I've been spending way more time behind the computer screen than I have behind the sewing machine these days. Writing a pattern, at least if it's a fairly extensive one, is not exactly a weekend project. I always love it when others share those behind the scenes moments of what it really takes to make something happen, so I thought I would do the same and share a bit of my pattern writing process.
While EQ7 has its many ins and outs that have to be learned, overall I'm pretty satisfied with what the program can do. When I work on a pattern, I usually hand draw what I am working on first, and then I have to translate it into a usable form, and for this I usually end up doing a lot of work in the PatchDraw + Motif section. This is where I can make applique shapes that I can layer on a quilt.
After scanning my drawing, I can import it into EQ7. From there I go to the Tracing Image tab, at the bottom of the worktable, and select the image that I want to work on. There is an option to crop the image and then fill the image in for editing.
At this point, I can then use the Line Tool, Bezier Curve Tool, and the Shape Tool to trace and then manipulate the illustration.
Once I am finished with an image, I can also export it to use for block assembly illustrations and instructions, or whatever decorative additions I would like to add.
When I was catching up on the pattern writing series last year from Meadow Mist, one of the guest designers passed along one of the best tips for me. Sew Fresh Quilts, shared that she uses(d) Power Point for some of her illustrations.There is no doubt that there are some really fancy-schmancy graphic programs out there that perhaps make it look like kindergarten, child's play, but I have to say for a not-so-computer-savvy person like myself, I'm impressed and surprised by the ease of use with decent results. Both of these assembly illustrations were make using Power Point:
One of the most beneficial websites that I've stumbled onto recently is Pixlr.com. The reason this has been so valuable to me is that I can create PNG images for free. Basically, these are just images where the shape is "cut out", or transparent, and the background is not visible. The advantage is that you can layer the EQ7 shapes without having the background in the way. Here's what I mean. In this illustration, you can see the leaf on the right cannot be layered because the background belongs to the image.
There is a really great YouTube video that shows you step by step how to make an image transparent that can be used for layering, and looks instead like this:
So whether you are a hobby quilter or looking to turn your hobby into a career, perhaps these might be a few useful tips to use in your own quilt designs . Do you have an helpful quilt design or graphic design tips to pass along? Any favorite free online programs?
As a general rule, I tend to avoid highly quilted projects. I think in part because sometimes more is just, well... more. I'm a fabric, color, and print girl, so I'm naturally inclined towards simplicity in quilting and letting those elements shine. But secondly because I've not reached the comfort level that I would like to "over-quilt" a project, at least not on big ones anyway. With each new small project that I've taken on recently, I've decided to push myself when it comes to free motion quilting... and with my latest "Lovebirds" bonus project, I really wanted the quilting to go beyond my usual "keep it simple" mantra.
Quilting designs are not always as obvious to me as I would like them to be. I have several quilty friends, that immediately see a quilting design when they get ready to sit down and start quilting. Actually it was my husband that encouraged me on a few of the designs, and voted for favorite motifs. Like the pebble filled pomegranates and simple feathered bird wings...
... I'm thinking that I might like to revisit these simple curves to embellish my favorite orange peel designs.
Hmmm... ask me if I'm brave enough to go this dense on the big one? I may just have to get back to you on that one. Any stories of quilting bravery to share?
This spring, as a special treat for my birthday, my husband took me to one of the finest and best-kept secrets in the area... a monasterial grounds since the middle ages, that was later a private hunting spot to a 17th century duke. The Forsthaus Heiligenberg, delivers everything that one could wish for when it comes to historical charm and quaintness. Mixed with fine delicacies made from regional products and attention to every last detail, it might be easy to understand how a romantic like myself could get completely swept away with the whole atmosphere....
As I sat across from my husband, I found that I was absolutely fascinated with the embroidery piece on the wall behind him. My gaze shifted back and forth between the vintage piece and my date. Later, as I studied it more closely my eye started seeing quilting shapes... and then a whole quilt. Even though I was soaking in the all too rare one-on-one time, my fingers were itching to get the idea on paper.
My first design was with large feathers similar to the original embroidery, but I found that the shapes were too graphic and dominant for the soft and organic shapes of the focal lovebirds. As usual, the design grew and evolved as I starting getting it into fabric form, and a medallion quilt seemed to be the most natural progression of things.
The applique borders were a later addition to my original design, and I was able to incorporate a softer applique feather into it as well as smaller birds that I also used in a second extra project that I will be included in the pattern.
There are certain projects, where it seems as if I cannot imagine it in any other colors but those specific colors. Even though blues and turquoises are not the usual color palette that I tend towards, these verigated Basic Grey's and Alison Glass blues were the direction that I knew I wanted to go. I've always love a blue and green combination, and the coral pomogranates, give it the contrast that I was looking for.
I hope to get first draft to pattern testers by the end of the month, so if you are interested (or you know someone who might be interested) then let me know. This quilt pattern is for an intermediate to advanced quilter with experience in applique. I am requesting a finished top (with or without applique borders) by February, with a February or March release date.
Oh... and I'm still not settled on a name. Here's a few that have been thrown into the suggestion pot...
Spring Lovebirds, Nested Lovebirds, Birds Of A Feather, Fly Away Home, Lovebirds In A Perch, Birds Of A Feather, Bluebirds Of Happiness...
Perhaps you've noticed already that Wednesdays are my posting days. It was actually something that I had started after I had re-joined the blogging world, and was linking up weekly with WIP Wednesdays. (ah, remember those days?) Having a set date actually keeps me motivated to keep up with posting, but it doesn't always match the current progress of projects that I might be working on. Right now, I'm literally just a day or two away from sharing my finished medallion quilt top, but that would mean you would have to wait... hmmm. But you certainly didn't think that I would leave you with the Wednesday high-and-dry's, did you?
So this week, I'm sharing the center medallion of the quilt pattern that I am currently writing. Next week is the flimsy finish with the applique borders, including the story behind the inspiration. After that, comes the fun part of continued writing and editing the pattern to get it into the hands of pattern testers - goal is end of September with a February release...
... but until then, I'll just let these two lovebirds take center stage.
Interested in pattern testing?... just let me know. Oh, and keep those name suggestions coming in.
There comes a point where you have so many secret projects in the works, that something just has to give... you can't keep everything under wraps forever, right? Don't you think it's about time for yet another teaser from the medallion quilt I am currently writing the pattern for?
This is actually the bonus project that will be included with my medallion quilt pattern, and I decided to finish the applique shapes with a blind stitch. I love applique, but I don't love a zig-zag finish. I love a smooth, finished edge, but find that a straight stitch gets me to my end goal quicker, BUT... there are those times that I want the finished stitches to be seen as little as possible, and a blind stitch is the best way to get there. In case you've never sewn with a blind stitch, here's how it looks:
Most modern sewing machines have a blind stitch, or at least one that is quite similar. There are few important things to remember when sewing with a blind sticth.
Use an invisible thread. I've tried several brands, but I prefer the Aurfil thread for this. If you've never used an invisible thread or a blind stitch, there a couple things to think about. Firstly, only use an invisible thread for your top thread, and a normal thread for the bobbin thread. Another major plus point is that when you use an invisible thread, you don't have to change thread colors with each new applique shape.
Adjust stitch length and width. This part is determined somewhat by preference, but it is important to adjust both. In the picture below, you can see the normal setting for the blind stitch on my machine.
By shortening the stitch length, I am assured that there is no puckering on my applique shape once it's sewn. I also shorten the stitch width so the "grab/bite stitch" isn't so wide, which makes it not as visible.
When stitching the straight stitch part of the blind stitch, if you sew as close to the shape as possible, then there is only a small, little "bite" on the top of the applique that shows. If you would prefer, then you can shorten the stitch length even more so that there is an even smaller bite that catches the shape.
Keep the tension low. It's important to lower the thread tension, otherwise you end with with puckering and pulling since an invisible thread does not act the same as a normal thread.
Even though I'm already on the pattern writing part of this quilt, I'm still stuck on it's name. My first thought was "Birds of a Feather", but a few of my quilting friends thought it was a little predictable. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Are you ready for yet ANOTHER secret sewing project? Well, it would appear that I am. It all starts with that one little spark... you know, that spark that lights the first big idea, that leads to another, and then spreads like a wildfire until it is all consuming and cannot be stopped?
I've had it in my head for quite a while now to work on my own ALL applique pattern. I usually keep a few cluttered folders around with sketches and such when I work on a pattern. I don't always have an end result in mind at first, but the general direction is always clear. So, one little sketch turned to two, which turned into four, and by the time they had made it to six, they had made into EQ7 and you know what comes next... a few test blocks.
I suppose, I've been on such a roll with my Chuck Nohara blocks, that I'm starting to think in terms of "everything must be appliqued"... especially with starch. But one thing that I have to say about applique is that it generally tends towards traditional designs and is often pretty labor intensive. I realize that not everyone is a slow stitcher, or even a hand stitcher at all... including myself. I suppose that's what's been guiding this now third pattern in the works... a fresh and updated applique project with simple shapes that is still interesting enough for a seasoned hand stitcher without overwhelming the beginner appliquer by what feels like 1,000 tiny leaves in a single 8 inch block!
Sneaky peeks for now... geez, I've got two more patterns in the works that have to be knocked out soon... what are you working on?
Do you have a specific and defineable quilting style? Can people look at your work and identify a follow-the-thread color scheme? a design style? perhaps that certain something that makes it obvious who you are?... like a Tula Pink, Red Pepper Quilts, Bonnie and Camille, or a Carolyn Friedlander? I would say that each of these designers have a very distinct and easily identifiable style, and there's no questioning whose work it is.
Despite the fact that some of what I do could be picked out in a line up, it does feel like I am not particularly married to one specific style. My heart beats for color, which I assume is more than painfully obvious, but there is something about the traditional that beckons me to also put it on the center stage. My quilting wall this month pretty much sums up what I mean.
My Eads quilt and Summer Garden blocks could not be any more different than day and night, black and white, potato and potahto... well, you get my drift. I started the Eads quilt as my attempt to distance myself from the direction that I normally tend towards. I wanted to do a quilt without a light or low volume background. Somehow this modern and graphic quilt appeals to one side of me.
... the other side of me craves a solid never-let-your-fingers-be-idle project, but my Summer Garden is the slow growing kind. No hurries, and no worries. I've always been attracted to and fascinated by traditional applique quilts, so this seems to somehow fit me too.
I was able to add these three sweet blocks recently and it was the perfectly packed project for our quilting group this past Saturday.
Block #481
Block #487
Block #575
What you don't see on my design wall right now are the pattern writing and other secret sewing projects that I have in the works... all in good time, right?
Linking up this week to Let's Bee Social.
