrics always cheer me up…).
Linking to Crazy Mom Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict. See ya,

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pauline Perry says

    A lot of the time I make things up as I go along. If I like the look of a particular pattern I will follow it as given.
    Pauline
    perry94022 at hotmail dot com

  2. CaroleM says

    What a neat block!! I don't dream of changing patterns, however if I do something wrong I often say "oh well!" and leave it as is.

  4. Stephanie says

    I always follow directions the 1st time. If I make it again I might change it up. I give it one good shot following directions 1st.

  8. ELNM says

    I'm a fairly new quilter so I stick to the blocks as written. Maybe in the future I'll get more adventurous! Many thanks for the tutorial!

    emyerly(at)outlook(dot)com

  13. Sandy says

    I usually follow a pattern as printed, but sometimes I take a couple of blocks I like and make a quilt from them, like the snowball block along with a large print block. Get some cute stars that way. Thanks for the giveaway.

  14. Nancy says

    I don't think I've ever made a pattern as given. I'm always coming up with my own take on it. (Watch, I'll think about this for a minute after I click publish and I'll remember a quilt or two that I used the pattern exactly. Ha!) Thanks for offering the fabric and for the tutorial.
    –Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)

  15. Veronika says

    I usually use patterns as they come, and then play with color differences to make it a bit different. Maybe someday I will be able to think more outside the box and change up patterns completely!

  18. Michele T says

    It's only purely by accident if I change any patterns… because I do try to follow them as best as I can; otherwise, I fear that I'll run out of fabric and gosh-darn it I'm forced to shop for more!! lol

  22. KaHolly says

    I often change up patterns a wee bit! Love what you did with this one and thanks for the tutorial! Looks fun and easy!

  25. Cecilia says

    I usually follow a pattern, but sometimes I will change thing around. I love your take on this blog. Thanks for sharing and for tge giveaway.

  34. Nanbon44 says

    I love the change you did, I pretty much follow patterns, but many times there are that oops moment when you realize that you did something not like the pattern but you go with it anyway and a masterpiece is born..

  37. Martina says

    I often change patterns, just to my gusto. But i also like just to follow the rues! Your quilt turned out wonderful! Love it!
    Hugs Martina

  39. Deb says

    I'm a follow the pattern type of person, but I love what you've done with this pattern. I'd love to try those Vintage Picnic fabrics.

  47. Karen says

    I often put my own spin on a pattern. Sometimes it is just changing the fabric used,but other times I will add or take away blocks or sashing to make it my own.

  56. Lisa Marie says

    I sometimes use a pattern as written, but most of the time I make some modifications to make it my own. And I nearly always use more than the number of fabrics called for, so I can make it look scrappy.

  67. Linda J says

    Love it! I am currently working on my own version of the original No Bake Jolly Bar quilt using Prairie but I subbed out some of my own stash just to break things up a bit. Not on this pattern but certainly others, I do what I can to eliminate extra seams and foundation piece other things. Quilting software helps with changing up the designs. THX for the giveaway opportunity.

  72. Chiska says

    I almost never completely follow a pattern. Most often I used them as a starting place–oh I like the width of that sashing or whatever it is. Your quilt is fantastic. I like your spin!

  73. Ramona says

    I do both. Sometimes I follow the directions, other times I wing it depending on how I feel that day. I really like your quilt.
    ramona_murray(at)comcast(dot)net

  76. Irina says

    I do change some patterns, but I follow them at least once. I like the way you changed this one, very clever! irinadejuanATgmailDOTcom

  83. Anonymous says

    I usually follow the pattern exactly. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Sandy N
    explabgirl(at)yahoo(dot)com

  88. Dawn says

    I follow the pattern. Someday I hope to be adventurous enough change things up 🙂 Thanks for the great tutorial and giveaway!

  90. Brandy says

    I don't typically change a pattern much. I love the process of choosing fabrics so that is where I put most of my creative efforts. The different precuts are nice because they have combos that I don't typically gravitate towards. Bmichelbrink at shaw dot ca

  93. annmarie says

    I don't think I would be able to change up a pieced pattern other than to add a an extra row of blocks or borders to make it bigger. But applique is a different story – I often take liberties and change up the appliqued block to make it more my own.

  99. Sandra Walker says

    I follow you by email, which is how I found out about this. 🙂 And it's bookmarked, and I'm going to add you to bloglovin' if you aren't there so I can save this tute there too…good for scraps methinks as well. Thank you Denise!

  102. OhioLori says

    Love your Quilt!!! I always use a Pattern..I am not that creative, to go off on my own thinking ….giggle… Thanks for the Tutorial…and for chance to win this Beautiful Give-a-way too! 🙂

  106. Angie in SoCal says

    I'm always changing the pattern – usually if I can make it in less steps. Love your version. Thanks for the change – I get an email when you post.

  108. JoyceLM says

    Love your "disappearing" version of the No Bake Jolly Bar pattern. I occasionally change patterns, usually to make it simpler. Thanks.

  111. Judy says

    Because I haven't made many quilts I tend to stay with the pattern for experience but I often change fabric pieces to compliment my fabric. If a patten calls for all the same color I will make it more scrappy. Your pattern is nice and one I will use. Thank you very much. jlblvn at gmail dot com

  112. Judy says

    Because I haven't made many quilts I tend to stay with the pattern for experience but I often change fabric pieces to compliment my fabric. If a patten calls for all the same color I will make it more scrappy. Your pattern is nice and one I will use. Thank you very much. jlblvn at gmail dot com

  114. Havplenty says

    I feel "compelled" to change or add some element in a pattern to make it mine. Your new use of the jolly bars is clever and produced a lovely quilt. Kudos.

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

  116. Kathy E. says

    I'm fairly picky about quilt designs, so when I see one that I love, I use it as it's given. I like to change up the colors though to make it unique. duchick at gmail dot com

  118. GranChris says

    I do both, sometimes I change the pattern to fit the fabric I have say 5 in squares not 6in. I might turn it on point for more interest.

  119. Sorcha girl says

    Most often, I follow a pattern as written. However, I have substituted a four patch or added a star instead of a square to add a twist.

  125. Hildy says

    I'm always changing the pattern I work with. I wanna be a quilt to be truely mine and what better way than to change the pattern;-)

  127. Swedish Scrapper says

    I have always followed patterns as-is, but recently had that aha moment that I want to change some of them and even so some blocks! Love your changes here!

  128. Anonymous says

    I use patterns as they come. That way I know what the finished quilt will look like. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

  129. Anonymous says

    I follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

  131. Kay says

    I often change patterns, it really depends what I want to achieve. I tend to see patterns as helpful guides and suggestions rather than something set in stone. Thank you for a great tutorial. x

  133. Carol says

    I usually use a pattern the way it is, and if I like it enough, I might change it the 2nd time. I love your jolly bar shuffle! Very clever!

  135. Debby says

    I follow your blog via email, although I have been waaaaay behind lately. hoping to get caught up and picked a great place to start

  136. Debby says

    Like both quilts, but have to say Alex's is my favorite. I usually follow a pattern as written, but may sneak in my own idea if I can. If I like the pattern enough to make it again, I make it my way with the pattern's help behind it.

  137. Needled Mom says

    That is a fabulous spin on the pattern. I am always imagining how to change up a pattern, but rarely do. Your colors are truly great.

  146. Emily C says

    I change patterns all the time, unless I just end up making my own. Have yet to find a pattern where I did not see something I needed to change.

  154. Peaches1003 says

    I love how you changed the pattern. I like to change it up or at least explore fabric placement to see the different effects I can get

  155. anne says

    I usually follow a pattern, but may change due to the fabric on hand (New Year's resolution was not to buy any fabric!) abh10066 at aol.com

  159. Jessica says

    It really depends. I like to follow tutorials, as I am not the most creative. However, I usually tweak it a little here and there.

  161. lindawwww says

    Sometimes I change the patterns I use and sometimes I follow them very closely. Thanks for the great tutorial.

    lin.web.28 at gmail dot com

  163. Sarah J says

    I really should follow patterns as written- since it would be so much easier, but I tend to just make things up as I go or design my own. Thanks- I love how this block looks complicated, but your tutorial is so clear it makes it looks simple!

  165. Gene Black says

    I do change patterns – sometimes on purpose and sometimes –well let's say "subconsciously." I have used lots of precuts, but never a Jolly Bar.

  166. Anonymous says

    Thanks for the tute. I always need to change things up!

    Mindingmomma at AOL dot com

  167. Deal.licious Real Food Debby says

    I have never followed a patter completely. I am just getting started but so far, I have had to change the math on all the patterns that I have found to fit what I wanted to do. So I use the basic pattern, but just change sizes or small details. It is fun to work it all out to new numbers. 🙂 debbygrawn at yahoo dot com

  169. Dawn says

    I am new to the quilting and sewing world so for now I use patterns as they are. Maybe I will feel more comfortable to change patterns as I gain experience. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

  171. Anonymous says

    I might change a pattern a little bit but usually follow it closely. I like your tutorial; thanks.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

  176. Susan L. says

    I prefer using patterns as they come. I'm not good at dreaming up how things will look changed around. susan430 at cox dot net

  178. Diane Beavers says

    Hi Denise, that so cool and easy! Thank you for sharing the Jolly Bar tutorial . I prefer to use patterns as they come, but you know you once you get things pieced or start shuffling around, miracles happen and you're inspiration changes course.

    schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

  183. Shasta Matova says

    That's a beautiful quilt – thanks for the directions. I do change patterns from time to time, or design my own. Sometimes I do follow a pattern, especially if it is complicated or particularly easy. It just depends on if I can think of anything I can do to improve it.

  187. Mara says

    I have a problem, I never follow patterns! And this is a great shuffle and a reason why it is so fun to change things up!

  189. The Thompsons says

    That's a cute quilt block. I'm a fly by the moment sort of girl. Sometimes I want a pattern to stick by and sometimes I want to do my own thing.

  193. Brenda says

    I prefer to follow patterns as they come most of the time, but sometimes, I like to play and change things up a bit.

  196. Gloria Cotten says

    I follow you by email but I just saw where someone else was following on Bloglovin. I use bloglovin so I will probably switch over there. LOVE your blog!!

  197. janequiltsslowly says

    That is a great tutorial and pattern hack! I am in the camp that usually changes some aspect of the pattern, not always successfully, but I keep at it anyway.

  199. Jodi - usairdoll says

    Thanks for a great tutorial and I appreciate the wonderful photos as well. I don't have a problem changing a pattern if I prefer to do something different. I think our projects should be our own.

    Thanks for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

  202. Mom C says

    I'm always changing something in a pattern. The size of the blocks, the color combinations, how it is put together, sometimes even the layout. Although some patterns are so precise they don't adjust well to alterations, I do follow those much more carefully. Thanks.

  205. eleanor says

    I really like your shuffled block, great fun 🙂 I don't often change up a block for a quilt but that may explain why it takes quite a bit of time for me to pick a pattern for my precious stash!