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!
This week’s featured friend: Linda Franz!
A bit about Linda!
Starting in 2001, Linda has been on the leading edge with her self-published books, downloadable books, CDs and DVDs. Inklingo (US Patent 7,814,832) is her proudest achievement. Her love of hand piecing inspired her to invent Inklingo—a method of printing shapes on fabric with any ordinary Inkjet—but its most profound effect will ultimately be on the way quilters machine piece and appliqué.
When did you start using Electric Quilt and how has it changed your quilting life?
I started using EQ with the first Windows version (EQ4) in 2001 when I was working on my first book, Quilted Diamonds – Jane Austen, Jane Stickle & Friends. I drew all of the diamonds in Electric Quilt software for the book because that was the software that was familiar to me. Since they are vector files, I was able to easily convert EQ project files into a format that was usable by the book printer. I learned very quickly how supportive and generous Penny McMorris is. She encouraged me to produce an optional CD to go with the book with all of the diamonds for quilters who use EQ. That book and the CD have been reprinted many times since 2002 and are still available on my website.
I met Penny and Dean in person on my first trip to Quilt Market in 2002 and had a booth next to them the next year. They were very generous with advice. One of my favorite memories was having dinner together (including Monkey) when the wonderful Barb Vlack treated us with her famous homemade marshmallows.
I have included information about using EQ with Inklingo in my books (downloads and paper) many times over the years, including my newest one, Winding Ways Quilting the Inklingo Way (April 2021).
What is your EQ “Pearl of Wisdom” for EQ users?
There are so many great tools with Electric Quilt that it is hard to pick just one tip. Many quilters do not realize that every version of EQ is “backward compatible” so even old projects drawn in EQ4 or EQ5 can be opened and edited with EQ8. You don’t lose anything when you upgrade to get the next new tools. The tracing tool in EQ7 (and newer) has been very useful to me. I can import a photo or hand drawing and trace it with EQ7. I also like to use EQ to count the shapes required from a particular fabric.
What are you up to now and what do you have coming up?
There is a lot going on with Inklingo! I publish new Inklingo shape collections at frequent intervals, so there will be many more in 2021 and 2022. In many cases, I also add a free EQ project file on the All About Inklingo blog, so you might want download those and subscribe so you know when there is another new one. I am planning more hardcover books for quilt shops once we can all shop in person again.
My newest book (April 2021) is a beautiful hardcover, Winding Ways Quilting the Inklingo Way. It is for quilters who use freezer paper templates or who print shapes on fabric with Inklingo in a choice of 5 sizes. There is a short video describing it here.
Giveaway
This contest is closed. Winner: Claudia Rickel!
If you would like to win a free copy of the hardcover book Winding Ways Quilting the Inklingo Way, please enter by letting me know your favorite quilt design. For example, Sunflower, Hexagons, Dresden Plate, etc. There are many free EQ project files on the All About Inklingo blog to complement the Inklingo shape collections, so even if you do not win the new book, there are many free project files for you!
Question to enter: What’s your favorite quilt design?
Comment below to enter. Contest closes Sunday, October 17 at 11:59pm ET. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email.
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!
10-12-2021
10:42 am
I love what Linda has done with the Winding Ways block! But, my all-time favorite shape is the Diamond and the Star of Bethlehem quilt. Best of luck to Linda with her latest books.
10-14-2021
10:47 pm
I love these patterns that Linda does for us! Especially the hand piecing. I have a love of creating small pieces and watching them grow as I see them together. I look eagerly forward to what is next!! So enjoyed Lucy Boston pattern
10-12-2021
10:47 am
I love Linda’s Diamods and Jane Austen quilts. My favorite blocks are stars.
10-12-2021
11:04 am
I love all of the blocks! Lately I have had fun exploring the drunkard’s path so I’ll pick that.
10-12-2021
11:17 am
My favorite quilt deign is complicated – a sampler or medallion quilt.
10-12-2021
11:18 am
New to quilting. Favorite so far is designs with stars.
10-12-2021
11:18 am
My favorite is the carpenter’s star.
10-12-2021
11:19 am
I love the Vicksberg quilt pattern. It is such a beautiful quilt when done and a great stash buster.
10-12-2021
11:22 am
I am still doing the passacaglia with Linda’s method only a few more rosettes to go.
10-12-2021
11:33 am
My favorite block is the friendship quilt block.
10-12-2021
11:37 am
Log cabin quilts are on top of my favorites because you can do so many different variations. Courthouse steps would run a close second.
Thanks!
10-12-2021
11:44 am
currently exploring variations on churn dash block
10-13-2021
9:16 am
My favorite is Storm At Sea and all it’s variations. I’m finishing the quilting on one now.
10-12-2021
11:48 am
My favorite block is the logcabin with the variations of blocks in the middle
10-12-2021
11:51 am
I love all the variations that can be done with the Log Cabin block. I am attempting to order the EQ8 for Christmas! My husband is such a generous man.
10-12-2021
11:58 am
I already have Linda’s beautiful new book. I’m looking forward to working on a Winding Ways project over the winter. I already have the fabric with roses and butterflies, and just need to decide on the appropriate size of Winding Ways.
As her shape collections are ‘instant’ downloads, you can be off printing and stitching in no time.
10-12-2021
12:00 pm
These are so interesting.
What’s your favorite quilt design? Mine is Winner’s Circle. I first saw this pattern in Paducah. It had been made as that year’s raffle quilt. I got the pattern and now love the quilt I have in blue, brown and cream. I believe you could make it incredible!
10-12-2021
12:02 pm
I love the Cleopatra’s Fan from Inklingo. It is gentle curves and can be very dramatic or subtle depending on your fabric choice.
10-12-2021
12:10 pm
My favorite quilt design is probably a Dresden plate, they are so versatile. I was at the 2002 Houston show and remember your booth. I recently discovered Diamonds after working with hexagons for a few years. I look forward to exploring the EQ project files. Enjoy your day.
10-12-2021
12:16 pm
cleopatras fan
10-12-2021
12:20 pm
So much to choose from and so little time to do them all but if I have to pick a design it would have to be and eight-pointed star!
10-12-2021
12:37 pm
I really like the Can Can variation quilt. The decagons are nice change from the usual hexagons I work with. I also really like the idea of using a running stitch to sew the pieces together. Thank you for demonstrating this method.
10-12-2021
1:01 pm
I’ve been obsessed with Linda’s Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses. I did a small table runner to try out the process, and have since been working off and on with a lap-sized POTC made from a fabulous set of fabrics designed by Peggy Toole. Printed with Inklingo, machine stitched 1.5″ hexies. Still trying to figure out a quilting plan to finish it up. I love that Linda includes an EQ file with many of her pattern sets so I can play with fabric arrangement before I print and cut.
10-12-2021
1:02 pm
Linda’s latest book, Winding Ways Quilting the Inklingo Way, is a fabulous addition to a quilter’s library. The hints and tips are wonderful, the illustrations gorgeous and, as usual with anything from Linda, the book has tons of added value in all that Linda teaches in it – lessons that are applicable to many quilt blocks, not only Winding Ways.
My favourite quilt block has to incorporate some continuous piecing as well as curved piecing so I think it has to be Linda’s design Ribbon Flower.
10-12-2021
1:26 pm
I really love the Winding Ways quilts in various forms. Would love a book to add to our quilt guild’s library!
10-12-2021
1:26 pm
I have really enjoyed making many varieties of the Nova patterns. The options are imaginative and EQ is such a great help.
10-12-2021
1:33 pm
My favorite quilt blocks are any kind of stars!
10-12-2021
1:44 pm
Gosh, I don’t think I have a favorite quilt design. I like so many things, from simple to complicated. I enjoy making 16-patch blocks from strips of two fabrics. Linda’s diamond quilts are on my someday list.
10-12-2021
2:40 pm
I love the Lucy Boston Patchwork of Crosses. English paper piecing is very relaxing and a lot of fun.
10-12-2021
3:06 pm
I love stars. I got EQ Judy Martin add-on software, but the one she designed that I wanted to make isn’t in it! Darn! Just have to follow her book or pick another from the EQ software add-on! But I do love stars.
10-12-2021
3:11 pm
What a gift you have given! Castle Wall seem so much fun in 3 sizes. You do have gift of design. I got lost in some of your blogs years ago. Looks like having EQ8 now and not working outside the home maybe I can try again.
10-12-2021
3:15 pm
My favorite quilt design is the Double Wedding Ring. I sewed a quilt with this pattern for a friend’s wedding.
10-12-2021
3:53 pm
It’s really hard to pick just one but I do tend to like any block with stars.
10-12-2021
5:40 pm
Inklingo is so clever! I love the lines to sew on because it’s so accurate! My favorites include anything with hexagons. I didn’t think anything would ever make me stop English Paper Piecing, but Inklingo did. So much faster and no more basting or gluing.
10-12-2021
5:50 pm
I’ve been exploring triangles and the variation of quilt designs it can create in EQ, love Inklingo and have been following for many years, Diamonds quilt is still on my too do list
10-12-2021
6:20 pm
My favorite pattern changes with time, it used to be the 9 patch but now it’s scrappy hexies.
I’m a big Inklingo fan. My hexies are being hand pieced using inklingo.
10-12-2021
6:22 pm
Inklingo hexagons and Lucy Boston
10-12-2021
6:59 pm
My favorite block is the one that I am working with at that time! There are so many gorgeous blocks that it would be impossible for me to pick one — as horrible as being asked to pick your favorite child
10-12-2021
7:01 pm
I love the Feathered Star quilts, they are my favorite
10-12-2021
7:15 pm
Double Wedding Ring…it’s what got my appreciation of quilts started.
10-12-2021
8:20 pm
I love so many quilt patterns, but my current favourite (and hopefully next project) is Linda’s Inklingo Golden Wedding Ring!
10-12-2021
8:28 pm
I love New York Beauty quilts. I’m also partial to beat paw quilts.
10-12-2021
9:38 pm
I love the Dresden Plate block. It was the first quilt that ever won me a blue ribbon at a quilt show.
10-12-2021
10:11 pm
I’m new to quilting- not to sewing- and love the fan and Dresden plate designs.
10-12-2021
10:39 pm
Dresden Plates in all sizes and shapes have always appealed to me.
10-13-2021
5:05 am
Ich liebe Samplerquilts, da ich nicht nur einen Block zu meinem Lieblingsblock erklären kann. Aber zurzeit arbeite ich gerne mit dem Churn dash, mit Variationen.
10-13-2021
6:12 am
Hexagon has to be my favorite…working on a large quilt using 1/2″ size now
10-13-2021
7:34 am
I love her diamonds but I also love the hexagons and have been wanting to make a Lucy Boston quilt for quite some time. I have Linda’s book and need to get started.
10-13-2021
8:04 am
New York Beauty Blocks are my favorite. They always intrigue me.
10-13-2021
9:52 am
I love all my inklingo collections but my favorite is the feathered star.
10-13-2021
12:43 pm
I love the Mariners star or New York star.
10-13-2021
2:26 pm
How can you pick a favorite? It’s like asking which of your children you love best! Need a quick gift, then a simple design in an unusual colorway/pattern, but I tend toward the complex and challenging designs to push my learning out of my comfort zone, like the Passacaglia style quilts.
10-13-2021
2:31 pm
My fist quilt was a sampler and I still love all samplers. I do love the wedding ring blocks and that is my current favorite. I reserve the option to change my mind. Good to see you, Linda. Please tell Monkey and Russ hello and save me a butter tart!
10-13-2021
2:39 pm
Lucy Boston Patchwork of Crosses Is my new favorite! I find EPP very relaxing. My first was an I Spy quilt. Thank you for this opportunity!
10-13-2021
3:13 pm
Love Storm at Sea but also a big fan of the Double Wedding Ring.
10-13-2021
3:21 pm
Passacaglia definitely!
10-13-2021
4:45 pm
I love star quilts but now with the new Inklinko Design for Passacaglia Quilt I am realy excited to try one of those.
10-13-2021
4:56 pm
Currently it’s Hexies…. BUT I’m just dying to get finished with what I’m doing go give this method a try and it is going to be winding ways… I love the looks of this and it just may become my new favorite. Having the book before I get started would be SUCH a bonus!! Pick me, pick me!!!!
10-13-2021
5:03 pm
I love POC
10-13-2021
5:26 pm
I can’t choose a favorite from the designs I own. I just wish I could find the time to work with all of them. Hexies are versatile, but I love sewing gentle curves, so I guess the new Winding Ways will be the next project.
10-13-2021
5:28 pm
Favourite is hard, working with curved hexies at the moment, my current favourite. But next project will be Yin Yang shapes, then that will be my favourite, I’m sure.
10-13-2021
6:36 pm
My favorite quilt design is prepared edge applique. I have also done some EPP hexagons which were really fun.
10-13-2021
6:38 pm
My favorite quilt design is wedding ring.
10-13-2021
6:41 pm
My favorite inklingo design is ying yang.
10-13-2021
7:32 pm
I love many of the blocks that you have done but my favourite is Joesph’s Coat of Many Colours.
10-13-2021
7:37 pm
My favorite blocks are hexagons ! I love printing my quilt pieces, makes it so easy !
10-13-2021
7:46 pm
My favorite block is the pickled clamshell,
10-13-2021
8:06 pm
I love the winding ways block. I have made quilts with it in many variations.
10-14-2021
12:32 am
I’ve always loved anything designed with hexagons!
10-14-2021
11:08 am
Log Cabin
10-14-2021
7:32 am
My favourite quilt design is Double Wedding Ring.
10-14-2021
7:44 am
Patchwork of the Crosses really speaks to me. Your ingenuity is remarkable. Thanks for great videos and a new book!
10-14-2021
8:53 am
My favorite is patchwork of the crosses!
10-14-2021
8:58 am
I think my favorite quilt design is anything with baskets. One of my favorite quilts I have made is my daughter’s marriage quilt using Inklingo Winding Ways 9 inch and Japanese taupes. I hand pieced some blocks and machine pieced some. I am also lucky enough to own Shape Collection #2 CD which has many sizes of half-square, quarter-square, and half-rectangle shapes.
10-14-2021
10:10 am
I really love all the designs as they bring so many aspects in. My favorite would be the Dresden plate.
10-14-2021
10:57 am
I love fabric, prints, hand quilting! I want to make a Winding Ways quilt with inklingo!
10-14-2021
11:18 am
I am a lover of the Dresden plate block!
10-14-2021
7:27 pm
So many favourites, but I am always drawn back to log cabin. There are endless variations to explore
10-15-2021
11:06 am
I have always wanted to make a Winding Ways quilt, but have never gotten to it. Making a log cabin quilt is also on my wish list…someday.
10-15-2021
11:15 am
Although I’m too intimidated to try it, my favorite block is the Feathered Star. I fell in love with it back in the 90s when I first started quilting. After that, I’d have to say La Passacaglia. I love every one I see!
10-15-2021
1:24 pm
I’m drawn to the Feathered Star. But I also love Winding Ways.
10-15-2021
11:31 pm
My favourite quilt design is Storm at Sea….you can do so much with it
10-15-2021
11:53 pm
Hexagons are my favorite, especially so for hand piecing, something I could do easily in the same room with my mom, so I could be with her, no matter what she might be doing, I.e reading the paper, watching tv, etc. When dad died in January 2012, once arrangements were set, she moved up to NY to live with me and my two cats. After my breast cancer surgery this April, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, and as health steadily declined and I could no longer care for her at our home, she went to a wonderful comfort care facility, where she passed after 7 weeks.. Hand piecing and reading, while just keeping her company, was comforting for me. Moments I will always treasure. She passed away August 1 at 96. Hand piecing hexagons helps keep her and all the happy memories we shared close and comforting to me.
10-16-2021
9:28 pm
I would say my favorite, mainly because I’ve done heaps of them, would be spiral lone star but I also like dresden plates and the storm at sea block, its hard to choose
10-17-2021
1:00 pm
I love the sunflower and New York beauty blocks. I also love the look of lone star blocks although I haven’t done many. I recently finished a hexagon quilt by hand which I enjoyed doing during the lockdown.
10-17-2021
1:09 pm
Like so many different designs, but one of my favorites is Patchwork of the Crosses. That one hooked me on fussy cutting fabrics!!!!
10-17-2021
1:23 pm
I still love quilted diamonds. It is such a beautiful quilt.
10-17-2021
1:35 pm
I love log cabin!
10-17-2021
2:14 pm
Hunters star is probably my favorite, just because I’ve used it the most but Winding Ways is on the top of my list as soon as I get my current quilt done. Inklingo has been my sanity since I stumbled across it on Facebook 7 or so years ago. I’ve gone through 3 printers. I love Inklingo and try to tell every quilter I meet about it!
10-17-2021
3:11 pm
I love Linda Franz’s work. My favorite is quilted diamonds. She has done so much for the quilting world?
10-17-2021
4:53 pm
My very favorite designis anything to do with hexagons, I cant seem to go past them ♡
10-17-2021
4:53 pm
Hexies!!
10-17-2021
5:12 pm
Love the lines! I keep going back to log cabin. By hand or machine they turn out perfectly.
10-17-2021
6:40 pm
I would love to use inklingo to make a La Passacaglia quilt. That’s how I first discovered inklingo and printing on fabric. I be looking at the various settings and combinations Linda shares with the shape collections.
10-17-2021
9:25 pm
My favorite pattern would have to be Dresden Plate because of the memories it evokes for me. It was the first quilt I ever made, from a precut kit. I quickly sewed the bright calico wedges together by machine and then appliquéd them to 15 inch squares. Years later when my mother developed Alzheimer’s and moved in with me, she loved watching me piece quilts. When she wanted to make a bright Dresden Plate like mine I agreed to help her as she had made clothes for many years, but never a quilt. I helped her pick out the fabric and when we started I realized she could not remember how to trace a pattern so I traced and cut all the wedges for her while she watched. When it came time to sew, she could not remember how to use the machine. So I marked the quarter inch seam on all the wedges and threaded the needles for her. We were so excited that she was still able to do that. She was able to finish about half of the blocks before she was no longer able to do even that. A few years after she died I came across the unfinished quilt and decided to finish it. It was wonderful therapy for me as I sat there sewing all those wedges by hand instead of machine as I normally would have. Those sweet memories will always make the Dresden my favorite.
10-18-2021
6:36 am
Drunkards path
10-18-2021
8:28 am
I have Inklingo patterns and have followed Linda for years. I like intricate patterns and I’m partial to stars and flying geese. Best of Sales Linda with the ‘Winding Ways’
10-18-2021
10:14 am
This contest is closed. Winner: Claudia Rickel!