I've been fiddling with quilt blocks pieced in the hoop. I completed two, photographed them and then built up a picture of what a finished quilt would look like. Do you use any other methods before you begin a quilt?

I used to use eq then my computer crashed and I can't find the disk anymore and don't want to pay to replace it.. But EQ is a good idea to see what effect the colors have on the quilt.

Hi Sue, this is really a great idea! I love the idea of using the machine to piece the pieces in the hoop. That should make very consistent blocks. I always make a mock up of a quilt in some way. Often I just use graph paper and colored pencils. I cut out the squares and then arrange them different ways to see what effects I can create. I also like to do that when I use lots of different colors and shades to make sure the quilt has a balanced look. This looks great! Do you use Photoshop? Hugs, Jan

1 comment

by spendlove 31 May 2012

I can't get the hang of photoshop!

IMO there is no such thing as an ugly quilt. Every quilt speaks with a different voice. I think it is a great idea to use the technology to see what a quilt will look like in advance! You can always use the leftovers to make a scrap quilt in the end too!

I use my E-Q program. My I am wondering if you are planning on adding any embroidery designs to your comoleted blocks. Also are you quilting the blocks as you create them ITH? Good luck with your project. Susan

1 comment

by spendlove 31 May 2012

I don't know yet - still at the thinking stage!

I like but don't understand what you are doing

1 comment

by spendlove 31 May 2012

I took a picture of one squere, and used it to make a composite picture of what a finished quilt might look like.

Sue, I really like the first one. It makes a very nice pattern when together. Nothing wrong with the 2nd one I like your choice of colors. I make a design wall with a flannel back table cloth on a wall that I can see often then look at it to make sure it is what I like. If so I stitch it together. Both will make nice quilts. Nice job. Hugs & Stitches, Liz

I really like the first one, the like the stripes and the pinwheel effect.
Diane

without question the log cabin, But then I love hand applique the very best of all quilts.

Both nice but love the log cabin style one best.

good idea to get a look at the layout, I like both blocks, the stipes have mote potential though.

If no computer is near I use a Transparent Prism to take a look at multipy blocks.

And it helps to sort the fabrics by shade if you turn your foto into black and white for easy sorting.

1 comment

by spendlove 31 May 2012

Good idea - black and white can be very versatile.

Hi Sue, I use my Electric Quilt programme to design quilts if needed. Sometimes, I just make them up, but it's always a great idea to see what it will look like before it's begun. Love Chris

I have heard of people doing this before. It really gives you an idea of how it will turn out. I love the second one. It is really beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.

No, these look grand, and I think your idea of photographing them is great!

I use my EQ program. It's pretty much the same as your photo concept except I can scan my fabric into the computer and change it around until I get what I want changing the layout and the fabric in different spots in the block, etc.;)

brilliant idea Sue.

I like them both.

Love the second one - and the colors!

this is probably one of the few times I just wing it! I have to say every time I try to do one with a "certain" pattern it ends up collecting dust! I guess I can't do it or I don't want to & I loose interest!I do like your log cabin Its one of my favorite blocks!

That is so good will have to remember this

I usually make a few blocks to audition them to see if I like the colour combination or design. If not I turn them into a place mat or pot holder and start again with differant colours. Hugs Joyce

They looK fantastic Sue

That's a clever idea.
After watching the quilters video (on here) yesterday, I can imagine how many different looks you could get by moving them around.

I love the second one too

They both look really nice. The second one is a version of the half log cabin. I don't remember the name of the first one. The end product looks like the Rail Fence.

2 comments

by pldc 30 May 2012

I think its a pinwheel version

by drro 30 May 2012

looks a bit like a Tumbling block or same thing different name, Irish chain?

They look really nice would love to have the design.

I usually use a pattern so I don't have to try to figure out what it will look like! Love both of yours and you had a great idea with how you wheeled them out to what they would look like as a quilt!

Some people do just one block and use two mirrors at right angles to see a greater area, but that would not work when you turn the blocks as in picture two, you'd have to sew 4 together first.

I used to print a block with black and white patterns in the separate pieces, copy it a number of times, then cut them out and shove them around. Love your coloured pictures!

And some people are lucky enough to have software like EQ quilt (or some like like that).

1 comment

by spendlove 30 May 2012

I thought there would be a dedicated program available but it really isn't necessary. I just put the picture of one square into a publisher document and di some copyng and pasting.

I really like them both also! Would love to have the designs!

love them Sue i have done a few of these way faster then doing it the old way hugs carolyn

I really like both of them!

this is really neat, am not there yet but a good thing to think about

I love the second block and how it would look in a quilt, both are really nice but the second is my favorite