As this posts, I am enjoying an extended weekend with members of my local quilt guild. For me this means some time actually piecing a quilt or two and catching up with some dear friends. It is always inspiring to see what everyone is working on and hear about their latest fabric and tool finds.
I also get super inspired when members of Tech Know Quilters share what they are working on as well. I consider them my "online guild". They provide me inspiration each and every day. I will be sharing a few of their virtual projects in this post. Scroll down for an EQ8 tutorial on designing an optical illusion quilt -- complete with added quilting. Tech Know Quilter Showcase
Optical Illusion with Quilting EQ8 Tutorial
I designed this project for one of my Optical Illusion classes in Tech Know Quilters -- but didn't have enough room to include it in the class. As you saw in the show a number of Tech Know Quilter members just finished their projects from an Optical Illusions class. So I thought it would be fun to share this tutorial with you.
Here is the quilt from the tutorial.
I look forward to seeing what you decided to do with this block. Please feel free to post pictures in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
In Tech Know Quilters there are two different Optical Illusions classes. Here are some of the projects from each of the classes.
If you are currently in Tech Know Quilters and would like to take either of these classes as an add-on class, just send us a note. We would be happy to get you a discount coupon for your class.
I hope you are finding ways to stay cool. It has been super hot in MN this week, so I've been trying to get caught up on a number of computer projects. And I need to find some time to settle on a project (or two) for my quilt retreat next weekend.
In this weeks EQ8 video, I had fun playing with the Swath tool. If you haven't had a chance to use it -- let me share my tips with you. Swirling Geese EQ8 Tutorial
For fabric I used the Stonehenge Basics collection by Linda Ludovico by Northcott. I love the watercolor look of the fabrics and look forward to finding them at a quilt shop.
Here are a few different quilt options. The first was covered in the video. But I decided to do a little more playing after the video was complete.
Let me know what you decide to do with the swath tool.
I've set up a post in the Learning EQ Facebook group where you can share you ideas.
What Others Chose to Do with the Geometric Garden Quilt
I suggested viewers post pictures of their Geometric Garden quilts. Check out those that were shared on Facebook.
I hope you enjoyed seeing their variations as much as I did. Quilters are so creative.
Quilting Motifs for the Geometric Garden Quilt
The blank blocks in the Geometric Garden quilt, really called for me to add something more. After a bit of personal debate, I decided on a quilting design. The one I came up with started with a circle and added cross-hatching inside the circle.
If quilting designs intimidate you, this is definitely a great way to get started. I promise -- it is easier than it looks.
Here are the quilting motifs along with the final Geometric Garden Quilt.
I look forward to seeing what you decided to do with the alternating blocks. Please feel free to post pictures in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
Sizing Blocks for the Quilt
The size of the blocks in the antique quilt appear to be around 12" x 12". I started with the finished size of the quilt ( 63" x 84") and backed into these numbers.
However the block is actually easier to draft at 18" x 18". Then each of those tiny squares in the nine patches in the corners has a finished size of 1". In a 12" quilt, the finished size of the 9 patch squares will be .667". This is something that would be super easy to do with templates. Not so much for rotary cutting. The beauty of using Electric Quilt is we get to decide the size we want to use for the quilt. it could easily be 9", 12" or 18". Or something else. Whatever you prefer. Fabric Selection
See how to design the block and quilt in my video tutorial.
Here is the block and quilt from the video.
I look forward to seeing what you do with this block along with what layout you decide to use for your quilt.
Feel free to share in the Learning EQ Facebook group. Tech Know Quilters May Showcase
Current Tech Know Quilter members have been sharing their class projects along with their original designs (and in some cases quilts) in the membership's private Facebook group. Each month they are challenged to apply what they have been learning in their classes. Enjoy this show of some of their recent creations.
You can learn more about the Tech Know Quilters membership program and sign up for the wait list for the next open enrollment period here.
Last month I challenged the Tech Know Quilter Masters members to design a flag. They came up with some amazing designs -- that I am featuring below. I had planned to participate in the challenge myself, but became engrossed in some other projects and hadn't gotten to it. However inspiration struck this week.
Electric Quilt 8 Flag Like Quilt
Fabric Collection
I debated between two fabric collections and ended up doing a quilt in each of them.
You can purchase the Stash collections from Electric Quilt. You could also download the collections from various websites.
In the images below, I sent each of the swatches in a 9" block, so you could get a better visual of the fabric sizing. Electric Quilt 8 Design
Watch the video for step by step instructions.
In the video I shared the Tonga Honor fabric in the design process. But I also did a version in the Bright Stars fabric. I am curious which you prefer.
Pick a fabric collection and draft your own Flag Like Quilt. I would love to see pictures of your quilt. I've set up a post in the Learning EQ Facebook group for you to share your design.
Tech Know Quilters Flag Quilts Showcase
Those in Tech Know Quilter's Masters are more advanced Tech Know Quilter's members. They receive exclusive Master's level classes every month and are encouraged to work on their own projects and designs.
Their challenge in June was to design their own flag quilt. As you can see by their quilts, we have members from all over the world.
Katherine Martin Being British my flag has to be the Union Jack (flag). I tried to draw it to scale. I presented it as an English country garden using fabrics from the EQ Library.
If you have completed twelve months of Tech Know Quilters, you are eligible to join Tech Know Quilter's Masters. Send me a note, if you are interested in joining Masters.
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Kari SchellElectric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer. Categories
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