Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Tutorial: Photographing Quilts and Sewing Projects

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rachelrossidesigntakepicturesquiltstutorialSewer, quilter and pattern designer, Rachel Rossi, shares on her blog tips for getting the best possible photos of your quilts. Of her step-by-step photo tutorial she says,

There’s nothing worse than finishing a masterpiece sewing or quilting project, posting it to social media, and realizing that your photos just don’t do it justice. Show off your hard work in all of it’s glory with these helpful tips for getting better pictures of your sewing and quilting projects! This tutorial covers the whole spectrum: what equipment you do or don’t need, how to get good lighting, how to stage your photos, and what kind of shots to get.

I need this! Follow this link, Getting Better Pictures of Your Quilts, to get the know-how.

Oh, do check out Rachel’s pattern shop. She has some cute patterns that would make nice baby and BFF gifts.

{Images credit: Rachel Rossi Blog}

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Jelly Roll Gems Quilt Kit Featuring Handmade Sweetness by My Sew Quilty Life

If you love soft pastel fabrics and quilt patterns that look far more complicated than they really are, the Jelly Roll Gems Quilt Kit is a very tempting new release.

The quilt features pretty rows of patchwork made with the Handmade Sweetness fabric collection by My Sew Quilty Life for Moda Fabrics. Florals, ginghams and delicate pastel prints give every row its own personality while still creating a beautifully balanced finished quilt.

You can view the Jelly Roll Gems Quilt Kit here.

What Is Included?

The kit includes:

  • Jelly Roll Gems Shortcut Quilt Pattern
  • Handmade Sweetness fabrics for the quilt top
  • Fabric for the binding
  • Access to a step-by-step video tutorial

The finished quilt measures 60½ × 60½ inches, making it a generous throw or lap quilt. You will need to purchase four yards of backing fabric separately.

The fabrics are 100% cotton, and Fat Quarter Shop provides generous cuts, which is especially helpful if you prefer to starch your fabric before cutting.

Is This Quilt Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. Fat Quarter Shop rates the Jelly Roll Gems kit as a beginner project, and the accompanying video tutorial makes it even more approachable.

The quilt is part of the Shortcut Quilt Series and uses simple rows of patchwork to create its gem-like design. It is a lovely choice if you want to practise accurate cutting, straight seams and consistent quarter-inch seam allowances without tackling complicated curves or appliqué.

Just keep an eye on your fabric placement before sewing each row. Pastel prints have a sneaky habit of looking perfectly organised until you notice two identical florals sitting right beside each other after everything has been stitched together.

If precut fabric names still leave you wondering whether a Jelly Roll belongs in the sewing room or the pantry, our guide to the five main types of precut quilting fabrics will help.

Why I Like This Quilt Kit

The Handmade Sweetness prints give the quilt a soft, nostalgic look that would be beautiful in a bedroom, nursery or cozy reading corner. The design is simple enough to let the fabrics shine, but it still has plenty of movement and detail.

It is also a good project for anyone who wants the convenience of a coordinated kit. There is no wandering around the fabric shop trying to decide whether one pale pink is slightly too peachy for another. The main fabrics and binding are already selected for you.

The Jelly Roll Gems Quilt Kit is expected to ship in October 2026. It would make a lovely weekend quilting project, a handmade gift or a gentle introduction to working with precut strips.

You can order the Jelly Roll Gems Quilt Kit from Fat Quarter Shop here.