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Fall Quilt Market

10/31/2015

 
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On Point Quilter Booth at Market
I just got back from my first ever Houston Quilt Market. Quilt Market is the international trade show for the quilting industry and is held twice a year.  The fall one is always in Houston and the spring one rotates around the country.
On Point Quilter BoothElizabeth and Kari ready for Shop Owners


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I was nervous going into the show -- but I really didn't need to be.  I picked up my friend Elizabeth in Dallas who helped me vend during the show and when I got to Houston I was able to meet up with members of my Creative Arts Business Group.  This group is incredibly supportive and made me feel like I was among friends while navigating this new venture for me.  

​If you are thinking about a career in quilting, I would definitely recommend Morna and this group.  Here are a few links to check out to get started.
  • Business Summit in Washington DC  (I have been twice and am signed up for 2016)
  • Elevating Membership
  • Emerging Membership

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Impressions

I didn't have much time to see the larger market, but I thought I would at least share my impressions of the show.  
  • Modern fabric is definitely in -- but shops are still interested in traditional designs.  I had a wall with my quilts made in more modern fabrics.  Customers definitely gravitated toward those quilts.
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The Row by Row experience continues to be popular.  The theme for 2016 will be "Home Sweet Home".  I am already thinking about a number of new designs using Electric Quilt.
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  • Speaking of Electric Quilt, Sara (from EQ) stopped by my booth and offered me a T-shirt to celebrate their 25th anniversary.  It sounds like they are planning a big celebration in 2016.  More to come on this.
  • Theo van der Heijden from Art and Stitch was also there and I had a chance to talk to him a bit about what they are currently working on.
  • Fat Quarter Gypsy's Pop Up patterns were definitely the rage.  Here is a photo of her booth.  Notice the pop-up in my hands.  This one combines her Medium Pop-up pattern (and spring) with blocks from Let's Go Fly a Kite.
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Dorothy (Joanne's mother), Rose Hall, Joanne Harrison Hillestad and me in Fat Quarter Gypsy's booth.
Are you interested in the free supplemental pattern which shows how to combine my blocks into a unit that may be pieced into JoAnn's pop-up.  Click here.

Weather

 I had a chance to experience my first hurricane.  Being from North Dakota and Minnesota, I have lots of tornado and blizzard stories.  Now I can add a hurricane to the list.

Houston was actually on the tail end of the hurricane -- so  lots of rain and some flooding -- but no real hurricane.  I did blow out an umbrella trying to walk back to my hotel from dinner one night.
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On Point Quilter Booth Close-Ups

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On Point Quilter Mystery Program

You may have noticed some detectives on a few of my quilts. That means the quilt pattern would also make a good mystery for either a shop or a guild.  Here is how my mystery program works.
  1. Purchase a minimum of ten mystery patterns (and commit to purchase additional patterns equal to participant count at the event).
  2. On Point Quilter will send you a Mystery Event Package that includes (1) a file with all the pre-work and individual clues for your event.  (Just print off the number you need); (2) Electric Quilt 7 file for creating coloration options; and (3) tip sheet for a successful event
  3. Piece a sample quilt or borrow one of my trunk show quilts for your sample during the event.  (Subject to availability.)
  4.  Provide a full pattern to participants at the end of the event.

If you are interested in using one of my mystery quilt patterns in your shop or for a mystery event at your guild, please drop me a note at onpointquilter@comcast.net

Love your Electric Quilt Private Coaching Program


I know that you may be ready to make the commitment to expand your knowledge and use of Electric Quilt.  I have openings in my schedule starting in January and will be taking on a limited number of private coaching clients to work with in expanding your Electric Quilt technical skills.

Opening are still available.  Early bird discounts have been extended to November 10th as life has been a bit hectic on my end and I've been slow at responding to e-mails.

​Read more about the program here.  (PS -- This could be tailored to Art and Stitch as well.)

Happy quilting.

​Kari
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Quilted Words

10/24/2015

 
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Come Said the Wind by Kari Schell
I received a note on someone asking me for other suggestions for transferring my Come Said the Wind poem to fabric.  In the pattern I provide three suggestions:
  • Printing the design directly to fabric using an inkjet printer. (This was the method used in both my samples for the cover quilt.)  I first pre-treated my fabric and then ironed it to a piece a freezer paper that could be run through the printer.
  • Trace the poem using a pigma pen.
  • Embroider the poem onto fabric.
I've been thinking the last month about putting on the poem during the quilting process.  I finally found a little time to play in Art and Stitch and on my longarm and am really pleased with this option.  

This weeks video tutorial will be about creating a "handwritten" design for your quilt in Art and Stitch.  There were a number of tips I came up with in the process that I would love to share with you.
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I was pleased with the final stitch out -- but not so much the photograph.  It probably wasn't the best idea to use a batik background.

I am also thinking that this could work for adding names to baby quilts.  Where would you like to add "word art" to your quilt?

​Love your Electric Quilt Private Coaching Program

I know that you may be ready to make the commitment to expand your knowledge and use of Electric Quilt.  I have openings in my schedule starting in January and will be taking on a limited number of private coaching clients to work with in expanding your Electric Quilt technical skills.

The program will be formally released next week at Fall Quilt Market -- but I wanted to give my loyal blog readers and newsletter subscribers first shot at obtaining one of these limited number of spaces, including some Early Bird discounts if you sign up by October 31st.

​Read more about the program here.  (PS -- This could be tailored to Art and Stitch as well.)

Featured Product:  Come Said the Wind

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The poem in the quilt was written by George Cooper, an American poet who lived from  1838 – 1927.  The large wall hanging finishes to 33” x 33", while the small one finishes 15” x 12”.
  • Purchase digital copy here.
  • Purchase printed pattern (mailed to you) here.
  • Purchase digital bundle (which includes a number of coordinating quilting designs) here.

NOTE:  The quilted poem is not yet available for purchase.
Happy quilting.

Kari
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EQ Applique Video, New Pattern, New Classes and More

10/17/2015

 
Wow.  Not sure how everything that I have been working on the past six months seems to come together all at once.  There is a lot to report on this week:
  1. Electric Quilt University announcement
  2. An new Electric Quilt video tutorial - Introduction to Applique using Electric Quilt
  3. A new private coaching program starting in January
  4. A new pattern and collaboration with Fat Quarter Gypsy

New Class with Electric Quilt University

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Big news.  I am officially an instructor with Electric Quilt University.  EQ provided me a great opportunity to combine video tutorials with detailed written instructions.  

​My first class with them is on Octagon Table Toppers.  It is starting in early January -- so register now to ensure you spot in the first session.  
This is a 2-week course complete with illustrated, printable lessons and videos covering every step. The videos are posted throughout the lessons so you can read first, then watch the video, or vice versa. You can stream them right away, or download each video to your computer to watch later.
Octagon Table Toppers is one course in the Small Quilts with a Twist series. I will help you create master templates for unique quilt styles to use over and over again. While this class is only 2 weeks long, the lessons are jam-packed with amazing content.

Here are a few of the quilts covered in the class.
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Click here to learn more and to register.

Introduction to Applique - An Electric Quilt Video Tutorial

When I went through the comments from a couple of weeks ago, it appears there was a tie for the block chosen for this weeks video.  The two winning blocks are highlighted in the photo below. 

I decided to go ahead with the 2nd block on row 3 as it allows me to cover some of the basics of drafting applique blocks in Electric Quilt.  I will save the other block (which covers a couple of different tools) for a future video.
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Electric Quilt Applique Tutorial Final Choices
In this weeks Electric Quilt video tutorial, I start by sharing how to take a screen shot of the block using the Windows Snipping Tool (for the Window Users out there).  On the MAC, you select Command+Shift+4 for the equivalent of this.

I then discuss using the Bezier curve to draft the shapes.  (For those of you that use Art and Stitch, the Bezier curve works quite a bit differently between the programs.)  I then review editing the shapes.  

​HINT:  The goal in drafting applique is to minimize the number of nodes.
My finished (i.e. drafted) block.
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Applique Block from Electric Quilt Introduction to Applique Video Tutorial

Love your Electric Quilt Private Coaching Program

I know that you may be ready to make the commitment to expand your knowledge and use of Electric Quilt.  I have openings in my schedule starting in January and will be taking on a limited number of private coaching clients to work with in expanding your Electric Quilt technical skills.

The program will be formally released next week at Fall Quilt Market -- but I wanted to give my loyal blog readers and newsletter subscribers first shot at obtaining one of these limited number of spaces, including some Early Bird discounts if you sign up by October 31st.

​Read more about the program here.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

Just released -- my Let's Go Fly a Kite pattern.  This pattern has 20 pages -- so it chocked full of illustrations.  You can choose to use the Studio 180 Design tools (which I love) or not.  Either way the pattern will provide lots of information on how to piece this quilt. 
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Purchase a physical copy of the pattern (mailed to you) here.
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Purchase a digital copy of the pattern here.

Let's Go Fly a Kite Stacking Pop-Up

I've also partnered with my friend and fellow designer Joanne Harrision Hillestad of Fat Quarter Gypsy to offer a free supplemental sheet that will provide instructions on using my kites with her medium size pop-up.  

Her Pop-Up pattern is incredibly popular.  And they are so fun to make.  I'll share more with you (and maybe a video demo of the pop-up in action) on a future blog post.

Click on a copy of the photo below to get the free supplemental instruction sheet.
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Let's Go Fly a Kite Supplemental Pop-Up Pattern
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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Two Plus Six Equals Easy

10/10/2015

 
It has been a crazy week.  I'm trying to get three new patterns released for fall quilt market -- which is only two weeks away.  I have also been working on a couple of presentations.  
  • The first is to the Upper Midwest Machine Quilters -- which will be happening at 11:00 today.  I will be showing my quilts and talking about "How Should I Quilt This".  Of course, there will be a number of Art and Stitch demos incorporated into the presentation.
  • The other will be a School House presentation at Fall Market.  This is to shop owners and other quilt professionals.  For this one I will be providing the secrets on creating a successful mystery retreat.

So this is my excuse for failing to get my planned Electric Quilt video completed-- but I definitely have the video on the to do list for next week.

So for this week, I thought I would focus on my latest released pattern.  This is one of those patterns that can be done quickly -- think a day or a weekend for the project.  It is also incredibly versatile.

Fabric selection is super easy.  Just select a theme fabric, sashing and six coordinating fat quarters.
Easy Baby Quilt
2+ 6 = Easy Pattern Cover
Easy Baby Quilt
Zoo Babies 2 + 6 = Easy Quilt
Easy Baby Quilt
Safari 2 + 6 = Easy Quilt
I really like the idea of row quilts.  They are easy to chunk into small manageable sections to work on. They also make great group projects. 

Here is another row quilt made my quilt group at church.  This quilt will be going to a member of the congregation that is needed to move to Assisted Living.  Her family was cleaning her condominium and found a lot of "clown" fabric.  This lovely lady performed as a clown for many years and obviously collected some fabric along the way.  We decided to make a quilt top (and finished it in a day).  Each of us took a row to work on.  All the fabric for the quilt came from her collection.  It was really fun to make do with what she had and we hope she will enjoy the final quilt.
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Featured Pattern - Two Plus Six Equals Easy

This “go to” baby/toddler quilt is easy to select fabrics for and it’s easy to modify so everyone on your list doesn’t end up with the same quilt.  And, more importantly, it’s quick and easy to sew. 
Why the title?  This quilt uses two main fabrics and six fat quarters, making fabric selection a breeze.
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At 36" wide, the quilt length can vary from 45"-60" depending on the number of rows you use. Make it your way!
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Purchase physical copy here (mailed to you).


Purchase digital copy here (immediate download available).

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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Getting it Done

10/3/2015

 
While my friend Carol was doing some closet cleaning with her mother in law, they came across a dozen 15" applique blocks. Eleanor no longer sews and Carol enlisted my assistance in figuring out what to do with the blocks, since she is not a quilter.

I went to Electric Quilt and gave them a couple of simple setting options.  I didn't worry about photographing the blocks, but just took some simple applique blocks from the library.  Easy Peasy!
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They chose Option 2.  I took a half day at a retreat and cut and pieced the setting.  To quilt it, I wanted something fairly traditional, but simple.  The Baptist fan pattern always works in those situations.
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Here is my question for you.  What era do you think this quilt is from?  I was guessing 50s.  However, I learned more in the "reveal" with Eleanor.

​I thought I would share the "reveal" with you, as it warmed my heart to see her reaction to her finished project.  It really reaffirms why I am a quilter.
​Do you have some "old" blocks sitting around?  Pull them out and create a quilt that can be enjoyed today.

I am also thinking about doing a future video tutorial on tracing at least one of these blocks using Electric Quilt.  Any suggestions on the block to feature?  Note the block in the comments section (just note Row Number and whether it is the first second or third block in the row).

Featured Pattern -  Sun Rays

I took some new pictures of my Sun Rays quilt this week.  I don't think the original photo really did this quilt justice.  Here is the new photo.
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I thought I would make this my featured pattern of the week.  I also loaded the digital version online, so digital copies are available for purchase as well.

The Sun Rays quilt is based on a favorite antique block.  The quilt may be completed with seven fabrics or may be scrapped.  I suggest using just one background fabric for continuity.  On the cover quilt, I used a controlled scrap technique.  For this technique, I used the same fabric in each of the main blocks, but used different fabrics for each of these blocks.  (For example, I had 12 different Medium Tans – one for each block)

Size options include:  
  • Wall Hanging (34” x 34”)
  • Lap (66” x 82”)
  • Full (82” x 98”)
  • Queen (98” x 98”)

Recommended (optional) Tools:   
  • V Block Trimmer™ by Studio 180 Design
  • Diamond Rects™ by Studio 180 Design

Two options:
  • Purchase physical copy  of piecing pattern (mailed to you).
  • ​Purchase digital copy of piecing pattern
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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    Kari Schell

    Electric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer.

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On Point Quilter
e-mail:  onpointquilter@comcast.net
phone:  763-566-6536

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  • Blog
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  • EQ Training
    • Tech Know Quilters Electric Quilt 8 Membership Training
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  • Free Stuff
    • Other Video Tutorials