I think it is too early to think of fall, yet here I come with a colorful fall quilt call Autumn Aglow. This gorgeous quilt is reminiscent of falling leaves. The large block is simple to piece and when put together creates a unique tesselating quilt design. I love the cheery fall colors.
Featured in the September/ October 2021 issue of Fons and Porter’s Love of Quilting magazine, this issue is full of delightful fall, leafy projects… including my Autumn Aglow quilt.
I used blender cottons called Canvas by Deborah Edwards for Northcott. The blenders are perfect for creating the maple leaf pattern in the blocks.
I designed this quilt with EQ8 Quilt Design Software. It made it so easy to try different colors and draw up the blocks.
This quilt uses only four colors and you only make multiples of these two blocks for the design. Looks complicated but it is super easy.
Photo courtesy of Fons & Porter Love of Quilting Magazine, Quiltingdaily.com Copyright 2021
I used an allover edge to edge maple leaf design. The batting is Tuscany Cotton/Wool batting 80/20 generously provided by Hobbs. This is my favorite batting as the loft really shows off the quilting.
Pick up a copy of Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting September/October issue for my pattern and more information.
I first introduced these handy little silverware rolls back in 2015. They are such a great project that I have revisited the pattern and updated the design. They are still great for picnics, family reunions and bbq’s, or just throw them in the car when you grab some take out and go to the park.
They are sized perfectly to fit plastic or regular silverware and a napkin. Make one or tuck in a paper napkin, they all work well.
These stitch up so fast that you will want to make several and give some away. My quilt guild used to hold holiday potlucks and these made perfect gifts for my quilty friends for those dinners. I love that you can just wash them up, refill and use again and again.
Materials Needed:
This will make 4 silverware rolls.
5/8 yd red print fabric for outside and pocket
3/8 yd blue print fabric for lining
3/8 yd of batting
1/4 yd Medium Weight iron-on interfacing
3-4 yards of coordinating ribbon
Coordinating thread
Directions:
Cut
For each silverware roll (Make 4)
1 — 9″ x 10″ rectangle of red print fabric for outside
1 — 9″ x 10″ rectangle of batting
1 — 9″ x 10″ rectangle of blue print fabric for lining
1 — 10″ x 10″ rectangle of red print fabric for pocket
1 – 4 1/2″ x 10″ rectangle of interfacing
22″ of ribbon for the tie
Stitch
Take the 10″ x 10″ pocket and fold in half and press flat.
Place the strip of interfacing inside and press.
Top stitch the top of the pocket at the fold stitching two lines, 1/8″ and 3/8″ away from the fold.
Layer the batting, the lining and the pocket all facing up as shown.
From the left side of the pocket, measure 2 inches, 3 1/2″ and 5″ at the top and bottom of the pocket. These will mark the stitch lines to make the channels for the silverware.
Stitch down from the markings on the pocket to make the silverware channels. You will have three stitch lines. Do a couple of back stitches at the top to secure the channels.
Next, take your 22 inch ribbon and fold almost in half leaving one end about one inch longer than the other. Pin the ribbon flat on the right side of the pocket about halfway down the side of the roll. Make sure that you will catch the ribbon when you stitch the side seam. Tuck the ends out of the way so that you do not catch them in the side seams.
Layer the rectangle from the print fabric over the pocket, right sides together and pin in place.
With a 1/4″ seam, stitch all the way around the roll leaving an opening for turning on the bottom. Clip corners.
Turn the roll right side out and tuck in the raw edges on the opening. Iron the silverware roll flat.
Top stitch close to the edge of the roll all the way around being sure to catch the edges of the opening and sew them shut.
Your first silverware roll is completed, now just make three more! These really do stitch up fast, sew them assembly line style! To store, just roll them up and tie with the ribbon.
Hot off the Press! I am delighted to share my Scrappy Peabody Pouches! These cute little pouches feature a unique shaped top that opens wide to fill with whatever goodies you like. I used color coordinated scraps from the stash to create these little cuties.
Featured in the July 2021 issue of American Quilter Magazine, this issue is loaded with lots of fun projects…including my Peabody Pouches.
I pieced the scrappy half square triangles and then used scrap linen from the stash for the body of the pouch.
I stitched the zipper right on curved top of the pouch to create the unique shape.
I quilted right through the lining and just used binding to hide the raw edges on the inside.
That curved top helps the bag open wider to really fill it up whether you use for cosmetics, quilting notions or essential chocolate.
You can stitch up a whole group of little Peabody pouches for gifts or just make something special for yourself. They make great assembly line sewing, so make up a pile of them.
Grab a copy of the latest issue or head over to Americanquilter.com to get a digital copy.
The fun never ends! My newest Add-on EQ8 Block Library file is Five Patch Fun! I am excited to offer the next set of digital EQ8 Block Library files for the AccuQuilt Qubes. These files include 60 gorgeous Five Patch variation block designs that you can load into EQ8 Quilt design software. These convenient blocks make designing a breeze, and they are ready to cut out with speed and accuracy using your GO! Cutter.
EQ8 is Quilt Design Software by The Electric Quilt Company. I design my quilts in EQ8, I teach EQ8 and I use EQ8 in my original patterns. Many of you have found the joy of using EQ8 to design your quilts.
These block designs work with the AccuQuilt GO! Qube Mix & Match Block Die sets. You can use the eight Die Shapes in the GO! Qubes to cut out these blocks.
These EQ8 Block Library files are downloadable digital files that are designed to work with your EQ8 Quilt Design Software. They are only compatible with EQ8. Once you place the block file in your library, you will be able to use it immediately to draw and design quilts.
Required: A running copy of EQ8 Quilt Design Software.
60 Gorgeous Five Patch Blocks!
You receive 60 Five Patch Fun Block designs with new, creative and even familiar blocks. There are so many design possibilities in EQ8.
These blocks are Five Patch Blocks that can be cut out with your Qube Mix & Match Set, no companion dies are needed.
Since the Five Patch design is based upon a 5 x 5 grid, your finished block sizes will finish larger as indicated in the chart below.
The Five Patch Fun files are available in all Qube sizes. They are color coordinated by size in the shop so you can find the size you need. You only need one size of EQ8 Qube files as you can use EQ8 to resize the quilt blocks.
Complete Instructions including Die Cutting Guide!
Each set of library blocks comes with a complete set of Instructions with tips and hints, a color Block Reference Guide and a Die Cutting Guide.
The Die Cutting Guide provides pictures of the Five Patch Fun blocks and which shapes are needed from the Qube to cut out that block similar to the picture above.
Please note: If you have more than one size of Qube, you only need one size of library. Once you have the EQ8 Library for AccuQuilt installed into EQ8, you can easily resize to your other size Qubes as it will scale properly. You can certainly purchase other sizes for convenience, but it is not necessary.
If you like designing and making your own quilts with EQ8 and AccuQuilt, you may like some of my other GO Friendly patterns, EQ8 Block libraries and products.
It’s Here! You have been asking for more BOB’s or Block on Board die Quilt Blocks and they are finally here. This Add-on Block Library for EQ8 contains another 20 fabulous BOB blocks. BOB die blocks enable you to create an entire block with one die board. Every piece needed for the block is on the design board. You can design your quilt with EQ8 using these blocks and then use your AccuQuilt GO! cutter to cut it out with speed and accuracy.
This file contains SET 2 of the BOB block designs which includes 20 blocks. The blocks vary in size as indicated to match the BOB die. I have included the size of the block by the name reference.
The ONLY designs included in this set are:
Arkansas Traveler 12”
Blazing Star 12”
Cleopatra’s Fan 12”
Courtyard 10”
Crazy Quilt 6”
Crazy Quilt 10”
Double Wedding Ring 11.5”
Double Wedding Ring 12.5”
Dresden Point 5 – 6”
Dresden Point 20 – 12”
Dresden Round 5 – 6”
Dresden Round 20 – 12”
Flowering Snowball 12”
Kite 4”
Local Color by Bill Kerr 6” x 12”
Mariner’s Compass 12”
Robbing Peter to Pay Paul 7”
Spider Web 6”
Winding Ways 8”
Wonky Heart 6”
BONUS! Hunter’s Star 12”
I have added a bonus Hunter’s Star 12″ because the first set of BOB’s only had the Hunters Star 6″ piece, so now you can design with both.
Required: A running copy of EQ8 Quilt Design Software from The Electric Quilt Company.
AccuQuilt Block On Board (BOB)
Required: You will need the AccuQuilt BOB die set in the size that matches the EQ8 library file in order to cut out these block designs with the AccuQuilt GO! Cutter. Make sure your cutter is the right size for the BOB die.
This is a downloadable digital file that you will place into your personal block library. Once you place the block file in your library, you will be able to use it immediately to draw and design quilts. I have included all of the instructions to add the files to your EQ8 Design Software. You will receive the EQ8 Block library, a block reference guide and an instruction document. The blocks are all labeled to match the reference guide.
Now you can use the power of EQ8 to recolor and combine blocks to design beautiful quilts.
Once you have designed your quilt, you can use your AccuQuilt GO! Cutter to make it. Be sure to go through my Informational Instructions as I have also included tips and suggestions for determining what dies to use and how to determine fabric requirements.
I hope you enjoy these files as you create your BOB design quilts.
Happy designing with your AccuQuilt Block on Board Set 2 library blocks in EQ8!
If you liked the new AccuQuilt BOB Set 2 EQ8 Block Library Files, check out my other available Add-on Block libraries for EQ8 that work with AccuQuilt as well as GO! Friendly patterns for you to make.
Isn’t this the most adorable little bee applique? As an Accuquilt GO! Getter, I get to play with some fun dies and this little guy comes from the GO! Critters Die (55030).
The Accuquilt GO! Die cutting system allows you to cut accurate shapes very quickly out of fabric which is perfect for applique.
The GO! Critters die actually contains 3 different Critters, a Butterfly, a Bee and a Dragonfly. But today, we are going to focus on the busy little bee.
By getting creative and with a little bit of piecing, you can create a super cute Bee applique.
Bee Applique
Materials Needed:
Black fabric 5″ x 10″ rectangle
Gold Fabric 5″ x 10″ rectangle
White Sparkle Fabric 5″ Square
Fusible Web Interfacing 5″ Square
Cutting:
Black fabric
Cut 1 – 2 1/2 ” x 3 1/2 ” Rectangle
Cut 3 – 1″ x 3 1/2″ strips
Gold fabric
Cut 3 – 1″ x 3 1/2″ strips
White Sparkle Fabric
Cut 1 – 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ rectangle
Sewing
Sew the black and gold strips together. Start with the black 2 ½” strip and alternate with the 1” gold and black strips.
Press very flat. I used starch to get it nice and flat.
Finishing
Press a 2 ½’ x 5 ½” piece of fusible web to the back of each pieced bee.
Press a 2 ½” x 3 ½” piece of fusible web to the back of the sparkle white fabric which will be used for the wings.
Cut bee using the GO! Critters Die. Carefully align the pieced fabric FACE UP so the seam of the wide black strip is along the neck of the bee. Die cut.
Carefully trim the top of the bee so the back is smooth and curved.
Cut the wings for the bee. With the sparkle fabric facing up, carefully align the fabric to cover the bee’s wings. Die cut.
Arrange the pieces with the wings tucked under the body and press the applique down on your project. Finish the edges as desired.
Hint: If you want the bee facing the other direction, just lay the pieces FACE DOWN instead.
After you applique your cute little bee, why not try some fun BIG STITCH quilting to mimic the bee buzzing in flight.
This adorable bee made the perfect applique to go with some pieced flowers on a quilt.
Use this happy little bee in this GO! Garden Bench pillow. You can find my free pattern at AccuQuilt.
I had the best kitty in the world. His name was Cookie Cat and he was special. A lovely gray and white tabby, he was gentle and kind and he smelled like cotton candy. He was my quilting companion and he had my heart.
He would follow me downstairs to my sewing room and just stay with me while I sewed and quilted. Whenever I started quilting, he would appear and try to help. I would look away for a second and he would be…right..THERE. LOL
I had this little rolling cart and I finally put his cat bed in there and I would just roll him around the room with me.
In 2017, I designed a quilt in his honor with a big block and his sweet face on it and I called it, Cookie cat.
I thought it was adorable and versatile, four blocks for a baby quilt and one block for a pillow.
We have a little black kitty named Oreo too and to not be left out, I made some Halloween pillows in the pattern for him too.
But this sweet boy was my little shadow. At the beginning of 2020, he was diagnosed with cancer. I was glad to be home due to Covid to take care of him. He was spoiled rotten and got anything he wanted.
He started to just come and want to sleep in the bay window in front of my sewing machine. He could see the birds and squirrels. He would still follow me downstairs and just be with me while I quilted and sewed.
He passed away just after Thanksgiving and it hit me hard. I still miss him. I decided that I would do something to honor his devotion to me and celebrate that pure love he gave to me.
I have updated my Cookie Cat pattern with his picture and I have reduced the price in my shop. You can find it HERE!
This year, 2021, I am going to give the proceeds from this pattern to my local humane society. A tiny way to give back to the place where I rescued Cookie cat to begin with and a way to honor and grieve him in a positive way.
I appreciate your support of my charity this year and wish you too will experience the joy and unconditional love of a pet.
Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation All rights reserved
I am pleased to share my Cool Waters Quilt that is published in the January 2021 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. This throw size quilt is a block full of triangles. It is easy to piece and I love the calming color way.
This is the cover of the January issue to look for. It is packed with great projects to sew this winter.
Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.
Here is the full Cool Waters quilt in all its glory. I loved the way a secondary pattern appeared in the design as the blocks were sewn together. By limiting the fabric choices, I think it seems crisper and simpler even with all those triangles.
I designed my quilt with EQ8 Quilt Design Software. It is a regular pieced quilt block. It makes it so easy to try different fabrics and combinations of colors. I could add or remove blocks until I got the size of quilt that I wanted.
Here are all my stacks of pieces. EQ8 gave me a handy rotary cutting guide to help cut all the patch shapes. I print it out and scribble all over it as I cut things out and take notes.
I Pieced the larger triangle modules first to make it easier to assemble.
This is a common scene when I am in the middle of a project. Pieces of fabric and notions everywhere!
I used free motion quilting to quilt a paisley all over design on this quilt to finish it off. I usually quilt on a Bernina domestic machine.
Let’s have a party! A Nine Patch Party! I am pleased to introduce the next set of Add-on EQ8 Block Library files designed to work with your AccuQuilt Mix & Match Qubes. Included are 60 gorgeous Nine Patch variation block designs that you can load into EQ8 Quilt design software.
EQ8 is Quilt Design Software by The Electric Quilt Company. I design my quilts in EQ8, I teach EQ8 and I use EQ8 in my original patterns.
These convenient block designs work with the Accuquilt GO! Qube Mix and Match Die sets. You can use the Die Shapes in the GO! Qubes to cut out these blocks with speed and accuracy.
These EQ8 Block Library files are downloadable digital files that are designed to work with your EQ8 Quilt Design Software. They are only compatible with EQ8. Once you place the block file in your library, you will be able to use it immediately to draw and design beautiful quilts.
Required: A running copy of EQ8 Quilt Design Software.
60 Gorgeous Nine Patch Blocks!
I have included 60 Nine Patch Party Block designs from beginner to challenging, from traditional to creative. You are sure to find some great options to design and color your own quilts in EQ8.
These blocks are Nine Patch Blocks that can be cut out with your Go! Qube Mix & Match Set, no companion dies are needed.
Since the Nine Patch design is based upon a 3 x 3 grid, your finished block sizes will finish larger as indicated in the chart below.
Nine Patch Party is available in all of the GO! Qube sizes. They are color coordinated by size in the shop so you can find the size you need.
Complete Instructions including Die Cutting Guide!
Each set of library blocks comes with a complete set of Instructions, a Block Reference Guide and a Die Cutting Guide.
The Die Cutting Guide provides pictures of the Nine Patch Party blocks and which shapes are needed from the Qube to cut out that block similar to the picture above.
Please note: If you have more than one size of Qube, you only need one size of the block library. Once you have the EQ8 Library for AccuQuilt installed into EQ8, you can easily resize to your other size Qubes as it will scale properly. You can certainly purchase other sizes for convenience, but it is not necessary.
It’s Here!!! Ever since I published my EQ8 block library files for the AccuQuilt GO! Qube Mix & Match sets, you have been requesting more. You tell me how convenient they are to use with EQ8 and then cut out with your AccuQuilt GO! cutters. They make your design process speedier and that it is so nice to have the block to match your BOB die. So I decided to create block files for the AccuQuilt Block on Board (BOB) dies.
BOB die blocks enable you to create an entire block with one die board. Every piece needed for the block is on the design board.
This file contains SET 1 of the BOB block designs which includes 20 blocks. The blocks vary in size as indicated to match the BOB die. I have included the size of the block by the name reference.
The ONLY designs included in this set are:
Bear’s Paw 14”
Chimney Sweep 10”
Churn Dash 9”
BIG Churn Dash 12”
Crossed Canoes 9″
Glorified Nine Patch 9”
Hattie’s Choice 8”
Hunter’s Star 6”
LeMoyne Star 9”
Log Cabin 12”
Maple leaf 8″
Morning Star 12”
Ohio Star 12”
Pineapple 10”
Snail’s Trail 12”
Snail’s Trail 8″
Snowball 6”
Spool 6”
Starry Path 9″
Storm at Sea 9”
Required: A running copy of EQ8 Quilt Design Software from The Electric Quilt Company.
Required: You will need the AccuQuilt BOB die set in the size that matches the EQ8 library file in order to cut out these block designs with the AccuQuilt GO! Cutter. Make sure your cutter is the right size for the BOB die.
This is a downloadable digital file that you will place into your personal block library. Once you place the block file in your library, you will be able to use it immediately to draw and design quilts. I have included all of the instructions to add the files to your EQ8 Design Software. You will receive the EQ8 Block library, a block reference guide and an instruction document. The blocks are all labeled to match the reference guide.
Now you can use the power of EQ8 to recolor and combine blocks to design beautiful quilts.
Once you have designed your quilt, you can use your AccuQuilt GO! Cutter to make it. I have also included tips and suggestions for determining what dies to use and how to determine fabric requirements.
I hope you enjoy these files as you create your BOB design quilts.
I have been sewing and quilting lots of secret projects during the pandemic, and now I get to share some of what I have been up to. Introducing two new beautiful patterns for you to stitch and quilt. I am delighted to share them with you.
FLORETTE
This first pattern is called Florette. It is a sweet table runner that changes its mood by just changing the colors. The individual blooms are a variation of a log cabin block. So bright and cheery, this pieces together in no time at all. Just grab some scraps from the bin and put it all together. This would be a great gift for a friend, housewarming, or something cheery for your own table this winter.
Next up is this clever two color star quilt I am calling Nova. It is made up of a lot of flying geese! But if you use speed methods, you can whip those up in a jiffy.
I love the two color design that creates the striking star blocks. However, it would be easy to add a little red to make this a Patriotic quilt. My pattern includes instructions to create four flying geese at a time to make stitching it up go even faster. The Sashing and borders also help to easily square up this quilt and make it a little more forgiving for beginner quilters.
In the August 2020 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, you will find my latest design. It is a table topper of little rainbow paper pieced houses. I used a linen background and colorful fabrics from my stash to make this little cutie. It is a great gift idea to celebrate a new home, welcome new friends or just spiff up your own table.
Here is the cover of the August issue to look for, there are lots of fun projects in this issue just in time for summer sewing.
I designed my topper in EQ8 Quilt Design Software. It is a foundation paper pieced design that would be great for an intermediate quilter or a dedicated beginner. I find starting on paper pieced projects that are smaller is a great way to try out this technique.
I played with a lot of different color ideas, EQ8 Quilt design software makes it easy to do that, try on different fabrics and styles. Here is another color way that I played with in EQ8.
I used foundation patterns created with #EQ8 to make each of the eight sections of the quilt. This section is the top of the house.
i just took my time carefully pressing and trimming. I did not want to handle too much to keep the linen edges from fraying.
I always think it is a little weird to sew upside down and backwards, lol, but the precise stitching lines it creates are so worth it.
Here is one of the 8 little house wedges all put together. Ignore my well used ironing board cover. I will have to make a new cover one of these days.
I did assembly line sewing for each section. I just love how they take shape.
I stitch the wedges into pairs aligning the seams. Then I sew the four sections of the block together to make half of the table topper. I then sew the two half together and press seams open.
I used a combination of walking foot quilting and free motion quilting on the topper. It is small enough that you can experiment with some detail to get the lovely texture.
I would love to see your version, just tag me on facebook or instagram @lorimillerdesigns
I love a good table topper. Check out my other designs on these posts.
Welcome Home Pineapple Topper information can be found HERE.
If you are new to paper piecing, you might like to try my Stardrop Table Topper first. I have a free tutorial HERE.
This is my son Colin’s quilt. It is called Goose Trot. I wanted something to give him for his tiny house to make it a bit cozier. I also knew I wanted to try my new AccuQuilt GO! 12″ Qube dies with my AccuQuilt GO! Cutter and use some fabrics from my stash to make it scrappy. This is the design that I came up with and I really think he will like it.
It is made with this simple four patch block I designed. I just rotated the block to create the overall design.
Here is the full design of the quilt. If you want to design it with EQ8, you can find a design tutorial on my EQ8 Lessons with Lori Blog post over at Electric QuiltHERE
Goose Trot Quilt
Finished size is 51″ x 60″
Finished block size is 12″
Materials
2 yd assorted blue and gray fabrics for geese
1/2 yd light blue solid
1 3/4 yd light gray print for vertical strips
1/2 yd for binding
4 yd Backing
4 yd Batting
Directions
Please note: This assumes you will be using your AccuQuilt GO! 12″ Qube and die cutter to cut out the quilt. There is enough fabric to cut the traditional method. See tip at end of tutorial.
Assorted blue and gray fabrics. I mixed half and half blue and grey fabrics, using light and darks for interest. I wanted to use up a bunch of scraps and this was the perfect way to do that. You just have to count as you go so you have enough pieces of each shape.
Using 7 3/4″ strips of fabrics to cut Number 4 shape (6″ finished Quarter Square Triangle), CUT
30 – Assorted blue Number 4’s
30 – Assorted Gray Number 4’s
Using 4 3/4″ strips of fabrics to cut Number 5 shape (3″ finished Half Square Triangle), CUT
60 – Assorted blue Number 5’s
60 – Assorted Gray Number 5’s
Light Blue Solid
Using 2 – 7″ x WOF strips of fabric to cut Number 1 shape (6″ Square), CUT
10 – Number 1’s
Light Grey Print
3 — 9 1/2 ” x 60 ” strips
Binding
6 — 2 1/4″ x WOF strips for binding
Assemble the blocks
Begin by making 60 sets of Flying Geese. I alternated using the greys and blues.
Then join two geese together and make 30 sets of these.
Then arrange your flying geese blocks with your light solid blue squares into a 12 ” block. I actually arranged the whole strip before I assembled the blocks to make sure they were scrappy and to spread around the different prints. There are five complete 12″ blocks in a strip.
Assemble the Quilt
Once you have your blocks together and arranged, add your light grey print strips to complete the quilt top.
Finish the Quilt
Create a quilt sandwich with the backing, batting and pieced quilt top.
Baste the quilt layers together. Quilt as desired.
Add binding and finish.
Here is my quilt sandwich, pin basted and ready for quilting. Notice my helper, Cookie cat in the window seat.
I like to hand bind my quilts most of the time. I just watch a little TV and stitch away. I used the solid light blue for my binding.
For traditional cutting, you can try these charts.
NEW PRODUCTS for EQ8 and ACCUQUILT GO! QUBE
If you like designing quilts with EQ8 and then cutting them out with your Accuquilt GO! Qube, you might want to check out my new EQ8 block libraries for Accuquilt.
I have created EQ8 Block Library files for each of the 216 blocks shared by AccuQuilt to go with their GO! Qube dies and companion dies. There are currently available in all the block sizes.
Were you inspired to try this quilt? Be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments and share pictures with me on social media on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to hashtag #LoriMillerDesigns so I see it! And don’t forget to sign up for my blog updates to you get ideas like these right to your inbox.
Looking for the EQ8 Design Instructions? You can find them HERE
For more projects and tips and techniques on using EQ8, visit my Electric Quilt blog series EQ8 Lessons with Lori.
In the May 2020 issue of American Quilter Magazine, you will find my latest design. It is a stunning table topper made with Princess Palette Batik by Mirah. This palette of batiks acts like blenders and is the perfect combination of colors for the design. This sunny Pineapple represents warm welcomes, celebration and hospitality and is perfect to welcome guests or gift to a friend.
I designed my topper in EQ8 Quilt Design Software. It is a foundation paper pieced design that would be great for an intermediate quilter or a dedicated beginner. I find starting on paper pieced projects that are smaller is a great way to try out this technique.
I was able to import the Princess Palette Batik fabrics right into EQ8 to mock up a realistic picture of my design. I could try different colors before I had to cut into that precious fabric. Batik by Mirah generously provided all of the fabrics. They have some beautiful fabrics that you should definitely consider for your next project. Batik by Mirah
I used foundation patterns created with #EQ8 to make each of the eight sections of the quilt.
It is a lot of stitching, pressing and cutting, but the result really starts to take shape.
Here, I am trimming the sewn foundation.
Then I stitched the four sections of the block together.
The individual blocks come together to create one pineapple. There are 8 blocks needed to make the topper.
I sewed four blocks together to make half the topper and then stitched the two halves together.
I use a water soluble pen to mark the quilting designs on the topper. I wanted to stitch little feathers in the background.
Then I stitched cross hatching in the pineapples.
Here is a closeup of the quilting after it was finished and washed. I love that crinkly texture!
I would love to see your version, just tag me on facebook or instagram @lorimillerdesigns
I am very excited to introduce a new product in my shop. Most of you know that I am an EQ8 Superfan. I design my quilts in EQ8, I teach EQ8, and I use EQ8 to create my original patterns. This past year I finally jumped on the AccuQuilt bandwagon and became an AccuQuilt GO! Getter. I love how quickly I can cut out a quilt with my GO! Cutter and have a project all ready to sew.
I received an 8″ GO Qube with my AccuQuilt GO! Cutter. I really wanted to design with the AccuQuilt 8″ blocks in EQ8, but there was not a library file of the blocks to be found, so I decided to create them. That’s right, I drew everyone of those little blocks in the Qube brochure just so I could design with them in EQ8. I loved them soooooo much that I thought you might like the fun and convenience of designing with all of those blocks too.
The blocks in the brochure provided by AccuQuilt to use with the GO! Qube are all Four patch blocks. These blocks are based upon a 2 X 2 grid, the most popular style of quilt block.
Accuquilt provides 216 Block designs with their popular GO! Qube die sets
For the base GO! Qube Mix and Match die set, there are 72 blocks.
For the add on Companion CORNERS set, combined with the Mix and Match die set, there are 72 blocks.
For the add on Conpanion ANGLES set, combined with the Mix and Match die set and the Companion Corners set, there are 72 blocks.
In this EQ8 Block Library file, you will get all 216 four patch blocks to design to your heart’s content.
These EQ8 Block Library files are downloadable digital files that are designed to work with your EQ8 Quilt Design Software. They are only compatible with EQ8.
Required: A running copy of EQ8 Quilt Design Software.
The block library is a downloadable digital file that you will place into your personal block library. Once you place the block file in your library, you will be able to use it immediately to draw and design quilts. I have included all of the instructions to add the files to your EQ8. You will receive the EQ8 Block library, a color block reference guide and an instruction document including hints and tips. The blocks are all labeled and colored similarly to the blocks provided in the Accuquilt Brochure so they are easy to match up.
The EQ8 block libraries are available in all the Qube sizes. They are color coordinated by size in the shop so you can find the size you need.
Please Note❗ If you have more than one size of Qube, you only need one size of library. Once you have the EQ8 Library for AccuQuilt installed into EQ8, you can easily resize to your other size Qubes as it will scale properly. You can certainly purchase other sizes for convenience, but it is not necessary.
Once you have designed your quilt, you can use your AccuQuilt GO! Cutter to make it. I have also included tips and suggestions for determining what dies to use and how to determine fabric requirements.
I hope you enjoy these EQ8 block files as you create your beautiful Four Patch design quilts.
Lori Miller Designs 
