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Two Block Quilts

12/31/2022

 
It has been a busy week between the Panel Quilt webinars and open enrollment for Tech Know Quilters.  Now my time moves to primarily serving those in the Tech Know Quilter group.

I received a couple of notes from people who missed my e-mails regarding the Tech Know Quilter open enrollment during the last four days -- not exactly sure how that is possible but email providers seem to love putting my emails in spam and promotions folders.  And I heard that a few of you were traveling and not able to get to your emails.

If that is you, send me a note and I will send you a link to sign up.  We can still squeeze in a few new members before we start delivery of classes on Monday.  This will be the last time to lock in to 2022 pricing.

You can read more about the program here -- but the sign-up links have been taken down.

Two Block Quilts

Two times a month I do live help sessions with Tech Know Quilter members.  During the session on Thursday, one member was asking about working with blocks that don't quite work well together.  Maybe one uses a 7 x 7 grid and the other an 8 x 8.  While Electric Quilt can turn these all into a standard block size, the numbers on the rotary cutting chart start looking a bit scary.

We talked through how to resolve that issue. Since I  still had my panel quilt Electric Quilt 8 project open I demonstrated a process on how to design blocks that work well together. 

I started with one of the pieced border blocks from the Panel Quilt webinar.   Here is some background on drafting the block.  Just in case you missed the webinar.
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This block was drawn in EasyDraw with a width and height of 8 x 8.  

Set the snaps at 8 x 8 -- with snap to grid the only snap option turned on.

For the diamonds, you have flexibility in exactly where to put the horizontal and vertical lines.  I will typically modify the design to accommodate my favorite construction methods. 
Here was how I chose to draft the block.  I was thinking I would do 1-1/2" folded corners on 2-1/2" squares for the the "house" units.
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Alternatively, I could have drawn another line for a rectangle, flying geese unit, and two half square triangle units.

I love that EQ gives us the flexibility of deciding the way we want to piece a block.
Watch the video to see the process to draft the remaining blocks as quilt.
In todays video, I drafted the coordinating block using the same grid.
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Coordinating 8 x 8 grid block.
Add a binding to finish off a quilt that would be easy to piece.  This would make a great project Linus quilt -- or with some resizing (adjust the number of blocks horizontal and vertical), a quilt of valor.
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But I couldn't stop.  I began thinking about taking the modified 9-patch corner segments and create a pieced border that also works well with the pieced blocks in the center.
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Do you prefer the quilt with or without the pieced border?  Or maybe you have a different idea for a two block quilt.  Share your ideas in the Facebook group.
Two Block Quilt Learning EQ Facebook Post
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Happy quilting.

​Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the  Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.
​Happy quilting.
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Candy Cane Circular Quilt

12/17/2022

 
One week to Christmas.  The to do list is growing with everything I want completed "before" Christmas.  The project in this post is a fun one -- use it as a break when you need a little time to decompress from all of the holiday bustle. 

Scroll down to see the free EQ8 tutorial.  

I also want to check and make sure you have signed up for the free webinar -- right after Christmas.  Make sure to reserve your spot for this live webinar.

Turn Your Next Panel into a One of a Kind Quilt
​Free EQ8 Live Webinar

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How many times have you purchased (or contemplated purchasing) a panel and then struggled knowing what to do with it?  Obviously you can slap on a couple of straight borders, add a bit of basic quilting and the binding, and it is ready to go. 

But what if you want to do more?
  • Maybe you wish to personalize your panel with unique borders.
  • Or to cut up your panel and make it a series of blocks in your quilt.
  • Or maybe you just want a go-to method for working with any panel you currently own (or plan to purchase in the future).
Let me show you how to quickly get past the overwhelm and uncertainty in working with panels.  ​
When you join my free Electric Quilt 8 webinar, I will take you step by step through the entire process to create your own panel quilt.  In this live webinar, you will learn how to:  
 
  • ​Import a panel image into EQ8 and figure out the size of not only the complete panel, but any sections within the panel as well.
  • Subdivide the panel image to experiment with different options for using the panel in a quilt.
  • Learn how to personalize your quilt by designing coordinating blocks.
  • Learn my tricks for working with those awkward sizes that always seem to happen when designing around panels.
  • Learn how to create borders with multiple blocks that create flow and visual appeal.
Bonus for Attending Live
​
​
Each of the live webinars will have a drawing for one of the fabric panels used during the webinar.

You must be present during the drawing to win.
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What are you waiting for? Join us today.

Plus all participants will also receive a guidebook that you will be able to use as a reference both during and after the video.  
This will assist you when you're working on your project.
 
I can't wait to see your panel quilt design.

​Join us now. 
​
Free Webinar Registration Information

Choose the time that works the best below and register for this amazing fun webinar.  You won't be disappointed.

​For all those that attend live, I will be offering a special bonus offer as well.  Make sure to join me.  I can't wait to see you there.

A replay will be available for 24 hours if you cannot attend live.​  But you must register in advance to access the replay.
Date and Time
Tuesday, December 27
10 am Central Time
Tuesday, December 27
3 pm Central Time
Tuesday, December 27
8 pm Central Time
Registration Link
Enroll
Enroll
Enroll
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Candy Cane Circular Quilt

A super fun quilt for Christmas.
The Candy Cane block will be drawn as a combination block -- which combines both PolyDraw and Applique in the same block.

PolyDraw is the ideal tool for the wedges of the block as we can use the Circle Grid. 
The circle grid allows you to split the circle in an equal number of wedges and an equal number of rings.  Patches can be drawn by connecting any of the wedge/ring intersections. 

The other plus in using PolyDraw is the block does not need to be square or rectangular.  So rather than drawing a circle within a Square block -- the circle is the block.
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There is no need to learn all the Applique tools for this quilt, as we will use a block from the EQ library.

You will learn how to copy the applique (without the background) from one block to another.
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And you will then be introduced to WreathMaker.  WreathMaker is super fun as it can turn any applique into a wreath.
To color the block, I used the Noel fabric collection by Andover.  The collection was designed by Laundry Basket Quilts. 

​This was part of the Electric Quilt Stash collection (Download 01 for 2022).  The collections are $9.95 and can save you the work of downloading, cropping and resizing from the manufacturer websites.
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Here is the candy cane wreath block from the video.
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To add a finishing touch, I will also share how to draft a binding block in PolyDraw as well.
Finish off the quilt by setting the two blocks in Custom Set.  Change the size to accommodate the planned usage of the quilt. 
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I would love to see pictures of a circular quilt you designed in EQ -- it could be this one or a different project.  
Facebook Candy Cane Circular Quilt Post
No time to make the quilt?  Use it as your desktop background.  Or post to your Facebook newsfeed. so your friends and family can see your work.

Tech Know Quilters Showcase

Tech Know Quilter members shared some of their favorite projects (along with their own designs) from their October class.  You can learn more and sign up for the wait list to join this amazing group of designers here.
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Lee Wiencki I used all the lessons in Paper Piecing to make this.
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Loronda Schuler I used lessons past and mix and match medallion boarders to draw my own corner blocks and play with a different center and colors. Very fun.
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Cindy Meyer I used lessons in Working with Fabric Images to create this Quilt of Valor. I imported photos of fabric on hand and used them to create the quilt.
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Merle Rawson I played with the Twister Tesselations lessons to come up with my butterfly. After I created the quilt I moved the butterfly down so she was no longer centered. I hope to make this sometime for my bed.
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Eileen Tuss Specialty Rulers and Dies
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Julie Pedersen Here is my Tessellation class quilt.
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Edith Craig I drafted this quilt as part of the Master's Tesselation class and added some applique balls and a bow. It was fun to take the concepts from this class and draft something of my own.
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Curryanne Hostetler Here is my challenge.
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Candy Huddleston Here is one of the quilts I designed during my Landscapes Classes.
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Candy Huddleston Lovebird and Candy Here is one of the quilts I designed during my Landscapes Classes.
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Terry McCaskey I am making progress with foundation paper piecing. This quilt is a compilation of techniques from Kari's lessons this month. I doubt I will ever make a loon quilt but learning the techniques is always helpful.
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Zdenka Nemethova I enjoyed Advanced Easy Draw Class this month. I used Feathered Star block in this quilt.
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Nanne Panne I have taken the modern class this month and this is one of my quilts
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Nanne Panne And this is fun too.
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 Carol Mayhew   Here are three variations of the feathered star quilt from the Advanced Border Design class, The last two I added a 1" inner border and increased the number of diamonds to 17 to maintain the 45 degree angle that you mentioned in your video. The last quilt layout I changed the half dropped diamond border to the diamond border and changed the corner units so the points extend all the way to the meet the point of the diamond in the border. The first quilt I left the dark area around the spinning design (in the quilt body) but changed it to the background color in the others. 
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Debbi Treusch Here's my quilt from the Tessellation class where I turned a cross stitch pattern into a twister pattern.
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Dorothy Ilgner In October I was in the Tessilation Class. I liked the idea of transforming an embroidery pattern into a twister Tesselation and choose a peacock from one of my embroidery magazines.
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Zdenka Nemethová In Masters Class I applied Tessellation on a X-mas tree
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Anne Hurlburt My Tessellated Pumpkins quilt, in its finished form. Paper pieced.
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Pat Harkins My fall tessellations wreath with acorns and pine cones applique
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Mary Groesbeck In October, the Masters Class tessellated. This was a really fun class. One of my favorite designs for the month was Mr. Turkey. He would be tedious to piece (lots of blocks), but I could easily simplify him to have far fewer blocks.
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Happy quilting.

​Kari
​

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the  Free 12 Top Tips for EQ8 video guide.
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Applique From EQ8 to Cricut Silhouette or Brother Scan N Cut

12/10/2022

 
Scroll down for information on creating cut images from EQ8 applique.  But first -- check out a new live webinar happening right after Christmas.

Register for Free EQ8 Webinar after Christmas

Turn Your Next Panel into a One of a Kind Quilt

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How many times have you purchased (on contemplated purchasing) a panel and then struggled what to do with it?  Obviously you  can slap on a couple of straight borders, add a bit of basic quilting and the binding and it is ready to give away. 

But what if you want to do more?
  • Maybe you wish to personalize your panel with unique borders.
  • Or maybe you wish to cut up your panel and make it a series of blocks in your quilt.
  • Or maybe you just want a go to method for working with any panel you currently own (or plan to purchase in the future).

Let me show you how to quickly get past the overwhelm and uncertainty of working with panels. 

Join my free Electric Quilt 8 webinar where I will take you step by step through the entire process to create your own panel quilt.  In this live webinar, you will learn how to:  

  • ​import a panel image into EQ and figure out the sizes of sections of the panel.
  • subdivide the panel image to experiment with different options for using the panel in a quilt.
  • learn how to personalize your quilt by designing coordinating blocks.
  • learn my tricks for working with those awkward sizes that always seem to happen when designing around panels.
  • learn how to create borders with multiple blocks that create flow and visual appeal.

What are you waiting for? Join us today.

Plus you will also receive a guidebook that you will be able to use as a reference both during and after the video.  This will assist you when you're working on your project.
 
I can't wait to see your panel quilt design.

​Join us now. 
​
Free Webinar Registration Information

Choose the time that works the best below and register for this amazing fun webinar.  You won't be disappointed.

​For all those that attend live, I will be offering a special bonus offer as well.  Make sure to join me.  I can't wait to see you there.

A replay will be available for 24 hours if you cannot attend live.​  But you must register in advance to access the replay.
Date and Time
Tuesday, December 27
10 am Central Time
Tuesday, December 27
3 pm Central Time
Tuesday, December 27
8 pm Central Time
Registration Link
Enroll
Enroll
Enroll
Local Time
Time Zone Converter
Time Zone Converter
Time Zone Converter

APPLIQUE FROM EQ8 TO CRICUT SILHOUETTE OR BROTHER SCAN N CUT

Last week I shared how to draft your own Ice Skating Motif using Electric Quilt 8.   If you want to see the power of EQ8 up close and personal (and learn more about the applique tools) you will definitely want to check out this post. 
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Ice Skate Applique Motif Blog Post
In this video, I will share how to convert your EQ Applique drawing into an SVG file.  An SVG file allows you to use the images (exactly as drawn) in the electronic cutting system of your choice -- Cricut, Silhouette, or Brother Scan N Cut.

While many of the cutting systems will suggest using their tracing features, I have had mixed success with traces.  Often they can muddy aspects of the images and they are really not successful in pictures with layered images.  So I knew I wanted a technique that preserved the integrity of the initial drawing in Electric Quilt.

I found that the key to success is an extra piece of software called Inkscape.  
What is Inkscape?

The extra piece of software I used for creating the SVGs is Inkscape.  Inkscape is a professional vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It's free and open source. 

Inkscape can seem overwhelming to use when you open it for the first time. However you only need to use a couple of tools within Inkscape -- so this really is a piece of cake. You can download Inkscape here.

Inkscape will allow you to create an SVG file which may be used in any electronic cutting system (Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, or Brother Canvas Workspace).

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.  My Translation -- Much cleaner of an image than any trace in a cutting system.
Best Tips from the Video

Electric Quilt Tips
  • Color your block with colors (not fabric).
  • Print to a pdf writer.  If you need a pdf writer check out these free options:
    • Cute PDF Writer for Windows  (www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp)
    • RWTS PDFwriter for MAC  (https://github.com/rodyager/RWTS-PDFwriter)
  • If you have stitch (thread) lines, turn on print block and patch outlines.  Otherwise turn them off.

Inkscape Tips
  • Ungroup everything.
  • Patches will have both outlines and fill.  Delete the outlines and keep the fill.
  • Thread will only have fill.
  • Group everything and note the size.
  • Save as an svg file.

Cricut Design Space Tips
  • Once importing the svg file, resize the group to match the size noted in Inkscape.  (Depending on the latest update, the size may be correct or may not be correct.  So always check.)
  • Use Deboss if you wish to create an impression (for thread) rather than a cut.
  • Select Attach to keep the thread with the related patch.

Card Ideas Using the Cut Ice Skates

The following cards were make from my stash of card making supplies using the Ice Skating motif design in Electric Quilt 8 and cut with my Cricut Maker. 

I am a huge Stampin Up fan and a part-time distributor (i.e. I want the purchasing discount) -- but I also accumulate supplies from a variety of other sources.  I think of card making like making scrap quilts -- use what you have on hand!
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Ice Skate Card #1 - Supplies and Measurements
  • Card Base:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2", folded at 4-1/4"
  • Background:  4" x 5-1/4"
  • Layered Plaid Paper:  2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
  • Stamped Images:  Ringed With Nature Stamp Set from Stamping Up.  (Hand trimmed the poinsettias)
  • Pine Needles cut with Winter Welcome Sled dies by Spellbinders
  • Red Ribbon cut 6-1/2"
  • EQ skates cut from glimmer white (boot), grey cardstock (heal), foil cardstock (blade)
  • Not sure about the tag die cut source (size approximately 2-3/4" x 1/2".
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Ice Skate Card #2 - Supplies and Measurements
  • Card Base:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2", folded at 4-1/4"
  • White cardstock:  4" x 5-1/4".  Split Card Texture dies from Stampin Up used for cut-away.
  • Christmas paper cut 3" x 5" attached to back of die-cut white cardstock.
  • Stamped Images:  Ringed With Nature Stamp Set from Stamping Up.  (Hand trimmed the poinsettias)
  • Foil Snowflakes from  Barn Dies by Stampin Up
  • Green Leaf from retired Poinsettia Petals dies.  Embossed with  Wintery 3D Embossing folders (pine bough pattern) from Stampin Up.
  • Red Ribbon cut 4-1/2" and 3".  (Ribbon as 1/4" wide).
  • EQ skates cut from glimmer white (boot), grey cardstock (heal), foil cardstock (blade)
  • Not sure about the tag die cut source (size approximately 2-3/4" x 1/2").
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Ice Skate Card #3 - Supplies and Measurements
  • Card Base:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2", folded at 4-1/4"
  • Plaid paper:  4" x 5-1/4".  
  • Stamped Sentiment:  Ringed With Nature Stamp Set from Stamping Up.  
  • Poinsettia and Green Leaf from retired Poinsettia Petals dies.  Embossed with  Wintery 3D Embossing folders (pine bough pattern) from Stampin Up.
  • EQ skates cut from glimmer white (boot), grey cardstock (heal), foil cardstock (blade)
  • Not sure about the tag die cut source (size approximately 2-3/4" x 1/2").

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Happy quilting.

​Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the  Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.
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Ice Skate Applique Motif

12/3/2022

 
This week I have been seriously getting started with Christmas cards.  Although I have a lot of Stampin Up supplies, they do not have an ice skate.  So I decided to use Electric Quilt 8 to make my own ice skate. 

The design does take a bit of time to draw.  The original video was around 35 minutes --but since nobody has time to watch a long video this month, I shortened it a lot (to around 12 minutes).  When new points are presented, I talk through the mechanics -- but then speed up the video to demonstrate the execution.
Here are the images used in the video.  They may be downloaded and used for tracing your own ice skate.
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Ice Skate Motif created in EQ8 by Kari Schell
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Individual Patches for Ice Skate Motif

Ready to Learn the Applique Tools in Electric Quilt 8?

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Purchase Introduction to Applique Online Class
My plans are to open enrollment for Tech Know Quilters at the end of December.  (The membership is a more economical way to take the class.)
Register for Wait List for Tech Know Quilters
For those new to Applique (or would like to learn at a slower and more methodical approach), I offer an Introduction to Applique class.  It is offering in Tech Know Quilters - a membership focused on mastery of Electric Quilt 8.  

I have also included a few of the beginning Tech Know Quilter classes in my store -- for those that would like to try a class before joining the membership.  
Introduction to Applique Agenda
  • Lesson 1:   Star Flower (Precision tool bar and Line tool)
  • Lesson 2:   Flower and Vine Blocks – Modifying a Block from the Library (Pick tool)
  • Lesson 3:   Octagon and Hexagon Flowers (Shapes tool)
  • Lesson 4:   Octagon Rose (Edit tool)
  • Lesson 5:   Leaf Flower (Bezier and Freehand tools)
  • Lesson 6:   WreathMaker
  • Lesson 7:   Overlapping Heart Flower
  • Lesson 8:   Eleanor’s Applique Quilt
  • Lesson 9:   Flower Basket
  • Lesson 10: Pac-Man Tulip
  • Lesson 11: Freehand Meander Design plus Quilt
  • Lesson 12: Bonus: Pattern Design - Print and Export Instructions Part 2
Here are a few images shared by Tech Know Quilter members after completing the Introduction to Applique class.
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Nanne Panne (combined elements of the class with original applique)
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Ad Sumida
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Mary Groesbeck
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Zdenka Nemethova
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Dianna Carter said the class was so fun, she had to design an extra quilt. She never though she would love to do applique.
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Linda Goldfarb

Using the Ice Skate Design in Christmas Cards

I thought I would give you a sneak peak on how I chose to use the ice skate.  I cut them out using my Cricket Maker -- and created a few designs using other card making supplies I had on hand. 

I am planning to make about a dozen cards for friends in my ice skating community.  Our Christmas party is next week -- so I best get busy.

I will talk more about how I transferred the design  and used it in Cricut Design Space next week.
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My original card design in EQ. This used two skates and the bow from the EQ Library.
I am also thinking that the skate could be used in a Christmas tree ornament as well.  And could definitely be part of a quilt.  What do you think? 

I look forward to seeing your ice skate.  Feel free to share pictures in the Learning EQ Facebook group.​
Learning EQ Facebook Group Ice Skate Post
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Happy quilting.

​Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the  Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.
​Happy quilting.
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    Free guide available for newsletter subscribers
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    Kari Schell

    Electric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer.

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