I answered a few questions in the comments to the last post, but just in case you missed my responses, some commenters had asked how one goes about scanning fabrics into a computer. I scan mine in using the scanner function on my printer, however, if your printer doesn't have that facility then you can visit the fabric manufacturer's website where they will often have sample images which you can download. From there you'll be able to fill shapes in a variety of programmes from Word to PowerPoint to more advanced programmes such as Illustrator and Photoshop. I use Illustrator occasionally, but have tended to feel happiest using PowerPoint to mock up quilt designs - it tends to be viewed as a fairly limited programme, but over the years it's been developed hugely and its drawing tools are now fantastic and mimic many of the features found in more powerful design programmes. As it's so often installed on your machine already due to it being a component of Office for Windows it's a good starting point in deciding whether you're a computer or a pencil-and-paper sort of person when it comes to quilt design. However, for these latest designs I've been using some software called EQ7 which is built specifically for quilt design, and so simplifies many of the tasks, as well as providing you with an extensive library of traditional blocks to call upon and edit. I bought mine here and have been offered wonderful service, however, like all software it is expensive and comes with a learning curve. When I've had a chance to get used to it and explore its possibilities I'll hopefully post more about whether it feels like it's worth the investment.
In the meantime, do you think I'm ready to cut into my fabrics yet?
Florence x
Oh Florence. I can't wait to see it. I think this one will be absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI started to message you yesterday saying this design but for some reason someone distracted me. I love this design, can't wait to see it xx
ReplyDeletesilly me you have changed it a bit - still gorgeous xx
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this is even better. 'Gloomy' doesn't quite cover it, if your weather's been anything like ours - thick fog that hasn't lifted in at least 36 hrs! First thing this morning I put that daylight bulb in and sat under to eat my breakfast.
ReplyDeleteThis is really lovely :)
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough I thought both your designs yesterday were reminiscent of a stained glass window, particularly the second design. I was going to suggest that if you did choose that one then it might be worth mounting it over some sort of light-box sort of hanging frame.
I really much prefer this one over the other two though. Much more 'wall-hanging-y'! It actually puts me in mind of a Victorian-tiled hallway floor I used to have (which I loved - please don't take that as an insult!). In fact, a lot of those Victorian hallways are very similar to quilt patterns!
The design is very sophisticated and the color is bold. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThis one reminds me of the plastic kaleidoscope I had as a child. I can almost see it turning and changing before my eyes. Can't wait to see it made up!
ReplyDelete