Mastering EQ8 (a quilt design software program) is one of my retirement goals.

I have a basic working knowledge of EQ8 software. Pre-COVID, I took a class where I learned all sorts of shortcuts and hacks…which I promptly forgot because I didn’t use those particular features again. I’d originally planned to take an in-person refresher course locally or at one of the larger regional quilting shows. When the in-person options didn’t work out, I purchased a couple of EQ8 at Home classes offered by the Electric Quilt Company.

Online classes are quickly becoming my go-to when a class isn’t offered locally. Digital instruction has really improved since my grad school days. Once you get the hang of the virtual classroom set-up, it’s really easy to follow. I like that I can refer back to the instructional videos at any time to review topics covered. I can complete the course on my schedule. I don’t have to worry about travel costs. Course fees are usually quite reasonable.

Today, I worked my way through 1/2 of the first class. It was a welcome refresher to all things EQ8. I did learn a couple of new things as I went along. I’m a Mac user. In the past, this software program focused on PC users. Usability has definitely improved for Mac folks, especially if you use a mouse! It was really helpful to view the video lessons on my iPad while I did the actual activities on my laptop. I’m glad the instructor shared this tip in her welcome video.

EQ8 allows me to audition fabrics virtually before cutting anything out. I can also see how changes in border and sashing sizes/designs will impact the overall quilt. The program ballparks fabric requirements (which often have to be tweaked depending on your preferred construction method). It also allows me to create graphics that I can import into instructional materials I use during my classes.

If you’ve never attended this event put on by Riley Blake Designs and Ashton Gardens, it’s definitely worth going at least once. I chose this event as my retirement celebration trip last year. I had so much fun!

Registration opens Saturday 4/15. Psst: the class list is already up if you want to take a peek at the class offerings.

The VIP packages are a really good value if you want to take classes. I purchased the Ultimate Quilter’s Getaway ($999) and made sure to choose classes that included the kits. This year I’d do the Quilter’s Weekend Getaway package if I were going. Hubs and I really wanted to return this year, but we couldn’t make it work with our upcoming trip to Alaska.

Edited to add: It appears that many of the classes have a bring your own fabric rather than a kit requirement this year. If you take a 3 hour class, realize that you are only going to have enough time to make 1-2 blocks during that session. For most classes, you need to only bring or precut enough fabric to make 3-4 blocks – not the entire quilt. Label the pieces and place them in a ziplock bag for easier transport. Also pack a small power strip with a 3′-6′ cord and a travel iron & pressing mat. You’ll thank me later.

Bummer for me, yes. I will definitely miss seeing all of the gorgeous quilts hanging in the gardens! However, there’s a good chance several of the instructors will also be teaching at an event closer to me within the next 18 months. Instructors often teach at multiple events – OSQE, AQS, QuiltCon, Mancuso shows, regional quilt shows, quilt retreats, larger quilt shops, etc. Peruse the Garden of Quilts class offerings and make note of any classes that catch your eye. Perhaps you can catch a live class closer to home. If not, there are probably online classes or a YouTube tutorial.

Therapy Dog Visits

Therapy dog visit with Sadie’s bestie, Baron, at Lost Mountain Middle School at the end of March. We have many more visits scheduled including the regional Special Olympics, Georgia Tech, Life University plus our normal library READ program. I also train prospective READ teams.

Quilting

2023 BOM from A Quilting Life (online) – April block is below. To me, this block is very bland on its own. However, when paired with the other blocks, it provides a place for your eyes to rest.

Home Again Vintage 2 Color Quilt from Lori Holt and FQS

This is my version of the popular 2 color quilt FQS promotes every so often. There is an online QAL scheduled from April 4 to about mid-May, but I haven’t seen much about it online. It’s almost as if it got lost in all the QALs currently going on. Rather than doing 3 blocks each week, I prepped all the FG and subunits first. I’ll be putting the remaining 11 blocks together this week.

Scrappiness is Happiness QAL

I’m a little behind on this one, but it shouldn’t take much to get caught up.

I added 8 new design boards to my stash. Used peel & stick foam core board from Hobby Lobby for one set and the plain $1.25 variety foam core board from Dollar Tree for the others. Yes, there is a difference! The peel & stick feature made it much easier to apply the batting and the board itself is much sturdier. The Dollar Tree foam core board resulted in perfectly serviceable design boards. However, I think it’s worth the splurge for the peel & stick foam core board, if your budget allows.

I’m also prepping for upcoming seminars and retreats I’m attending, plus classes I’m teaching.

Current Reads:

The Quilted Home Handbook by Wendy Chow

We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman (this month’s book club selection)

Marie Bostwick, quilter and fiction writer with novels set in the southern US, will be in the ATL at the end of May to promote her forthcoming book. She’ll be speaking at a luncheon sponsored by a local quilt shop. Yours truly has a ticket to the event!

Walking/Outdoors

Sadie and I have been visiting area parks to get in our daily walk. Today, we ran across a Great Blue Heron and several turtles on our walk. Normally, we encounter aggressive Canadian geese at this park. No dodging goose poop today! The water is muddy from all the recent rain.