Even though it’s brutally cold in the Bold North, I’m having fun looking outside at the fresh snowfall while finishing up a Jelly Roll Twist Quilt (a free pattern with a tutorial from the Fat Quarter Shop.) I learned long ago that to thrive in this climate, I would have to plan both indoor and outdoor activities so that I would look forward to winter instead of dreading it.

A Work in Progress

Last fall I stitched a quilt top together using a “Lollipops” jelly roll (forty 2½” x 44″ strips of fabric) designed by Sandy Gervais for Moda. And my plan was to make it into a quilt (top, batting layer for added warmth, and backing all stitched together) in time for my nephew’s birthday this month.

I recently learned a few reasons why he said he would like this quilt:

• His favorite colors are orange and blue.
• His favorite animal is the shark.

Adding a Shark

I thought it would be fun to stitch an outline of a shark on the quilt. Originally I planned to find a shark image online, print it out, and trace it onto the quilt. However, while shopping at Target I noticed the perfect shark silhouette on a piece of wall decor.

Did you know you can snap a photo and use the Colorscape app to convert the photo into a coloring sheet? This provided me with the perfect quilt template!

I cut out the shape and traced it onto my quilt with a white pencil.

Then I stitched around the outline three times. Since I stitched only one shark in the corner of the quilt, it was a manageable task.

I stitched the rest of the quilt with wavy lines, using the quilt blocks as my guide.

Finished for the Birthday Boy

Finally I bound the edges with a coordinating polka dot fabric.

Now I can wrap up the quilt and give it to my sweet six-year-old nephew.

Just as I was about to snap the following photo, my nephew called on Facetime and asked what I was doing. “Um … we’re going to eat breakfast,” my husband resourcefully replied. (I didn’t want to spoil the surprise, after all.) My nephew was concerned that it might be too cold to celebrate today, but my brother assured him that they would find a way to make the day special.

My husband graciously agreed to display my quilt in my “photography studio,” and Chester immediately posed in front of the quilt as if on queue. That dog loves to photobomb!

Give the Jelly Roll Twist a Try!

I highly recommend the Jelly Roll Twist pattern for a few reasons.

• The free pattern is easy enough for a beginner and pure fun for an experienced quilter.
• The top is stitched together using one jelly roll and one charm pack (5″ fabric squares), plus fabric for binding and backing. There is very little waste.
• The completed size is about 52″ x 60″ — a generous size for an adult or child to use for snuggling on the couch while reading or watching TV. (I suggest adding a roaring fire, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and popcorn.)

This happy quilt really brightened my sewing days. And now I hope it will bring comfort and joy to a special little boy.

Are you keeping warm under a quilt or a blanket fort? I hope so!

Joyfully,

Tracie

Today I’m linking up with a few other creative quilters so that we can inspire each other and enjoy some beauty in the world. Check them out!

• Amanda at Crazy Mom Quilts
• Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
• Sherry at Powered by Quilting
• Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland