In a Facebook group this week, there was a discussion on creating files that could be used by cutting machines such as Silhouette Cameo, Brother Scan and Cut, Cricut Explore Air and Cricut Maker.  These cutting systems all have proprietary software that makes sharing designs between systems problematic.  However --- all of them allow for use of SVG files.

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.

Since Electric Quilt exports to raster formats, we need to be able to transition from those formats to SVG.  

In my free Electric Quilt video tutorial, I will share how to go from a block in Electric Quilt to an svg file.  The intermediate software I use is Inkscape. Inkscape is a professional vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It's free and open source. 

​It can seem overwhelming to use when you open it for the first time. However I will share with your the few items you need to create your SVG file from Electric Quilt.  You can download Inkscape here.

Once you have it downloaded it is super simple to convert your files. 

You may never need to purchase an SVG file again -- just use blocks from the Electric Quilt library or draw your own.  You could even use these designs in creating personal cards.

Are you just getting started with Electric Quilt 8 and need some help? 

Shoot for the Stars is designed to get you started with Electric Quilt 8 through training delivered straight to your inbox.  This series includes 14 short (ie. 5-10 minute) videos delivered over the course of a month allowing you to learn the basics of this complex program in bite size increments.

​The class is currently on sale for $35 (regular $50).  Join now.

Would you like to join me for an in person hands-on Electric Quilt class?  I will be teaching at the Minnesota Quilt Show in Rochester MN.  This is my only scheduled in person class for 2019.

The class, Introduction to Electric Quilt 8 is a full day class on Saturday, June 15, 2019.  You can learn more and register here.  

I look forward to seeing you there.

On Facebook this week, I saw that Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design created a new tool -- the Wedge Star.  After looking at the tool and the quilts designed using the tool, I fell in love with the simplicity of how the blocks are created combined with a complex look by coloring the blocks.

To take full advantage of the Wedge Star tool, I knew I needed to recreate these blocks in Electric Quilt so I could play with a fabric collection of my choice.

In this 7 minute tutorial you will be guided through drafting the two blocks in PolyDraw, importing the Art Gallery Matchmade fabric collection (included in Stash 2019 Download 01), and creating 3 on point quilts in the quilt worktable.

As an alternative to using the tool, you could also print out foundation patterns directly from Electric Quilt.  Here are the blocks from the video.

Here are the quilts from the video.

I would love to see your designed Kaleidoscope Wedge quilts.  Feel free to post on the Learning EQ Facebook group.

Would you like to join me for an an in person hands-on Electric Quilt class?  I will be teaching at the Minnesota Quilt Show in Rochester MN.  This is my only scheduled in person class for 2019.

The class, Introduction to Electric Quilt 8 is a full day class on Saturday, June 15, 2018.  You can learn more and register here.  

I look forward to seeing you there.

Are you just getting started with Electric Quilt 8 and need some help? 

Shoot for the Stars is designed to get you started with Electric Quilt 8 through training delivered straight to your inbox.  This series includes 14 short (ie. 5-10 minute) videos delivered over the course of a month allowing you to learn the basics of this complex program in bite size increments.

​The class is currently on sale for $35 (regular $50).  Join now.

As you read this post, I will be enjoying my guild's biennial quilt show.  The week before a show can be really busy. 

I am now looking forward to a relaxing Saturday enjoying the quilts at the show. 

​If you are reading this on May 4th -- you still have time to join us at the Maple Grove Community Center in Maple Grove, Minnesota..

Nine easy steps for creating a custom quilt label using Electric Quilt.

1. Use the quilt design already completed in Electric Quilt 8 as a base.
2. Make coloring adjustments to match your pieced quilt.
3. Find or create sufficient white space for adding text.
4. Color the white space with a matching fabric.
5. If minimal amount of text, add text using the text tools in Electric Quilt.  Then export the image.
6. If more extensive text is required, export the quilt image without text.
7. Import Picture of your quilt image in a Microsoft word document.
8. If needed, add text using a Text Box.  Make sure you have settings for no line and no fill.
9. Print your labels on EQ Printables.  I prefer the Premium Cotton Lawn Inkjet Fabric Sheets.

See the process in this weeks Electric Quilt (plus Microsoft Word) video tutorial.

Here are my four labels added to my quilt backs.  (See -- I do find a little bit of time to create real quilts.)

Tip:  Include photos of the quilt labels in the same file as the quilt design -- just in the photo section of the project sketchbook. 

Note:  I did print my labels with my Laser Printer (in violation of all the rules of printing on fabric).  The biggest downside on printing with laser is that there is a build-up of ink on the fabric.  This definitely stiffens the label and can make needling through the fabric a bit of a challenge.  I found a thimble to be very helpful to both push and pull when sewing down the labels.

Would you like to join me for an an in person hands-on Electric Quilt class?  I will be teaching at the Minnesota Quilt Show in Rochester MN.  This is my only scheduled in person class for 2019.

The class, Introduction to Electric Quilt 8 is a full day class on Saturday, June 15, 2018.  You can learn more and register here.  

I look forward to seeing you there.

Learn the fundamentals of block drawing.

If want to draw your own blocks in EQ8, this is the book for you! Experienced EQ educator, Kari Schell, takes you step-by-step through each of the drawing styles available in EQ8. You'll learn skills for both pieced and applique drawing while filling your Sketchbook with beautiful blocks! From drawing a simple nine patch to creating a beautiful floral applique wreath, this book will take your drawing skills to the next level!

​Price:  $29.95

I am still trying to get a quilt done for the show -- it is one the long-arm (row 1) -- so we will see.  ​

Here are a few of the beautiful quilts that were created by Tech Know Quilter's members during the last month.  I continue to be amazed at the creativity and talent in the group.

Enrollment in Tech Know Quilter's is currently closed.  Join the wait list to be informed of the next open enrollment period.

In my recently released book - EQ8 Drawing Blocks -  I shared how to draft a foundation friendly basket using EasyDraw.

In my free tutorial this week, I will share with you how to use this basket to create a fun Easter Basket filled with surprises.

One of the blocks combines the foundation friendly basket with the Peek-A-Boo Bunny from the EQ8 Contemporary Applique library.

For the other block, I used the Duckling in a Shell block from the EQ8 Contemporary Applique library and added it to the basket block.  This took a little bit more work as I needed to modify the duck to give the illusion of him being under the basket pieces.

To color the blocks, I used the free fabric of the month collection from Electric Quilt  Abstract Garden. The collection was designed by Christa Watson for Benartex.  It has some fun bright fabrics -- perfect for my Easter baskets.

The blocks were set in a horizontal layout.  I sized the blocks at 15 x 15 and flipped one of the duck blocks. 

​Border #1 was the yellow  section with Happy Easter added using the font Baby Kruffy.

What will you add to your Easter baskets?  I would love to see your designs.

EQ8 Drawing Blocks  has been released and I received my first shipment from Electric Quilt on Monday.  I am officially a published author!

​Watch me open my first box of books.

Learn the Fundamentals of Block Drawing

Each chapter focuses on one of the EQ8 drawing styles. Learn how to draw the blocks below, plus many more!

Chapter 1 Drawing Pieced Blocks in EasyDraw
Learn how to set up the Precision Bar for drawing success, determine the best size to draw a block by examining the block’s grid, trace a photograph to create a foundation-friendly block, and more!

Chapter 2 Drawing Pieced Blocks in PolyDraw
Learn the difference between the EasyDraw and PolyDraw drawing styles, use the Clone and Rotate method for faster drawing, draw a block on each of the special grids, and more!

Chapter 3 Drawing Applique Designs
Learn to use the Draw and Shapes tools to create unique applique patches, use WreathMaker to make beautiful designs, modify a block from the library to make it your own, trace an antique quilt block, and more!

About this Book
Pages 160
Size 8½” x 11″
Softcover, spiral binding, full-color content

You may purchase directly from me (with the option of a signed copy) or from Electric Quilt.  

I only ship within the US.