Block Base+ is on sale this weekend (through October 16, 2022).  And you may be wondering if the software is right for you.  In this blog post, I will be sharing information about the software (there are some really great features) along with providing you a tutorial on how I integrate the Block Base Plus with Electric Quilt 8.

​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.   

I decided to check things out by selecting a block that wasn't a standard square or rectangle size as they can sometimes be the most problematic when creating a usable quilt and extracting construction information.   So I chose Barbara Brackman's Block 201 named either The Pyramid (by Yvonne Khin) or Sugar Loaf (by Nimble Needle Treasures).

#1  Historical Information About the Block

Information on the block is easy to read (so much better than the original Block Base) to assist in determining both who published the block and the time frame of publication.  This is helpful in determining if I need to do additional research on potential copyright issues.

#2 Ability to Export an SVG File 

Since I have been cutting out some patches on my Cricut Maker, this was probably the most intriguing of the new features.  The SVG export will also work with Silhouette Studio or Brother Canvas software.

This feature will make it super easy to cut out the blocks using an electronic cutting system.  We are given options to cut out the block image (without seam allowances) or to upload templates (with a seam allowance) and choose between export all or unique templates.

To test the SVG export feature, I decided to export both the block and the templates from Block Base Plus and then did two imports into Cricut Design Space (my preferred cutting system as Cricut has this amazing rotary cutting tool).  

I was pleasantly surprised to find that both SVG files uploaded at the correct size -- something of a miracle as I had been reading about problems with the newest updates to Design Space that were causing problems with sizing.

However, I also appreciated that EQ also includes a test square in the template export so we can double check that the sizing is correct before cutting out a lot of fabric pieces.  This is always important to test, because who knows what will happen in the next release of Design Space.

I also used this upload as an opportunity to test a new feature (to me) in Cricut Design Space  -- Offset.  Offset adds extra space around a patch -- basically think of this as the ability to add a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  It doesn't give you the blunt corner lines like the Block Base templates -- but I still appreciate this added functionality.

#3 New Printing Options

In addition to the printing options we find in Electric Quilt 8 (block, foundation pattern, templates and rotary cutting), EQ moved rotary cutting in Block Base Plus to a whole new level.  In the rotary cutting dialogue box, we can input the block size, seam allowance, number of blocks and usable width of fabric.

I will admit that I am really loving this added functionality and look forward to the possibility of it being added to EQ sometime in the future.  A girl can always wish for more.  :)

#4 Integration with Electric Quilt 8
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Although Electric Quilt 8 is not required to use Block Base Plus, I found that the integration is seamless.  Block Base Plus is easily linked to Electric Quilt 8.  Which means you can import any of the blocks in Block Base Plus into an Electric Quilt 8 project.  This will allow you to both modify the blocks and recolor them using fabrics of your own choosing.  (If using Block Base Plus as stand-alone software, you do not have the ability to modify or recolor.  Although you can resize.)

One of those pleasant surprises is that Electric Quilt redrew many of the non-standard blocks using PolyDraw and Applique tools.  This is particularly beneficial for the blocks that are not square or rectangular in format.  Often these will fall into the 01 One Patch and 02 Non-Square Blocks categories in Block Base.

The original Block Base had these blocks drawn in EasyDraw -- which meant they had a background around their irregular shape.  This background could not be removed and auditioning the blocks in a quilt layout was problematic.  

In my video tutorial, I will share how I added the #201 Block Base Plus block to an Electric Quilt Project file, set it in a Custom Set layout and then modified the block for an entirely new quilt. 

Here are the adjusted blocks from my EQ file.

Here is the modified Sugar Loaf Quilt.

Tech Know Quilter Masters members were challenged to find a historic quilt and redraw it using Electric Quilt 8.  I wonder how many of their inspiration quilts are in Block Base Plus?

Do you decorate with quilts for fall?  I love working with fall fabrics and quilts are my decoration of choice in my home.  I created this fall quilt that could easily be stitched up before the snow starts to fall.  

Last week I shared how to take a number of applique motifs from the EQ8 library and combine them to make a wreath.  If you missed the tutorial you can catch it here.   

​In addition to sharing how to create the wreath, I also discussed how to convert the file to an svg format -- which is usable with Silhouette Cameo, Brother Scan n Cut and Cricut Maker cutting systems.  So it would be super easy to make this 20 inch wreath.

This week I will share with you how to create a simple setting and some easy to piece blocks for a fun new fall quilt.

The maple leaf block is 3" finished and easy to rotary cut and the large 20" finished block would be conducive to foundation piecing -- or adding 5-1/2" and 3-1/2" squares for folded corners.

Additional Cutting Information for Borders

• Border 1 is cut from 2 inch strips of Dark Gold.
• Border 2 is cut from 1-1/2 inch strips of Background.
• Border 3 is pieced with Maple Leaf block and spacers.  Spacers are cut  4-1/2" x 3-1/2".
• Border 4 is cut from 1-1/2 inch strips of Background.
• Border 5 is cut from 2 inch strips of Dark Gold.
• Border 6 is cut from 4-1/2 inch strips of Leaf Print.

Quilt will finish 44" x 44" (without binding).

I am curious if you go with my design -- or come up with one of your own.  Post a picture of what you ended up doing.

Tech Know Quilter members shared some of their favorite projects (along with their own designs) from their August class.  You can learn more and sign up for the wait list to join this amazing group of designers here.

Wow.  What a fantastic week.  I had so much fun seeing many of you on one of the transparency quilt webinars last Sunday and Monday.  And then we moved into open enrollment for Tech Know Quilters.  Which only happens a few times a year.

During the webinar, I shared how to use Inkscape to create a transparency image.  But there actually are other really good uses for Inkscape.  It is a great way to convert any of your EQ blocks to svg files.  For those of you that have electronic cutting systems (Cricut, Silhouette or Brother Scan n Cut), you will then be able to cut your patches out using the svg files.  Included in this weeks video is information on creating an svg file for a leaf wreath created in EQ. 

​Even if you don't use an electronic cutting system, you are going to want to see how to make your own fall wreath.  

Learn how to create your own fall wreath using Electric Quilt 8. 

In the video, you will learn how to combine motifs from multiple blocks into one block along with rotating and resizing the elements to draft the wreath.

As mentioned in the video:

• For those getting started, check out Shoot for the Stars with EQ8.  Over 2300 EQ8 users have learned the basics on EQ8 with this class.
• Once you have the basics, you can grow your Electric Quilt 8 knowledge through Tech Know Quilters.

Once the wreath was drafted, I knew I didn't want to cut out all those applique shapes by hand.  So I decided to use my electronic cutting system to cut out the leaves.  

There were two challenges to overcome with my drawing.  First, the block is 20 inches x 20 inches -- super big which means lots of tiled pages when setting the page size to letter.  Since the applique patches are overlapping using the trace feature in my cutting system wasn't going to work.

After a bit of experimenting, I found the solution was to print the block to a pdf writer that would allow me to set the paper size to 24 x 24.  No -- I don't have that big of a printer.  In the video I demonstrated the CUTEPDF writer, which is freeware available for PC users.  

Having the larger paper size allowed me to work with all the elements in a single file in Inkscape.  Inscape is a vector graphics program that is free.  There are versions for both MAC and PC.  And it allows me to convert a pdf document into a svg file.   You can read more about Inkscape and download a version here. 

SVG files can be used by all the major cutting systems including Silhouette, Cricut, and Brother Scan n Cut.  This means if you have any of those systems, you will be able to cut out your Electric Quilt applique fabric patches!  No scissors required.

You are welcome to use my pdf export to explore working with Inkscape (regardless of you computer system).

We do explore some additional nuances in working with EQ and electronic cutting systems in the Tech Know Quilter class -- Specialty Rulers and Dies.

You can learn more about Tech Know Quilters here and sign up for the wait list for the next open enrollment period.

Next week I plan to share with you a quilt that you can make that features the 20 inch Fall is in the Air wreath.

Read about creating the Equilateral Triangle Double Block below.  But first ----

Transparency quilts are those special quilts where the quilter places blocks of color within the quilt, creating an illusion of overlaying colors. 

These are often the quilts that stop us in our tracks and leave us mesmerized and wanting to continue to look at them.

But when it comes to creating our own, I have found many people feel a little overwhelmed and unsure how to work out the overlay along with the right color combinations.
​
Which is why I'm going to show you how.

Join my free Electric Quilt 8 webinar where I will take you step by step through the entire process to create your own transparency quilt.  In this live webinar, you will learn how to:  

• ​draft a basic pieced block using EasyDraw tools and setting it into a Standard Layout.
• choose from two different methods (one low-tech and another high-tech) to add the magic of transparency to the quilt.
• convert your transparency quilt design into easy to piece blocks (only squares, rectangles, half square and quarter square triangle blocks).
• color your transparency blocks using a super easy trick.
• add your design into optional borders for your quilt.

What are you waiting for? Enroll today.

Plus you will also receive a guidebook that you will be able to use as a reference both during and after the video.  This will assist you when you're working on your project.
 
I can't wait to see your transparency quilt design.
Choose the time that works the best below and register for this amazing fun webinar.  You won't be disappointed.

​For all those that attend live, I will be offering a special bonus offer as well.  Make sure to join me.  I can't wait to see you there.

A replay will be available for 24 hours if you cannot attend live.

Last week I shared the unboxing of a shoebox quilt from the turn of the century.  Fortunately it included an EQ4 diagram.

Would you like to see how to draft these two Equilateral Triangle blocks as just one block using EasyDraw.  I am somewhat impressed that I figured out how to do this back in EQ4 (my first version of Electric Quilt).

Here are the EasyDraw blocks (before combining) and what they look like when set in a diamond layout.

Here is the reproduced quilt from EQ4 (including the less than inspiring EQ4 fabrics).  It is so nice that we don't need to use fake fabrics these days.  The fabric options in EQ8 are fantastic by comparison.

After the unboxing, I saw that my plan was to use a variety of plaid fabrics for my quilt.  Since I really don't need a huge quilt, I decided to remake a smaller version and also test out some coloring options using plaid fabrics.

EQ has an entire collection of plaid fabrics in the EQ8 fabric library -- just look under "Themes - 02 Plaids".  Even though those aren't exact matches to the fabrics I will be using in my quilt, it will give me a better feel for the look of the quilt.

Here is an option using a variety of blue plaids for the stars and greens for the larger diamonds.  This is fairly close to the original plan.  Other than I swapped out a variety of tans for the gold/tan print in the quilt.

I then thought I would try an option where I nixed the green.  The diamond block was replaced with another star block.

I am really torn on how to proceed.  Or I could color the diamonds in the top quilt with a blue rather than green.  What do you think?

Here is my quilt top.  Not perfect  --  but finished at last weeks quilt retreat.

I would love to see your Equilateral Quilt designs as well.  Fee free to post on the Learning EQ Facebook group.  If you are not a member, make sure to request membership to the group.

Here is a quilt that Dianna Carter did just this week in Modern Quilts 2 -- a Tech Know Quilters class.  This adds a number of additional techniques to what is shared in the blog post.

If you are interested in Tech Know Quilter's, you can learn more here.  

Psst -- there just may be an opportunity to join Tech Know Quiltersat the end of the webinar on Sunday and Monday.

Transparency quilts are those special quilts where the quilter places blocks of color within the quilt, creating an illusion of overlaying colors. 

These are often the quilts that stop us in our tracks and leave us mesmerized and wanting to continue to look at them.

But when it comes to creating our own, I have found many people feel a little overwhelmed and unsure how to work out the overlay along with the right color combinations.
​
Which is why I'm going to show you how.

Join my free Electric Quilt 8 webinar where I will take you step by step through the entire process to create your own transparency quilt.  In this live webinar, you will learn how to:  

• ​draft a basic pieced block using EasyDraw tools and setting it into a Standard Layout.
• choose from two different methods (one low-tech and another high-tech) to add the magic of transparency to the quilt.
• convert your transparency quilt design into easy to piece blocks (only squares, rectangles, half square and quarter square triangle blocks).
• color your transparency blocks using a super easy trick.
• add your design into optional borders for your quilt.

What are you waiting for? Enroll today.

Plus you will also receive a guidebook that you will be able to use as a reference both during and after the video.  This will assist you when you're working on your project.
 
I can't wait to see your transparency quilt design.
Choose the time that works the best below and register for this amazing fun webinar.  You won't be disappointed.

​For all those that attend live, I will be offering a special bonus offer as well.  Make sure to join me.  I can't wait to see you there.

A replay will be available for 24 hours if you cannot attend live.​

Do you have a closet full of shoebox quilts?  Please tell me that some of you do.  I don't want to be alone in my obsession of starting and not finishing every quilt project.

In the search for a particular fabric, I found myself opening some shoe boxes -- that had been untouched for a very long time.  Check out my unveiling of one of the boxes.  This was definitely during my "plaid" phase.

Next challenge was finding the tools that I used for the project (as they weren't in the shoebox).  Even back then I was really into collecting quilting rulers and tools.  But it was before my Studio 180 Design craze.

​Fortunately, I rarely get rid of rulers and I was able to locate ones that were probably used for the project.

Large diamonds were cut from 3-1/2" strips using the Easy Six tool by Sharon Hultgren.  The tool I used appears to have been replaced with the EQ Quilting 60 Degree Diamond ruler.

Small diamonds were cut from 1-3/4" strips using the same tool.

I took apart one of the equilateral triangle segments.  There are a couple of ways to approach cutting these pieces.

Approach #2  Strip piece 2-1/4" strips of the light plaid with 2" strips of the medium plaid.  Use the Clear View Triangle ruler and line up the bottom at 3-3/4" and cut the triangle segments.  This would definitely have much more waste,  But the ending pieces are much cleaner.  (Given the notches in my parallelograms, I suspect this may have been my approach.)  

This will give me a great start on cutting and piecing the rest of the segments during my quilt retreat this weekend.  At least that is the plan.

Next week, I will share how to draft the blocks and quilts using Electric Quilt 8.  I have an idea for a slightly different quilt that still uses the segments already completed.  So stay tuned.

Let's have a little fun.  Post a picture of a incomplete shoebox project in the designated post in the Learning EQ Facebook group.  Let us know the age of the project along with any origin information.  Did you use EQ to help with the project?

By the end of next week I will award a prize to one shoebox owner who posts in the designated location.

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.
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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.