ON POINT QUILTER
  • Blog
  • About
  • EQ8 Training
    • Tech Know Quilters
    • EQ8 Made Easy
    • Electric Quilt 8 Sneak Peek
  • Store
  • Contact
  • Majestic View EQ8 Free Live Webinar
  • TKQ Current Class List January 2026
  • Tech Know Quilters Six Month Pass
Picture

Upcoming Mix and Match Winter Wall Hanging Webinar

12/28/2024

 
Live webinar options on Monday and Tuesday.  Make sure to register today!
Picture
How often do you look at a cute quilt on Pinterest or in a favorite magazine  and wish you knew how you could harness your own inner creativity to create your own quilted work of art.  I am super excited to share with you how to use your favorite blocks (or create new ones) -- and turn them into a personal masterpiece.
Imagine a world where you can:
  • Confidently draft blocks using an easy to master formula, to create a personal library of designs for your future quilts.
  • Create a layout that allows your blocks to shine (even when they are not all the same size).
  • Experiment with various fabric collections to find the perfect match for your blocks and personal style.
  • Easily swap out blocks in your quilt -- until your find the perfect design.  Just for you!
​
Join me for an enlightening live webinar where I will guide you through every step of the process, focusing on creating Mix and Match Winter Wall Hanging blocks and quilts.
In this exclusive webinar, you'll:
Picture
​Learn to draft a series of blocks suitable for a winter wall hanging.
Picture
Discover the power of custom set as you combine blocks of different sizes in your quilt -- and add spacers to fill in the holes.   Discover the power of custom set as you combine blocks of different sizes in your quilt -- and add spacers to fill in the holes.   
Picture
Learn how to design additional blocks that can be replacements for blocks in your first quilt.
Picture
Learn to create a touch of whimsy with added embellishments and embroidery to your design.
Register now to secure your stop for this exclusive webinar.
Date and Time
Registration Link
Local Time
Monday, December 30
10 am Central Time
December 30 10 AM Registration
Time Zone Converter
Monday, December 30
7 pm Central Time
December 30 7 PM Registration
Time Zone Converter
Tuesday, December 31
3 pm Central Time
December 31 3 PM Registration
Time Zone Converter

Tech Know Quilters Month End Challenge

At the end of each month, Tech Know Quilter members are challenged to apply what they learned during the month. 
​
Here are their recent submissions.

Each person submitting a design, moved beyond replicating their lessons.  They took the concepts and designed their own quilts.  I think they did an awesome job.
Picture
Julie Payne Smith Transparency Quilt from Modern Quilts 2 lessons.This took some extra effort and thinking since I changed the block that I used, the size of the blocks and sashing, and I put the big transparent block in a place that didn't align with the smaller block edges. I really like the result! Thanks for all the great lessons, Kari!
Picture
Curryanne Hostetler my Challenge...quilt round with straight lines.
Picture
Rachel Chandler I completed Intro to Easy Draw this week and learned many things I did not learn when participating in the Olympic Quilt Challenge. Thank you Kari for your great instruction. I am happy I did not skip ahead. I had fun with the Serendipity feature and one of the blocks we drew. It is simple, but my own.
Picture
Julie Pedersen This is my Wall Shelf from the Illusions Master class. I applied what I had forgotten to finish this one...I had forgotten to save as I went along.
Picture
Henriette Koks-Oosterveer My Monthly assignment from Introduction to Easy Draw. This was also a lot of fun to do. Looking forward to the next assignment.
Picture
Fran Heisey My class this month was Masters Illusions. I just can't stop playing with straight lines that appear to be curved. My Dad had a damaged retina in one eye. This quilt reminds me of his description of what his vision was like in that eye. This illusion works really well on paper, I wonder if it would work as well in fabric.
Picture
Edith Craig My class this month was Masters Illusions. This quilt is a variation of one of the class quilts and shows that a circular appearance can be made from square and rectangular patches. I like the way the colors radiate out from the center.
Picture
Fran Heisey My Class this month was Masters Sashiko Inspired Quilts. The 2 quilts I am posting used skills I learned in the final 4 lessons of the month. I did cheat a bit, instead of drafting sashiko diamond blocks, I added diamond shaped holes to the Hemp Leaf quilt and then placed the circle blocks from previous lessons under the holes. I am thinking Christmas, rather than traditional Sashiko colors.
Picture
Fran Heisey Christmas Sashiko 2
Picture
Julie Pedersen I took the Masters Sashiko Inspired Quilts class this month. I used techniques from several of the lessons to create this quilt. I had fun putting this quilt together. I did use a differentiation of the Hemp leaf block that was a bonus lesson I left a space in between the points to create an open star. I also use the sashiko blocks that we created on layer 3 to simulate embroidery or quilting stitches.
Picture
Edith Craig My class this month was Masters Sashiko Inspired Quilts. I used the blocks we drafted to make a holiday wall hanging, adding some bows and stringing the balls together. This was a fun class and gave an interesting look at using the thread tools and applique.
Learn More About Tech Know Quilters
Picture
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.
Picture

Christmas Tree Typography

12/21/2024

 
I saw an image on Facebook where they used alphabet blocks to spell out a Christmas message in the shape of a Christmas tree.

After looking at this, I knew I could do something similar in Electric Quilt 8.

​I look forward to sharing how to do it in this weeks blog post.

Before checking out the lesson, make sure to register for the free EQ8 webinar happening right after Christmas.  I am looking forward to sharing a new projects (along with the insights in using Electric Quilt 8) in a live settings.

Mix and Match Winter Wall Hanging Webinar Registration Now Open

Picture
How often do you look at a cute quilt on Pinterest or in a favorite magazine  and wish you knew how you could harness your own inner creativity to create your own quilted work of art.  I am super excited to share with you how to use your favorite blocks (or create new ones) -- and turn them into a personal masterpiece.
Imagine a world where you can:
  • Confidently draft blocks using an easy to master formula, to create a personal library of designs for your future quilts.
  • Create a layout that allows your blocks to shine (even when they are not all the same size).
  • Experiment with various fabric collections to find the perfect match for your blocks and personal style.
  • Easily swap out blocks in your quilt -- until your find the perfect design.  Just for you!
​
Join me for an enlightening live webinar where I will guide you through every step of the process, focusing on creating Mix and Match Winter Wall Hanging blocks and quilts.
In this exclusive webinar, you'll:
​Learn to draft a series of blocks suitable for a winter wall hanging.
Discover the power of custom set as you combine blocks of different sizes in your quilt -- and add spacers to fill in the holes.   ​
Learn how to design additional blocks that can be replacements for blocks in your first quilt.
Learn to create a touch of whimsy with added embellishments and embroidery to your design.
Register now to secure your stop for this exclusive webinar.

Date and Time
Registration Link
Local Time
Monday, December 30
10 am Central Time
December 30 10 AM Registration
Time Zone Converter
Monday, December 30
7 pm Central Time
December 30 7 PM Registration
Time Zone Converter
Tuesday, December 31
3 pm Central Time
December 32 3 PM Registration
Time Zone Converter

Christmas Tree Typography Tutorial

Start by gathering (or creating) a collection of alphabet blocks.
​
Within Electric Quilt ,there are a few alphabets built into the EQ8 library including the following..

Letters and Numbers 1 and 2 -- These are part of Classic Pieced and are rotary cutting friendly patches.
Picture
Letters and Numbers
Under Foundation Pieced blocks there are five different options
  • Alphabet - Basic
  • Alphabet - Funky
  • Alphabet - Greek
  • Alphabet - Hebrew
  • Alphabet - Ribbon
Picture
Alphabet - Basic
Picture
Alphabet - Funky
Picture
Alphabet - Greek
Picture
Alphabet - Hebrew
Picture
Alphabet - Ribbon
Under Motifs there are three different options. 
  • Alphabet
  • Alphabet Blocks
  • Alphabet Fancy

Motifs are applique blocks that don't have a background.
Picture
Alphabet
Picture
Alphabet Blocks
Picture
Alphabet Fancy
Under overlaid you can find the Embellished Alphabet which combines pieced blocks with applique motifs.
Picture
Embellished Alphabet
For the Christmas Typography quilt, you can use any of the alphabets for your quilt.  

However, if you chose an alphabet from the Motif library, the letters will not have a background.  This will requiring putting your letters on layer 2 -- essentially separating the letters from the blocks.  Or you need to create new blocks -- with a background.
I loved the Alphabet library under Motifs -- but knew I wanted a background for each block.

In the video I will take you through the process of how you can add a background to any Applique motif.  

It does take a little bit of time.  But once you have completed the process, you can put them in your own personal library.  This will ensure your blocks are easily imported into any EQ8 project.
A Surprise Christmas Gift for You
Picture
If that seems a bit daunting, I have a Christmas gift for you.  Feel free to open before Christmas.  It is a collection of the Alphabet Motif library from EQ8 -- with the Background added.

​This will only be able to be used with EQ8.

I have gone through and added backgrounds to the Alphabet library under motifs.  I've set up a personal library (labeled Alphabet).  In this library, I have three sub-categories:
  • Capital Letters
  • Numbers
  • ​Small Letters
Picture
In order to share this file on my website, I needed to compress and upload it as a .ZIP file.  You can access and download the zip file by selecting the Alphabet with Background .BLK file button below.
Alphabet with Background .BLK File
After downloading to your computer, you will need to un-compress it.  This process will vary depending on your operating system. 

Once the file is uncompressed, place your .BLK file in your My EQ8>User Favorites folder.  This will ensure will be accessible in EQ8.
Picture

The Alphabet.BLK file cannot be opened -- so don't try to open it.  

However if you open Electric Quilt and go to libraires>My Favorite Blocks, you will find the Alphabet library and all the blocks.  

These blocks can be added to any project by selecting Select All Blocks followed by Add to Sketchbook.  This will need to be done for each sub-category you wish to include in your project.
Picture
Alphabet Motif Library Created under My Favorite Blocks
In the video tutorial, I will also share with you you a fast way to set up a horizontal strip quilt with 2" blocks (perfect for your Alphabet blocks).

Drop in your alphabet blocks to create your Christmas Typography tree.  If you use my text, four of the blocks will need to be set on Layer 2.

Color the alphabet blocks, the background, border and add a star for the top of the tree.

All this is reviewed in the video tutorial.
Picture
Initial draft of the Christmas Tree with Alphabet blocks/
Picture
Recolored Christmas Tree
Picture
Final Christmas Tree Typography Quilt
To make this quilt, I will cut out the letters on my Cricut Maker. 

Any electronic cutting system would do (or you can use templates from EQ).  For the squares, I would cut a collection of 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" green and tan scraps from my stash. 

​I don't think I will need any new fabrics to finish this quilt.
I look forward to seeing what you do with this concept.  What else could you do with adding words to the tree?

Share your quilts in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
Learning EQ Facebook Group for Christmas Typography Quilt

Picture
​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.
Picture

Gifted Placemats

12/14/2024

 
This time of the year, I am always looking for gift ideas.

And we all know that quilted gifts are the best way to show that you care.

I came up with an idea for a placemat that looks like the top of a package. Complete with bows (inspired by four patch blocks from the EQ8 library).

I kept them simple -- so that there is plenty of time to piece and quilt these before your next holiday event.

​Scroll down for the tutorial.

-- Announcement --

Make sure to get registered for the free Electric Quilt live webinar that will be happening right after Christmas (choose between times on December 30 or 31).  More information below.
Picture
How often do you look at a cute quilt on Pinterest or in a favorite magazine  and wish you knew how you could harness your own inner creativity to create your own quilted work of art.  I am super excited to share with you how to use your favorite blocks (or create new ones) -- and turn them into a personal masterpiece.
​
Imagine a world where you can:
  • Confidently draft blocks using an easy to master formula, to create a personal library of designs for your future quilts.
  • Create a layout that allows your blocks to shine (even when they are not all the same size).
  • Experiment with various fabric collections to find the perfect match for your blocks and personal style.
  • Easily swap out blocks in your quilt -- until your find the perfect design.  Just for you!
​
Join me for an enlightening live webinar where I will guide you through every step of the process, focusing on creating Mix and Match Winter Wall Hanging blocks and quilts.
In this exclusive webinar, you'll:
​Learn to draft a series of blocks suitable for a winter wall hanging.
Discover the power of custom set as you combine blocks of different sizes in your quilt -- and add spacers to fill in the holes.   ​
Learn how to design additional blocks that can be replacements for blocks in your first quilt.
Learn to create a touch of whimsy with added embellishments and embroidery to your design.
Register now to secure your stop for this exclusive webinar.

Date and Time
Registration Link
Local Time
Monday, December 30
10 am Central Time
Dec 30 10 am Registration
Time Zone Converter
Monday, December 30
7 pm Central Time
Dec 30 7 pm Registration
Time Zone Converter
Tuesday, December 31
3 pm Central Time
Dec 31 3 pm Registration
Time Zone Converter

Gifted Placemats EQ8 Tutorial

To get started on your gifted placemats, set up a new project in Electric Quilt and load a fabric collection of your choice.

For fabric, I chose to use the White Linen Christmas Collection by Northcott.  This collection is included in Stash Download #1 for 2023.

If you don't have the EQ stash collection, feel free to download the fabrics directly from the Northcott site. 

When you are using the Northcott site, make sure to use the Download Fabric Files button to obtain the zip file.

Picture
White Linen Christmas Collection from Northcott
While I used the White Linen Christmas Collection for the placemats in the video,  for my extra projects I decided to play with:
  • Woodland Woolies designed by Deborah Edwards for Northcott
  • Cotswold Holiday Collection by Morris & Co for Free Spirit
​Both of these were part of a 2024 Stash Collection from Electric Quilt.
Design a basic placemat block in EasyDraw.  I suggest using the size of 18 x 12 (which is a pretty standard placemat size).

Draw the ribbons and add a square around the ribbon for the "bow".  When drawing the square make sure to extend one of the lines to the outside edge of the block.  This will ensure you block will stay piecing friendly.

​Make sure to save (add to sketchbook) after drawing your basic block.
Picture
Basic Placemat Block Drawn in Easy Draw with Spaces for the Bow
Here are the blocks I used as inspiration for the "bow" portion of my placemats.  These are from the Four Patch category in the EQ8 Block Library.  But there are so many more to chose from.

Take a quarter of the inspiration blocks and draft it in the squares in the EasyDraw placemat block.
Picture
Turnstyle Block
Picture
Whirlpool Block
Picture
School Girls Puzzle Block
Picture
Flying-X Block
Watch the video tutorial for step by step instructions fon creating your own gifted placemats.
Here are the finished quilts from the video.
Picture
Turnstyle Placemat
Picture
Whirlpool Placemat
Picture
School Girls Puzzle Placemat
Picture
Flying-X Placemat
I am looking forward to see how you will design your placemat.  Which block will you use for your bow? Share your design in the Learning EQ Facebook Group.
Learning EQ Facebook Group Post for Gifted Placemats
Picture
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.
Picture

Hung By the Chimney

12/7/2024

 
I think you will love the stockings in this weeks Electric Quilt 8 tutorial -- along with my technique for incorporating pieced blocks in the base of the stocking. 
The block for this tutorial starts with an applique block from the EQ8 library -- with a number of modifications.

One of the best features of Electric Quilt 8 is the ability to modify any of the 6000 included blocks in the EQ8 program. 

​This can be particularly helpful if you are still learning to use the program and struggle with a particular toolkit. 
Picture
Stocking with Polka Dots from the EQ Block Library
The modifications, I chose to make include:
  • Deleting the dots.
  • Coloring with a Christmas fabric collection.
  • Resizing the background block -- and adjusting the applique image for the new block size.
  • Creating a log cabin block and then using the log cabin block to color the base of the stocking.
  • Adding names to the cuff of the stocking.
Picture
Dots Deleted. Block size changed to 8" x 12" to better highlight the shape of the stocking.
Picture
Stocking colored with Shrink and Flip Log Cabin block.
For fabric, I chose to use the White Linen Christmas Collection by Northcott.  This collection is included in Stash Download #1 for 2023.

If you don't have the EQ stash collection, feel free to download the fabrics directly from the Northcott site. 

​Make sure to use the Download Fabric Files button to obtain the zip file.
Picture
White Linen Christmas Collection from Northcott
Add names to the stockings on the Quilt Worktable.

Use the Text tool. You can select from the allowable fonts on your computer.  I chose to use a chunkier font as it will be easier to cut out and applique on my stockings.  And I will be fusing the text!

Set the text on Layer 2.

Resize and rotate the names to fit on the cuffs.
PictureHung from the Chimney Created by Kari Schell
Check out the complete process in this weeks video tutorial.

How many stockings will you include in your quilt? 

I am also curious what modifications you will make.  Note that you are not limited to a log cabin block for the base of the stocking.  Pick a different block.  Or color the stocking with a single fabric piece.

I look forward to seeing your design. 

Feel free to share pictures in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
Learning EQ Facebook Group Post for Hung by the Chimney Quilt
Construction of the Log Cabin Section of the Block

​First decide how many log cabins are visible in your stocking.

In this stocking, I have five sections.  But I know that I will be able to construct four foundations and cut two of the smaller sections from the same foundation.


Picture
Log Cabin 3" x 3" sections on the stocking.
Return to the original log cabin block.  Print foundations with a finished size of 3 x 3.  Make sure to turn on Print as Many Blocks as Fit to save on paper.​
Picture
Options Settings for Log Cabin Foundations
Picture
Log Cabin Foundations produced in EQ8
Time Saving Suggestion

If you don't have time to piece the log cabin blocks, print your shrink and flip block on fabric.  Make sure to turn off patch and block outlines before printing.

My favorite fabric for printing  is the EQ Printables.
Picture
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.
Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Free guide available for newsletter subscribers
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Kari Schell

    Electric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer.

    Categories

    All
    Art And Stitch
    Cricut Maker
    Dear Jane
    Electric Quilt 7
    Electric Quilt 8
    Goose Goose Duck Challenge
    Inkscape
    Patterns
    Silhouette Cameo
    Stampin Up
    Tips And Techniques
    Tools And Rulers

    Archives

    February 2026
    January 2026
    December 2025
    November 2025
    October 2025
    September 2025
    August 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013

    RSS Feed

Contact:
On Point Quilter
e-mail:  [email protected]
phone:  763-566-6536

GET MY NEWSLETTER FOR REGULAR EQ AWESOMENESS!

* indicates required
  • Blog
  • About
  • EQ8 Training
    • Tech Know Quilters
    • EQ8 Made Easy
    • Electric Quilt 8 Sneak Peek
  • Store
  • Contact
  • Majestic View EQ8 Free Live Webinar
  • TKQ Current Class List January 2026
  • Tech Know Quilters Six Month Pass