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One of the questions I'm asked most often is:
"How do you come up with an original quilt design?" The answer is...it isn't usually one flash of inspiration. Instead, it's a series of small design decisions. One idea leads to another. Sometimes a design works exactly as planned. Other times I head down a path only to change directions completely. I thought it might be fun to invite you inside my design process and let you see exactly what was going through my mind as I designed this patriotic quilt. It All Started with a Vintage Image
I knew I wanted to design something patriotic for the Fourth of July, but I didn't have a quilt design in mind.
Instead, I went looking for inspiration. I visited the Graphics Fairy website, which has a wonderful collection of vintage artwork, and found this beautiful Fourth of July image. 
Image from the Graphics Fairy
I immediately knew this would become the focal point of my quilt.
There was just one problem... It wasn't a simple square image that could be dropped into a quilt block. Now the real designing began. First Decision: Making the Image Work
Before I could even think about quilt blocks, I needed to prepare the image.
In this week's video tutorial, I'll show you how I:
Once the image was ready, I could finally start asking myself: "What kind of block would showcase this image while still being easy to piece?" My Thought Process for Designing the Block
Since the printed image would already contain lots of visual detail, I didn't want the piecing around it to compete for attention.
Instead, I decided to create a simple frame with star points. The result is a block that's easy to sew using folded corners (or foundation piecing if you prefer), yet still has plenty of patriotic personality. Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best one. Here is the finished block along with a couple of wonderful variations created by members of Tech Know Quilters. 
Kari's Vintage Fourth Block
I always enjoy seeing how different quilters interpret the same starting point.
Then Came the Really Fun Part...
With the block finished, my brain immediately jumped to the next question:
"Now...what kind of quilt should I build around it?" Because this block isn't a standard size, I knew I wanted complete freedom in arranging the layout. That made Custom Set the perfect choice. Rather than starting with a traditional quilt layout, I simply began placing blocks on the workspace and asking myself:
One decision led naturally to the next. That's honestly how I design quilts. I rarely know exactly where I'm going when I begin. Instead, I experiment, evaluate what I like (and don't like), and keep refining until the quilt feels "right." In this week's second tutorial, I'll walk you through that entire design journey while sharing lots of tips for working with Custom Set in EQ8. One Quilt...Two Completely Different Looks
The first version feels very traditional and celebrates the vintage artwork beautifully.
Vintage 4th by Kari Schell, Designed in EQ8 Using Custom Set Layout
Then curiosity struck again.
"What if I simplified everything?" A few small adjustments transformed the quilt into a much more modern interpretation. It's amazing how a handful of design changes can completely change the personality of a quilt. 
Modern 4th Designed in EQ8 by Kari Schell using Custom Set
Want to Become More Confident in EQ8?
If watching my design process makes you wish you felt more confident using Electric Quilt 8, I'd love to help.
EQ8 Made Easy was created specifically for quilters who own the software but aren't sure where to begin—or who feel like they're only using a small fraction of what EQ8 can do. Instead of overwhelming you with every possible feature, I focus on the tools quilters actually use to design beautiful quilts. By spending just 10 minutes a day, you'll learn how to:
More than 2,500 EQ8 owners have taken my beginner training, making it one of the most popular ways to learn Electric Quilt 8. Special Sale: For a limited time, EQ8 Made Easy is just $67.97 (regularly $147.97). Make sure to use the code 4THCELEBRATION when checking out to receive your $80 discount. If you're ready to stop struggling with the software and start designing quilts with confidence, I'd love to have you join us. 
I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at my design process.
Sometimes the best designs don't begin with a pattern. They begin with a simple question: "What if I tried this?"
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