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: Elizabeth Chappell!
Tell us a bit about yourself Elizabeth!
I am Elizabeth Chappell, the owner of Quilters Candy. I started quilting 5 years ago and tried a lot of different patterns by different designers. As I made patterns, I realized I had ideas and designs in my mind I wanted to turn them into quilt patterns. That’s when I discovered EQ. I use EQ8 currently to create most of my patterns, and I also provide a class once a year teaching others how to successfully write and sell their own patterns using EQ8.
When did you start using Electric Quilt and how has it changed your quilting life?
I started using EQ8 as soon as I started creating quilt patterns. I started with the EQ mini program, then upgraded to EQ7, and now EQ8. This software has made designing patterns simple, easy, and a reality for me.
What is your EQ “Pearl of Wisdom” for EQ users?
I LOVED when I realized you could hide the outlines of your quilt pattern so you can see what your design looks like without any outlines.
I also love being able to simply and easily export a coloring page of my quilt design so I can share that with my customers.
What are you up to now and what do you have coming up?
I have been using EQ8 A LOT as I have a quilt pattern book I am just finishing up. It should be available in 2022, and I can’t wait to share the patterns with quilters!
If you want to learn how to write and sell quilt patterns, or if you want to up your pattern writing skills, be sure to check out my Quilt Pattern Writing Course here.
Giveaway
This contest is now closed. Winner: Nadine Merrick!
I will be giving away a full collection of my PDF patterns to one winner. The winner can use these patterns both to make their own quilts and to see how I format and write my patterns.
Question to enter: What is your biggest struggle when it comes to designing Quilt Patterns?
Comment below to enter. Contest closes Sunday, December 12 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!
View all Pearls of Wisdom posts >>
We are nearing the end of our 30th anniversary year. We’re going to celebrate with a special slideshow of 30 EQ user-designed quilts! Want your quilt to be considered for the show? Add photos of your EQ design and finished quilt to the gallery by December 15th! View the Quilt Gallery >>
12-07-2021
10:33 am
When designing quilt patterns, I try to add a unique twist to a quilt – either with color placement, block placement, or a slight twist to a simple block that connects the blocks to one another in an unexpected way.
12-07-2021
11:18 am
Sometimes the hardest part of designing a quilt is getting started. EQ8 is so easy to use that it has been a huge help to just sit down and play with ideas. First ideas may not get used, but it gets me started.
12-07-2021
11:24 am
I am relatively new to designing my own quilts and using EQ8 to its full capabilities. My biggest struggle is the math, particularly when adding a pieced border.
12-07-2021
11:26 am
EQ has so much potential. I am anxious to learn more so I can design beautiful patterns too!! Having new patterns is ALWAYS a thrill!!!
12-07-2021
11:31 am
My biggest struggle is deciding on how many blocks to choose in the layout. I sometimes find I need extra blocks to the top and left of what I am designing, and I haven’t figured out how to insert rows or columns or quickly move my design over and down.
12-07-2021
11:34 am
My biggest struggle is sizing of each piece in the block to list in the pattern. EQ8 is great for amount of fabric and number of pieces – however to write the pattern you need the size of each piece. Having these sizes written out allows you to cut out all the pieces for the quilt before sewing. It is not hard for a repeat pattern, however for a multi-block pattern such as the Dear Jane quilt it would help to be able to do this easily. Would love some advice on this.
12-07-2021
9:35 pm
Not sure what you mean – each piece of a block? or each block. EQ8 does tell you the size to cut the pieces of the block when you pick a block and ask for rotary cutting directions (under Print & Export). But they use only one method of cutting individual pieces – like the half square triangles or flying geese. There are several methods to making these blocks. When printing out the block – you get the single block’s dimensions at the bottom of the print-out. If you understand how to graph the block then you can figure out the size of the block pieces. The block worktable shows the block on graph paper with rulers which help in sizing the pieces. Is that what you were asking?
12-07-2021
11:40 am
My biggest hurdle is remembering from one session to the next what my original thought was to be! Sometimes this is hard and others I just end up taking a whole new direction…which can be a happy one in the end!
12-07-2021
11:47 am
Fear, intimidation and lack of selfconfidence are my struggles. I wish I had more self confidence. Thank you.
12-07-2021
11:49 am
My biggest struggle is choosing which design to use. I like so many options that I want to make them all. Being able to play with fabrics, colors and layouts in EQ8 helps me narrow down choices so I can actually make a quilt.
12-07-2021
11:52 am
When designing a quilt I have difficulty NOT making it difficult to piece. Ha, ha. Need to learn to simplify. EQ8 is so spectacular to use but then piecing the actual quilt-not so much!
12-07-2021
11:53 am
Designing the quilt is the easy and fun part, usinig EQ8. Writing the pattern and getting coordinating illustrations done accurately and legibly can still be a struggle but I love the process. It is especially rewarding to see the completed quilt and intimately know every step of the process.
12-07-2021
11:57 am
The biggest obstacle for designing for me is I love Modern Quilts with lots of negative space and asymmetry and while I can use custom setting for a quilt, I still struggle to manipulate for the asymmetry aspect.
12-07-2021
8:16 pm
A fun easy approach, as I really have the same goal you describe so well; start with regular Layouts like Horizontal with or without sashing. Set featured or fancy pieced block all over or alternate two designs. Here’s the magic; keep about 6 *simple blocks* in the project like X block, HST, Snow ball, attic window, plain block, any 2 patch. Randomly set *simple blocks* in the quilt including plain block replacing fancy blocks, this creates as much negative space and asymmetry as desired. Enjoy! Karen C.
12-07-2021
11:59 am
My biggest struggle is figuring out wbat design to use to complment the quilt, especially when the blocks have a lot of pieces and are scrappy.
12-07-2021
12:00 pm
My biggest challenge, yet also my greatest asset in designing quilts is my own brain! There is so much going on up there that I have trouble focusing on one idea at a time. Add to that the effort it takes to sit down and work through the EQ program long enough to discover all it can do to harness, if not tame my wild ADHD brain chaos! I do think it will be a great help in introducing some precision to my work.
12-07-2021
12:06 pm
Some of my best patterns have come from random lines and arcs that suddenly come together as a design. I love two block ideas with a secondary design. I always hire my book editor/quilter friend to perfect them then have a few friends test them before releasing them. None of it is a real struggle but its a long process from start to a finished pattern. Barb GardnersDelights.com
12-07-2021
12:15 pm
My biggest struggle is ‘making a decision.’ I have the fabrics chosen then decide on the pattern. Then I find another fabric for the group or replace a fabric then change my mind again. It’s making this first decision that is the hardest. I change my mind a lot, especially when it’s a quilt for a family member. The only time this is easy is when the decision is out of my hands (quilt kits or special requests) where I feel I actually get something finished.
12-07-2021
12:52 pm
We have the same struggle. Perhaps we need an EQ Self Help group!
12-07-2021
12:18 pm
Biggest STruggle? Probably trying to create a border that compliments the quilt design but doesn’t overpower it.
12-07-2021
1:54 pm
Yes, a border can make or break it.
12-07-2021
12:32 pm
I have two big struggles when designing quilt patterns. The first is knowing when to stop creating iterations of the same design. I seem to land on a great idea and it keeps growing and changing until I make myself stop. This is probably because EQ8 is so much fun. My other struggle is coloring my design in a scrappy style. Again, playing with EQ8 is so much fun.
12-07-2021
12:38 pm
Elizabeth courses taught me sooo much about EQ8 and designing in general! She has inspired me to start my own business by selling my own patterns. EQ8 has made this journey a lot easier.
12-07-2021
12:44 pm
Just bought EQ8 about a week ago. I can see myself spending more time designing than stitching. What fun! Too new to have a biggest struggle as I’m at the beginning of the learning curve.
12-07-2021
12:50 pm
My enormous struggle is “deciding”. EQ8 gives me so many options that I keep designing quilt variations and can’t decide which one to use. As of today I have 49 options for a wall hanging (plus ones I deleted)! I love EQ8 but get analysis paralysis.
12-07-2021
12:54 pm
Getting started is always the hard part. What size is it going to be, what layout will I use, what fabrics will I want to match the theme of the quilt pattern. Then it’s a question of finding images or blocks that represent the places I want to visit on my voyage and translating them into patterns for the class to use.
12-07-2021
1:01 pm
I am very new to quilting and designing. I think the hardest part for me is figuring out how to put pieces together to get the look I want. I have been enjoying eq8 and think it will be a very helpful tool
12-07-2021
1:14 pm
My biggest struggle is just getting started! I think I’m good to go, then when I start to design, I get a brain block!
12-07-2021
1:14 pm
For me it is being a relative newbie, so the learning curve is still steep. I’ve had difficulty with saving a project and then finding it again. I keep thinking I’ve figured it out, only to have to start over again.
12-07-2021
1:19 pm
The hardest part is carving out the time to sit at the computer and not at the sewing machine.
12-07-2021
1:35 pm
Figuring out if borders are needed and, if so how can they be part of a wonderful whole and not just an add on.
12-07-2021
1:41 pm
I finally figured out how to design hexagon EPP projects on EQ8. Now I want to try pentagons and Patchwork of the Crosses, but I have no idea where to start.
12-07-2021
1:51 pm
My biggest challenge is designing a quilt that can be pieced without being an incredible challenge at the sewing machine.
12-07-2021
1:59 pm
My biggest struggle is to translate an image in my mind to the worktable, getting the nodes in all the right places. I have struggled with this through several versions and since others did not mention this, I guess I missed out on the big secret. My notes never seem to be in the right places!
12-09-2021
12:27 pm
I have struggled with the nodes, etc. on the work table but continued looking and discovered the nodes move when you put the cursor on them and drag. Couldn’t do what I do without extreme frustration until I figured it out. Also a reminder note about the icons in the Precision bar (page 25 in the Quick Start Guide), make sure you read about how to use them. I find I often need to turn on or off the Snapping Option, depending on what I am doing. Hope this helps.
12-07-2021
2:19 pm
My biggest problem is getting started. I’ve owned EQ8 for almost a year now but haven’t had the desire to do more than doodle in the program. I seriously need a class.
12-07-2021
2:23 pm
Sometimes it is just time.
12-07-2021
2:54 pm
I am learning so much about EQ8. My biggest challenge is designing scrappy quilts, which I love. I find myself repeating my fabrics instead of getting that scrappy look. When I actually cut, I can incorporate a more scrappy look by changing up my fabrics. But I find I don’t really do that with EQ8.
12-07-2021
3:01 pm
I am very new to EQ and I’m using EQ7. I love paper piecing, so sometimes with the size of quilt I want, makes some of the pieces in the block really tiny! But I don’t want the quilt bigger when I want to increase the size of the block. Still learning and still playing, but I do enjoy the software!
12-07-2021
3:15 pm
One of the biggest challenges I have is color variations and choices. Also making things fit where I want them too.
12-07-2021
3:40 pm
I am still new myself so just coming up with my own original design can kind of be a bit paralyzing. I currently have EQ7 and would really like to upgrade to EQ8. I think that would also help me to just play around more in there to come up with some ideas
12-07-2021
4:25 pm
My biggest design challenge tends to be having too many options or ideas!
12-07-2021
5:16 pm
My greatest struggle is not to over design to know when to stop.
12-07-2021
5:17 pm
I keep trying to improve a design to the point that it never gets finished. I always feel like I’m not creative enough.
12-07-2021
5:40 pm
Working with fabric colors in EQ
Recoloring and using multiple colors in the quilt design
12-07-2021
6:14 pm
Time, having enough time in a day to be on my EQ8.
12-07-2021
6:41 pm
My biggest struggle is creativity. Sometimes I have a vague idea of what might be interesting, but getting it down in EQ is another matter. Another problem is creating new design. In June I designed a kind of woven design in red, white, and blue for a QOV. A few months later, I got a book that had a woven design that I immediately had to sew up. Later I came across my design again, and it was EXACTLY the same!
12-07-2021
7:11 pm
It is often the case to see our idea. I look at fabric and wonder how I will quilt it in a quilt. So if you are like me that is what could have happen.
12-07-2021
7:06 pm
I find the size of the finished quilt is bigger than most people would want and many are too big for wall art. So resizing with EQ8 has led to missing blocks? I have had few quilts patterns that some would like, but when I say it is five parts with 35 pages, then the ouch! To draw some of my ideas is faster with paper and pencil. Circle making designs have not arrive using EQ8. I am still learning with EQ8 and have enjoyed making up my ideas in fabric.
12-07-2021
7:21 pm
Inspiration is all around me in rural Virginia. Taking the ideas from my sketch pad and bringing them to life to in EQ is the hard part. It’s hard to know where to start.
12-07-2021
8:09 pm
My biggest struggle is selecting fabric and colors. I like the tools to help find matching colors in EQ8 and just need more practice and perhaps direct training.
12-07-2021
8:28 pm
EQ8 has helped me simplify my design ideas, lots of wonderful projects only exist in my files though! I love to work from a pattern and I still love to buy quilt patterns and magazines. Putting my own a pattern together – even with all the printing features and functions in EQ8 – is my biggest obstacle.
12-07-2021
9:04 pm
: What is your biggest struggle when it comes to designing Quilt Patterns? Mine is choosing fabrics.
12-07-2021
9:05 pm
My biggest hurdle is starting! I have a tendancy to look at what others do and think I am not good enough.
12-07-2021
10:11 pm
I struggle with choosing fabrics and matching colors. I am uncomfortable working in color palettes I haven’t used before.
12-08-2021
4:32 am
My biggest struggle is planning out patterns so that they are easy to sew. I love Foundation Paper Piecing
12-08-2021
4:39 am
I think my biggest struggle is imagining the scale of a pattern I’m working on. Went I print out templates I’m often surprised at how big or small my pattern is.
12-08-2021
8:35 am
Pushing myself to get started! We all have the ideas, its just actually putting them down ‘on paper’ in the EQ format and editing them. Many times I need to ‘let it marinate’ so I can look at it with fresh eyes, a big help!
12-08-2021
9:42 am
I have problems with what will look good in the final quilt. I like to make blocks and then design around them. But they don’t always look like I see them in my mind. I like bright bold fabrics.
12-08-2021
11:06 am
My hardest struggle when it comes to designing a quilt I’d like is finding the time to actually sit down and do it. I have EQ8 and I love it, but I have so many kits and other patterns I’d like to make that I feel like I should be working on those. I have so many ideas though in my head and want to design some of them in EQ8 but just don’t take the time and just do it.
12-08-2021
11:56 am
Designing a quilt in EQ8 is not a problem. It is fun, but getting it from the design to sewing it is not as easy, unless I’m doing applique. I think your class would be extremely helpful. I’ve often wondered why EQ8 doesn’t give better cutting instructions. Maybe I just haven’t discovered that in EQ8 yet. I guess I want them to write the pattern for me!
12-08-2021
12:00 pm
My biggest issue is that I am still learning EQ8 as I got it for my birthday in August. I am having trouble getting what I see in my imagination to come out on paper or as a design. Gonna keep trying though!
12-08-2021
3:47 pm
trying to come up with an idea not used before , or a pattern not to duplicate someone else’s design
12-08-2021
3:47 pm
coming up with new ideas
12-08-2021
4:23 pm
It’s been a few years since I worked with EQ ( it was on an old broken PC). I recently purchased upgrade and feel like I’m starting over from scratch. My struggle is accepting the fact that I need to start over to relearn concepts as well as new software. My New Years resolution is to do just that so I can gain proficiency and confidence.
12-08-2021
5:35 pm
My biggest challenge is making the blocks fit my desired size. I am surprised all the time by how big a quilt I can get from 8″ – 10″ blocks. Yet, I also need to take into account the borders so I always struggle with quilt size including block/border sizes vs my desired finished quilt size.
12-08-2021
10:38 pm
Sitting down to a blank page and trying to think of a design is the hardest for me. I much prefer starting with a tyype of block or a collection of blocks and then the ideas start to generate.
12-08-2021
11:17 pm
My biggest challenge is figuring out how to draw and apply really unique pieced and shaped borders.
12-09-2021
6:44 am
When i make a block in inches and then i want to use the same block in centimeters, i have trouble converting it and i usually end up drawing it from scratch in the metric system.
12-09-2021
10:51 am
My biggest struggle is follow through and completion. I tend to get distracted easily! When I have an idea and put it on paper, it feels done to me! I want to move on to the next project!
12-09-2021
12:34 pm
My biggest struggle is more computer-based. I have a terrible time keeping track of what is where and any time my computer gets an automatic update (MS) I lose things in my personal library. Fabric stash, designs, etc. What a pain!
12-09-2021
2:23 pm
I struggle with combining different sized blocks to make sampler style quilts that don’t use sashing.
12-11-2021
7:23 am
After thinking about this for awhile, my biggest struggle is knowing when to stop designing and when to start constructing!
12-11-2021
7:52 am
My biggest struggle is slowing myself down to learn. I want to jump in to play and design. I need to slow down and truly learn the program to be able to get the most out of it.
12-11-2021
8:20 am
My EQ8 software is on it’s way. I ordered from Amazon yesterday. So, so far in life my biggest pattern writing struggle has been choosing what size of graph paper to use that is small enough to fit my design but be big enough to see the whole project. After Wednesday (delivery day) my biggest challenge will be learning EQ and then I don’t expect any challenges except my own imagination.
12-11-2021
8:22 am
I find that writing the instructions in a simple format for even a beginner can follow it is sometimes a challenge.
12-11-2021
8:34 am
I’ve not used EQ before so I’m excited to see the potential!
12-11-2021
8:47 am
My biggest struggle is sizing the blocks in a composition. I always have spaces I need to fill because the block is too small.
12-11-2021
8:54 am
I love all of Elizabeths patterns and would love to try one! Crossing my fingers!
12-11-2021
8:59 am
I learn a lot. I am hoping Santa will bring me a copy of EQ one of these years.
12-11-2021
9:41 am
The hardest part for me is getting lines straight…and figuring out where to draw lines for paper piecing.
12-11-2021
10:08 am
My biggest struggle is picking the right colors. Not enough and it’s boring to look at but too much and it’s hard to look at…
12-11-2021
2:47 pm
My biggest struggle is getting out of my comfort zone and trying new techniques. I tend to like symmetrical designs with lots of hst and flying geese, so any curved piecing is very intimidating!
12-11-2021
7:55 pm
My biggest challenge is finding the time for being creative. I enjoy designing whenever I have the opportunity. EQ8 makes lets me design more efficiently and make the most of my available time.
12-11-2021
9:23 pm
My biggest struggle is the number of fabrics to decide on. I am not a scrappy person. Deciding to pick 3. 4, 5, 6, etc fabrics. 2 Color quilts are easy!!!
12-12-2021
8:07 am
I’m still getting started, so I could really use the EQ8 class and would love a reason to get back to the Toledo area to take one! (Go rockets!)
12-12-2021
8:13 pm
My biggest struggle is fabric choices. I can never seem to get the newest and will be around for a few years and always choose those that have ended or will end this season.
12-13-2021
1:16 am
My biggest problem is calculating the with of floating borders between pieced borders.
12-13-2021
11:15 am
This contest is now closed. Winner: Nadine Merrick!