Expressive Quilters Newsletter
Supporting the Expressive Quilter in Tradition, Innovation, Art and Computers

Index to articles in past Expressive Quilters' Newsletter 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.

If you have an Article, Software Review, Hint or Tip you would like to see included, let Sharla know.

Each Expressive Quilters' Newsletter issue is packed with:

Creating Fabric Printouts, Photo Transfers and Memory Quilts

Colorfast Fabric Printouts: Bubble Jet Set Products (to inkjet printobuts that are colorfast)
Helpful books for Photo Transfer, Printing on Fabric, Memory Quilts & Surface Design
Fabric: Printing and photo transfer on fabric with Inkjet printers

Topics of Interest to Quilters

Scanners for Fabric used in Quilting Software/ Convert Internet Fabric to bitmaps

Fabric for Quilt Software Libraries
Fabric bitmaps Where to find them and how to use them for Quilt Software and other Graphic Programs.
Scanning fabric and how Scanners work for fabric

FAQs, Review & How-tos: Computer Quilting using Quilt Design Software and Other Programs

Other Software & Ideas that are helpful in designing quilts, applique, innovative designs, and wearable art

Computer Quilting has come of Age! What does it have to offer you the quilter? Very helpful overview of what is available in quilting software and how your computer skills fit into picture when making choices.
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.
Corel Draw and how it help quilters: graphic program that augments the computer quilting experience.
Creative Impulse, software for the innovative quilters and designer
Kaleido Kreator and Polygon Templates: Use to develop that kaleidoscope look for fabric printing and quilts
IrfanView (a graphic file converter convert internet finds to usuable fabric bmp for software)
Repligator: This is a software for the innovative quilter who wants to explore new ideas for color and design in a quilt.
SymmeToy: Computer quilters can create tessellations, kaleidoscopes, and repetitive designs with this program
Tessellations: Learn to "THINK" tessellations when using our favorite quilt software or SymmeToy for tessellations
Click-n-Sew Pattern Drafting Software
Website Design
Tessellations

Quilting Software Reviews & How-To Information

Computer Quilting has come of Age! What does it have to offer you the quilter? Very helpful overview of what is available in quilting software and how your computer skills fit into picture when making choices.
Quilting Software Reviews and helpful tutorials
1-2-3 Quilt: Simple to use quilting software for traditional quilters and beginning computer quilters who love fast piecing quilts and rotary cutting techniques.
Auto Cad
Block Factory (paper piecing software): Themed blocks libraries for the computer quilter that prints blocks and template, a Quilt-Pro Systems product.
Clip Art that is useful to Quilters
Cross Stitch Software: Quilters can use this software to import photos so that they can be put into a format that quilters can use for quilt design
Electric Quilt: Quilt design software review and related articles on how to use
Foundation Factory (Paper piecing software)
Freeware: helpful to the computer quilter. YesUcan, KeepHere, Triangles, IrfanView, and Graphic Paper Generator
KeepHere and KeepMany, see Freeware. Create your own unique databases for anything you would like
Organized Expressions™ . . . Diary and Notebook for Quilters, Needleworkers, Scrapbooks, Rubber Stamps, Knitters and Crochet: Track purchases, record projects, log descriptions in Diary of progress and finished, includes thread numbers and much more for helping you track your supplies
Paper Piecing software: Section lists all the software, books and related products we offer
Pattern Maker™ for Cross Stitch Use this program to import and convert photos to a usable format for quilting designs
PCQuilt 2 for Windows: Quilt Design Software
Quilt-Pro
Quilt Books with CD's, both Instructional and Design Interactive CDs
Sew Precise! Review of foundation piecing program by Electric Quilt Company
Stash

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.

CorelDRAW Users

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

Creative Impulse Users

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

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?

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.

FAQs about Computer Quilting answered by Sharla Hicks

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.
What is the Best Program?
ARTICLE: Should I Upgrade my Computer Quilting Program? by Sharla Hicks
The Program manuals are long, do you have anything to help?
Why would I need a Quilt Program when I have a Graphic Program that I can create a quilt in?
When is a Paint/Draw program better than a Quilt Program?
Can I export a block or quilt to another "quilting program".
Can I export a block or quilt to another Paint/Draw program (Corel Draw, Illustrator) or Desktop Publishing program (Word, Word Perfect, Claris).
Can I "scan" in my block and use with my "quilt program"?
Can I "scan" my fabric into my Quilt Program?
Where can I find information on Printing Fabric using the my Computer, Scanner and my Printer?
Can any of the quilting software programs do an accurate job of estimating yardage?
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™

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

PCQuilt 2 for Windows

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

Photo Transfer and Printing on Fabric

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

Quilt Books with CD's, both Instructional and Design Interactive CDs

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

Quilt-Pro

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.

Repligator

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

Scanners

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!

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

Stash

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.

SymmeToy

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

Tessellations

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

Website Design

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.

Expressive Quilters Newsletter Supporting the Expressive Quilter in Tradition, Innovation, Art and Computers