[This contest is closed.]
Carmen was nice enough to offer a free EQ7 project for everyone AND a copy of her new book to one lucky person! Details are at the bottom of the post.
As much as we like to find beautiful quilts that were designed with EQ7, we really like to find whole books of quilts designed with EQ7! We heard about EQ user, Carmen Geddes’s new book “Ten Quilts for Ten Sisters” and just had to interview her about these quilts.
Read below to find out about Carmen’s TEN sisters, her design process and how she got hooked on EQ!
EQ: Congratulations on the release of your new book, Ten Quilts for Ten Sisters! Tell us about it!
Carmen: Thanks so much! I’m very excited about my first book– we self published, so I have really learned a lot! There are actually ten girls in my family! (only seven brothers, but that is for the next book!) Each quilt is named for one of my sisters. I think the quilts and the sisters are just beautiful! The book is based on the technique of piecing the quilt on top of Tensisters Easy Piecing Grid –a lightweight iron-on interfacing panel with the grid printed on it. It comes in three finished sizes; 1″, 1 1/2″, and 2″ squares. Easy assembly with amazing results!
EQ: Before we discuss your experience with EQ7, tell us about yourself!
Carmen: I am number 12 in my big family- the first seven were girls, so I grew up surrounded by brothers! I did get pretty good at arm wrestling! My mother’s talents were many! Gardener, violinist, seamstress, knitter, and quilter. She instilled a love and a bit of reverence for quilts in me– they took a lot of work! I’ve always loved sewing and creating. I have 5 children of my own- I loved sewing for them, so of course, I decided to make a business out of it. I had a home based kids’ clothes company for five years while my kids were growing up. When my oldest was in high school, I became a free lance educator for Husqvarna Viking sewing machines. I learned so much and got to meet so many amazing, talented people in that job! I taught all sorts of things, but realized in those years that my real love was quilting. I began to focus my teaching and designing exclusively to quilting. I’ve taught at many shops, quilt groups, and shows around the country. It’s just like being around all my sisters! Developing my own products has just been a natural step in this fun adventure! My family helps me a lot, but my husband of 35 years, Patrick is my biggest helper and fan! We are so lucky to have our kids and our nine beautiful grandkids live nearby!
EQ: So, how did you first find out about EQ quilt design software and what made you decide to try it?
Carmen: When I became an educator for Husqvarna Viking, I was at a training week at the company headquarters, and an Electric Quilt representative came to teach us about this amazing quilt designing software! It was EQ5 and I was completely hooked! I’ve kept current on each of the versions, though I consider myself a complete beginner!
EQ: Did you teach yourself to use the program or did you use tutorials, lessons etc.?
Carmen: After the one day training I had- I practiced with the lesson books that came with the software. They were beautifully illustrated and easy to follow. I also watched the tutorials and followed them step by step. What I loved is that I didn’t need to know much about the computer to work the program. And I didn’t need to know everything about EQ before I could use it to help with my quilting projects! At first, I mainly used it just to resize blocks– just that one thing changed my quilting world!
EQ: How did you design quilts before you had EQ?
Carmen: I’m laughing out loud— I used a blank piece of paper and drew crazy sketches and had mathematical equations written all over the page that I could hardly make sense of! Didn’t everyone do that?
EQ: What role did EQ7 play in the making of quilts for your book?
Carmen: EQ7 was a huge part of my quilt designing for the quilts in my book! All the quilts are based on squares! EQ7 let me go back to designing quilts like many of the quilt makers of days gone by– one square at a time. It allowed me to see how big the quilt was going to be, with or without borders. I could change sizes quickly and easily from a 1″, 1 1/2″, or a 2″ finished square, which is what the quilt patterns in the book are designed with. Using EQ7 helped me think out of my comfort zone– I changed fabrics, colors, and design elements of quilts really quickly and easily.
EQ: So when you get an idea for a quilt, what’s the first thing you do and how do you use EQ7 to complete it?
Carmen: Since all my quilts are based on squares, I wasn’t thinking in terms of piecing block by block, so I go into the layout and select the amount of squares I want my quilt top to have, horizontally and vertically. For example, 45 X 45 squares. I choose the block size to be 1″, 1 1/2″, or 2″ finished. And then I click on layer one, choose the paintbrush and start to design. Anything that is pixilated; floor tile designs, cross-stitch designs, photos, the sky is the limit! The quilts in this first book are really about the old, vintage quilt patterns that most of us just wished we could make! I also exported the graphics from EQ7 for my pattern layouts and quilt pictures. It was great! I love to do things that look like they were difficult, but actually were really easy!
EQ: Do you have any favorite tools or features of the program?
Carmen: These are very simple things, but like I said, I’m a beginner! When I first began using the program years ago, my favorite was the ability to change the block size. I would take a block like the Log Cabin for instance, and make one block large enough for a lap size quilt! One Block Wonders, I called them! They were my go-to quick quilts. Now, I really like the ‘draw patches in a straight line’ feature. I can draw a whole chain of color really quickly. I also really like ‘swap all colors’. I can change the whole look of a quilt in a click!
EQ: Well congratulations again, Carmen! Tell us, after attaining such a great accomplishment, what advice do you have for others who are looking to reach similar achievements?
Carmen: Thanks so much! I would say, if I can do it, anyone can! I meet so many talented quilters every day– they inspire me and share their love of all aspects of quilting. So my advice would be to share what you do with others! Attend your local quilt group, share your work by putting your quilts in local shows, teach a class! Write a quilting book! Everyone has something to share. That’s the essence of quilting, I think– sharing.
EQ: Thank you so much for doing this interview with me and providing a giveaway! Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you, your book or your design process?
Carmen: Well, I do like gardening and dutch oven cooking! The family reunion is every fourth of July at my house, so if you show up, everyone will think you are related somehow! I’d love for people to check out my website and YouTube channel. I am available to come and teach for quilt groups, shows, and retreats. Thanks for having me as your blog guest!
A big thank you to Carmen for doing this interview and providing a book giveaway!
Enter to win “Ten Quilts for Ten Sisters” by Carmen Geddes!
Leave a comment on this post to answer this question:
Which of Carmen’s videos is your favorite?
Visit her YouTube channel to view them!
Winner will be chosen at random. Contest closes Wednesday, September 9th at 9am ET.
Free Project from Carmen Geddes
Click here to download a free Mosaic quilt from Carmen.
09-07-2015
8:41 am
Darling Doll Blanket melted my heart!
09-07-2015
8:42 am
I like the applique video. I usually do machine applique but I think I’ll try edge-turned applique.
09-07-2015
8:48 am
I just watched (and subscribed) most of your YouTube videos. I especially enjoyed the two concerning piping. I’ve never attempted this technique and really had no clue what it was or how to use until watching your videos. I’d really enjoy winning a copy of your book. I’m a mom to four girls and think it’s really special that your book spotlights each of your sisters with a quilt. Thanks for the opportunity to possibly win.
09-07-2015
8:59 am
All are wonderful. The doll blanket would be my next project for Christmas gift for my niece. Thanks for sharing your creativity
09-07-2015
8:59 am
I enjoyed the double weeding ring quilt video. That is a very difficult block when you look at it and it frightens most people so many will not tackle the block. You made it look really easy and enjoyable.
09-07-2015
9:00 am
I have long wondered how to to do the binding technique that Carmen demonstrated in the Binding tutorial. Very helpful!!
09-07-2015
9:03 am
Double Wedding Ring is on my bucket list, and I’ve heard about the QuiltSmart product, but never understood how it helps. Now I see from this video what it is all about and how it helps make perfect little arc pieces. Must move this quilt to the top of the list!
09-07-2015
9:07 am
The applique video! I’ll be back to watch more! Thank you sew much!
09-07-2015
9:13 am
I liked the double wedding ring quilt video. This is always a difficult block to get right and the methods used here are just perfect for good results every time!
09-07-2015
9:31 am
I love the idea of adding piping to a quilt snd watched the “Tools We Use” video. Great idea! I’m going to visit the website next.
09-07-2015
9:34 am
Congratulations on your book. This inspires me to upgrade from 6 to 7 and to use the EQ more.
09-07-2015
9:42 am
The machine applique video is my favorite. Thanks for the chance to win.
09-07-2015
9:44 am
I subscribed to all your channels and wish you the best on your new book! I have EQ7 and haven’t really used it enough to understand all that it is capable of doing. Your videos are such an inspiration and I would love to give the piping a try! Thank you for all you do and many blessings!
j_dobler@msn.com
09-07-2015
9:45 am
Easy Piecing Grid read and use with patterns video.
09-07-2015
9:48 am
I simply loved the double wedding ring. Her instructions are so detailed.
09-07-2015
9:50 am
I just watched several of the videos and subscribed – I enjoyed them all. “Creating a ‘Nine Patch’ from Easy Piecing Panel” was a quite interesting – I have used this technique before, but never to make Nine Patch blocks. I also enjoyed this blog post and Q & A with Carmen – thank you for introducing me to her work!
09-07-2015
9:58 am
My favorite is the binding techniques video. Thanks for the opportunity to win your giveaway.
09-07-2015
10:09 am
Liked the appliqué and just subscribed!
09-07-2015
10:11 am
Lovely clear instructions! You inspire and have fun. Thank you so much. I love Easy Piecing. All your videos are great for beginners like me.
09-07-2015
10:13 am
Carmen’s Mosaic! I have wanted to make this quilt for ages, but sewing 1 1/2″ squares together one at a time seems like such a huge task!! Tensisters makes it ‘sew’ much easier using their grid foundation system.
I would love, love, love to win this book, then this quilt would become a reality for me!
09-07-2015
10:24 am
The piping video was my favorite. Thanks for this give away!
09-07-2015
10:27 am
I like the double wedding ring demo. It looks like a great way to do that pattern.
09-07-2015
10:29 am
Binding Techniques Part 1 was very interesting and a new way for me to sew the ends together.
09-07-2015
10:39 am
Applique video was very helpful — I hope to do more applique in the future, particularly for borders on pieced quilts.
09-07-2015
10:45 am
Love the darling doll quilt Reminds me of when I started sewing with my Mom in 3rd grade and how easy it is to press the quilt using the grid technique
09-07-2015
10:47 am
Thanks so much for sharing all these videos. I especially liked the machine applique. I’ve done a lot of hand needleturn applique, but have been leary of the machine applique. Your instructions are very clear, and the closeups show clearly what you are doing.
09-07-2015
10:53 am
Love the piping video….have been wanting to do this for awhile. Thanks for the free project!
09-07-2015
11:03 am
Piping in the binding?! Spectacular! What an easy way to add class to a quilt. And what a wonderful tool you have….the better to do piping with, my dear.
09-07-2015
11:05 am
Piping Tool. That thing is the greatest!
09-07-2015
11:06 am
2 great items – EQ and videos to help us learn how. Am anxious to try the Easy Piecing Grid at our retreat this week, Carmen! See you then.
09-07-2015
11:07 am
I never considered a double piping on my bindings before. I think it is simply genius! That is my favorite video. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
09-07-2015
11:13 am
Wow how nice or you I downloaded the mosaic and can’t wait to try
I just lost everything on my computer all my e-books pictures and designs and yes my eq projects!! So thanks for the lift.
Nancy
09-07-2015
11:18 am
I especially enjoyed watching your videos on piping and your piping tool allowing for trimming various widths. Excellent idea! I liked your applique video as well. Using the little wooden cuticle stick is a great idea vs my fingers! I’m looking forward to checking out your new book. Congratulations on your publication.
09-07-2015
11:27 am
Love the Doll Quilt. Can’t wait until I can teach my Granddaughter to use the sewing machine!
09-07-2015
11:30 am
Love anything to do with E Q. I use it all the time. I downloaded your mosaic Project it is very pretty Thank you.
09-07-2015
11:38 am
I love the doll blanket!
09-07-2015
11:41 am
I’ve always been intimidated by Double Wedding Ring quilts. This video makes it look much easier.
09-07-2015
11:44 am
Thank you for you videos. They are so clear and easy to follow that note taking is easy and then easy to follow at the sewing machine. I’m looking forward to going through some more of your videos to see what new things I can add to my quilting.
09-07-2015
11:51 am
I liked two! The Darling Doll Blanket and the applique one. Learned from the Applique one and just loved the Doll Blanket one.
09-07-2015
11:52 am
Great videos! Thanks for sharing. My fav is the Machine Appliqué Techniques because that is something I need to learn to do for my current project.
09-07-2015
11:57 am
The Darling Doll Blanket is just so charming! I also refer to her machine appliqué video all the time! Way to go Carmen!!! I love my EQ7 & use it all the time ❤️
09-07-2015
11:58 am
Without a doubt, the doll blanket video! It has really inspired me to teach my two granddaughters to quilt.
09-07-2015
12:02 pm
I really liked the video on joining binding at the end.
09-07-2015
12:15 pm
Your piping videos were very interesting and thanks for the opportunity to win your book. Judi
09-07-2015
12:17 pm
Wow–I love the scrappy quilts! My favorite video was the one with tips on pressing and folding each row under. I have some of the fusible grid and have been wanting to try this technique for a while–thanks for the great information!
09-07-2015
12:21 pm
I am starting to teach my Gr. Granddaughter to sew and your video for the ‘darling doll quilt’ was adorable. I loved how accomplished she was. Now show it to my Gr. Granddaughter for inspiration. Loved the quilt she designed too.
09-07-2015
12:24 pm
Loved the darling doll quilt video. I am in the process of teaching my Gr. Granddaughter how to sew and that was a very inspiring video. She will love it and maybe I can start her on quilts too. Thanks for all of your great videos. I am looking forward to your book.
09-07-2015
12:24 pm
I liked the applique video. Thanks for sharing.
09-07-2015
12:31 pm
All are wonderfully instructive videos and certainly very hard to chose just one. I found her applique technique very helpful and will certainly try it myself in the near future.
09-07-2015
12:38 pm
Liked the machine applique video…this is a technique that I still struggle with
09-07-2015
12:47 pm
I love the binding tips video because that is probably what I struggle with most.
09-07-2015
12:55 pm
Love the wedding ring quilt tutorial. Have always wanted to do a quilt like this and with this process I think it’s doable!
09-07-2015
12:57 pm
I like the binding video
09-07-2015
1:00 pm
The machine appliqué video. Do a lot of machine appliqué so always looking for ways to improve
09-07-2015
1:08 pm
My favorite: the ‘Creating a Nine Patch from Easy Piecing Panel’ video
09-07-2015
1:08 pm
ty for the videos i really liked the binding one never too old to learn ……happyness04431@yahoo.com
09-07-2015
1:10 pm
The eye dropper so I can revisit a fabric
09-07-2015
1:21 pm
My favorite is the Double Wedding Ring video. Thanks for sharing the giveaway!
09-07-2015
1:33 pm
The Double Wedding Ring! I always wondered how that was done!
09-07-2015
2:09 pm
I really enjoyed Carmen’s video on using freezer paper to get your applique pieces ready. I learned a lot from her techniques of fitting the fabric around the freezer paper using glue and a pressing stick.
09-07-2015
2:14 pm
I like her machine applique video best.
09-07-2015
2:22 pm
I really enjoyed the double wedding ring video. I love Double Wedding ring quilts, but have shied away from trying to piece one. This looks like something I could do!
09-07-2015
2:40 pm
I love that quilt. The use of black is great! I look forward to making the quilt!
09-07-2015
2:40 pm
Easy Grid piecing squares.
09-07-2015
2:41 pm
I really like the close up applique one. Lots of good tips.
09-07-2015
2:54 pm
I liked the piping video.
09-07-2015
3:05 pm
Loved reading your interview. Congratulations on your book. I also love small square quilts. I am considering stitching the Double Wedding Ring by Quiltsmart. Loved your video.
09-07-2015
3:25 pm
Double wedding ring. I’ve taken classes with Carmen and she helped inspire my daughter to start quilting. Just love her!
09-07-2015
3:39 pm
Applique technique was fabulous!
09-07-2015
3:41 pm
Darling Doll video made me see that it’s time to start teaching my granddaughter to sew!
09-07-2015
3:42 pm
I liked the Machine Applique – Close up Edition best!
09-07-2015
3:57 pm
Binding video.
09-07-2015
4:11 pm
i am going to have fun watching all the videos. I watched the binding video and thought it was very helpful.
09-07-2015
4:24 pm
Easy Piecing Grid Demo – 1″ Finished Squares – Great idea.
09-07-2015
4:34 pm
Binding tips would have to be my favorite!
09-07-2015
4:46 pm
Would love to win
09-07-2015
4:54 pm
I like the Easy Piecing Grid and plan to buy it for a quilt I have designed. Really enoy your videos. Thanks so much. When you have a chance, come by for a virtual cuppa and a scone at Prairie Cottage Corner. Cheers, Kathie
09-07-2015
5:01 pm
Great videos, would love to win the book and thank you for the opportunity to win
09-07-2015
5:16 pm
Love the videos, would love to win the book!,,,,
09-07-2015
5:32 pm
I love machine applique’.
09-07-2015
5:50 pm
I love using EQ7 and learning more from each quilt I make. A whole book of quilts from EQ7 would be fabulous!!
09-07-2015
6:30 pm
Definitely the appliqué video will try this technique thanks
09-07-2015
7:06 pm
I loved the tutorial about fusing easy piecing panels together. what a slick trick. Really makes me want to start a quilt with squares.
09-07-2015
7:24 pm
Darling Doll Blanket is great so good seeing someone so young sewing so well!
The Machine Applique is a good video too.
09-07-2015
7:58 pm
Loved the Alex in the Darling Doll Blanket. How wonderful to share your love of sewing with a new generation.
09-07-2015
8:02 pm
I am glad to get a chance to read your book. The YouTube channel is great! Thank you. Sounds like you have lived several lifetimes and have lots of experience with big families. EQ7 is powerful and I also have used it a long time. My most recent purchase was Margaret J. Miller’s AnglePlay for EQ. I am making one of her quilts, City Lights, and it has allowed me to try new fabrics and block layouts before cutting. Such a fine program with lots of flexibility.
09-07-2015
9:14 pm
The Quiltsmart Double Wedding Ring is my favorite so far.
09-07-2015
9:29 pm
I subscribed to the U Tube and watched the episodes on piping. I have the piping tool and now I will use it. thanks.
09-07-2015
10:48 pm
I loved the binding video. Thanks for giving me a chance to win the book.
09-08-2015
1:51 am
I enjoyed the binding tutorial.
09-08-2015
3:22 am
I loved how you did the Wedding Ring block. You made the rings look like jewels.
Fabulous!!! So Easy Too!
09-08-2015
6:45 am
Watched “Finished easy piecing”. This is a very interesting technique and works perfectly for a 1″ square block which has so much potential for stretching. Thanks!
09-08-2015
6:55 am
I loved the applique video–now I just need to “Get it done”
09-08-2015
7:31 am
I love the double wedding ring video. I plan on making one soon, so found it to be very helpful.
09-08-2015
7:56 am
Applique video — I’m gathering supplies for a design that is quite intense so all the help I can get is great.
09-08-2015
8:44 am
WOW! Loved the Double Wedding Ring Quilt. Maybe my turn to make a wedding quilt for my son or daughter will be soon.
09-08-2015
8:52 am
Love the applique,close up
09-08-2015
9:20 am
Love the Grid tutorial.
09-08-2015
10:03 am
Liked them all!
09-08-2015
10:13 am
I really like the machine appliqué video! Thanks!
09-08-2015
10:54 am
Carmen’s video are so easy to listen to and follow her directions, I am in love with the squares and grids. So fun to do those traditional designs and they really are easy with the Tensisters easy piecing grid.
09-08-2015
10:56 am
I love all of Carmen’s videos – she is so easy to listen to and follow. I love the fact with with the products I can create many traditional patterns that I love.
09-08-2015
11:33 am
I liked the machine applique video. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
09-08-2015
11:53 am
I enjoyed the double wedding ring video in YouTube.
09-08-2015
11:55 am
I love the binding videos because this would be my weakness that I’m working on. Your videos will be a huge help.
09-08-2015
12:04 pm
Piping tool. Thanks for the chance to win!
09-08-2015
12:26 pm
Congradulation Carmen, I like the appliqué video.
09-08-2015
12:29 pm
I like the easy piecing grid demo video. With those grids I think I could make the Mosaic quilt turn out wonderfully. Thanks for the free pattern.
09-08-2015
12:52 pm
Love your videos! I am especially enamored with the Tools videos and the Grid videos, but I have your YouTube channel at the top of my bookmarks – Thank you for sharing your knowledge
09-08-2015
3:04 pm
What clever tips! I really liked the piecing grid demo- 1″; I had not thought of a panel technique – cool product! I shall be checking out the tensisters website now.
09-08-2015
3:13 pm
Awesome.
09-08-2015
3:32 pm
I like the binding tips video. Thanks for the chance to win!
09-08-2015
3:39 pm
I enjoyed all the videos but I really liked the applique video.
09-08-2015
8:22 pm
I enjoyed watching the Double Wedding Ring video.
09-08-2015
9:03 pm
I loved the applique video. Very helpful with lots of good tips.
09-08-2015
9:04 pm
The Double Wedding Ring by Quiltsmart video was interesting. I’ve never seen that technique or that Quiltsmart product before.
09-08-2015
10:17 pm
Double wedding ring. Thanks for the chance.
09-08-2015
11:58 pm
I liked the doll blanket video..so sweet!
09-09-2015
7:03 am
I like the binding ending. I’m going to try that on my next quilt
09-09-2015
7:04 am
The binding ending technique is very interesting.
09-09-2015
8:52 am
I liked the applique video, but also the piping tool one , I love that tool!
09-09-2015
6:57 pm
The applique video.