The Electric Quilt Company is 30!

The Electric Quilt Company’s Story – How It All Began

We’re celebrating 30 years! Since the pearl is the traditional symbol for 30 years, we’re sharing EQ Pearls of Wisdom from our friends! See all Pearls of Wisdom posts. We hope you enjoy the tips and tricks you learn along the way and discover some new quilters or catch up with your favorites! Also, we’d love to hear about YOUR journey with EQ so feel free to tell us your story in the comments on any post! A big THANK YOU to all our customers for your support over the years. We’re looking forward to many more!  :-D

This week’s featured friend: Karen Combs!

Tell us a bit about yourself Karen!

I’ve been intrigued with quilts of Illusion from the very first tumbling quilt block I saw when I first started quilting back in the 1970’s. Illusions in quilts is the topic of many of the classes I teach and books I’ve written. I just keep finding new ways to put illusions into quilts!

When did you start using Electric Quilt and how has it changed your quilting life?

I started using EQ with the very first version back in 1992. It changed how I designed quilts and was the tool I used in writing my 10+ books. I can quickly change or add lines to a block, try out different settings and even scan my actual fabrics to try out in a quilt design.

Summer Star quilt designed by Karen in EQ

What is your EQ “Pearl of Wisdom” for EQ users?

When I start designing a quilt block or quilt, I start with line drawings and color it using shades of gray. I do this so I can decide on the value placement before I start to add color. I find if I start with color, I can get distracted with the fabrics and playing with my favorite colors rather than creating the design first.

So, whenever I am creating a new design, I start with what I call the “bones” of the design first. Next I add shades of gray to decide on the value placement. Lastly, I play with color in my design.

Jewel Box designed by Karen in EQ

What are you up to now and what do you have coming up?

In March 2020 (just like everyone else) my teaching life totally changed. My in-person classes were cancelled, and I had to quickly decide what to do. With quite a bit of thought, planning and work, I was able to pivot from in-person classes and lectures to offering virtual classes and lectures. Since last August I’ve virtually taught and lectured to over 50 guilds around the country. I’ve got virtual visits to guilds scheduled for the rest of this year and into 2022.

At the same time, I’ve developed a series of On-Demand classes of my most popular classes. Participants can take these classes at their own pace, from the comfort of their own sewing space. More information about my On-Demand classes is available here.

One of my newest quilt designs is my LONE STAR ILLUSIONS quilt series. It features Lone Star designs however, there are NO diamonds in these quilts! Simple shapes of triangles, squares and a few rectangles are used to create all of these quilts!

LONE STAR ILLUSIONS by Karen

Lone Star designed by Karen in EQ

For more information about my LONE STAR ILLUSIONS patterns, click here.

You can follow me at:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Giveaway

This contest is closed. Winners: Cynthia Spurlin and ADK Kate!

I would like to give away 2 copies from my Lone Star Illusions pattern series. I will give them away electronically from my Etsy store. (This allows quilters from around the world to enter and 2 lucky quilters to win.)

Question to enter: What is your favorite Karen Combs’ book, pattern or class?

Comment below to enter. Contest closes Sunday, August 22 at 11:59pm ET. Winners will be chosen at random and contacted via email.

Night Star quilt designed by Karen in EQ

Hope you enjoyed this “pearl” of wisdom. Feel free to share your EQ story or a “pearl” of your own in the comments! Stay tuned for our next post!

View all Pearls of Wisdom posts >>