Guess who's using their EQ?

Guess who's using their EQ?

Kathy from Cotton Cellar Blog....that's who.  Kathy is a friend and guild member in PA.  Recently she has been having fun with her Electric Quilt 7 and I was able to  interview her for this post.  I have always admired people who dive in and have fun....Kathy is one of those people.  Here is my interview with Kathy (her words are typed in blue).

"Coasting"

My EQ drawings were a starting point for both quilts, but I made changes as I went, once I started the actual quilt. "Coasting" started out with equally spaced blocks on the drawing, and while I liked that, I decided to gradually increase the spacing once I started making it. Hence the name, Coasting - just like taking your feet off the pedals on a bike and coasting. I still like the original layout and have enough blocks left to make a second quilt, and that one will have the equally spaced blocks like the drawing. That one will be called "Cruising" - as in a constant speed. 

"Coasting and Cruising"

Can you tell me how long you have been using your EQ software....some of your thoughts about the software...and your process of learning to use it.

 I've been using EQ7 since mid-2010 when I purchased it from IHAN, and had a little bit of exposure to EQ6 prior to that at Needles Quilt Shop.  I admit that I'm very much a "newbie" at this, and am totally self-taught.  I learn best when I have a "need-to-know" so when I run into something I don't know how to do, that's when I dive in and dig around through the lessons until I figure it out.  I still have LOTS of learning to do!

I've just recently learned how to create my own fabric libraries in EQ and that is so valuable to me in my design process.  All I have to do is look up my fabric on the internet, and many times I find the .jpg swatches are already on the manufacturer's website ready to download.  If not, once I find the swatch I just right-click and save the image to my computer.  From there it's easy to import the swatches into EQ and use them in my designs.  It makes such a difference when I can view my exact fabrics on the screen as I create a design.

Was the fabric your inspiration to start the designs or did you make your designs first and then look for fabrics that would complement them?

Definitely the fabric was my inspiration!  Just like the commercial says - "the look, the feel, of cotton".  It draws me in and I usually buy it simply because I love it.  Occasionally I have a design in mind first, but most of the time I fall in love with a group of fabrics and have a general "feeling" that comes to mind when I work with them. Then the design is secondary.

For some totally unintentional reason, these latest two quilts have been designed around an emotion that came to mind when I start working with the fabrics.
For the "Coasting" quilt, I definitely wanted to work with the "light-to-dark" sequence of fabrics.  When I started playing around with the spacing between the blocks I had the feeling of just slowing down and coasting - like the feeling I remember as a child when I would take my feet of the pedals of my bike and coast...

"Grounded"

The drawing for "Grounded" started out in a horizontal format, suitable for hanging behind a sofa. But once I made the blocks, I realized that I liked it better in a vertical format, so I changed it again. The drawings are just starting points, so it didn't make sense to spend the time in front of the computer to change the drawing - it just got me going on the quilt.

When I started designing the blocks for "Grounded", I liked the idea of having a vertical band of a constant fabric running through each block, then connecting them with the quilting stitches.  It brought to mind the idea of electricity following the path of least resistance to the ground - hence the name "Grounded".  We all like to follow the path of least resistance in our lives, and working on this quilt made me feel grounded too.

How long have you been quilting?  Anything you would like folks to know about you in particular....just let me know so I can include that in my post.

I have been sewing as long as I can remember, but I didn't start any attempts at quilting until the mid 1980's.  I was working as a Drafter in the Engineering Department of our local Glass Factory here in Wellsboro at the time, so work and family took priority and didn't leave much time for sewing.  I left my job in 2004 so I could enjoy some pre-retirement years and focus on the things in life that bring me the most pleasure - family (which now includes two new grandchildren), sewing, camping & fishing with my wonderful husband.
My mother taught me to sew when I was a little girl, and my first sewing machine was passed down to me from my great-grandmother, so sewing is definitely in my genes!

Are you planning on selling these patterns? 

I have just recently opened an on-line Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/CottonCellar) where I hope to sell my quilts, as well as the purses and accessories that I make.  I've been thinking about selling patterns for my quilts as well.  I guess that depends on the feedback that I get.  If there's enough interest, I might go ahead and publish the patterns too.  I have been designing patterns for Needles Quilt Shop for several years now, so I could easily transition into designing my own line of patterns as well.  We'll see...
 


Thank you for the interview Kathy. 

You can visit Kathy's blog here or by clicking on any place in this post that says Cotton Cellar. Click here to visit Kathy's ETSY shop.


Sew you see....it just takes starting! Are you using your Electric Quilt software?  I know I've used mine and found it to be very user friendly.  I don't personally know of any other software company that totally and completely supports their software like the Electric Quilt Company does.  They have a forum, videos, lessons....you name it....they are committed to help you learn to use your software.  Go over to the EQ website and check out all they offer.  Some companies take your money and say, “Thank you very much,” and that’s where the relationship ends.   The Electric Quilt Company follows the sale with, “How can we help you be successful in learning our software?”  That’s my kind of company!

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

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House - Electric Quilt 7

Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House

Final Chapter
The Electric Quilt Company - EQ 7
Presented by Gail Wadley

 

 

The very first Schoolhouse presentation was by Gail Wadley for The Electric Quilt Company.  I was very excited because I've been working on Linda Poole's Quilt Challenge and I had a few questions for Gail about my EQ 7 Software.  If I have not mentioned this before, I LOVE the EQ7 Software.  I have not had any problems uploading photos and scanning my fabrics to load into the program.  I can make design quilts using the fabrics I have here at home and see what they will look like before I ever cut my fabric.  How cool is that? 

 

Those who attended the presentation brought our computers and Gail also had her computer screen showing on an overhead projector as well.  (I'm sure there is more technical terms for what she was doing....but I don't know them...lol)   This made it wonderful for the students to not only follow along on our computers but for those without computers, they could see what was happening too.

 

Gail was an excellent teacher.  It was very clear from the beginning that she really knows this program and she shared some good information with the class.  The next time I can go to an EQ class being given by any of the EQ Instructors, I'm going....honestly it was not only fun but exciting to learn more about Electric Quilt Software.

These are some of the topics she covered:

• Lessons and Video Tutorials available on the Software as well as the Electric Quilt Website. 
• Monthly Fabric Palettes are available on the Electric Quilt Website.
• Working with Images- Importing images, cropping images, resizing images, applying effects and colorizing.
•  Adding Fabric scans
• Creating photo quilts.

There were many over suggested reading topics included in her handout as well.

I really enjoyed this class and was very grateful that Checker Distributors provided those in attendance with the opportunity to further our knowledge about EQ 7 Software.

This concludes the IHAN coverage of the Checker Distributor 62 Anniversary Open House.  I know I have left out other companies that were present.  I could not possibly cover everything and everyone.  I specifically did not cover the Sizzix Quilting By Design Fabric Cutting System because I plan to do a product review in the very near future and I want to do that separately.

Thank you Checker Distributors for hosting this event and giving all of those who attended an opportunity to learn more about the great products available.  The IHAN Bloggifers have been great!!!  Thank you for reading these posts and leaving your comments.  I will do the drawing for the Giveaways tomorrow and post the winners tomorrow evening.

Smiles,

Kelly

Mail Treasures

Lauren, the mail carrier,  has been good to me, really good to me this weekend!!!  Look at this amazing hand dyed batik table runner that was made by Abigale in Kenya.  Rosemary sent it to me as a thank you for helping her raise the money necessary to take the Nolting Mid-Arm quilting machine to Africa several weeks ago. 

Look at these batiks.  They are absolutely lovely and I am so awed that I can't stop touching the table runner.  I'm afraid my co-workers would not have the same reverence for this gift so I'm going to ask Mr. McSteamy to make a special wall hanger so I can hang it on the wall.

It is 5 feet 10 inches long too.  Every time I touch it....I think about it being made in Kenya and know I'm a little closer to Africa and my dream of visiting.  I am so moved by the gift, Thank You Rosemary!!! I am also  moved by the process by which this treasure has arrived here in my home.  The "chance" meeting and the "chance" phone call.....my exhaustion and hesitation at doing "one more thing" and then at night thinking about the women who have learned to sew so they can feed their families and care for themselves. 

The gift of sharing a skill, the gift of friendship, connection to those near and far......extending the human chain of kindness, compassion and willingness.....a Quilters Dream.....and the grace by which all of these amazing events have given me a gift.....I live for experiences just like this one....this is what nourishes my soul and gives me hope and joy.  (the entire process....not the material gift itself)

I thank everyone who contributed and you all know who you are.....it is only because of your care, concern and generosity that I was able to be a link in the chain....we all made the chain and I hope your lives are touched by what we were all able to accomplish together!!

Two packages arrived......this one was full of some fun fabric from Linda Poole.  

 

I know I'm busy and I don't know weather to wind my butt or scratch my watch ....however, I had to  squeeze in this one little project because I believe it will help keep me centered in doing what I love and also allow me to nourish myself by accomplishing one of my goals.  You may have noticed the button on the right sidebar of my blog that says, "My Plan For Self Care."  I'm making a quilt for me!!!  I have wanted something to put in my screened in porch that is colorful and bright that enhances the feeling of being outdoors.  What better challenge than to make one with Linda's new "Iridescence" fabric line.  If you have not joined in the challenge.....I'm inviting you to join me....together we can encourage one another to finish our projects and take better care of ourselves :)

I have to get off of this bot and get over to my serger to serge the edges of this fabric so I can wash it.  Before I go, I want to know if anyone is considering the Electric Quilt Cruise?  I can't make plans to go unless I know I'll have some cronies with me.....so if you are even thinking of going please e-mail me, IHaveANotion@yahoo.com 

Joyful Smiles,

Kelly

Ahhhh The EQ 7 and EQ 7 Upgrades Have Been Shipped

I'm sorry I've been MIA lately, I have a good excuse.  I went down to Bowling Green, OH to pick up the new EQ 7 and EQ 7 Upgrade Software.  This was my first visit to EQ Headquarters and it was lots of fun.

I thought many of you might appreciate getting to see the EQ Mouse.....so without further ado....let me introduce you to the EQ Mouse:

Hello Mouse....meet the IHAN blogifers.

EQ Mouse says, "squeek a deekey doo" which translated means "Pleased to Meet You!"

Everywhere I looked "the Mouse" was there....good thing I'm not phobic about mice ay?

Perhaps he just wanted me to give him a cookie, You do know what happens when
you give a mouse a cookie don't you????

And then there was another little Mouse looking right at me.....I'm thinking where you find one mouse, there are lots more.  I won't reveal the true identity of the EQ Mouse.....lets just say.....well.....I did not want to take a DNA sample!!!  LOL

All of The Electric Quilt Company staff were extremely helpful....they helped load my van with lots of boxes.  A very friendly crew down in Bowling Green.  THANK YOU Ladies :)

This was the first installment to the post office later in the afternoon on Wednesday.  I've had several more trips with many more crates.  The good news is that they are now all packaged and the last of the packages will go out tomorrow!!!  Hurray.......if any of you find the tape a bit wonky...well.....that is what happens when you wrap packages until 2:00 am.  Things get done....perhaps not the prettiest....but they are done....ahhhhh.

 

Rosemary came over on her bike today to help wrap packages.  Thank You Rosemary!!!  Her knee is feeling much better and she is able to ride her bicycle now.

Off to bed....I'll get back to Quilt Market stories and photos....I just need a wee bit of sleep.....say....14 hours!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Pre-Order Electric Quilt 7 Software $130.00 and EQ 7 Upgrade 49.99

Get your Electric Quilt 7 Software for $130.00 (a $59.00 savings) or the Electric Quilt 7 Upgrade 49.99 (a $40.00 savings) by Monday May 31 because starting June 1,2010 the price will go up to Suggested Retail Price  $189.95 and $89.95 for the Upgrade.  The Electric Quilt Company has a Minimum Advertised Price Policy and they have temporarily dropped this Policy through May 31, 2010.  So now is the time to order and save :)

Click Here NOW

 Order your Electric Quilt Software

IHAN will ship the EQ 7 and EQ 7 Upgrade on June 3rd and 4th so place your order now before the price goes up.

Smiles,
Kelly

The Electric Quilt Company's NEW EQ 7

Just when I thought the excitement at IHAN had calmed down I find out The Electric Quilt Company is coming out with EQ 7. 

There is no blog rest for the IHAN team.  I can't sit quiet after reading about this....I might loose some good friends if they found out I knew and didn't tell them. 

This does not make our EQ6 less wonderful, it is still the same incredible quilt software it has always been.....it just means we can upgrade to 7 if we would like to have the new features.  The new version will allow us to use our Digital Cameras to turn our photos into our quilting creations.  You can also photograph your stash and add it to your EQ7.....now that is way cool!!!  Perfect for me because I can't tell you which fabric will be the best as the boarder.  I typically have to pack up my projects and carry them around to my quilting friends and get their opinions.  Now this evens out the playing field....I don't have to feel bad I can't visualize how it might look.....I can make it digitally ..... check it out....change it.....without ever ripping out a single stitch. 

Electric Quilt has changed their activation policy too.  You can activate and deactivate your software when you change computers without all the hassles.  Just a few clicks and you are done. 

This gives you more information (gently borrowed from EQ :)

EQ7 is the most user-friendly full-featured quilting software yet.

 •Complete user manual
•22 printable full-color PDF lessons (115 pages)
•Point-and-read info on each tool – now linked directly to Help topics
•10 videos targeted for beginners
•67 “How do I?” topics: printable stepped-out instructions for doing everything from printing English paper-piecing templates to drawing a New York Beauty
•Built-in Help buttons are everywhere, targeted to the task you're doing
•New block tools for creating original blocks instantly without drawing
•Blocks size themselves – just drag and drop on the quilt

Includes tons of user-requested new features

Exactly the same friendly interface, plus loads of new user-requested features.
•5000 copyright-free blocks
•5000 new scanned fabrics, plus grayscale textures
•120 new pre-designed quilt layouts
•Snap blocks to a Quilt grid
•Instant border blocks with greatly expanded Auto Borders
•Print multiple photos on fabric
•Create original fabric designs from photos, then print on fabric
•Mirror and use myriad symmetries on photos
•Use dozens of artistic effects, making everyday photos look like watercolors or Impressionist paintings
•79 new features in all

Netbook compatible

Works on netbooks as well as laptops and desktop computers.

You knew all that had to be gently borrowed ..... everyone knows I'm no wiz....but I can certainly use my EQ6 and I can't wait to take pix of my stash and put it into my computer when I get the EQ7 upgrade!!!

I have added EQ 7 and EQ7 Upgrade to my website.  It is available for pre-order.  Like most new releases they sell out quickly and then go right into back order.  I'm going to stock up and if you pre-order through me you will get your copy just as soon as I get them (the are in Bowling Green, just 15 minutes down the street..oh yea!!)

You will be charged to secure your copy but it will not ship until they are released by The Electric Quilt Company on June 7, 2010. 

So if you want a copy, hop over to IHAN and order yours now :)

Smiles,
Kelly