To Jelly Rolll or not to Jelly Roll

[Pepperpincushion]

I am about to attempt my first quilt but I can't decide if it would be better to use a Jelly Roll or to just cut my own fabrics? I could make it more cheaply using my own fabrics so if it wasn't very successful I would have wasted less money, but if I do a pattern from my "Jelly Roll Quilts" book using a jelly roll ten will I have a better chance of it being successful since there will be less margin for error in the cutting?
Advice please!

[bananabanana]

I have never made a jelly roll quilt, but the jelly roll books look lovely so I'd like to try.

IF you have a rotary cutter and cutting mat, then it is just as easy to cut your own fabrics, not so scary once you get going at it. No margin of error. Just take your time. Make your own jelly roll!

However, using pre-cut strips will take less time and it seems like a good way to start.

[grendelsmom]

Jelly rolls are convenient but they're pricey and I've had so-so luck with the accuracy of their measurements, so you may as well cut your own 2.5-inch strips.  If you have a rotary cutter and mat, and you take your time, you'll be fine.

[caraces]

I just made my first quilt and to be honest cutting with a rotary mat is super easy. You could try making a small quilted table runner first if you're worried about the fabric cost.

[rainylakechick]

If you are looking for a "jelly roll" quilt to make, ps i quilt has a "quilt-a-long" happening right now. 

Its a postage quilt, using jelly rolls. Details here.

Like others said above, you could make your own jelly roll (be careful, take your time, double check your measurements before you cut) to save money.

I'm going to participate in the quilt-a-long, but decided to go half-and-half.  There was a sale before New Year's at my local machine shop, so I picked up Central Park at 30% off.  And yesterday, I purchased yardage of Kona Cotton in Ash at Joann Fabrics, again using one of their 40% off coupons. I plan on cutting my own jelly roll strips tonight! 

Whatever you do decide, have fun! 

[Stifflersmom]

I think the main advantage of buying a Jelly Roll is that you get a sample of each of the fabrics in the collection.
If you had to buy a half yard of each it would be expensive.

[CraftyDiem]

Starting out I think it would be better to cut your own - if you have a mat and rotary cutter (or a friend with one!)  In my mind the only time to buy precuts are when (A) they are EXTREMELY on sale - sometimes even free (plus shipping) at the Missouri Star Quilt Co. or (B) you have fallen desperately in love with the entire line of fabric and you cannot live another moment unless you have every single print in every single color!  Both have happened to me and I have a bit of a collection going...  but my hoarding is besides the point. 

I would say go pick out a few pieces of fabric you love from Joann or even online and cut them up yourself.  It's really easy to do and then you have some more options if you decide you don't want everything to be 2.5 inch strips. 

Either way have fun!  Sure the blocks will be more "perfect" if everything is cut precisely and sewn exactly - but there are always imperfections that bring the humanity to our work.  Jump in!

[edelC]

I want a jelly roll...of course I cannot get them here, but they look so pretty...lol I am not sure I would use them, I might just look at them and stroke them..

[anaximander]

I'm fussy about things, at times, so I tend to prefer the jelly cuts - I find it extremely difficult to cut accurate strips (to the point where I"m considering buying one of the Singer doomahickeys to do it for me). My personal feeling is that for a successful first quilt, you want to simplify as much as possible - you don't want to get discouraged at any point, because the chance of quitting is high - you never get the "payoff" until almost the end, with quilting. Once you're experienced at piecing with minimal frustration, then go for cutting your own, slowly complicating the steps until you're doing a Dear Jane with ease

[Stifflersmom]

Everyone enjoys one part of the process more than another. If cutting isn't your favorite quilting activity - don't stress over it.