The Round Robin Edition 18 – Designing Quilt Patterns Yourself

Welcome to The Round Robin Edition 18 – Designing Quilt Patterns Yourself.

happy monday.

Because of a few things that I’m working on behind the scenes….designing with quilt designing programs has hit in the time suck lately. I get lost in there for wayyyy too long.

Lucky though that it relates to what I do though and love to do as well!

Because it’s been a long time since my first pattern…. over 10 years, I’ve had quite a journey of styles, ways I design and design programs.

Today we get to dive a little into that world. I know that even though you might not sell your patterns, that there are a lot of you out there who dabble in the world of quilt designing and have your own expertise and opinions in this as well.

I’m excited to get started and possibly learn something new from you.

Have a great day,

Becky

in the sewing room

After getting all of those bindings done, it was time to focus on something that has been waiting way to long to get quilted– the Sampler of 2018.

Man, this quilt along (it’s all year long, join here!) is a biggie. I managed to get all the blocks done and put them together last month, but it’s been waiting patiently for it’s turn on the machine.

There were a few quilts in the way that needed a quicker turn around, so it kept getting bumped.

Well, it’s finally up and getting quilted!

I decided on a wool batting (using a blanket!). Can’t wait to show it off!

today’s topic  designing quilts

tips…

• try a few programs before committing if you can- there are a few out there that you may be able to get a limited edition, or free version for a couple of days. I would highly recommend this as some are expense and changing your mind or finding it just doesn’t make sense to you can be costly! Try before you buy.
• ask your friends and read the reviews- nothing is better than a bunch of friends who will give you their two cents. Listen to them. Ask around if they aren’t talking about it. If you are in a group (like quilting 101) ask in there. Having good or bad feedback will help you figure out what to be prepared for.
• watch the help or how to videos- I know that you might not have the program quite yet, but watching a few of those videos before you buy will be sooo helpful! You can kind of get an idea of where things are. If you are finding that you are getting lost when they are trying to teach you– this might be a harder program to learn than you are expecting. Also, you can read the comments on the videos and see what others are saying as well. Great resource for info.
• after you buy it, commit to using it- this is sometimes harder than you think! I have bought many things and then set them aside. When you purchase the programs, you will be more successful if you block out some time in your calendar to learn the basics and take some specific time to using it.
• use the beginners or help videos that are provided- don’t look past what is given or provided by the maker of the program. There are many classes, workshops and other free videos and resources out there that you should watch and try on your own. I tend to jump right in, but this last time found that actually taking the time to go through the how to’s was more helpful! I was able to pick up on the basics and then when I wanted to move on ahead on my own, I could find things quicker, remember what I learned from before, and found it a lot less frustrating.

sew it

Just so you know that you don’t have to always be designing your own quilts. You can use what others have designed and build your own quilt- one that has your very own personal touch.

I was super excited to announce my Designer Collection over on Quilt-Pro. But, just in case you can you grab up the collection of blocks (there are more than just 9 from the block of the month) and put together your own layout!

Check out the full information here and learn how you can get started on your own version of Three’s Company.

something fun

Quilt-Pro Studio Chics…videos to help you navigate the program  click here to read more.

Electric Quilt…another quilt design program  click here to read more

Quilt-Pro…. click here to read more

Pattern Jam… click here to read more

Quilt Fusion…. click here to read more

quilty chit chat

There have been a few fun projects posted in the Quilting 101 fb group.

Join the group for free here.

For all the Round Robin editions- visit here.

Do you have a favorite resource online or in person that you love? Share it in the comments!