September 28, 2018

Scrap-Basket Bounty Blog Celebration - Day Five

Welcome!  Today is the final day of the Scrap-Basket Bounty blog celebration.  I'm so grateful to all of you who have visited and left very encouraging comments.  For those of you who are just now finding your way over, I've been sharing two or three quilts each day, and giving away copies of my new book published by Martingale and a few other things that I enjoy using when I design, sew, and quilt.  In case you missed Days 1, 2, 3, and 4, click the hyperlinks to visit those posts.  And you still have time to visit Martingale's blog, Stitch This!, where I was the guest writer, for another opportunity to win a copy.




Scrap-Basket Bounty has patterns for 16 single-block quilts with additional layout options -- a total of 48 different quilt designs!  That's a lot, right?  If you you're wondering if these designs just popped into my head, the answer is no.  That happens occasionally, but not very often.  I almost always begin a design on my computer using software from Electric Quilt Company.  (I recently upgraded to EQ8, which was a pretty major update that made the software even more user-friendly.)

The first thing I do is draw a block in the Block Worktable.  (I won't go into a lot of detail about these steps -- within the software, you can download a quick-start guide, reference manual, and printable lessons.  There are also video lessons and online support articles.)  I color the block gray and white so I can see the design clearly.  



Next, I choose a layout (usually either horizontal blocks or on point blocks). In the Quilt Worktable, I fill the quilt with blocks.  



Then comes the fun part!  To rotate a single block a quarter turn, within the Design/Block Tools tab, just select the Rotate button and click on the block you want to rotate.  I've rotated the block on the top left by the red arrow.  You can continue clicking the block to rotate a quarter turn until the block is in the position you like.  


My favorite feature of EQ8 is the Symmetry tool.  When you select the Symmetry tool and click on any block, all of the blocks rotate and flip to create a totally different design.  The Symmetry tool is capable of producing up to 16 variations of the quilt design! Here's a variation that appeared with only a click of the mouse.  How cool is that?


Once I choose a final design, I use the Fabric Tools to "color" the quilt with fabric swatches downloaded from Electric Quilt Company or from websites of fabric manufacturers.  This gives me a good idea of what my quilt will look like when it's sewn together with the fabrics I've chosen.  


You can also make all of your quilt blocks first and rotate them directly on your design wall if you don't have quilt design software -- it just takes a little longer to produce a variety of options before choosing a final layout.  I hope this has encouraged you to play with additional arrangements for your blocks, no matter what you're working on.  You might find that your own layout looks better to you than the pattern you're using.     
STARBURST
Photography by Brent Kane
I've shown you only a fraction of what you can do with EQ8.  If you're interested in creating your own designs using EQ8, you can see a brief video demonstration of EQ8's capabilities here.  




STAR PETALS
Photography by Brent Kane
Star Petals was made by Cena Harmon.  She chose a design that radiates from the center and is very striking.  Doesn't this make you want to see what happens when you arrange the blocks you're working on right now in this setting?      

I hope you've enjoyed seeing lots of quilts from Scrap-Basket BountyMartingale has generously offered to send a print copy of the book to the winner of a random drawing.  Electric Quilt Company will also send you their spectacular quilt design software, Electric Quilt 8! If you'd like to win the book and software, simply leave a comment and tell me if you like to experiment with different quilt layouts, or if you're a go-by-the-pattern kind of quilter.  The giveaway will close on Tuesday, October 2, at 10:00 p.m. CDT.  The winner will be announced at the end of next week.  (And don't forgot to visit Martingale's blog for another opportunity to win a copy of Scrap-Basket Bounty!) 

Thanks so much for visiting!

Kim  

Update:  Comments are now closed for this post.  Thank you for visiting. 



57 comments:

Heather said...

I’m usually a pattern follower, but if I’m not too fond of a layout, I’ve been known to shift blocks around on a design wall!

Kathy said...

I like to experiment with layouts. Thanks for the giveaway chance.

Meg McKinney said...

I have a design wall in my sewing room, and really like to try variations of lay-outs. Your quilts turn out well, and make me want to try them.

Hildy said...

I always love to play with patterns and designs. But I use the old-fashioned graph paper version;-)

Michele said...

Thanks for the EQ tips! I’m more of a patter follower, but I’d like to start experimenting with different layouts!

Laura said...

I am most definitely NOT a go-by-the-pattern gal. Heck, half the time I do t even have a pattern LOL. I just start sewing 🙂

suzanne, dutchess county NY said...

Sometimes I just wing it and sew, but most of the time I make a few blocks from a pattern and see how things come together. One thing I know for sure is I'd love this book!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Blogger had a glitch so sorry if this is a repeat comment. I definitely play with layout choices. I usually change something about a pattern to customize it to my tastes and to keep my quilt unique.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I like to experiment and rarely ever follow a pattern totally. I may start out with the pattern and then experiment along the way.

Susan said...

I'm usually a pattern follower but I will change things up to fit my taste and purpose.

Kristen said...

I generally follow the pattern but if it's not too complex to deviate, I try it out. The software would help with that though! I'm looking forward to adding your new book to my library next to all the rest of your titles and thanks for the chance to win!

Chrissiequilter said...

I love playing around with layouts and often use a pattern as inspiration to get me started. Thanks so much for your wonderful books and for the chance to win such great prizes!

Jocelyn said...

I'm not very creative when it comes to layouts, so I like to go by the designs. Which is why I love books and patterns like yours ;-)

Anne Simonot said...

I generally follow the layout of the pattern I’m following. But I also love to play with log cabin blocks, their design encourages experimentation!

Nikki said...

I would LOVE to design my own quilt, or at least have the ability to see what it would look like flipped, with different colors. Sometimes what is in my head doesn't translate too well to the final quilt. I fall in love with quilts but then don't have the "right" fabric in my stash and can't see how it would look with what I have. I am buying more precuts and kits because of this problem. I am also trying to think more about color theory. EQ8 might solve my problem!

Unknown said...

I usually follow the pattern, since I make quilts because I love the design. But I’ve switched things around a bit, too. I want to start designing my own patterns, so the software would be perfect.

Nancy A said...

Wow! What a generous giveaway. I love to change designs up as I make them. Usually I start with a pattern, but as it goes up on the design wall changes happen. I'd love to try designing my own patterns with EQ8.

nkadenver at yahoo dot com

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Love the Starburst pattern! I do like to change up patterns a bit to make them larger, smaller or perhaps to add elements like applique to make them my own.

Becky said...

I like to use the pattern as a guide. I make changes to suit my idea of what I want the final quilt to look like. Wish I knew how to use EQ. It’kashi an awesome product. Congrats on your new book!

Jaylene said...

I usually go by the pattern because that's what caught my attention in the first place but will switch it up to make the quilt my own.

Jeanne Bishop said...

I always make a quilt my own. I choose blocks that I think will give me lots of options for both color and layout and then start. I've used several versions of EQ, and I always use it for playing with layouts. The quilts in this book are awesome, and I'd love to win this book. I have all of Kim's books, so I'll be buying this at some point if I don't win a copy.

vkh6210 said...

I would love to have EQ8! I like to see a pattern in a certain fabric line or see how may scraps would look worked up in a pattern. To win your book or EQ8 would be awesome. Thank you for a great giveaway. vkh6210 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like to have a pattern for cutting measurements and block sizes and then play with block place to see if another design shows up. thanks again for the chance to win your book.
Nancy Hash

Quilting Babcia said...

Most of the time I start with a pattern and try to make it my own with some modifications. Lately I've just used photos for inspiration and try to draft out the pattern myself with paper and pencil. Only occasionally do I try to do something entirely my own design, since I don't have an artistic bone in my body. Thanks for offering all these wonderful giveaways this week - every one is special!

Margaret said...

I’ve always been one to simply use the pattern design and instructions, but I am intrigued with the idea of making one block and moving it around to get different looks. That sounds fascinating and looks reaaly neat. I am eager to see your book - I’m sure it’s marvelous!

Nicci P said...

I will definitely tweak a layout, when needed. Love the preview of the new book, Kim!

Loris said...

OK I might be back to Star Petals as my favorite :-)
As to layouts, I have changed a few bought often just follow the pattern. I would love to learn how to computer plan them though.

Deb said...

I love to experiment. I don't want my quilts looking like everyone else's.

Nancy said...

I love twisting and turning blocks to see various layouts- the more ideas the better!

momto1 said...

I have to force myself to leave a pattern alone. Seeing how many variations I could possibly make is half the fun of making a quilt! I really appreciate a book that does some of that exploring for me. Your book sounds delightful, and the quilts you’ve shown us are all so beautiful. This book is definitely a must-have!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! I’ve been eyeing that software for a while now. I love the design process and love playing with blocks. However, when I’m in a hurry, there’s nothing better than a well written pattern like the ones in all of your books!

Zanymouse said...

I always play with the layout. I'm not sure if I've ever made a pattern exactly as it was written, lol! Thanks for the chance to win!

Material Girl said...

Love,love,love scrap quilts! Can’t wait to make some of these!

Renea said...

I usually like to stick with the pattern but sometimes I do play with the layout. Thanks for all the inspiration from sharing your new book. I really enjoyed seeing all the quilts.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

I love to mess with blocks/patterns and play! I think Starburst may be my new favorite! Thanks for the fun!

Carol said...

I like to experiment with patterns and settings, but having said that, I'm always drawn to diagonal settings rather than straight settings.

Delaine said...

I do both. If I really love the look of a quilt, I will follow the pattern exactly. If I am inspired by a quilt, I will play with the layout of the blocks. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I usually follow the pattern but have been experimenting more with different layouts lately.

Nancy L said...

I do both; follow the pattern, or adjust the layout. I usually follow the pattern, if it is one that I like. However, if I can't get it to work, or I have another idea, I change it up. Thanks for the giveaway.

Vicki in MN said...

I am trying to experiment a little bit more, I only wish there were more hours in a day!

Quiltsmiles said...

I'm a maverick! I find it difficult to do traditional layouts so experimenting works best for me! Awesome giveaway, thanks!

Vicki said...

I love to change things up!

Unknown said...

I love experimenting and finding secondary patterns.

Jayne said...

I'm a stick to the pattern kind of girl, but perhaps it's time I experiment a little more. Love your new book!

Laura said...

I love the aspect of design and often times start a pattern but end up with something totally different. EQ8 is on my wishlist, but in the meantime, my graph paper and colored pencils are getting a workout.

Sheila said...

I'm usually drawn to the pattern I see the first time around, but like to move the blocks around to see my options and record them with a picture for later use. I used to design very simple quilts in EQ (v.4 I think) and switch things up like you do.

Thank you all for the generous giveaways!

Julie in GA said...

I rarely follow a pattern as written, always feeling the need to change things up and make it my own in some way.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Since you design such beautiful quilts Kim, why would I mess with perfection and change them? I follow your patterns.

sue s said...

I make all the block of a pattern but then re-arrange them to get a pleasant color combo. It feels more like "mine" that way too!

Robby said...

Patterns are like recipes... a great jumping off point to make what really suits you!
(bolderbaker.at.gmail.dot.com)

SandyPA said...

Hi Kim! I have loved your designs for years and am excited to look through your new book. I tend to be a by-the-book quilter, expressing my individuality with color choice and just slight changes usually to the borders. Nothing is more individual than a scrap quilt, though. It's so fun to look at the different scraps and recall when I found that print and which projects it landed in.

time4stitchn said...

I use patterns as guidelines. I like the blocks, but may alter the size, the sashings, the colors. Many times I will take ideas from similar quilts and combine to get the look I want. I have quilted for so long, I really like the creative part and love the challenge of making it my own. Would love to try EG8 someday!

Anonymous said...

I've never used any of the EQ software but am interested in trying it! I've enjoyed seeing the quilts from your book!
tstanulis@verizon.net

Jennifer said...

I usually like to play around with blocks on my design wall, even thought I have EQ! I’ve never gotten comfortable enough with it to use it quickly, Thanks for sharing your process and the quilts from your new book!

Sharon said...

I love my EQ8! And the Symmetry tool is magic! I hope to make one of your quilts soon.

Cathy said...

I have been a follow the pattern type person, but the last 2 projects I bought supplies for I will be changing the design to something I like better than the pattern. I finally feel confident in my quilting to change the design.

Pam @ Quilting Fun said...

I follow a pattern if I am using a pattern. I usually pick them because I like what the author has done. Love your quilts! Just found your website and I am now a follower. Thank you for the give away.