You’ve probably heard about our new, and upcoming products from author and quilt historian, Barbara Brackman: The third edition of Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book and a new version of BlockBase software.  :-D

What you may not know is what exactly these products are, or why you’d want them! Let us explain each one…

The Encyclopedia Book

Summary: The Encyclopedia is a reference primarily on how to identify quilt blocks. In the intro to the book, Barbara explains that she used 20th century magazines and articles, mainly between 1920 and 1950, and mostly from the midwest, for her research. Her goal was to put a name with each block and find when it was first published. This book is the result of all her hard work! It is organized like an encyclopedia and a great way to figure out the name of a block.

Even if you’re not in search of a specific block, any quilter would find inspiration flipping through the 500+ pages of beautiful blocks in this book.

What’s new in this third edition: 161 new blocks have been added, plus there are now line drawings and sample color suggestions for each of the 4,000+. Oh, and it’s all IN COLOR! This is a wonderful upgrade from the previous editions, take it from our friends Alex Anderson, Judy Martin, Jinny Beyer, and more (read reviews).

How you can use it: Look up block designs by name, search by layout and construction information to find the name of the pattern in a historic quilt, or just browse the pages until you find the quilt block perfect for you next project!

The line drawings make it easy to see how the historic block was constructed, so you can draft your own pattern. The color suggestions show you how the light, medium, and dark values were placed in the original publication. (If you don’t want to draft the blocks yourself, check out BlockBase below–we’ve done all the drafting for you!)

Why you’ll LOVE it: 4,000+ pieced quilt blocks, illustrated with both a line drawing and sample color suggestions, plus a detailed identification system to help you find blocks (view sneak peek photos!)

Available date: December, 2020

Price: $59.95  Buy Now

BlockBase Software

BlockBase is still in the development stage, but here’s a sneak peek!

SEE OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE FEATURES HERE!

Summary: BlockBase is the companion software to the Encyclopedia! It is a standalone program, available as a download, for both Windows and Mac operating systems. It includes every block found in the Encyclopedia (4000+ blocks!) that can be printed at any size. Print templates, rotary-cutting charts, or foundation patterns. You can also view the historical information for each block and search for blocks using a variety of specialized search tools. Optional: If you own EQ8, you can link the BlockBase blocks so you can use them in your EQ designs!

What’s new in this revised version: 161 new blocks have been added and we’ve maximized the block view so you can see more blocks on your screen at a time. We have also made it easier to view source information for each block without having to dig for it. Blocks have been redrawn to make them more pieceable using modern sewing techniques. Lots of printing enhancements for rotary cutting, templates, and foundation patterns!! (The printing options are even better than what’s in EQ8!) This new version is formatted as a download rather than a CD. Oh, and it works on Macs!

How you can use it: This software is your ultimate printing tool–print templates, rotary-cutting charts, and foundation patterns for 4000+ pieced blocks at any size you need! Browse the blocks for inspiration, or search for specific names, sources, or block styles. It’s as simple as selecting a block and clicking print. Optional: Link BlockBase to EQ8 and use the blocks in your quilt designs!

Why you’ll LOVE it: Print templates, rotary-cutting charts, and foundation patterns for any of the 4,000+ blocks at ANY SIZE YOU WANT! Easily view historical information for each block and search for specific names and styles. Plus, if you have EQ8, you can link all the blocks so you can use them in your EQ designs!

Price: TBD. BlockBase+ is coming in Spring, 2021.  Sign up for our emails to be notified of its release!

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Encyclopedia and BlockBase

When will the Encyclopedia book and BlockBase software be available?
Pre-orders for the book are Oct 1 – Nov 24, 2020. The book will ship by December 1, 2020. We hope to have BlockBase software out in Spring 2021. Customers who pre-order the book will receive special savings on BlockBase when it’s available. Discount will be applied automatically. These products are sold separately.

How much will the book and BlockBase software cost?
The Encyclopedia is $59.95. It will be offered at 30% off at ElectricQuilt.com through November 24, 2020. BlockBase pricing is TBD. Please subscribe to our email list and/or follow us on social media to get all the details as we have them.

Will you be taking pre-orders?
You can pre-order the book October 1 – November 24, 2020. Please subscribe to our email list and/or follow us on social media to get all the details as we have them. BlockBase will be available in 2021

Is there upgrade pricing for BlockBase software or the Encyclopedia book?
If you own previous versions, both are still great products! We plan to offer special, introductory pricing on both products. This limited-time introductory offer will be similar to an upgrade discount.

Can I purchase more than one copy?
Yes. One copy of the book per order. Please place additional orders for additional copies.

Can I purchase either product from my local quilt shop?
Yes, your quilt shop will be able to purchase both products directly from EQ or from their favorite distributor and sell them in their shop. Start asking for them!

I live in the EU. Will I be able to purchase the new BlockBase software?
Yes, you would purchase BlockBase software in the physical format and have it shipped to you. We are working to get the software and book distributed overseas to reduce the shipping cost for you.

I do not live in the United States. Will the Encyclopedia book be available for purchase from resellers in my area?
We hope to have both products distributed in other countries.

What exactly is the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book?
This book is a reference primarily on how to identify quilt blocks. In the intro to the book, Barbara explains that she used 20th century magazines and articles, mainly between 1920 and 1950, and mostly from the midwest, to attempt to put a name with a block and when it was first published. This book is the result of all her research. It is organized like an encyclopedia and a great way to figure out the name of a block. With SO many blocks to look at in this book, it’s also a very inspirational tool for designing your own quilts.

Is the Encyclopedia book digital or printed?
It is a printed, 4lb book. It has 522 full-color pages. The book is 8.5” x 11” soft cover with inside flaps.

In what format will BlockBase software be available?
BlockBase software will be a download from The Electric Quilt Company website. A gift option will be available in a physical format.

How is this third edition of the Encyclopedia book different from the first and second editions?
The book content does not stray much at all from the 1993 edition. One of the main enhancements is that the blocks are displayed in full color with a line-drawing version as well. The line drawing gives you the option to view the block’s piecing more easily, while not being distracted by the way it’s colored. Plus new blocks!

Are there any new blocks in the Encyclopedia book and BlockBase software?
Yes! Barbara has added 161 new blocks to this version! The new blocks are included in the book and in the BlockBase software.

Do I need the new Encyclopedia book if I have an older version?
That’s completely up to you! The same great content is included in the new version so if you love your original version of the book, terrific!

Do I need the new BlockBase software if I have the older version?
Again, it’s completely up to you. The new version has been improved from the original to maximize the block view so you can see more blocks on your screen at a time. We have also made it easier to view source information for each block without having to dig for the information. Searching has been enhanced too! Blocks have been redrawn to make them more pieceable! And 161 new blocks have been added! Plus, lots of printing enhancements for rotary cutting, templates, and foundation patterns!! We will update the BlockBase product page with more feature enhancements as we have them.

Is EQ required for BlockBase?
No. BlockBase is a standalone program for Windows or Mac computers. If you do own EQ8, you can link all the BlockBase blocks to the EQ8 Block Library!

Have a question not answered above? Contact us.