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
Check out the full process in the video tutorial.
Here is the quilt from the video.
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. 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+.
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 GroesbeckElly da SilvaRenae Butler
Renae started with two different blocks (each with 8 lines)
Kristy Goodin SoardDenise MohlerRoxanna KhouryLynne MaramieriKatherine MartinEdith 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 McCaskeyDianna CarterBrigitte LeeJulie PedersenCurryanne HostetlerCandy 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).
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.
When I think of Labor Day, I think of picnics, barbeques, and a last trip to celebrate the end of summer.
Or that it is back to school time for many. I found it fascinating to learn a little bit more about origin of Labor Day in the US.
According to the Department of Labor, Labor Day is observed the first Monday in September. Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
When doing a search for Labor Day quilts, I couldn't find any -- so I decided to design one of my own. Using Electric Quilt 8 (of course). For the quilt I decided to include a five pointed applique star decorated with "flag fabrics" as recognition that this is a federal holiday in the US. I also decided to include a variety of tools -- as they represent items used by many of the early workers in the US. Fortunately, I found blocks that would work in the EQ8 Library under Foundation Pieced>Tools.
For coloring the blocks and quilt, I used:
Learn how to draft the block and quilt in this video.
Here is my final quilt.
Pick a text that is available on your computer (and is available in your drop down under the EQ Typeface options). I used a font called Permanent Marker. I am not sure of the source, but I liked the more casual look and feel for this quilt.
Of course this star would not need to be just for Labor Day. I would love to see what you choose to do with it.
I've set up a post in the Learning EQ Facebook group, where you can share pictures of your quilt(s).
A four day flash sale for Tech Know Quilters will be starting on Monday, August 26, 2024. To get information, make sure to subscribe to my On Point Quilter newsletter.
PolyDraw Wagon Wheels - New Block and Quilt
The blocks and quilt I am sharing today were designed by Mary Groesbeck. Mary is a pattern designer, longarm quilter and a member of my Tech Know Quilters membership program. Check out some of Mary’s other work on her website.
If you have used PolyDraw in Electric Quilt 8, you may have noticed that nodes can only be placed at intersections of a grid. That can make it a bit of a challenge when a block needs to combine two different grids.
The Wagon Wheel block has aspects of a circular grid -- but the layout has sashing in the center of the block. This sashing cannot be part of the circular grid. So for that we will need to use the rectangle grid. Sound confusing. It really isn't. Check out the video tutorial and see how you can combine those grids for the Wagon Wheels block and quilt.
Here are the blocks from the video.
Here are two quilts -- the one I drew during the video and Mary's original quilt.
I would love to see what you do with the Wagon Wheel block. Feel free to share pictures in the Learning EQ8 Facebook group.
Tech Know Quilter Showcase
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.
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Kari SchellElectric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer. Categories
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