Computer Quilting BYTES Newsletter
Information for the Quilt Software User

Index to articles in past Computer Quilting BYTES issues. Want to keep up to date about what's new in Computer Quilting and Quilt Software? Sharla Hicks, the author of the "Computer Quilting Made Easy" books pulls together a free on-line newsletter posted 3-4 times a year.

CorelDRAW Users

Creative Impulse Users

• 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.

Fabric: Printing and photo transfer on fabric with Inkjet printers

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?

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

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Martha Pullen's Pattern Software Review of pattern CDs for Jackets, Pants, Tops and Dress. Excellent choice for wearable art clothing.
• Rag Wool Applique: Book with several clothing ideas and machine embrodiery CD for those computerized sewing machines