Frequently Asked Questions

AutoCAD

• Quiltmaking and AutoCAD LT Drafting Software by Jos H. Hindriks

Block Factory

• Block Factory operations reviewed and introducing the themed CDs
  1. Quilter's Newsletter Magazine now on CD, 170 articles, use Block Factory to print out the blocks.
  2. Block Factory: Star Quilts, The legendary Kansas City Star Patterns, Volume 1. (1928-1935) Over 300 blocks to size and print. Includes paper piecing and regular block patterns.
  3. Block Factory: Mariner's Compass Edition, over 100 blocks from Judy Mathieson (includes a screen saver)

Bubble Jet Set Products

• FAQ: Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse What are they really designed to do and how can they aide all Quilters? Hint, they can be used to stop bleeding in retail fabric and trim! by Sharla Hicks

Clip Art

• Clip art for Cross Stitch: Stand Alone mini design program, can also be used with Pattern Maker for Cross-Stitch
• Vintage Workshop Clipart: CDs series that include antique images that fit in nicely with many themes like holidays, americana, garden, alphabet, scrapbook, and more.

• Creating Quilt Designs with Corel Draw: Using the Clone Tool to Duplicate Your Blocks by Nancy Hastings-Trew © 1998
• Import Quilts created in Quilt-Pro to CorelDRAW or Corel PhotoPaint to add innovative Coloring and Distortions by Sharla Hicks © 1998
• Stash: how to convert fabric bitmaps from Stash to CorelDRAW pattern fill by Myrna Giesbrecht

• Using Help Files Effectively in Quilting Programs. by Sharla Hicks
• Creative Impulse 2000 Review by Sharla Hicks
• Creative Impulse: How to Get Started by Birte Hilberg, the program developer
• Playing with Quilt Design Toys: Part 1 covers Creative Impulse by Claudia Wade

Cross Stitch Software

• Cross Stitch Clipart: Stand Alone or use with Pattern Maker™ ... for Cross Stitch
• Pattern Maker™ ... for Cross Stitch review: Quilters can use this software to transform photographs in quilts. Feature Chart, click here.

Electric Quilt

• Reviews for Electric Quilt and its supporting software and books
  • Electric Quilt 6 Overviwe by Electric Quilt
  • Electric Quilt 5 Review by Sharla Hicks
  • Electric Quilt Support Books, EQ Simplified, EQ Draw, EQ Color, EQ Quilt, and EQ Block Book
  • BlockBase for Windows review by Sharla Hicks
  • Sew Precise, paper piecing software comes in 3 versions where you will find 1,000s of blocks
  • Stash CDs: Review and information by Sharla Hicks. The Stash CDs are becoming a series with Stash Fall 2000 being the latest release.
  • AnglePlay CD with Blocks for EQ, a companion CD for the book AnglePlay by Margaret Miller
  • Classic Appliqué Blocks, 3 CDs that add blocks to EQ (Styles: 1920-1930, Folk Art and Baltimore Album)
  • Dear Jane Design Software and Dear Hannah EQ Block CD
  • Judy Martin's Stars & Sets Block and Design CD
  • Karen Stone CD with New York Beauty Blocks for EQ, a companion CD for the Karen K. Stone Quilts book
  • Stitch With Love by Robyn Pandolph, the first book in a new Magic Book™ Series that includes a Design CD for coloring, sizing and printing projects.
  • Town and Country Paper Piecing Block & Quilt Design CD
  
  

  Hints and Tips for Electric Quilt User Series:

  Gordon Cooper Series on Electric Quilt:

  Customize the EQ Default Palette with your favorite fabrics so that it automatically opens when you start up the program
  Block Size Considerations in Electric Quilt
  The Electric Quilt Sketchbook
  
  

  Patti R. Anderson Series on creative uses for EQ:
  Insert Photo Scans Into a Quilt Layout in Electric Quilt. Patti R. Anderson. This new idea is going to make GREAT memory quilts!
  Simple Shape Quilting Designs for Borders Patti R. Anderson. Design and print long runs for the border using simple quilt stencil motifs you design yourself.
  Featured Photo Inspired Quilts designed in Electric Quilt by Patti Anderson shown on Sharla Hicks Simply Quilt appearance

  
  
  More How-to and help for Electric Quilt Users:
  YesUcan, a database compiled from questions and answered shared by members of the Info-EQ mail list.

  Using Help Files Effectively in Quilting Programs. by Sharla Hicks
  

  Clearing up the Mud surrounding Copyright for Electric Quilt, BlockBase, SewPrecise and their Support Books. by Penny McMorris
  Electric Quilt Website Review by Sharla Hicks: a great resource for all EQ users
  Info-EQ Archives -- how to use them by Penny McMorris of Electric Quilt
  EQ's Stash Fabric CDs: How to Convert Fabric Bitmaps from Stash to CorelDRAW pattern fill by Myrna Giesbrecht
  How to Create Tessellations using your Quilt Software Instructions for EQ, Quilt-Pro and PCQuilt by Sharla Hicks

  Past Articles for Electric Quilt 3
  Win 95: here's a quick way to change the name of an EQ 3 project file by Penny McMorris of Electric Quilt.
  FAQ: Electric Quilt 3 for DOS printing problems answered by Penny McMorris of Electric Quilt Company (these problems are not associated with Electric Quilt 4 which is a Windows 95/98/NT program

FAQs: Quilting & EmbellishmentTopics

• FAQ: METALLIC THREAD:  Use in Embellishments and Quilting by Sharla Hicks
• FAQ: Invisible Machine Appliqué, Quilt Binding and Cathedral Windows: Using Adjustable Zipperfoot by Sharla Hicks

Fabric: Printing and photo transfer on fabric with Inkjet printers

• FAQ: Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse What are they really designed to do and how can they aide all Quilters? Hint, they can be used to stop bleeding in retail fabric and trim!
• FAQ: Photo Transfer Paper: Instructions on how to use, Plus: Transfer Paper's did you know questions?
• June Tailor Colorfast Printer Fabric
• Printing on Fabric, a series of information pieces by several different people. Info on fabric printing with Cannon and Lexmark printers. Another talks about Krylon as a fixative.
• Photo transfer products, iron-on sheets for Inkjet printers and Inkjet copiers, jigsaw puzzles, coasters, and mouse pads.

Memory Quilt Inspiration from Scrapbook Ideas to Collage in Fabric

40% off Dimensional Delights by Liz Aneloski

40% off Digital Delights for Scrapbooking by Sue Martin

40% off Scrap Your Stuff by Create & Treasure

40% off Stitching Memories Guide to Scrapbooking with Sewing Machine by Marsh Newman Nuttall

Memory Quilts: Fabric Printing, Collage, & Scrapbook Style Layouts	40% off Fast, Fun & Easy Scrapbook Quilts by Sue Astroth	40% off Memories Sew Sweet 14 Designs by Sandy Berry	40% off More Photo Fun by Hewlett-Packard with Cyndy Lyle Rymer and Lynn Koolish
Images on CD for Quilts, Home Decor, Gifts, Clothing and More	50% off CD Picture Perfect Projects CD by June Tailor	50% off Digital Decorating by Tami D. Peterson Home Decor Designs and Projects from Your Home Computer	40% off w/ Images CD Fuse It and Be Done by Barbara Campbell & Yolanda Fundora	50% off Vintage Workshop Clipart to Print One example of many different themes

Innovation and your Photo Images, Fabric Printing and Photo Tansfers ALSO SEE: Portraits. & Character FAQs answered by Sharla Hicks regarding Bubble Jet Set and How to Use it FAQs answered by Sharla Hicks regarding Photo Transfer	40% off DVD Lynn Koolish Teaches You Printing on Fabric with Lynn Koolish	40% off Altered Photo Artistry by Beth Wheeler with Lori Marquette	40% off The Technical How to with great ideas for printing on fabric Quilt Savvy by Caryl Bryer Fallert
Mixed Media & Photo or Art Transfer Tip: TAP® will transfer not only inkjet printouts but can be the canvas for ART then transfer the paint, drawing, pen, ink, crayon, and other mixed media	10% off Unique Fabric/Stabilizer Used in Mixed Media, Fabric Printing View Videos Lutradur Spun Web Paper-Like Stabilizer/Interfacing	20% off Fabulous Fabric Art with Lutradur by Leslie Riley	10% off Transfer Product View Videos Lesley Riley's TAP Transfer Artist Paper use on any surface 5 & 18 Packs	Book 20% off Create with Transfer Artist Paper by Lesley Riley
	40% off From Images to Stitch by Maggie Grey Fabric Printing & Embroidery	20% off Transfers and Altered Images by Chris Cozen Transfer Paper, Digital Ground Fabric Printing	The original classic. Jean Ray Laury passed away in early 2011. She was one of the first to bring innovative photo transfer to quilters. 40% off The Photo Transfer Handbook Snap IT, Print IT, Stitch IT! by Jean Ray Laury

20 % off Save $'s Package Quilter & Fiber Artist Sampler Package Colorfast Printer Fabric 4 different brands to try	10 to 20% off Bubble Jet Set 2000 16oz--32 oz--HP & Bubble Jet Rinse	10% off Unique Fabric/Stabilizer Used in Mixed Media, Fabric Printing View Videos Lutradur Spun Web Paper-Like Stabilizer/Interfacing	10% off Transfer Product View Videos Lesley Riley's TAP Transfer Artist Paper use on any surface 5 & 18 Packs	40% off | Laser Color Copier Transfer Paper

FAQs about Computer Quilting answered by Sharla Hicks

1. Computer Quilting has come of Age! What does it have to offer you the quilter? helpful overview of what is available in quilting software and how your computer skills fit into picture when making choices.
2. What is the Best Program?
3. ARTICLE: Should I Upgrade my Computer Quilting Program? by Sharla Hicks
4. The Program manuals are long, do you have anything to help?
5. Why would I need a Quilt Program when I have a Graphic Program that I can create a quilt in?
6. When is a Paint/Draw program better than a Quilt Program?
7. Can I export a block or quilt to another "quilting program".
8. Can I export a block or quilt to another Paint/Draw program (Corel Draw, Illustrator) or Desktop Publishing program (Word, Word Perfect, Claris).
9. Can I "scan" in my block and use with my "quilt program"?
10. Can I "scan" my fabric into my Quilt Program?
11. Where can I find information on Printing Fabric using the my Computer, Scanner and my Printer?
12. Can any of the quilting software programs do an accurate job of estimating yardage?
13. Scanners: What are they, how do they work, and how do I get my fabrics to a quilting software using my scanner?

Fabric for Quilt Software Libraries

• Converting Fabric Swatches Gleaned from the Internet to Usable Bitmap Files for Quilting Software Programs Fabric Libraries using the Freeware IrfanView32 by Sharla R. Hicks copyright 1999
• • Part 1: What are the problems encountered using Internet fabric images in quilting software?
  • Part 2: How can free software IrfanView solve your bitmap problems?
  • Part 3: How to download fabric files from the Internet using Netscape or Internet Explorer:
    • Create a Folder for Fabrics downloaded from the Internet
    • Download fabrics from the Internet
  • Part 4: Tutorial using freeware IrfanView IrfanView32 to:
    • Convert and resize multiple fabric images at the same time to 256 colors or less bitmaps.
    • Lighten a dark fabric image
    • Tweak coloring of fabric image
• FAQ: Scanners: What are they, how do they work, and how do I get my fabrics to a quilting software using my scanner?
• FAQ: Can I "scan" my fabric into my Quilt Program?
• FAQ: Where can I find information on Printing Fabric using the my Computer, Scanner and my Printer?
• FAQ: Can any of the quilting software programs do an accurate job of estimating yardage?
• Fun Fantastic Fabric Finds by Myrna Giesbrecht
• Websites with Fabrics ready to be downloaded from the Internet listed here
• Stash CDs: This is an Electric Quilt companion program series that each spring and fall brings you the latest lines of fabrics for quilters already scanned and ready to go. Exports from Stash can be used in other Quilting Software.
• Stash: How to convert fabric bitmaps from Stash to CorelDRAW pattern fill by Myrna Giesbrecht
• YesUcan a database compiled from questions and answers from members of the Info-EQ list

Foundation Factory

• Foundation Factory CDs (Series):
  1. Standard Edition
  2. Carol Doak Edition
  3. Quilt Magazine Edition Review by Sharla Hicks

Freeware

• Graph Paper Printer, Review by Sharla Hicks
• IrfanView32: Tutorial to convert fabric downloads from the Internet into useable bitmaps for our Quilting Software fabric libraries: by Sharla Hicks
• KeepHere (blank database software) and YesUcan (database of answers from Info-EQ list): by Gordon Cooper.

General Information for Computer Quilters on this website

• Using Help Files Effectively in Quilting Programs. by Sharla Hicks
• A Glimpse from the Student Side of a Computer Quilting Demonstration. by Cindy Thury Smith
• Printing on Fabric, a series of information pieces by several different people. Info on fabric printing with Cannon and Lexmark printers. Another talks about Krylon as a fixative.
• Should I Upgrade my Computer Quilting Program? by Sharla Hicks
• KeepHere, a blank database for creating an information source
• Check out the Teachers, Tutors & Shops that offer Classes link for a list of Computer Quilting Events, Conferences, Retreats, Teachers and Shops in your area who offer Computer Quilting Training, Classes, Demo's, Tutoring, etc.

IrfanView (a graphic file converter, use for fabrics)

• Tutorial using freeware IrfanView32 to convert fabric files from the Internet into useable bitmaps for our Quilting Software: by Sharla Hicks

Organized Expressions™ . . . Diary and Notebook for Quilters and Needleworkers

• Overview of the 5 different programs shows the different features and inventories covered by each of the 5 versions
• Getting Started with Organized Expressions, a tutorial and sneek peek into the working and wonders of Organized Expressions by Sharla Hicks

• Paint by Numbers 2005™ is great for defining detail to be used in applique or when embellishing a quilt using paints, fabrics pens and inks.

• Foundation Factory CDs (Series) Quilt-Pro companion programs
  1. Standard Edition
  2. Carol Doak Edition
  3. Quilt Magazine Edition Review by Sharla Hicks
• Sew Precise Electric Quilt companion programs
  1. Collection 1 & 2 over 1,000 blocks
  2. Collection 3: Shirley Liby Designs
  3. Collection 4: Donna McDade
• Foundation Paper for Printers
• Helpful Rulers

• Pattern Maker for Cross-Stitch: Use for Cross Stitch or to help Quilters define pictures with square and triangles
• Clipart for Cross Stitch: Stand alone OR companion program to Pattern Maker Review

• Review by Sharla Hicks
• How to Create Tessellations using your Quilt Software Instructions for EQ, Quilt-Pro and PCQuilt by Sharla Hicks

• Bubble Jet Set Products: FAQ on how to use Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse
• Photo Transfer products available here
• FAQ: Photo Transfer Paper: Instructions on how to use, Plus: Transfer Paper's did you know questions?
• Printed Treasures and June Tailor Colorfast or Quick Fuse Inkjet Printer Fabric

• The Day Patchville Went Splitsville, a children's book on CD with Quilt Themes and Interactive Color Lessons
• Design CD: A Quilter's Life in Patchwork by Pam Bono and June Tailor
• Design CD: Stitched with Love by Robyn Pandolph
• Design CD: Create Your Family Quilt Using State Blocks & Symbols by Barbara Brackman
• Instructional CD: Time-Crunch Quilts by Nancy Martin
• Instructional CD: Easy Stash Quilts by Carol Doak
• Instructional CD: 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars by Carol Doak

• Review: Quilt-Pro 4 for Windows by Sharla Hicks
• Review: Quilt-Pro 3 for the MAC by Sharla Hicks
  
• Review: 1-2-3 Quilt! is a quilting software for traditional quilters and beginning computer quilters who love fast piecing quilts and rotary cutting techniques!
• Review: Block Factory operations reviewed and introducing the themed CDs
• Review: Foundation Factory (3 versions) companion program to Quilt-Pro for paper piecing, find the review by Sharla Hicks
  
• Using Help Files Effectively in Quilting Programs. by Sharla Hicks
• How to Create Tessellations using your Quilt Software Instructions for EQ, Quilt-Pro and PCQuilt by Sharla Hicks
• Import Quilts created in Quilt-Pro to CorelDRAW or Corel PhotoPaint to add innovative Coloring and Distortions by Sharla Hicks © 1998
  
• Quilt-Pro Resource Page list resources available resources out on the Internet and here on this website.
  
  
• Series: Hints and Tips on How to Use and Drafting Blocks Quilt-Pro by Frank Smith
  
  
  • Tip 1 Using Quilt-Pro's Snap-to-Grid Function to Draw Symmetrical Curved Shapes
  • Tip 2 90 Degree Arc Tool that can be joined to Lines or Bezier Curves
  • Tip 3 Adding Text to the Quilt in the Quilt Mode
  • Tip 4 Did You Know You Could Paste the Same Block in Multiple Locations in a Quilt at the Same Time? Here is How.
  • Tip 5 Make a Custom Grid and Create 3D Blocks
  • Tip 6 Tricks for working with grids that do not line up with patches
  • Tip 7 Using Marker Triangles (Tags) To Assist in Drawing Patches.
  • Tip 8 Switching Snap-to functions during the drawing of a patch
  • Tip 9 Clean Snap to Grid NOT Happening? Try this!
  • Tip 10 Pieced Borders, Part 1 of 3: Fitting Pieced Borders
  • Tip 11 Pieced Borders, Part 2 of 3: Creating a Pieced Border
  • Tip 12 Pieced Borders, Part 3 of 3: Creating a Pieced Border
  • Tip 13 Use the rotary cutter on circle patches, ellipse patches and patches containing freehand and bezier curves
  • Tip 14 Sending Palettes with Projects and Working with Quilt-Pro 3's Blank Palette

  Drafting Complex Blocks in Quilt-Pro, a series of articles by Frank Smith.
  	Draft 1: Draft this complex block using 2 grid types.
  	Draft 2: Draft the Orange Peel Block. This drafting lesson will assist you with similar blocks found in the Dear Jane Quilt.
  	Draft 3: Drafting a Block/Pattern in Quilt Pro from another source like a book This drafting lesson will assit you in drafting geometric blocks.

• Using Help Files Effectively in Quilting Programs. by Sharla Hicks
• Playing With Quilt Design Toys: Part 2 covers Repligator by Claudia Wade
• Repligator Review by Sharla Hicks

• Converting Fabric Swatches Gleaned from the Internet to Usable Bitmap Files for Quilting Software Programs Fabric Libraries using the Freeware IrfanView32 by Sharla R. Hicks copyright 1999
  • Part 1: What are the problems encountered using Internet fabric images in quilting software?
  • Part 2: How can free software IrfanView solve your bitmap problems?
  • Part 3: How to download fabric files from the Internet using Netscape or Internet Explorer:
    • Create a Folder for Fabrics downloaded from the Internet
    • Download fabrics from the Internet
  • Part 4: Tutorial using freeware IrfanView IrfanView32 to:
    • Convert and resize multiple fabric images at the same time to 256 colors or less bitmaps.
    • Lighten a dark fabric image
    • Tweak coloring of fabric image
• FAQ: Scanners: What are they, how do they work, and how do I get my fabrics to a quilting software using my scanner?
• FAQ: Can I "scan" my fabric into my Quilt Program?
• FAQ: Where can I find information on Printing Fabric using the my Computer, Scanner and my Printer?

• Sew Precise! Review by Sharla Hicks
  1. Sew Precise Collection 1 & 2
  2. Sew Precise Collection 3 by Shirley Liby

• Stash: How to Convert Fabric Bitmaps from Stash to CorelDRAW pattern fill by Myrna Giesbrecht
• Stash CDs: The Stash CDs are series of fabric CD released in the Fall and Spring.

• Using Help Files Effectively in Quilting Programs. by Sharla Hicks
• SymmeToy computer quilters can create tessellations, kaleidoscopes, and repetitive designs with this graphic program.

• SymmeToy: a new software in our line to help you create Tessellation and Kaleidoscope Quilts.
• How to Create Tessellations using your Quilt Software by Sharla Hicks

• Information about color palette options for web graphics by Dr. David Mutch
• Six lessons in web design I learned the hard way by Mryna Giebrecht

• Click-n-Sew Pattern Drafting Software Review of pattern CDs for Jackets, Pants, Tops and Dress. Excellent choice for wearable art clothing.