> ~ Insights by SewCalGal ~

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Autumn Appliqued Blog Hop

Today I'm participating in Beaquilters Autumn Appliqued Blog Hop, where she has lined up several bloggers who also love EQ.   And, at each stop in this hop you'll find inspirational Autumn theme projects,  tips, tutorials, and a giveaway where you could win a copy of EQ7 software.

leaf applique hop

SewCalGal is a big fan of the Electric Quilt Company.  I love everything EQ.  So, I am delighted to participate in this blog hop today, where I want to share some tips on using EQ to create applique projects, as well as what I hope is an inspirational project idea for you to create your own unique project for Autumn.



To start, I want  to talk about where I find inspiration.  For me, I look around and get ideas just about every place I look, every minute of the day.  And, it is so easy to use EQ7 to incorporate these ideas into a quilt project, or clipart that it just becomes fun to create.


I'm also fond of shopping at fan of  Oriental Trading, as they have great party supplies, kids' craft projects, seasonal decorations for your home or school and much more.   I saw a some craft projects that inspired me to make a couple of Fall projects.  To avoid copyright issues, I did not scan an image and trace to replicate their design, but used it as inspiration to create my own design.

Oriental Trader has a cute DIY Bulletin Board Turkey.  Looks like a perfect holiday decorative item for classrooms, libraries, and even family craft nights with an Autumn/Thanksgiving theme.


P1050274



This DIY Bulletin Board Turkey also inspired me to create an applique turkey using EQ7 I created this design.  While I'm still tweaking it, before I use it to create a project, I want to share with you how I did it.  And, if you are looking for ways to learn more about creating applique designs in EQ7, I hope you'll use the tips I'm sharing to create your own Thanksgiving Turkey design, for your projects, as it is also a great exercise to expand your skills using EQ7....and it really is super easy to create.

turkey with colors

Once I finalize this design, I'm thinking of using it to create a wallhanging or pillow. 

As I've previously written tutorials for creating applique designs using EQ7, I'm not going to write a step by step tutorial.  But, I do want to share some core steps that you may want to use to create this design in EQ7.  And, for those that may not have EQ7 but are interested in winning a copy, scroll down to find out how you can enter to win a copy.

How to Create your own Applique Thanksgiving Turkey in EQ7:


Create a new block using Patch Draw Motif.

Use the freehand draw tool to create the core shapes of a Thanksgiving Turkey (e.g. Body, Head, Feet, Feathers, wings, beak, eyes, etc).
freehand drawing tool


Right click on your design to use the Edit Arc tool.  Take advantage of the features in this tool to get each shape of your your drawing to what you ultimately want.

stem and leaf 2nd pass - edit

I found it helpful to create a circle on my block, that gave me a visual boundary for this design. I would rotate back and forth of viewing from the color tab and edit on the applique tab to create feathers around the body of the turkey that I liked (I'm still working on this).

turkey early setup within circle

On the Applique tab I used the freehand drawing tool and the edit arc tool to get all of the body parts and feathers in position.  Then on the Applique tab I used the freehand tool to draw the face.

turkey 2

Of course a Thanksgiving Turkey needs wings. So on the Applique tab I used the free hand tool to draw some wings.

turkey 3 with wings

And any respectable Thanksgiving Turkey needs a "wattle".  Can you guess how I added it?  Yes, back over on the Applique layer I used my free hand tool and editing arc to give my turkey a wattle.

turkey 4 with flap



And, of course, after I was done drawing my Thanksgiving Turkey I removed this circle.

While my Thanksgiving Turkey design needs to "bake" a bit more (fine tuning) I hope you see how easy it is to use EQ7 to create your own design and will give this a try.  Email me if you create a turkey as I'd love to see your design.

With EQ, designing is a breeze!  And fun too!

I hope you will visit all of the participating blogs in this hop, for more inspiration, tips, tutorials and fun.  Plus, if you want to win a copy of EQ7 the more blogs you visit and leave a comment with, the more chances you get to win a copy of EQ7.  Beaquilter will be randomly selecting a lucky winner, from all the comments on all of the blogs participating in this hop.  And, she'll be announcing the lucky winner on her blog on November lst.  I'll also update this post to reflect the lucky winner that Bea has selected.


Here is the line up for this fun Autumn Appliqued Blog Hop:


October 21st
October 22nd
October 23rd
October 24th
October 25th

Don't forget to comment on the post for each of these blogs, to get an extra entry in the giveaway hosted at Beaquilter, sponsored by The Electric Quilt Company.

EQ7_L3d


And while I'm thinking of making a wallhanging or table runner with my Thanksgiving Turkey design, I'd love to hear from you as to how you might want to use such a turkey.    Growing up, I have fond memories of my mother answering the phone, during the Thanksgiving Holiday season, saying "Gobble, Gobble, Gobble" so, I am leaning toward a wallhanging design with those words on it.  Still, I'd like to hear how you might use it.

Happy Autumn!

Oh, don't overlook the following opportunities to learn more about EQ:
- Every Tuesday, Beaquilter shares tips and tutorials on using EQ on her blog.
- Behind the Mouse, the EQ blog, shares tips, tutorials and more that help EQ users learn and build on their skills.
- The EQ website has an excellent "Education" section that have links to many amazing videos and tutorials. While they are all excellent, I always point "newbies" to the "Benni Harper" lessons.
- SewCalGal has a list of Quilters with Modern Tools where many use EQ tools and share tips, tutorials and inspirational projects on their blog.  Simply visit the blogs on this list that use EQ software and search "Electric Quilt" to find insights that they have shared on various EQ products. Again, you'll find tips, tutorials and inspiration on a variety of EQ products.

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64 comments:

Anita said...

The turkey looks great! I would love to win EQ7 to easier make my own quilting designs.

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

How fun! Thanks for the peeks into the world of EQ. I ordered EQ7 from the US a few weeks ago and am looking forward to receive it. Your reviews over the years made me positive that it is just what I need for writing patterns - and it does look like fun, so thanks!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I have EQ and have yet to use it - this hop should encourage me to get going.

JoyceLM said...

Thanks for sharing your cute turkey & thanks for the chance to win.

Jeanie said...

Thanks for the cute turkey tut! I'd love to play with the variations!

Emily C said...

Make him into a trivet for the turkey to sit on at the table.

Linda Enneking said...

Your turkey design would make a cut pillow for the Thanksgiving season.

Anonymous said...

I think Tom and his flockmates would look great on a place mats.

Would love to win EQ7. Thanks for giving us all a chance.

Shari said...

Great turkey...placemats, dishtowel or guest handtowel, size down and make napkin ring holders, kids' game---pin the tail on the turkey; wall hanging where you can write with fabric pen what you are thankful for...printed out on paper for a menu; dinner table name cards; bun warmer cloth; applique front of apron.

Great post...thanks for sharing!

beaquilter said...

waddle waddle what a cute turkey!

Tina said...

cute turkey.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a great turkey and a very informative tutorial! I can't wait to see you make this into a wall hanging or topper!

Jocelyn said...

Wow the turkey looks great! EQ opens up so much creativity.

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Love the turkey idea SoCalGal! You inspired me to sit here and sketch out a turkey from quilted feathers!! Whoohoo... Now I just need time on my machine for some thread painting and feathering! Can't wait to get my hands on that EQ7! Cheers ! Karen on Keuka

Carol said...

Cute project.

I remembered to add a waddle to my turkey. Good to know he is respectable. LOL.

Debbie said...

Oh wow. I have eq on my wish list you have made me even more anxious for it

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

I love your "gobble, gobble, gobble" idea! Otherwise, I might enlarge it to use as a center block of a lap quilt...

Lisa said...

I love your turkey and I think I would like to put him on a long sleeve t-shirt so I could wear him on Thanksgiving day! Old School!!

Debbie Rogowski said...

I think the turkey looks great just the way he is. I love that you didn't make each tail feather 'perfect' it gives it some character that some are thin or fat and some are curved or straight. I also love that you got inspired by the school project

Hilachas said...

Cute turkey. I think I want to make one. I especially like the imperfect turkey feathers.

Needled Mom said...

I think it would make a great door hanging for Thanksgiving. Very cute work.

barb said...

Love your turkey, great job babscorbitt@ gmail dot com

Teresa in Music City said...

My goodness you make it look so easy!!! Thanks for sharing and taking part in the Hop so we can learn from you :*)

Judy1522 said...

Great turkey design! I would use it in a table runner.

Kathy MacKie said...

Sew cute, gobble, gobble!

Leah said...

Love that Turkey! He would be great on the front of a bag, or a notebook holder. Thanks for the EQ tips they are perfect.

WoolenSails said...

I love all the things that you can design with EQ7. I bought one for my mac and I just get confused and it is so limited. Now I have windows too, so fun to see what I can do with this program.

Debbie

althea9998@gmail.com said...

Thanks for sharing the EQ7. I'm convinced! I need this program!

Janet said...

I think this would make a cute table mat. I would love to play with EQ.

Renee said...

Thanks for a chance to win EQ7!

Lori said...

This looks not only like fun but so easy to use. I would love to win one. I also want to learn to machine applique. So this would fit into that also. I can see myself making a few pillows, and a table runner for thanksgiving with this adorable turkey. Thanks for sharing.
quilting(dash)lady(at)Comcast(dot)net

Quilting Tangent said...

Pretty turkey, I would love to be able to design on the EQ7.
24Tangent@gmail.com

Janarama said...

Adorable turkey. Would look great on placemats, table runner, applique on kitchen towel, potholders, etc. I love doing raw edge applique and would love to have this program to make it easier to create my own designs. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of EQ7.

Rina Mason said...

You make it look so easy! This design would make great placemats, mug rugs and/or a table runner.

Tina said...

neat Looking Turkey. Thank You For A Chance To Win Eq7.

Tina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JustPam said...

Thanks for the tutorial and links to others with EQ help.

Joyce Carter said...

I am so amazied at what all this tool does. It is so fascinating. Your turkey really looks great. I think it would be nice to add to placemats. Thanks for the chance to win.

Rhonda Best said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

ThreadCatcher said...

Your turkey project looks cute, and fun! I would love to own a copy of EQ7 so I could do things like this. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.

Cloud 9 said...

Cute turkey. Thanks for the chance to win this software.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

So cute! Gobble Gobble

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

I love the idea of a wall hanging that says Gobble, Gobble, Gobble.

I also like the idea of using an Ackfeld wire frame on a stand one the table at the front door.

Thanks for the tips and tuts....excellent resources!

I already have EQ so please don't include me in the drawing....just hopping around and enjoying myself tonight.
Smiles,
Kelly

Snoodles said...

I love seeing the process of how you created the turkey! And he's so cute! This is a fun hop, thank you for sharing your talents and your EQ knowledge. :)

Rhonda Kennedy said...

The turkey is awesome. You guys are blowing my mind with all your creativity. :)

Bonnie58 said...

Wow,. Great turkey. Thanks so much for sharing. I would love to give the software a new home.

MoeWest said...

Thanks for showing how to draw the turkey in EQ7. I would love to win a copy and give it a try!

Marian said...

OMGosh, this turkey is sewwwwww cute, I LOVE IT!! The tutorial is a great learning experience as well, thank you sew much!!! Hugs

Angelia Lanouette said...

I think this turkey would look great appliqued onto the top of an apron for the holidays. I have ideas for projects but don't know what to do with them...EQ7 would certainly help. Thank you for the tutorial! anglanouette at gmail dot com

Karen said...

What I could do with EQ7. Thanks for the opportunity.

Vivian said...

Gobble, gobble, gobble is perfect! I think that is the best choice. You can always put "happy thanksgiving" on it or "happy fall", but I like the gobble option.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Cute turkey. I keep seeing things and I should write it down and do a rudimentary sketch, but I always forget.

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

Your turkey would be a great Thanksgiving table runner! I would love a copy of EQ7! I think it would be so useful for quilt layouts!

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Your turkey looks great! I think he would look awesome on a tablerunner. You could have a turkey at either end or just one in the center. I have not used EQ7 before but would love the chance! It looks really fun!

Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Barb said...

What a fun hop....

love the turkey and the run through with how you design him.

Missy Shay said...

My husband was born on Thanksgiving Day, so I like to tease him that he is a turkey, so I would probably make some type of wall hanging for my husband.
missysaprons@gmail.com

Sarah said...

Cute turkey!

Margaret said...

I love that turkey. Thanks for sharing

Nanbon44 said...

Turkey is so cute

Petit Design Co. said...

I don't think I would have thought to use another shape as a template for making the feathers the right size. Thanks for the tip!

Scrapatches said...

The EQ7 design software looks wonderful! Thanks for showing how easy this is to do. I would love to try this. Thanks to you and to EQ for the chance to win! ... :) Pat

Amanda Best said...

I have EQ5, but I would love to try all the new features of EQ7!
email: bestbelle2010@aol.com

Diane M said...

Thanks for the tutorial and chance to win!

Lisa England said...

Wow, that's cute! I think I need to make some Thanksgiving decorations.