A new EQ8 tutorial for you today. I think you will enjoy this fun idea for a new block -- that looks much more complicated than it is.
Plus be inspired by the most recent designs from Tech Know Quilter members. Flutterby Blocks and Quilt
Did you know that Flutterby is another name for Butterfly? Which do you prefer?
For this project, I am using the Rooville fabric collection designed by Kimberly Einmo for Benartex. This was a free download from Electric Quilt for November 2023.
Use the Serendipity Feature to create multiple versions of the block. In Shrink and Flip, EQ shrinks the selected block, then flips and rotates it in the four quadrants to create a new block. Here were the two options I decided to use for my quilt.
For the quilt, I suggest using a horizontal layout.
Set the number of blocks at 4 by 4 with a size of 6" for each block. Of course it would be easy to add more blocks or change the size of the blocks if you would like bigger Flutterbys. Under sashing, select a size of 3". This was the size of the original Flutterby block. Also select the option to include sashed borders.
Check out the video for all the details on creating the Flutterby blocks and quilt.
I would love to see your designs. Feel free to share pictures on the Learning EQ Facebook group. I've set up a dedicated spot for your pictures.
To personalize the project, swap out the Flutterby block with your own 3" block and use the same concepts to create a new quilt. Tech Know Quilters January Showcase
Every month I challenge Tech Know Quilter members to apply what they have been learning in the Tech Know Quilter classes. I am so proud of this group of quilters as they share their creativity with us.
Would you like to join this amazing group of designers and quilters? Click on the Learn More Image to find out about Tech Know Quilters.
In the video, I share three different template options from Electric Quilt 8:
Whenever you use a cutting system, make sure the sizes are correct before cutting. Cutting systems have their own "logic", which may not import the correct sizes.
**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.
In the video, I shared that I changed the size of the template to 2" x 6". This size made a perfect basket that I used to make some Valentine's Day cards. More on that below.
Whether or not you choose to make the Swedish Heart basket, I suspect you will find the information on using Electric Quilt 8 with a cutting system incredibly valuable.
If you would like to share your results, I have set up a Facebook post in the Learning EQ Facebook Group. Constructing the 3D Swedish Hearts Basket
I made one basket with cardstock and a couple with fabric. The cardstock weaving was a bit harder as I was trying not to bend the paper and I hadn't put any wiggle room in the cuts. (Learning from my mistake, I did add the wiggle room in the cut in the video.)
Here are my cards with the Swedish Baskets. I was able to fit a piece of candy in each of the baskets.
Card Construction Information:
Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 Basic White cardstock. Scored and folded at 4-1/2". Scalloped Card Front: Stampin Up Scalloped Contours Dies (155560). Paper was Sale-A-Bration. Most Adored paper. Free with a $50 order placed before the end of February 2024. Swedish Heart Baskets: Cut out on Cricut Maker using the templates from this video. The middle card was cut from the Most Adored Sale-A-Bration paper. The other cut from fabric in my stash. Other Smaller Decorative Hearts: Stampin Up Adoring Heart dies (currently unavailable). I layered three of the cut pieces together and for two of the cards added a plain heart in back.
If you would like to order Stampin Up Supplies through me, you will be able to do so here.
When checking out enter the host code J3NW7MWC. (If you order by the end of February and your order totals $50, make sure to select your Sale-A-Bration gift.) I will be sending a small gift to those who order using my host code. :) Other Valentine Cards (for my nieces and nephews)
I love blocks and quilts comprised of all types of hearts. The design I am sharing today could be used for Valentine's Day -- or would also look super cute in a baby quilt.
In my video tutorial, you will learn how to trace the red heart and the elephant. And then use your creativity to modify the design and create your own small quilt.
Here is the quilt created during the video.
Share your quilt in the Learning EQ Facebook group. I would love to see your design.
Another new heart block and quilt. This one was inspired by an email I received from Fran H. (a talented Tech Know Quilters member) on a Swedish Heart Christmas ornament.
In this weeks video tutorial, I will share how to draft an interwoven heart using the Applique toolkit in Electric Quilt 8 and a new quilt featuring this block.
Woven Unit IdeasAny EasyDraw block that can be drawn with horizontal and vertical lines than can be drawn from one edge of the block to the other, is perfect for incorporating in a Swedish Heart Basket block. Here are a few examples I came up with. Drafting the Swedish Heart Basket Block
Set up a block size double the size of the segment of your block that is comprise of squares and rectangles.
For my four by four grid, I set up an eight inch block and placed the four by four grid in the upper left corner. Set the snaps horizontal and vertical at 8 x 8. Under Snapping Options, turn on Snap to Grid and Snap Whole Patch to Grid Point. Under Shapes find the square and drag a 1" square on the worktable. Clone and reposition for 16 squares in the upper left corner.
Drafting the Alternate Blocks
Create pieced blocks comprised of half square triangle units and rectangles for sashing and cornerstone units.
As a bonus, these same blocks will be used in the border (at the exact same sizes as in the sashing and cornerstones. Swedish Basket Heart Quilt LayoutQuilt Borders
Putting Together the Quilt Design
Watch the video for more information on how to draft the blocks and quilt using Electric Quilt 8.
Here is the final quilt from the video.
Think through how you could personalize the design. A few ideas:
Share your quilt in the Learning EQ Facebook group. I would love to see your design.
The block for this weeks tutorial is primarily pieced and drafted in EasyDraw. But includes some optional heart applique motifs. I used the fabric collection Leather and Lace and Amazing Grace to color the block and quilt.
I combined the hearts with the fabric collection for the name of my new block - Heartfelt Grace. Scroll down to see some fantastic EQ8 designs in the latest Tech Know Quilter showcase. Heartfelt Grace Electric Quilt 8 Tutorial
The inspiration for this block came from two different blocks in Block Base+.
Block Base Plus is based Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. This book is the perfect resource for identifying 4000+ historic blocks plus the names and publishing information. The blocks are EQ friendly and can be used in Electric Quilt 8. Check out my review of Block Base + here.
Adding Bands Around the Octagon Shape
Heartfelt Grace Quilt Design
See how to create your own Heartfelt Block and Quilt in the complete video tutorial.
Here are the quilts from the video.
I also did a variation of the quilt -- with just one block. Valentines Day is just around the corner. So this might be an easier option to be complete in time.
It isn't included in the video, but I played with a couple of different fabric collections as well.
I look forward to seeing what you decide to do with this design -- or maybe you will be inspired to create your own "banded" block. Share your creation in the Learning EQ Facebook Group.
Tech Know Quilters Showcase
Each month I encourage Tech Know Quilter members to share favorite projects from their class for the month and applications of the concepts for their own quilts. Here are their submitted designs for the December Month-End Challenge.
I am so grateful to be able to assist an amazing group of quilters and designers in their Electric Quilt journey.
Tech Know Quilters is a membership program focused on mastery of Electric Quilt 8. We have members at all stages of their Electric Quilt journey.
Click here to learn more. |
Kari SchellElectric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer. Categories
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