Simple shapes: jelly roll quilts and other confections

We have to confess that we aren't always interested in making complex quilts.  Sometimes we yearn for simple shapes - and simple piecing. Of course we want to have our cake and eat it too:  we still want our "quick" quilts to look fabulous. Lori Allison of Minnesota starts with patterns that often use traditional blocks – like the trip around the world block – but she makes it bigger, and applies modern cutting and piecing techniques to make it fast and easy.

Blooming patchwork (queen size), by Lori Allison, at Allison Quilt Designs

 

This one is new !  "Blooming patchwork" is a strip pieced, queen-sized quilt.  Thanks to a few fussy-cut blocks, applique is not required !

Funky Stripes, 3 sizes, by Lori Allison, at Allison Quilt Designs

This is a great way to show off large prints like these from Kaffe Fassett.  Also check out a mod chartreuse-and-teal version, which was made by Susie Smidt at Dakota County Star Quilters (at their 2010 quilt show page you can also see  "Color my World", pieced by Jackie Grinde.)

Cinnamon and Ginger, 57 x 71" or 71 x 86", by Lori Allison, at Allison Quilt Designs

Lori says, "Who knew this would be a top pattern seller? I certainly didn't because after I designed it, I let it sit in my computer for six months. Finally, two weeks before fall market, I didn't have anything so I looked through my files to see if there was anything at all worth resurrecting." (!) The fussy cut centers create an interesting geometric effect. The fully illustrated color instructions and easy assembly are typical of Allison Quilt Designs.

For a few more bestselling patterns designed for precuts - like jelly rolls and layer cakes -  check out Lori's "Jelly Roll World", "Fruit Cake" and "Candy Queen" patterns.

Image credits:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Lori Allison.  You can view her patterns at Allison Quilt Designs, quilt shops (see links) and the Quilters Warehouse.