Kari Schell On Point Quilter Blog

May 2019 EQ8 Virtual Quilt Show

5/25/2019

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.

Tech Know Quilters Challenge Submissions

Linda C. Design Challenge for April. Linda's blocks from working with Pre-cuts are very charm friendly. She then selected an Auto Border button and used Grunge and Stroke of Brilliance fabric collections.

Barbara B. Really like playing with improv designs and coloring during the Modern Quilts module

Wanda H. This is from the Landscape class in April. I did another Accidental Landscape using Karen Eckmeier's technique. I'm a fan of Karen Eckmeier. This time I did snowy peaks.

Wanda J. -- inspired by the Introduction to PolyDraw class.

Kathleen M. first designed the block as part of the Geese Bend Challenge. She liked the block so she used it in another setting and coloring.

Kathleen M. Here is the same block in a different setting.

Julie P. Challenge I took the landscape quilt class this month. I used a picture that I had taken in Maine of this church.

Julie P. Inspiration Photo

Suzanne G. Cabin under the Stars from the Easy Draw class. I used some of my log cabin blocks and then used serendipity merge blocks to add the star in the middle of the cabin. The stars around the cabin were serendipity fancy star using a off center log cabin. I then adjusted all the colors of the outside blocks. This was really fun.

Suzanne G. Fancy Star Quilt using the star from EasyDraw Kaleidoscope. The block is set in a custom set quilt,

Kristy S. I am in the Landscape class, and chose to "zoom in" on the bee in our landscape. This was inspired by the Laura Heine quilt with the bee. I have wanted to play around with it for some time. I used the one block quilt already made for us by EQ. I implemented the techniques Kari has taught us to create a motif and add it as layer two on a quilt.

Dotty S. Practicing with the freehand drawing and edit tools in the Landscape class made me much more confident in my drawing abilities. Here is one of the quilts I created using the yellow bird motif.

Judy S. was in Working with Fabrics Class. This is her randomizing of a quilt design and incorporating changing fabrics as well.

Janet I. inspiration from Landscape Quilt Class. Wow! I really enjoyed this class. I used what I learned about designing foundation paper piecing blocks to create the quilt. The gnome and the toadstool house are from some photos I took. We have both of these cuties. The gnome actually stands about 2 feet high and guards our front door. The toadstool house is a garden ornament which is actually where the Fairy Wands are repaired.

Barbara B. Spinning Wheels designed for the PolyDraw challenge. She used serendipity and tweaked from there.

Barbara B. Diamond and Flowers insipired by the Modern Quilts class.

Nancy W. was in Landscape Quilts in April. I really enjoyed this class. I liked working with the ombre fabrics and designing the different trees. This quilt has three sheep and a bird in the sky.

Carolyn B. Inspired by Landscape class.

Micheline H. Santorini Sunset landscape was inspired from a postcard from Greece.

Gees Bend Challenge Submissions

Debbi T. Gees Bend-like quilt inspired by Marrisia Pettway

Wanda J. Added order to her challenge quilt.

Other Quilts Created by TKQ Members

Janet I. Jack's Chain Quilt from Hexagon Blocks and Borders. check out the quilting designs included in the quilt.

Julie P. from Quilt Layouts

Wanda H. Pixelated Quilt from Quilt Layouts

Adrienne Q. Hexagon Quilt

Judy G. Can you guess the block Judy used for this quilt? Answer -- Castle Wall.

Kathy D. Playing with Baby Blocks layout.

Barbara O. Barbara has only been in the group 2 months -- and did an amazing job with EasyDraw Kaleidoscopes

Barbara O. Kaleidoscope Quilt

Suzanne G. It took me a while to figure out her "block".

Denise H. from Mix and Match Medallion Centers class.

Carrie C. design inspired by Working with Pre-Cuts

Angie M. Personally designed blocks for charms. Angie named it star stairs because as you play with the random tool in one variation it appears to be stairs.

Kathryn K. combined special effects with her designed charm blocks.

Holly W. Working with Pre-cuts

Coby U. Charm Quilt

Wanda Jewell -- from Modern Quilts. Although modern quilts aren't her thing -- I think she did an amazing job.

Marielle S. made her quilt from the Modern Quilts class. Stay tuned -- she just may have a pattern coming for her quilt.

Barbara O. Kaleidoscope

Peggy C. combined a grid block and a sun rays block from Introduction to EasyDraw

Nancy M. was inspired by a lesson in Introduction to EasyDraw to create this block.

Nancy M. Quilt

Bev C.

Bev C. -- look how she incorporated her chain block in a quilt.

Waterfall by Rick D. -- inspired by Bargello Quilts class.

Bev C. EasyDraw variation block in an on point quilt layout.

Deborah N. worked with all the layers to create this quilt from Quilt Layouts class.

Judy S. quilt from Quilt Layouts class.

Kathy A. Original design inspired by Quilt Layouts class

Jackie T. from Barello Quilts class.

Dotty Smalley was playing with layers. She lives in Arizona and has a Southwest decorating theme.

Joy H. (from Quilt Layouts class).

Maja R. A tile design using some blocks from Block Base.

Curryanne H. Shades and Tints from Working with Fabric Images.

Ann B. from Working with Fabric Images

Sharon O. Farm Quilt from Landscape Quilt class.

Rick D. Goose Chase Inspired by Mix and Match Medallion Borders class.

Coby U.

Are you interested in learning more about joining this amazing group of quilt designers in mastering Electric Quilt 8?

Shoot for the Stars with EQ8

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.

Purchase Shoot for the Stars

Introduction to Electric Quilt Class at Minnesota Quilt Show

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.

Happy quilting.

Kari

Sign up for my newsletter to stay current on what's happening in my studio and learn more quilting tips. As a thank you, I'll send you a FREE pattern for this small maple leaf quilt.

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SVG Files from EQ8

5/18/2019

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From EQ8 to SVG Files

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.

Shoot for the Stars with EQ8

Purchase Shoot for the Stars

Introduction to Electric Quilt Class at Minnesota Quilt Show

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Kaleidoscope Wedge Quilts

5/11/2019

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Wedge Star Tool by Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design

On Facebook this week, I saw that Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design created a new tool -- the Wedge Star. After looking at the tool and the quilts designed using the tool, I fell in love with the simplicity of how the blocks are created combined with a complex look by coloring the blocks.

To take full advantage of the Wedge Star tool, I knew I needed to recreate these blocks in Electric Quilt so I could play with a fabric collection of my choice.

In this 7 minute tutorial you will be guided through drafting the two blocks in PolyDraw, importing the Art Gallery Matchmade fabric collection (included in Stash 2019 Download 01), and creating 3 on point quilts in the quilt worktable.

As an alternative to using the tool, you could also print out foundation patterns directly from Electric Quilt. Here are the blocks from the video.

Kaleidoscope Block 1 Drafted by Kari Schell in EQ8

Kaleidoscope Block 2 Drafted by Kari Schell in EQ8

Here are the quilts from the video.

Kaleidoscope Block 2 set in an on point layout - designed by Kari Schell

Kaleidoscope blocks 1 and 2 set in an on point layout - designed by Kari Schell

Kaleidoscope blocks 1 and 2 in an on point layout with additional coloring to emphasize the circular feel of the design. By Kari Schell.

I would love to see your designed Kaleidoscope Wedge quilts. Feel free to post on the Learning EQ Facebook group.

Introduction to Electric Quilt Class at Minnesota Quilt Show

Would you like to join me for an 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, 2018. You can learn more and register here.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Shoot for the Stars with EQ8

Purchase Shoot for the Stars

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Preparations for my Guilds Quilt Show Plus Quilt Label Tips

5/4/2019

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As you read this post, I will be enjoying my guild's biennial quilt show. The week before a show can be really busy.

Week in Review:
Saturday: Prepped binding while at a quilt retreat. Once home squeezed in a little bit of quilting on Magicians Star quilt.

Sunday: Quilted my Magicians Star quilt, (84 x 84) -- custom quilting. Spent so much time on my feet I could barely walk up the stairs at 2 am.

Monday: Ordered extra copies of EQ8 Drafting Blocks book from Electric Quilt for book signing. Bind the Magicians Star quilt.

Tuesday: Finish binding the Magicians Star quilt. (Wishing I had used Magic Binding with Flange)

Wednesday: Creating labels for all four quilts and attach to quilts. More on this below..

Thursday: Drop off quilts and help with quilt set-up.

Friday: At the show -- book signing and EQ demonstration.

I am now looking forward to a relaxing Saturday enjoying the quilts at the show.

If you are reading this on May 4th -- you still have time to join us at the Maple Grove Community Center in Maple Grove, Minnesota..

Custom Quilt Labels using Electric Quilt 8 and Word

Nine easy steps for creating a custom quilt label using Electric Quilt.

Use the quilt design already completed in Electric Quilt 8 as a base.
Make coloring adjustments to match your pieced quilt.
Find or create sufficient white space for adding text.
Color the white space with a matching fabric.
If minimal amount of text, add text using the text tools in Electric Quilt. Then export the image.
If more extensive text is required, export the quilt image without text.
Import Picture of your quilt image in a Microsoft word document.
If needed, add text using a Text Box. Make sure you have settings for no line and no fill.
Print your labels on EQ Printables. I prefer the Premium Cotton Lawn Inkjet Fabric Sheets.

See the process in this weeks Electric Quilt (plus Microsoft Word) video tutorial.

Here are my four labels added to my quilt backs. (See -- I do find a little bit of time to create real quilts.)

Paper Snowflake Quilt Label by Kari Schell

Magicians Star Quilt Label by Kari Schell

Modern Flight Quilt Label by Kari Schell

Flight of Fancy Quilt Label by Kari Schell

Tip: Include photos of the quilt labels in the same file as the quilt design -- just in the photo section of the project sketchbook.

Note: I did print my labels with my Laser Printer (in violation of all the rules of printing on fabric). The biggest downside on printing with laser is that there is a build-up of ink on the fabric. This definitely stiffens the label and can make needling through the fabric a bit of a challenge. I found a thimble to be very helpful to both push and pull when sewing down the labels.

Introduction to Electric Quilt Class at Minnesota Quilt Show

EQ8 Drawing Blocks

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

Purchase EQ8 Drawing Blocks

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Tech Know Quilters April Showcase

4/27/2019

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Quilt Show and Book Signing

My quilt guild -- Maple Grove Quilters -- has a show every two years. This is an amazing group of quilters with a wide array of quilting interests. I know you will love the show.

Please join us on May 3-4, 2019 at the Maple Grove Community Center in Maple Grove Minnesota.

At 4:30 on Friday I will be doing a lecture (demo) from my new book followed by a book signing. I will have copies of my just released book - EQ8 Drawing Blocks available for purchase. I will also be around during most of the show, so feel free to find me and say hi.

I am still trying to get a quilt done for the show -- it is one the long-arm (row 1) -- so we will see.

New Quilt -- Trying to Get Finished!

Tech Know Quilters April Showcase

Here are a few of the beautiful quilts that were created by Tech Know Quilter's members during the last month. I continue to be amazed at the creativity and talent in the group.

Wanda Hizer Disappearing Hour Glass in reds (from Working with Precuts)

Julie Pedersen Here's my March 2019 Challenge quilt. I did Working with Precuts this month. I learned how to create a block in a certain size and then to calculate how big it would be after seam allowances are taken off. Then to redraw it in the finished size. Kari Schell, you always find a way to challenge me! Thanks!

Debbi Treusch I did 2 challenge quilts from one design. The first design is from the last lesson in the Bargello class. I added an extra wave that overlaps into the border on either side.

Debbi Treusch The second challenge quilt is the first one turned horizontally and using only one wave and a slightly modified block This created a row of paper lanterns. I added the "string" for hanging the lanterns and then a few dragon flies around one of the lanterns. When I started the Bargello class, I didn't like Bargello quilts. I still don't like traditional Bargello quilts, but love the more modern verisons of them. Thanks for the challenge Kari Schell!!

Madeline Brown Introduction to Applique. Although I do not do much appliqué it was interesting to learn how powerful EQ is to design appliqué blocks. And I can use what I learned in other applications of quilt design. Thank you Kari!

Rick Danner This is "Collide-a-Scope." I designed the center in a previous class and set it in with a bunch of stuff from other classes and stepped ahead a bit with this month's material. Its called "Collide-a Scope" because it really is a collision of applique and patchwork. For me it also evokes visual imaging from Tolkien's "Silmarillion." which I always read yearly in the awakening of Spring.

Janet Inglis I was in the Mix and Match Medallion Centers this month. I think learning how to resize a layout from the EQ library was really interesting. My quilt design is more modern this month...I call it Modern Beach - (because of the colors)

Dorothee Ilgner I was in the 'Working with Precuts' Class. I used the concept from Lesson 5 and 6 to design blocks with the scraps I have already precut. I came up with several blocks using 2'', 2.5'' and 3.5'' scraps without any further cutting.

Adrienne Quinlan Quilt using Missouri drunkard path ruler - this will allow me to audition fabrics to use with their ruler

Adrienne Quinlan Jenny of Missouri Star Quilt company has just sent out a video on using a new ruler with 10 in squares precuts. I first of all created a block showing how she had cut the 2 elements from the precut I then created the block. I then re-created the quilt (see previous post)

Adrienne Quinlan Using symmetry there are so many lovely options from this one block and ruler.

Nancy Messuri I was so excited to apply what I learned about adding custom colors to EQ8 for a crazy quilt I designed for a friend. It required several different shades of a certain color of blue. I used the color portfolio I purchased from Scherwin Williams to find the right color, and then found the RGB numbers on their website to quickly put the shades from dark to light into EQ. Just like that!

Barbara Bobbitt My quilt is my adaptation from Bargello 2 Spinning Log Cabin. ( I called it Bargello Hearts.)

Barbara Bobbitt

Sharon Osborne The blocks were designed from units we made at a retreat with Charlotte Angotti and Debbie Caffrey last summer. We had to design our blocks and quilts so I went to EQ8 right away. So much fun.

Sharon Osborne (variation of design -- for a friend)

Sharon Osborne Quilt -- She did a great job!

Nancy Lacey Quilts for Kids will be vending at the Mancuso quilt show in Lancaster, PA in May so I was asked to create a quilt (and pattern) for their booth using this Laurel Burch Sea Goddess panel.