This will be a short post -- as today I will be teaching Introduction to EQ8 at the MN Quilt Show in Rochester.  I will be touring the exhibits during my lunch break.  If you see me, please stop and say "hi".

Last week I shared how to draft three original nine patch blocks using EasyDraw.  These blocks have a lot of movement as the designs spin around the center of the nine patch.

​I also shared my favorite tools for piecing each of those blocks.  I am a real fan of Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design tools.  If you love her tools as well, you will want to check out that post.

This week, I designed a quilt utilizing the three nine patch spin blocks,  I knew I wanted an on point layout and will share my favorite way of incorporating all three blocks in a quilt.

If you like to replicate my tutorials, feel free to try some different setting options incorporating three different 9 patch blocks.

I would love to see your design.  Feel free to share on the On Point Quilter page or in the Learning EQ Facebook group.  

Are you just getting started with Electric Quilt 8 and need some help? 

Shoot for the Stars is designed to get you started with Electric Quilt 8 through training delivered straight to your inbox.  This series includes 14 short (ie. 5-10 minute) videos delivered over the course of a month allowing you to learn the basics of this complex program in bite size increments.

​The class is currently on sale for $35 (regular $50).  Join now.

Do you give yourself design challenges?  This week I challenge myself to draft three new 9 patch quilt blocks. 

Here were my Electric Quilt challenge rules:

• The block needed to have 9 equal sections and be recognized as a nine-patch unit.
• Draft a new block (nothing that I remembered seeing or using before).
• Blocks needed to be piecing friendly using tools already in my sewing room.

All of the Quantum Leap blocks were colored using a new fabric collection (Quantum) by Guicy Giuce for Andover.

​I've included notes on how I would approach piecing each of these blocks.

Quantum Leap Star #1 would be easy to piece using the V Block Trimmer from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design.  I used the partial V Block unit in my pattern Whim Wham Stars.

Quantum Leap 2 is a variation on Quantum Leap 1.  There are a couple of tools in my collection that would aide in construction.  The Corner Beam Tool (formerly called Spotlight) can be used for the yellow "beam-like" units.  The corners could be done using the Tucker Trimmer.

Quantum Leap 3 looks a bit like a spinning asteroid.  The corners could be created using the Split Rects tool.  I would use the Square 2 toll for the center.  The half-square triangle units could be done with the Tucker Trimmer.  The corners could be pieced with the Corner Pop.

How would you piece each of these blocks.

Please feel free to use my challenge rules to design new 9 patch blocks.  I would love to see your blocks.  Please feel free to post pictures in one of the Electric Quilt 8 Facebook groups -- or on my page.

Learn the fundamentals of block drawing.

If want to draw your own blocks in EQ8, this is the book for you! Experienced EQ educator, Kari Schell, takes you step-by-step through each of the drawing styles available in EQ8. You'll learn skills for both pieced and applique drawing while filling your Sketchbook with beautiful blocks! From drawing a simple nine patch to creating a beautiful floral applique wreath, this book will take your drawing skills to the next level!

​Price:  $29.95

Are you just getting started with Electric Quilt 8 and need some help? 

Shoot for the Stars is designed to get you started with Electric Quilt 8 through training delivered straight to your inbox.  This series includes 14 short (ie. 5-10 minute) videos delivered over the course of a month allowing you to learn the basics of this complex program in bite size increments.

​The class is currently on sale for $35 (regular $50).  Join now.

Let's start with a very personal question.

How do you make your bed in the morning?
(1) Quilt folded back and over the pillow.
(2) Pillows fluffed and on top of the quilt
(3) Pillow Shams over pillows
(4) I never make my bed

Mom taught me the first method and I used that method through my mid 30s.  Once I started quilting, I realized that folding the quilt back doesn't showcase the quilt well.  And it is much faster to make your bed when using pillow shams.

Since I have a new quilt -- I now need new pillow shams.  I will share with you how you can design your own pillow shams using EQ8.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive a pdf download of today's lesson -- complete with illustrations and more detailed instructions.    You can refer to this along with the video tutorial.

The instructions in the pdf are similar to what I provide members in my paid classes including Shoot for the Stars with EQ8  and Tech Know Quilters.

Note:  For those already subscribed to the On Point Quilter newsletter,sign up again with your same email to receive the free pdf tutorial.

Are you just getting started with Electric Quilt 8 and need some help? 

Shoot for the Stars is designed to get you started with Electric Quilt 8 through training delivered straight to your inbox.  This series includes 14 short (ie. 5-10 minute) videos delivered over the course of a month allowing you to learn the basics of this complex program in bite size increments.

​The class is currently on sale for $35 (regular $50).  Join now.

Learn the fundamentals of block drawing.

If want to draw your own blocks in EQ8, this is the book for you! Experienced EQ educator, Kari Schell, takes you step-by-step through each of the drawing styles available in EQ8. You'll learn skills for both pieced and applique drawing while filling your Sketchbook with beautiful blocks! From drawing a simple nine patch to creating a beautiful floral applique wreath, this book will take your drawing skills to the next level!

​Price:  $29.95

You will be amazed at what you can create with Electric Quilt 8.  Here are just a few of the designs created in EQ8 by some very talented Tech Know Quilter members this last month.

Tech Know Quilters is a membership program providing training and support for those wanting to master Electric Quilt.  The membership is currently closed.  However you may join the wait list to be informed of the next open enrollment period here.

 In a Facebook group this week, there was a discussion on creating files that could be used by cutting machines such as Silhouette Cameo, Brother Scan and Cut, Cricut Explore Air and Cricut Maker.  These cutting systems all have proprietary software that makes sharing designs between systems problematic.  However --- all of them allow for use of SVG files.

So what is an SVG file?  An SVG file is a graphics file that uses a two-dimensional vector graphic format.  Unlike raster formats such as JPG, GIF, and PNG, an SVG image remains crisp and clear at any resolution or size.

Since Electric Quilt exports to raster formats, we need to be able to transition from those formats to SVG.  

In my free Electric Quilt video tutorial, I will share how to go from a block in Electric Quilt to an svg file.  The intermediate software I use is Inkscape. Inkscape is a professional vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It's free and open source. 

​It can seem overwhelming to use when you open it for the first time. However I will share with your the few items you need to create your SVG file from Electric Quilt.  You can download Inkscape here.

Once you have it downloaded it is super simple to convert your files. 

You may never need to purchase an SVG file again -- just use blocks from the Electric Quilt library or draw your own.  You could even use these designs in creating personal cards.

Are you just getting started with Electric Quilt 8 and need some help? 

Shoot for the Stars is designed to get you started with Electric Quilt 8 through training delivered straight to your inbox.  This series includes 14 short (ie. 5-10 minute) videos delivered over the course of a month allowing you to learn the basics of this complex program in bite size increments.

​The class is currently on sale for $35 (regular $50).  Join now.

Would you like to join me for an in person hands-on Electric Quilt class?  I will be teaching at the Minnesota Quilt Show in Rochester MN.  This is my only scheduled in person class for 2019.

The class, Introduction to Electric Quilt 8 is a full day class on Saturday, June 15, 2019.  You can learn more and register here.  

I look forward to seeing you there.