Square-agonals - A New Angle On Quilting

I had the very good fortune of meeting Sandi Blackwell in Houston for Quilt Market 2010.  Sandi's first book is Very Impressive!!!  Each time I go to Market I typically find one book or tool that I've never seen before and I think is innovative and truly new.  This time it was Sandi's book entitled, " Square-agonals." 

 

Square-agonals is a New Angle on Quilting

No Math!

No Cutting or Setting Triangles!

Turn Easy-Stitched Blocks and Rows into Stunning Diagonal Designs

I know many quilters who cringe when they see the word triangle. Sandi has developed a method where you sew blocks together in rows and no triangles!!  I won't give away all the magic of the book but I will show you a few photos I took that gives you a little glimpse into how it is done.....just so you know you can do it too :)

Although Sandi explains the mathematics behind Square-agonlas you don't need to understand the method in order to make any of the 14 patterns in the book. 

The blocks are sewn together in rows and then the quilt gets cut into three sections and reassembled ....that is what gives you the diagonal set design. 

You are looking at how the fabric was cut and the tape is "Arrow Guide Tape."  The tape makes a great visual guide for cutting as well as stabilizes the bias fabric that you cut.  You don't have to purchase the "Arrow Guide Tape" to use her method either....she told us we could use our own tape but that she has developed the tape just to keep things simple.  I like that!!

When it is sewn back together this is what you have....a diagonal set design without having to ever sew one of those little triangles!!!  Now you know why I was impressed right? 

Isn't it amazing that Sandi has figured out how to go from the blocks on the left to the beautiful table runner on the right?  (not to scale of course...I know someone was thinking....miracle grow for fabric right?)

You have to click here and see all of the quilts that have been made using Sandi's Square-agonals method.  You'll be really surprised to see how incredible they are and no one had to sew a triangle. 

I made certain  I was in line to get an autographed copy of Sandi's book, Square-agonals,  for one very lucky IHAN blog reader.  I was not going to miss this one!!!  So if you would like to have a chance to own an autographed copy of Square-agonals please leave a comment on this post telling me why you would like to own this book.  I will choose a winner by random on Friday night December, 3rd. 

Smiles,

Kelly

The Electric Quilt Company in Houston for Quilt Market 2010

The Electric Quilt Company

Ann Rutter was the presenter for the Schoolhouse EQ session. 

 

This is just a photo of some examples that were gone over.  I have to say, I don't think there is a software program anywhere that is as "teachable/learn-able" than  EQ 7.  I'm not just saying that because I sell it either.  Most of you know I'm a person of my word.  When I embellish the truth I make it clear that either I'm telling a joke or I write (lie) at the end of what I said.  So this my friends, is a FACT!!!  If you can read and  and follow a one step directive, than you can design your own quilts using EQ Software.

Photos from the Market Floor

There were computers set up for smaller demonstrations and people were able to use the software in their booth too. 

 

I'm in EQ Heaven here....see the stars and the clouds....I hear angels singing (kidding...no angels....just the announcer over the PA telling folks the lunch area was open).

 

Ohhhhh Ahhhhhh....all the fun stuff together on a wall.

More EQ 7 possibilities :)

 

Oh yeah, how about some Quilting Software to develop your plan for quilting the project you just designed on EQ 7?  Yep, they have it all there for you....you can't get any easier than this. 

The people at The Electric Quilt Company  are not cold phone operators or techies that talk "techno speak." They are people with a passion for what they do.  They are kind, thoughtful, warm and very friendly.  Don't believe me?  Just call them anytime...( 1-800-356-4219) ask a question.... see for yourself....then you'll know personally that what I'm telling you is true.

You know the commercial on TV where they guy sells DVD's to teach you how to use different software?  I don't know his name but I've seen the commercial.  Basically they are selling you the "how to."  The Electric Quilt Company gives you the " how to"...free....24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Here is what they give you free and with a genuine desire for you to be successful with their software:

• Videos
• Lessons
• Tech Support
• Forums
• Newsletter
• Blog
• You Tube Videos
• Club EQ
• Free Monthly Fabric Downloads
• Facebook

I'm sure there are things I missed to.  The Electric Quilt Company gets a 4 Star Rating from IHAN for their incredible Electric Quilt 7 Software and their sincere desire to help people be successful in designing their own projects.  They care about their customers and the people who sell their software.  That is really saying something these days.  I have found many companies care more about making money then they do customer satisfaction.....if you have shopped with IHAN you know that is not the case here and it certainly is not the case at The Electric Quilt Company!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Andover Fabrics in Houston for Fall Quilt Market 2010

Yes, I know I don't sell Andover Fabrics....but I can't help myself.  Somehow I always seem to end up in their Schoolhouse Presentations.  Why?  Because the Andover Crew have such a good time.  There is always tons of laughter and camera's flashing everywhere.  It is not quite a Comedy Club Show.....but real darn close....and they don't even try to be funny or entertaining....they just ARE!!! 

I also know all of you want to see photos of Market.....and I know you'll love these new fabrics.....so I'm just keeping (myself) the blog readers happy!!! :)

This Schoolhouse Presentation was held at 4:55 and was titled, "Newest of the New" and Gail Kessler was the presenter.  So.....here you go :)

Swoon by Melissa Averinos

Swoon by Melissa Averinos

Swoon by Melissa Averinos

 

Lots of Dots

Viviana by Lonni Rossi

Spot's Favorite Colors

Songbird by Kathy Hall

I have no idea!!

Tailor Made by Cosmo Cricket

Nope, don't know this one either?  Yikes....soooo sorry.

Still Clueless....but I know you are not surprised...just shoot me  - with a chocolate filled squirt gun please!

What can I say?

 I know I could have written down all the designers names for the quilts above.....and I may have even gotten some of them wrong....but you know what?  They are all Andover Fabrics.....so if you just have to have one of them.....hike on over and tell them you have to have it....and I'm sure they'll tell you where you can get it....I'm sure the one's I don't know are not out yet...probably in May 2011.

With that being said.....I know both Mrs. Rosemary and I would have quite possibly trampled healthy people to get our hands on "Dem Bones" fabric by Carol Eldridge.  The minute I saw these I flipped out of my chair and went swinging through the place like a chimpanzee.....in dire need of a banana.  I MUST have some of  DEM BONES......I can't remember a time that I saw fabric that owned me.... until now.

I know I'm taking a big risk by showing everyone these fabrics, they could be sold out fast. 

I have no idea why these fabrics hit me like they do.....but I crack up looking at them....a skeleton in a bikini?  Poky legs with stockings on a skeleton?  I'm in LOVE!!! This is serious.....I might even run over Brint-the Scissor Man to get my hands on some of this fabric....that is just so sad.  I'm possessed, I know.

I hope everyone at Andover Fabrics forgives my imperfections and inability to document every detail!   If you must....shoot me- with a cannon filled with Dem Bones Fat Quarter Bundles....lots of them....just in case you miss the first time!!!  Oh yeah baby :)

Transfixed Smiles,

Kelly

Fall Quilt Market 2010 Houston, TX Day One-Schoolhouse Series

I thought I'd log on and give everyone a sneak peak at a few people I spoke with today....just a little teaser....there are so many more and lots of photos too!!! 

The lovely Amy Butler just before her Schoolhouse presentation. She looked as fresh and beautiful as ever and I can't wait to get to her booth at Market and take more photos.  Hmmmmm who is the gal in the background?  Why it is Miss Rosemary....you just never know where she is going to turn up.

Eleanor Peace Bailey with an unidentified passerby.

 I love this picture.  Sarah Vedeler and Susan Brubaker Knapp together in the hallway after their Schoolhouse Presentations.  They both have fantastic presentations today and I took lots of photos in each to share.

That unidentified passerby has found a new love interest.  What can I say....he offered free Chocolate Milkshakes for life....LOL (No worries Mr. McSteamy....just a wee bit of humor :)

It was a great day today.  I am finding it very difficult to blog on a laptop.  I will keep my posts short while here in Houston and share much more once I'm back at IHAN headquarters on the trusty ole home bot.

If you were here at Quilt Market what would you be most interested in seeing?  Is there anyone you would just absolutely love to meet?  Who and why?  Inquiring minds want to know :)

Tired Smiles,
Kelly