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Wonky Star Sashing Quilt

6/14/2025

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Last week, I shared how to create a quilt where sashing is the star.  The sashing in that quilt was done with just squares and rectangles.
This week, I decided to focus on a different set of sashing blocks in the EQ8 Block Library.

Under Star Sashing, I found 28 different star point blocks suitable for sashing spaces in a quilt.  As I went through each of the blocks, I discovered a number of different sub-categories within this group.
  • Even Star Sash - In this category there are four star points for each sashing block and all the star points are exactly the same size.  8 options.
  • Uneven Star Sash -In this category there are four star points for each sashing block and the star points are different sizes.  6 options.
  • Star Sashing with Inset - In this category there are four star points with a horizontal/vertical line between each pair of star point. 8 options.
  • Friendship Star -There are two star points for each sashing block, creating a friendship star when using in a quilt. 3 options.
  • Overlapping Friendship Star - There are four stars for each sashing block, but the star points overlap (3 options).

Here is an example of each used in a quilt.
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Even Star Sash
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Uneven Star Sash
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Star Sashing with Inset
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Friendship Star
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Overlapping Friendshp Star
For my Wonky Star Sashing quilt, I chose to work with Uneven Star Sash 6 from the EQ8 Library. 

The sashing space used for my quilt was 9" x 4".
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Given the wonky angles, I would foundation piece this unit.


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Uneven Star Sash 6
I also created two variations of the design that allowed me to carry the design into the borders.  These are actually just half blocks.
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Star Sashing Variation 1
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Star Sashing Variation 2
To carry the sashing pieces into the borders, I needed to use Layer 2 on the quilt worktable.

Tip:  When overlaying blocks on Layer 2, make sure to delete the "hidden" fabric on Layer 1 to avoid incorrect fabric yardage.  Hidden fabrics are still included in fabric yardage calculations.
Here is the quilt from the video.
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Wonky Star Sashing Quilt by Kari Schell
What star sashing block will you chose to work with for your sashing quilt?  I look forward to seeing your design.  Designs can be shared in the Learning EQ Facebook Group.
Learning EQ Facebook Group Wonky Sashing Stars 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.
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Creating a Quilt where Sashing is the Star

6/7/2025

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The last category (and I suspect the least used) set of blocks in the Electric Quilt library is "sashing".  Let's face it, sashing is typically not the "star" in a quilt. 

I decided to see if I could change that.  I challenged myself to design a quilt around the sashing.
I found this block in the library 10 Sashing>Stripes-Bordered.  It has the name Stripes Bordered Inside 2. 

Even the name seems a bit "boring". 

Colored in browns and taupes, this poor block was destined to be overlooked. 

​Can we make it shine?
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Stripes Bordered Inside 2 block from EQ8 Library

Quilt Layout

I started by creating a quilt layout.
  • Select New Quilt>Horizontal.
  • Set the number of blocks at 4 x 4.
  • Set the size of the blocks at 12 x 12.
  • Set the size of sashing at 4 x 4.
  • Check "Include sash border".
  • On the Borders tab, set the first border at 4" long horizontal.
  • Set the second border at 1/2" Mitered.  
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Layout Tab Settings for Sashing Quilt

Quilt #1 - Sashing Only

For the first option, I decided to use only sashing.

To color the quilts, I used the June 2025 Free Fabric Download from Do you EQ.  The collection Tiny Secrets designed by Pat Sloan and Manufactured by Benartex "captures the quiet magic of nature's most enchanting corners".

I rotated the sashing so that the yellows from the sashing face in on half the blocks and the dark blue faces in on the other half of the blocks. 

​This provides continuity to the design.
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Sashing Quilt #1

Quilts #2 and #3 - Sashing Recolored

I swapped out the colors -- going for red, white and blue.




I then decided to color the large rectangle with the background.  Now the intersection of the sashing units is forming crosses.

Piecing this is exactly like piecing the first quilt.  
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Sashing Quilt #2
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Sashing Quilt #3

Quilt #4 - Add a Primary Block

What happens if you create a block to complement the sashing. 

​Here is the block and the revised quilt.
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Initial Primary Block
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Sashing Quilt #4

Quilt #5 - Revise the Sashing

What happens if you carry the blue band from the primary block into the sashing?

Here is the block and adjusted quilt.
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Reworked Sashing Block
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Sashing Quilt #5

Quilt #6 Add Applique to the Primary Block

For the final variation, I added applique to the primary block.   And then decided to go with two different colorings of the primary block.

​No problem if you didn't set up the initial block us as a combination Easy Plus Applique block.  I will show you my trick for getting that applique adding to your block.
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Primary Block with PosieMaker Applique
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Sashing Quilt #6
Check out the process for creating all six quilts using Electric Quilt 8.
Feel free to use my tutorial to redrafting these quilts in Electric Quilt8.

Or if you would like to challenge yourself, select a different Sashing Block from the EQ Library.  

​L look forward to seeing your quilts.  Feel free to sharing in the Learning EQ Facebook Group.
Sashing Quilt Design Learning EQ Facebook Group 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.
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1 Comment

Miniature Antique Blues

5/31/2025

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Kari's Pieced Miniature Antique Blues Quilt created in 2009
Today I took a trip down memory lane.

Back in 2009, I was part of a Jo's Little Women's Group at Four Season Quilts (my favorite local quilt shop). 

​During our meetings, members would bring in antique quilts they found along with quilts they created inspired by their "found" quilts.
At that time, EQ6 was the current version.

I enjoyed drafting some of the quilts shared during our meetings. 

I also began experimenting with writing simple patterns for my designs.  The only software used with Electric Quilt 6 and Word. 

​I didn't charge for my patterns, but shared them with the Jo's Little Women's group.
The quilt I am sharing today is from one of those designs..

Using EQ8, I will walk you through the process of drafting the block and playing with Symmetry on the quilt worktable for a variety of quilt options.

I will also share with you my pattern (from 2009).  Just to show you that you don't need a lot of extra software to get starting writing your own patterns. 

Drafting the Miniature Antique Blues Quilt

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Miniature Antique Blues 3 x 3 Block
The block was drafted at 3" x 3" with snaps set at 4 x 4.  This meant I set the snaps every 3/4 of an inch.

I colored the block using Jo's Little Women fabrics.  During the time, they were being printed by Andover. 

​In coloring the design, I tried to match the fabrics used in my finished quilt (as close as I could find).
The quilt was created using a Horizontal Layout.

The number of blocks were 6 horizontal and 8 vertical.

The size of blocks was 3" x 3".

​The only border was 1/2" mitered -- reflecting the binding in my finished quilt.
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Layout Tab Set Up
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Using Symmetry on the Quilt Worktable
After setting the block in the quilt (on the design tab), use Symmetry to experiment with different rotations of the block.

Each click of the mouse will automatically rotate and flip all the blocks in the quilt.

Sixteen variations are possible.

Click  Add to Sketchbook to save any variations you like.
Here were the Symmetry versions I chose to save.
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Miniature Antique Blues Option 1
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Miniature Antique Blues Option 2
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Miniature Antique Blues Option 3
I decided on Option 3 for my pieced quilt.  Which one do you prefer?
Here is the video.
You could also create a different variation by changing the coloring of the quilt.  I look forward to seeing what you do with the block.

​Please share photos on the Learning EQ Facebook group.
Antique Blues Miniature Quilt Learning EQ Facebook Group Post

Miniature Antique Blues Pattern

The pattern is pretty basic -- but it does provide instructions for piecing the Miniature Antique Blues quilt. 

​I hope this serves as encouragement for those that want to write their own patterns.   Just get started and use software that you already know how to use. 

This pattern was never sold -- but was provided to those in a quilt group I participated in.
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Here was my pieced miniature quilt.
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Miniature Antique Blues by Kari Schell

Favorite Tech Know Quilter Projects

Here are some recently completed EQ8 projects from Tech Know Quilter members. 

Tech Know Quilters is a membership of Electric Quilt 8 owners who are mastering Electric Quilt through online training.  At the end of each month, they were encouraged to apply what they learned and to share a favorite quilt or picture.

If you are interested in joining Tech Know Quilters, please send me a note.
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Curryanne Hostetler This is a quilt I designed for the May EQ challenge. I designed a nine patch with large center which I merged a star.
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Julie Pedersen I took the Masters Miniature Quilts class. I adapted blocks from the lessons and set them in an on point quilt. One of our lessons was for a basket quilt. I modified a basket and some of our star blocks to create this bright beauty.
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Mary Groesbeck got through my Facebook Mystery Quilt-Along for people who love paper-piecing and cats. The most important thing I learned was to get more "backup" files. The very last block was in a corrupt file (copying it to a back-up would not have helped). Then the technical problems started. But we got through it. Here's the final design, which was released once a week for 12 weeks. The blocks they showed me were magnificent.
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Zdenka Nemethova - This one was my favourite in April Masters Miniature Quilts class.

Tech Know Quilters Masters Miniature Quilts Showcase

The class for more advanced (Masters) members in March was Miniature Quilts.  

The American Quilt Study group hosts a Biennial Quilt Study for its members. They note “It is a great way to combine the creativity of quilt making with learning about a particular quilt, its maker (if known), style, and technique.”

The selected reproduction quilts become part of a traveling exhibit hosted a museums around the country.  I went to an exhibit of Star quilts when it was in Minnesota and was completely enthralled with the miniature quilt collection along with being able to look at pictures of the original quilt to see their inspiration.
 
For this miniatures series, I decided to take their seven topics, and challenged the Masters members to draft a miniature from our selected inspiration quilt. 

​Here were some of the student projects from the series.
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Helen Hicks Colonial Revival Miniature
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Zdenka Nemethova Colonial Revival Miniature
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Kristy Goodin Soard Copp Family Medallion Miniature
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Roxanna Khoury Copp Family Medallion Miniature
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Linda Carlson Mary Willsey 19th Century Blues
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Edith Craig Mary Willsey 19th Century Blues
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Katherine Martin 19th Century Baskets
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Ann Cornett Horsley 19th Century Baskets
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Terry McCaskey 200 Years of Solid Color
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Fran Heisey 200 Years of Solid Color
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Edith Craig Jane Stickle Civil War Triangles
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Loronda Schuler Jane Stickle Civil War Triangles
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Dianna Carter 19th Century Stars - Dinsmore Star
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Wanda Smith Hizer 19th Century Stars - Dinsmore Star
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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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Memorial Day Memories

5/24/2025

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For most, Memorial Day is start of summer.  The long weekend a perfect time to get away with friends and family.

However, Memorial Day is a reminder of those who served our country and gave their lives for our freedom.  For many it is a chance to honor those who are no longer here.

The holiday's origins can be traced back to the American Civil war.  It was originally called Decoration day as the war graves were decorated with flowers, flags and wreaths.   

Memorial Day decorations typically involve patriotic colors, flags and symbols of remembrance. 

When designing the Memorial Day quilt, I tried to incorporate the spirit of the original Memorial Day/Decoration Day. 

EQ8 Made Easy Start of Summer Sale

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Use coupon code 2025MEMORIAL when you enroll now.

Choose a start date of June 2, 2025 or July 2, 2025.

​Coupon good through May 30, 2025. 
Learn More About EQ8 Made Easy Class

Memorial Day Memories Quilt EQ8 Tutorial

For the Memorial Day quilt, I started by creating a flag block.  I decided to make my flag block square.  I did include 13 stripes -- but went with only 13 stars.  Piecing fifty five-pointed stars seemed a bit much.

These stars were very simple to draft using StarMaker - a simple to use tool in the Applique toolkit.

Since the flag has 13 stripes, I went with a block size of 39" (3 inches per stripe). 

The stars will be 4-1/2" x 4".  Nice and big and easy to applique.
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Flag Block designed by Kari using EQ8
 I decided to add a floral wreath along with a silhouette of an eagle on top of the flag.  (Consider using a different background block for a variation of the design.)

To keep things simple, the wreath and eagle blocks were obtained from the EQ8 block library.
Flower Wreath 2 can be found in 04 Classic Applique>Wreaths.

The block includes a background.  Check out my trick for getting the background not to "show" -- without having to copy and paste the patches to a new block.

I primarily used fabrics that were blue, red and white from the EQ fabric library and some old Stash collections.

​The longest part of creating this project was coloring the wreath.
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Flower Wreath 2 from EQ Block Library
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Flower Wreath 2 Recolored in Red White and Blue
The eagle motif was found in 06 Motifs>Folk Motifs.  Blocks included in Motifs category do not have a background.  Because the design is a silhouette it was simple to recolor. 
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Eagle from EQ Library
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Eagle Recolored
For the pieced border, I went with an auto-border.  I selected Picket Border 12 from the Picket style.  I loved that it carried the striped theme from the flag.  

One of the plusses of using an auto-border is it also provides a coordinating corner.  EQ decided to pair the picket block with an attic window corner.
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Picket Border 12 from Auto-Borders
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Attic Window from Auto-Borders
Check out how to create the blocks and quilt in this short video.
Here is the quilt from the video.
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Memorial Day Memories Created in EQ by Kari Schell
I know there are many in my audience that are not from the US.  What do you do to honor those who have died in service for your country?  How would you modify the design to reflect your customs and traditions?

​Share your designs in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
Learning EQ Facebook Group Memorial Day Memories 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.
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Super Easy Hexagon Quilt Design using EQ8

5/17/2025

 
Do you sometimes find that you are over thinking your quilt design?  Quilt designing does not need to be difficult -- particularly if you own Electric Quilt 8.

The quilt you will be learning to draft this week is super versatile.  I started with 3 simple to piece asymmetrical blocks from the Electric Quilt block library.  For those of you that purchased Block Base Plus, you could also pick your blocks from there. 

​The blocks I chose to work with were a log cabin, simple basket and flower basket.   These blocks would be super easy to either rotary cut or to foundation piece and don't have a lot of pieces.
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Log Cabin from EQ Block Library
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Simple Basket from EQ Block Library
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Flower Basket from EQ Block Library
The magic comes in the layout.  The layout I chose to work with is the first hexagonal option in the EQ Layout Library (under Layouts by Style).  

Within Electric Quilt you can put any square block in a diamond space and your block is now a diamond block.  Or if you place it in one of the equilateral triangles, it will cut off half the block and it is now an equilateral triangle block.  
​
You can even kept things simple when coloring the quilt -- choosing to work with colors rather than fabrics (giving the quilt a very modern vibe).

This is a super quick video and one that you will find very easy to replicate.  However if you are up for flexing your designing muscles, consider swapping out the blocks and the layout.  
Here is the hexagon quilt from the video.
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Easy Hexagon Design by Kari Schell using EQ8
I would love to see what you do with this concept.   Feel free to share in the Learning EQ Facebook group.  I've set up a post for you to include your designs.
Super Easy Hexagon Quilt Design 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.
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    Kari Schell

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