My quilting thoughts and inspirations sprinkled with a glimpse of life down on the farm

Monday, July 1, 2013

EQ7 and warm things....

One of my goals for this year was to become more familiar with EQ7 and use it more. I have been 'pulling it out' from time to time, using it for the odd block here and there but was delighted and excited when the EQ7 blog site (Behind The Mouse) said they were going to do a 'summer drawing series'. And lucky me, I didn't have to wait to do it in summer - I could do it now, in winter!! (hehe).
At the start of each month they post a lesson, showing how to draw a particular block. We have the month to do the lesson, draw the block and then sew it up. At the end of each month is show and tell.
Here is this month's block (Block 2), drawn using the Patchdraw function. It was foundation pieced.
I absolutely love this block!! Now I am thinking to myself, what would a whole quilt with this block look like?! I can see (one day) I will be back to EQ7 to have a play and see what else I can do with it!
Last month's block was drawn using Easydraw. I had it done in time to do a photo link up but not write a post with it in.
Think I will change that centre square but you get the idea.
I like how both blocks have used totally different skills and aspects of the programme.  I have resized my blocks to 9" rather than the 12" drawn in class. Mid-month there have been further mini lessons with variations of that month's block... I have saved these but not done them yet.
Those of you with EQ7, their blog really is a wealth of information, techniques and tips. I didn't really realise how good it was until recently.

For OPAM this month, I made sure I sat down and properly finished off the wrap/scarf I completed in the car recently.... yes, those wool ends were still waiting to be sewn in; without OPAM they possibly would still be waiting, but now it's done! (I have to update my list but I think I am up to anbout 5 finishes this month- woohoo).
Many of you who know me know I love to play.... I spent some time yesterday trying to get the 'perfect' shot of the wrap...
OK.... but a little boring....
 ....the shots of it artisticly draped around various objects were also a little undramatic... but I did like this picture of it around my neck - these uncontrollable curls come in handy sometimes!
I kept it on after the photo shoot... we've had
a few frosts lately!

One thing I like about blogging, is the accountability... I've said out loud I'm going to do something... so I had actually better do it! Following up on my intention to make some hottie covers at my sewing group the other night, yes, I did get some made for the Hottie project. Today they are popping themselves in the post and starting their journey to Christchurch. Good on Kerry too who took the pattern home and made the snuggly red ones.

So now it is time to get to the post office. Maybe a little sewing later on this evening.
Happy stitching,

22 comments:

  1. I haven't taken the plunge and upgraded my EQ6 yet... but thanks for the info, it sounds like a great way to improve your know-how. I really enjoy playing around with designs, although it doesn't always do exactly what I want.

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  2. Sounds like you are really getting your monies worth with your computer programme, cute blocks.
    Go Hotties, your two & Kerry's are lovely & snuggly looking, as is your scarf.

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  3. Hey I love that first block...hmmm think I saw you working on it? xxxx

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  4. the EQ sounds a good programme, I was down at a friend`s in London in May and she has it, she tried to show me all it could do but to be honest I was baffled but certainly she gets a lot out of it, she did not mention the blog for it so will let her know when I email her next.
    Your block looks great I mean blocks.
    The wrap will be as will the hottie covers

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  5. I used to have EQ on my old computer - a really old version and it was useful occasionally. I don't think I can get EQ on my new Mac, but I know some people use it all the time.

    That second block I know as Dove in the Window and I used it for my Chicken Flower Quilt but with narrower sashing and smaller centre square. Loved making it.

    And your wrap looks really warm!

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  6. Loving the hotties... thanks so much for being involved :) Lisa xx

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  7. Goodness Raewyn how many goals do you set yourself in a year? Love the blocks you have made especially the first one. The wrap will come in handy in Taupo later this month I am guessing!!

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  8. I love your wrap Raewyn - it is just beautiful & love the picture with your curls :-)
    I have been meaning (still) to make some hotties too - best get cracking or winter will be over.

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  9. Beautiful blocks. Love your wrap and your artistic photo. Cute hotties ...oh that sounds a bit risque Lol.

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  10. gorgeous blocks Raewyn,and cute hotties as well,well done with your finishes.xx

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  11. I've never worked with any of the EQ. I really didn't mind just hand drawing out patterns! I love your star!!! A whole quilt - ooo la, la!! Might me in my future too! Love those curls!!! (we could be sisters!LOL)

    Keep warm, lots of hugs and happy stitching!!

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  12. I have EQ7 but since my computer crashed I did not reload it and am still very new at even using it ,I should check out their blog ,I made learn a thing or two. I love both blocks and the first one could be very dramatic in a quilt ! Your scraf looks very cosy and warm :-)

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  13. I bet you are enjoying your shawl/wrap on the cold mornings. Keep warm up there.
    Love Leanne

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  14. I love your blocks, the top one is amazing. Gorgeous shawl too and a very pretty blond curl!!

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  15. Great blocks Raewyn. I love your unruly curls. My hair is dead straight. You will be nice and cosy with that chunky neck warmer.

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  16. I bought EQ7 last year with good intentions, but I haven't spent any time with it yet. Hopefully later this year.
    Seeing impressive blocks and quilts created with it, such as yours -- I'm encouraged to learn to use the program. I know there's help all over the web.

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  17. That EQ challenge is pretty neat and what awesome blocks you created.

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  18. Oh, I'm so jealous! You have been so busy and creative! I really need to kick it in gear to catch up!

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  19. Wonderful blocks, your scarf is so cute - looks pretty warm :)

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

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  20. You made me feel really guilty! ;o) I haven't managed to get to grips with EQ7...yet. Those lessons you are doing look great... thanks for the link. I just might give them a try. Your blocks are looking fab and I think a whole quilt made in your latest block would be brilliant. Congrats on finishing your 'new' wrap... it looks super soft and warm.. like the hotties! Talking about 'hotties'... all those beautiful curly blond locks put you in that category too! :o))

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  21. Oh my that EQ block is just wonderful!! What great fabrics and pattern. Seriously, your curls on the scarf look so awesome, what a great picture. Made me smile. I have one daughter with uncontrollable curls. When she straightens her hair, we're all surprised how long her hair is :)

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  22. The blocks look great and what a great way to learn the EQ 7
    The hottie covers are lovely and cosy looking.

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