In the video, you may have noticed that I saved some early versions of the block. This will give you the flexibility to design your 9 patch variation in the on Point squares. Of course the design does not need to be a 9 patch.
One other item I covered in the video, is adjusting the size of a block to make it piecing friendly. So rather than cutting all the 1-7/8" squares, instead you can cut 2" squares for the block.
Double Cross 9 Patch Quilt using Tim Holtz Fabric
See the block and quilt drafting process in this weeks video.
I would love to see what you do with the fabrics (or the double cross block). Feel free to share in the Learning EQ Facebook group. I've set up a dedicated post for your designs.
Tech Know Quilter Month End Challenge
Enjoy seeing how Tech Know Quilter members stretch themselves to create new blocks and quilts using Electric Quilt 8.
It is always fun seeing how they chose to take what they are learning in the classes to the next level.
I've been quilting a long time -- and the one thing I have never run out of is scraps from my previous projects.
So I am always excited when I can come up with a new (and simple) way to use those scraps in a new quilt. This is one of those ideas that you will want to keep playing with. The first quilt was so much fun. I decided to design 5 additional quilts. The applique is definitely "no stress" as every applique shape I used was from the EQ8 Block library. Scrappy Squares Applique EQ8 Tutorial
Folk Leaf Wreath Created with Wreathmaker
Check out the full process in the video tutorial.
Here is the quilt from the video.
Folk Leaf Wreath Scrappy Squares Applique Quilt
I mentioned that this was a bit addicting. So I created a number of different center options.
I did find it necessary to do some minor size adjustments of some of my motifs -- as I didn't want to overlap the red triangles. For the apple, I chose to create another coloring of the block -- using red and pink scraps only.
I look forward to seeing what you decide to create with this concept.
Feel free to share your designs in the Learning EQ Facebook group. I've set up a post for your quilts.
Super simple.
But what if we could do even more complex quilt blocks? And what if we used fabric instead of DSP for the quilt block? I decided to explore these ideas in this blog post. What is BlockBase+
For my greeting card, rather than designing my own quilt block, I decided to use a block from BlockBase Plus.
Barbara’s decades of research is available to you in this organized and user-friendly software for Windows and Mac computers. Packed with complete publication information for each block, robust search features, exporting and printing capabilities — it’s the perfect quilting tool for all skill levels! The same patterns that sold for 15¢ in 1928 are now yours for less than 3¢ each!
Creating a Card Layout in EQ8
Locating a Leaf Block in Block Base Plus and Recoloring in EQ8
Since I am currently working on Autumn/Thanksgiving cards for friends and families, I decided to incorporate a leaf block in my card.
A quick search in BlockBase+ yielded a number of possibilities. While I didn't love the coloring of the Maple Leaf from Aunt Martha Studios, I liked the block itself and thought that it might be fun using Grunge fabric. And of course I have some grunge scraps sitting on my cutting table -- just waiting to be used. 
Block 1740 found in BlockBase+ Search for "leaf"
Creating a Quilt Incorporating Both the Block and the Design Template
Finish off the design, by creating a quilt that incorporates both the card template and the recolored block from BlockBase+.
Final Card Making Template in EQ8
Use the SVG Export Feature in BlockBase+ and an Electronic Cutting System to Cut out the Patches for the Maple Leaf block
Electric Quilt 8 does not have an SVG export feature -- but BlockBase+ does.
In the video, you will see how to export your SVG from Block Base+. Then upload to Cricut Design Space -- the electronic cutting system I currently use. 
In Cricut Design Space you can recolor your patches from the SVG export. While you cannot exactly match your fabrics, you can use a similar color to allow for the automatic assignment of your patches to the correct cutting mats.
Once you select Make, you can see the cutting mats for each color. 
You can reorganize the cutting mats to consolidate the patches for cutting.
For example, I moved the gold patches to fit in a 2" x 2" square. Cut a 2" x 2" piece of gold Grunge fabric. Iron a 2" x 2" piece of Steam a Seam 2 to the back of the Grunge fabric. Remove the second Steam a Seam 2 backing piece and place on the Cutting Mat. Select the fabric type (fusible cotton). Insert the appropriate cutting blade. Cut the patches.
Create the remainder of the card using the template as a guide.
Use Stampin Dimensionals on the back of the 3" pieced block -- to emphasize the pieced block as the star element of the card. Consider adding additional elements from your cardmaking supplies. Also create the inside of the card using white cardstock (measuring 4" x 5-1/4".
My card uses a number of new Stampin Up Products including:
If you would like to purchase any Stampin Up products (including those above), feel free to use my Host Code TKS42RY6 during September 2024 and receive a surprise gift from me. I will receive a commission on products purchase with this host code.
Check out the video to see the No Sew Fabric Card process in more detail.
This would be so fun to personalize with a different block.
I would love to see your card design -- and your finished card. Fabric cards are so much faster to put together than an actual quilt. :) Share pictures of your design (and completed cards) in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
Have you ever wondered how an Electric Quilt challenge works?
In addition to sharing the results of a recent Tech Know Quilters Masters challenge, I will also provide you a video tutorial on drafting my blocks and quilt for the challenge. Scroll down for the tutorial. It's All About Lines Tech Know Quilters Masters Challenge
During Week 2 of the challenge, they were challenged to draw one additional line from one edge or corner to another. Take what is on one side of the line and redraft the section as a new block.
During Week 3, they were challenged to combine their two blocks in a quilt. They could use multiple copies of either of the blocks and could add different colorations or change the sizes of the blocks. Spacers or plain blocks were allowed. You must be able to identify each of the two blocks in the quilt.
Here are the blocks and quilts that were posted in the Tech Know Quilter private Facebook group.
This is an amazing group of designers who are expressing their creativity using Electric Quilt 8. Mary Groesbeck
Elly da Silva
Renae Butler
Renae started with two different blocks (each with 8 lines)
Kristy Goodin Soard
Denise Mohler
Roxanna Khoury
Lynne Maramieri
Katherine Martin
Edith Craig
Here is my Challenge quilt. I have left the grid marks showing, so that you can see where my blocks are. I used Special Effects 15 for the base, set my initial blocks in the on-point squares, used 4 of my quarter square triangles to make the big squares, and my half blocks in the smaller squares. Another of my half blocks was used as rectangles in the border, rotating to make the triangular pattern. An additional corner square was drafted for the outside corners.
Terry McCaskey
Dianna Carter
Brigitte Lee
Julie Pedersen
Curryanne Hostetler
Candy Huddleston
Want to know more about Tech Know Quilter Masters?
Tech Know Quilters members are eligible for the Masters program after completing 12 months of Tech Know Quilter classes. Masters members receive fewer lessons each month, with more time to devote to their own projects and challenges. Drop me a note if you have completed over 12 months of Tech Know Quilters and are interested in learning more about the Masters program. You can learn more about the regular Tech Know Quilters membership program and sign up for the wait list for the next open enrollment period here. Drafting an Eight Line Block and Quilt EQ8 Tutorial
I love to join in the challenges. Unfortunately, I did not get started on my challenge until two days ago. And I had no recollection on what I was originally planning.
I did realize that this challenge could literally be completed in less than a couple of hours -- and that included auditioning a number of fabric collections. I ended up using Willoughby by Maywood Studio for coloring the blocks and quilts. It is the free download from Do You EQ for September 2024.
As you will see in the video, there is a super fast technique for creating both half and quarter blocks in EasyDraw.
When working with blocks of different sizes, I like to use Custom Set. It gives me the greatest amount of flexibility when it comes to placing the blocks on the worktable. It is also super simple to add spacer blocks to fill in the holes.
I did two different versions of the basic quilt -- as I wanted to see if I preferred the option with (or without) the added borders.
Once you get started, it is fun to keep playing.
In this version, I included a 3/4 block in the corners -- along with additional full blocks (in a different coloration). 
Karis 8 Line Block - Quilt 3
Which do you prefer?
I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the 8 line block. Post pictures in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
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Kari SchellElectric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer. Categories
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