I tested Modern Flight at the MN Quilt show and it's a success.  It is now ready to be used in your quilt shop or with your quilt guild. ​

No pictures of the quilt for this post -- or it wouldn't be a mystery.  However, send me a note and I would be happy to share a photo will you.

There are four separate sizes for this quilt (from Wall to Queen).

1.  Purchase a minimum of ten mystery patterns (and commit to purchase additional patterns equal to participant count at the event).
2.  On Point Quilter will send you a Mystery Event Package which will include:
        (a) File with all the pre-work and individual clues for your                  event.  (Just print off the number or copies you need for class participants)
        (b) Electric Quilt 7 file for creating coloration options in your              shop’s fabrics.
        (c)  Tip sheet for a successful event. 
3.  Piece a sample quilt or borrow one of my trunk show quilts for your sample during the event.  (Subject to availability.)
4.  Provide a full pattern to participants at the end of the event.
5.  Note that extra patterns may be sold in the shop.  However I ask that they not be sold on your website or pictures shared via social media until July 2018.

Only 5 fabrics are required for this quilt, making it easy for you (and your customers) to select fabric for this quilt.)  I found it useful to use two complementary color families for the Medium and Dark fabrics. The background could be a light in either of these color families or could just be a neutral fabric. Or you could make Medium 1 the light and the Background a Medium value fabric. This pattern is really very versatile. Here are some fabric choices that I thought worked well – but you certainly don’t need to be limited to these ideas.  

Instructions are included for using both the Tucker Trimmer 1 and the Wing Clipper.  Both rulers may be purchased wholesale from Studio 180 Design.  Alternative instructions are provided for those not wishing to use the specialty rulers.  Hint:  I found that most end up purchasing the rulers after seeing the demonstration of the tool in class.

Note that these patterns have been published on my website.  However, the pre-work handouts and the clues provide no reference to the pattern which allows this to stay a mystery for your class participants.

Have you designed your Row by Row quilt for 2017 yet?  If you would like to design your own row and write your own pattern, I have a webinar that can help.  Learn more in this brief video.

In this webinar, I will share suggestions for selecting a "block theme", finding or drafting a compatible block, effective layouts, incorporating Row by Row fabric, plus share a few of my own project ideas to inspire your own row.  The presentation will focus on using Electric Quilt 7 plus Microsoft Word to complete both the row and the instructions.

Date:  Wednesday, May 17, 2017   3 pm (Central Daylight Time)

Cost:  $20

Bonus: You will also have an option of watching a replay of the session at any time in the future.  Plus you will also receive a handout of the top 10 tips to create your row by row.

Participation will be limited to 50 attendees.  Register now to reserve your space.

Are you ready to take your Electric Quilt skills to the next level?

I have two new instructor led online classes designed with you in mind.  (I know many of you are working right now on your Row by Row quilts or maybe looking for a new setting for your next BOM.)  

​And if you act within the next two days you will be eligible for my early enrollment bonuses (detailed below).

Class starts March 20, 2017.  Price $100.   Register here.  ​

Class starts March 21, 2017. Price $100.   Register here.

Early Sign-Up Bonus:  As a special bonus, if you sign up by March 13, 2017 you will be entitled to  a private 20 minute coaching call (value of $60) with Kari that may be used any time during the course of the class.  Use it for extra help on a topic or to pick Kari's brain on something you wish to do in Electric Quilt.
​
Double Up:  Register for both classes Settings and Border 1 and Pieced Patch Draw and take an extra $20 off your total. Enter coupon code MarchMadness when checking out.

New pattern release -- just in time for St. Patrick's day.

Three quilts to celebrate your Irish roots -- or maybe just your favorite March holiday.

Irish Eyes includes instructions for a lap quilt with 12 inch blocks and two miniature quilts with 6 inch blocks.

Pair this pattern with Studio 180 Design's Tucker Trimmer (or your favorite half square triangle square up ruler) for a perfect bundle.

Irish Eyes retails for $10.  To purchase wholesale, please send me a note.  Or you may fill out my wholesale ordering form and e-mail it to me at [email protected].  I will call you for credit card information.  

Or you may purchase wholesale from Checker Distributors or Brewer.

Are you preparing for Valentine's Day?  Now is the time to bundle those lush red and pink fabrics.  Your customer's will gravitate toward their warmth and brightness during this cold winter season.

Be My Valentine is the perfect pattern to allow these fabrics to shine and is super easy to kit as it uses 6 or 7 fat quarters. Your customer will add a background, binding and backing to complete their quilt.

The quilt finishes 40" x 16" making it a perfect table topper or wall hanging.

The pattern may also be paired with some optional tools from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design -- Tucker Trimmer 1 and either the V Block Trimmer or Split Rects.  Instructions are included for using these tools -- plus instructions of how to create those same skinning triangle blocks with no outside bias using standard rulers. 

Here are a few other color options for this quilt.

This pattern retails for only $8.  To purchase wholesale, please send me a note.  Or you may fill out my wholesale ordering form.  I will call you for credit card information.  

Or you may purchase wholesale from Checker Distributors, Brewer or Erie Art Quilts.

At International Quilt Market I debuted an Electric Quilt club program for brick and mortar quilt shops.  This club program includes videos, step by step instructional handouts, and patterns.

One of the significant aspects of the program is that it allows your customers to design their Electric Quilt projects in fabrics you already have in your shop.
​
Are you intrigued?

Here is an description of the program (excerpted from the first video).

Topics in Series #1

1. Working with Fabric Collections
2. Easy Draw Basics
3. Mix and Match Medallions (part 1)
4. Mix and Match Medallions (part 2)
5. Bargello Quilts
6. Compass Famed Quilt (working with PatchDraw)

​I have been asked if it is possible for the program to be run over 12 months (rather than 6).  Absolutely.  If you choose to do so, I would recommend that students work through the videos and the EQ tutorials during the first session.  They could also purchase their fabric at this time. 

​If you run  the program over 12 months, use the second month to review the pattern and demo any recommended tools.  You could potentially even make this a working session to allow students to work on piecing their quilts.

Just send me a note.  Your follow-up e-mail will include the following:

• Brochure that provides more specifics on the program, along with tips for a successful club program
• The Lesson Plan for the series
• Excerpts from one of the handouts
• Excerpts from one of the patterns
• Sign-up form

 
Using Shop Fabric for the Program

The beauty of the Tech Know Quilters Club is that shops can use their existing fabrics in their shop for the club.  The shop will put images of shop recommended fabrics on a thumb drive and share this with club participants.    If you need help figuring out how to obtain and consolidate fabric images, I would be happy to do a screen sharing session to guide you through the process.  If there is enough interest, I may replace this with a private class for the club leaders.
 
Bonuses
If you purchase the program by the end of November, I am offering your shop the following bonuses:

• A free copy of the DVD.
• Free shipping (for shops in US and Canada).

 
All material will be shipped by December 1st.

Did you attend sample spree at the International Quilt Market in Houston this year?  

Would you like a "saner" way to obtain samples for your shop -- with no pushing, shoving or shipping?  If so check out this video.

Here are the samples I have left and the prices.  Both patterns are newly released.

Purchase 6 patterns at wholesale and you can purchase a sample for the noted price.  And with no shipping cost (so just like sample spree).  

Just send me a note on which one you would like to purchase.  I will bill you via PayPal (you can pay with PalPal or a credit card) or, if you prefer, I can give you a call for your credit card information.

Lately I have been busy working with Electric Quilt.  It is a fabulous tool for designing blocks (think Row by Row or shop hops), auditioning the latest fabric collections, or creating a new quilt to kit up for your customers, or as a springboard for a new pattern exclusive to your shop.

Are your Electric Quilt skills ready to take on these tasks?  

​If you or your employees and instructors would like to work on expanding your EQ expertise, I can provide you top level instruction with classes that can be taken from the comfort of your home.  (No travel costs!)

I have three options available for you.

• Introduction to Electric Quilt Online Class (January 26 and February 2nd)
• EQ Private Coaching Program
• Octagon Table Toppers (through EQ University)

More information on each of these options is included below.  I would love to have you join me.​  But first....

Here is the link to the Moda fabric swatch collections.  You may want to copy and save this one in your bookmark favorites, as this was a bit tricky to locate:
http://storefront.unitednotions.com/storefrontCommerce/redirect.do?page=zDownloads

If you wish to see how I completed the rest of the quilt, check out the related blog post.

Here are the promised details on my classes:

Option 1:  $250 for three month program (6 coaching sessions).  
 
Option 2:  $450 for six month program (13 coaching sessions).  ​

I’m just a beginner?  Is this the best way to learn the basics of the program. Absolutely. Nothing cuts down your learning time like having a mentor to guide you. We can start by working through an Introduction to Electric Quilt training class I have developed.   Once you have mastered the basics, we can jointly develop your next focus area. 
 
I’m an experienced designer?  Will this benefit me?  Absolutely. My expertise at EQ will let you get back to what you love — designing — faster because you don't waste time looking for the answers.  We can target the areas you wish to focus on.  You pick the topics.
 
Can I combine sessions?  You can combine sessions after the first session.  This works best if you wish to work through one of the existing classes.
 
I have a MAC?  Will this work with Electric Quilt?  Yes.  You can purchase the MAC version of the software directly from Electric Quilt.  Your screens will look exactly like the PC version of the software.
 
Are there any pre-requisites for the program?  Because this training is hands-on, you must have purchased and installed Electric Quilt 7 on your computer. 
 
Can I pay with credit card?  Yes.  You may pay with a major credit card, by check or with PayPal.
 
Can I get my money back?  If you cancel prior to the first session you may receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.  No refunds are granted after the first session.
 
Is there a payment plan?  You may pay in three monthly installments of $100 for Option 1 or three monthly installments of $170 for Option 2.  All payments must be received before the start of the first session.   The first payment will hold your spot  Contact me to sign up for the payment plan.
 
Is there an expiration date?   The three month program expires four months after the first scheduled session?  The six month program expires seven months after the first scheduled session?
 
Other Questions  Send me at e-mail at [email protected] 


Ready to Enroll
​
Complete one of  following enrollment forms and e-mail it to me at onpoint [email protected].

• Enrollment Form in Word 2010
• Enrollment Form in PDF Format

Happy quilting.

​Kari

I'm currently packing my car and preparing for the long drive from Minneapolis to Houston.  This is my first Houston market.  I'm a little nervous, but looking forward to vending.

If you are going to market, please stop by my booth (#425) to say hi.  I would love to meet you in person.

I wanted to give you a heads up on the three new patterns I'm releasing for this market and a new mystery program.  

Pre-orders are being accepted (and Checker will be carrying the patterns as well).

I've also partnered with my friend and fellow designer Joanne Harrision Hillestad of Fat Quarter Gypsy to offer a free supplemental sheet that will provide instructions on using my kites with her medium size pop-up.  

Her Pop-Up pattern is incredibly popular.  And they are so fun to make.  I'll share more with you (and maybe a video demo of the pop-up in action) on a future blog post.

Click on a copy of the photo below to get the free supplemental instruction sheet.

I am presenting at School House on "The Real Secrets Behind Mystery Quilts".  If you are attending School House, please join me in Room 371C at 4:05.

In addition to providing 10 steps to a successful mystery event in your shop, I will be introducing my new mystery program.  Here is a sneak peak at how it will work.

1.  Purchase a minimum of ten mystery patterns (and commit to purchase additional patterns equal to participant count at the event).
2.  On Point Quilter will send you a Mystery Event Package which will include:
        (a) File with all the pre-work and individual clues for your                  event.  (Just print off the number you need)
        (b) Electric Quilt 7 file for creating coloration options in your              shop’s fabrics.
        (c)  Tip sheet for a successful event. 
3.  Piece a sample quilt or borrow one of my trunk show quilts for your sample during the event.  (Subject to availability.)
4.  Provide a full pattern to participants at the end of the event.

Your pattern choices for the mystery program include:
​

Click here for wholesale pattern ordering information.  

Happy quilting.

Kari
​

Trunk shows are a great opportunity for a shop to boost sales with minimal effort.  What can a trunk show do for you?

• Free samples
  
• Drive traffic to your store
  
• Update your displays
  
• Increase sales of add-on tools such as specialty rulers

FREE OFFER - Do you need assistance presenting a visual of a pattern in "your fabrics".  Let me know the fabric collection you wish to feature.  If I can download images of the fabrics, I would be happy  to mock up a diagram in Electric Quilt and e-mail a pdf to you of the quilt.  You can print it off and include in your kits.

Happy quilting.

Kari