Libs Elliott, code quilter
Quilting, math and science have a lot to do with each other, as you’ll see in our just-released May-June 2014 issue. In Trendology, we write about the whole quilting-STEM connection. (That’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, for all you who don’t have a schoolkid at home.) And we also spotlight Libs Elliott and her computer-code designed quilts that really exemplify the beautiful way that quilting and math come together. On page 10 of the May/June issue Libs explains her process for creating her quilt designs using an open source program modified slightly for her needs: Processing.
While the program does much of the work it’s still up to Libs to choose a component of the design she likes, choose colors and make the quilt.
BONUS! Libs has just released her first quilt pattern, Rebel (pictured below). If you don’t fancy learning to manipulate code, you can try her new release instead. Heck, you might WIN her new pattern if you just play along. She’s giving away a copy of Rebel to one of our lucky readers. Of course we’re going to have you jump through a hoop and answer this question in a comment on this post: “What do you use to design your quilts…EQ? Adobe? Corel? Publisher? Processing? Graph paper? Let us know! We will hit that Random Number Generator on Saturday, May 10, posting a winner’s name around noon.
Libs Elliott Rebel Quilt
And speaking of winners, it’s also time to announce the lucky folks who win copies of our new book, Stitch ‘n Swap!
#33 – Beth T
#206 – Marisa
#224 – Lucy Cesar
Each winner has been notified.
Quilt. Sew. Live. Breathe.
Congratulations to quiltzyx/Sue – winner of Libs Elliott’s Rebel Quilt Pattern!
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
I use a good old fashion flannel design wall and mask off a design in painter’s tab. Hardly, high-tech, but it works well for me!
As a programmer, I use Microsoft Visio, that I use at work to design diagram and also to design quilting blocks, and calculate fabric (imagine a grid of 40″ x 300″ full of squares and HSQ). I’m looking forward to try that Processing program.
I use EQ and graph paper and when those fail, I just put the blocks on my design wall and rearrange until I get a design I like. Great magazine by the way.
Sketch pad, then graph paper, felt design wall, lots of walking away and coming back to it. Texting photos of the project in progress and getting opinions.
Another low techie here. I use graph paper! I’m loving the quilt Rebel and would love to win a copy of the pattern!
LauraT
I use EQ5 (because I can’t afford to upgrade) to start with, but in the end it is just my cheesy design wall which is basically a “curtain” made out of fleece that hangs in front of the closet.
I use EQ (or excel if I’m at work and don’t have EQ available) or scrap paper or… just messing around! Love the code quilts!
I am a low “techie” as well, using graph paper and doodle sketches. But now I just purchased a program to help me get going in a bigger way. I do always rely on my “eye” for good color and design sense – hasn’t failed me yet!
Low-tech pencil and paper for now, but I’d love to learn new ways!
Depends on the quit! I use scratch paper, graph paper, EQ and Illustrator. Maybe I need a random quilt pattern generator. LOL
I’ve used EQ5 which is nice especially for layout, but its old. most times its quicker for me to grab graph paper a ruler and pencil., tech seems to take to long for someone that has to learn with ‘tech’ is. old school is faster. lol
Mostly I use graph paper, I love being able to make lots of scribbles all over the paper and little notes!
I use colored pencils and graph paper and then go to EQ7 for the math.
I use EQ7 on my Mac, graph paper, or improv. depending on the project.
Afton – EQ7 works on Mac? Or do you have it so it runs on a Virtual PC?
There is now EQ7 for Mac! http://electricquilt.com/online-shop/electric-quilt-7/
Love that quilt!!!!! I look forward to learning more about this very talented quilter! And I’d be thrilled to win the pattern
I am learning how to use EQ7 and loving it (for the most part LOL)!
Paper & pen/pencil – sometimes graph paper, sometimes plain paper – it all depends on what I’m trying to achieve.
Congrats to Beth T., Marissa & Lucy Cesar!
Low tech here, graph paper and colored pencils. Rebel is a very cool quilt.
I use Adobe, TouchDraw (iPad app), and/or pencil and paper. I tend to start with pencil and paper because I’m very comfortable with it, then fiddle with and finalize it on the computer.
I got EQ 7 for Christmas & have been using it a lot. I always used graph paper & pencils for piecing & printer paper for applique designing. I don’t know about code though.
Her work is amazing and I would love to win that pattern.
Love Libs’ work, I use graph paper.
I use graph paper and, occasionally, an old version of Electric Quilt. Would love to win the pattern.
Another low-tech response….I do the graph paper approach. I like to play with the colored pencils
I use EQ7! I am a rebel quilt follower! This is someone I can relate to. I love your work!
Thank you Karlee! <3
I usually use graph paper.
I use graph paper, but would love to have EQ. Maybe someday!
I use pencil and paper! Very low tech but comforting. I love “Rebel”!
My technique is definitely low-tech – my design wall, graph paper, scratch paper…
I’m still learning and have never used any method, well maybe, except for a pattern or two. I recently started a new quilt and pieced it without any measurements or layout, just my noggin’! I’m learning to let go and just create! It’s tough, because I’m a perfectionist! Love your pattern, Libs! Can’t wait to pick fabric! Thanks for the chance!
Thanks, Chris! I hope you have fun with it!
I use EQ7. But when I’m not around my computer a napkin had come in handy.
Graph paper and a great app on my iPad called quiltography. I used to be jealous of all the quilters using eq since I’m a Mac girl, but I’m over that now.
I grow up in last century, so I use coloured pencils and squared paper. Sometimes I use (as an engineer) CAD Microstation.
I start with graph paper and sometimes change things around after seeing it laid out on my “design floor”
Processing/improv and some graph paper
Depending on my mood, I’ll use graph paper or Adobe Illustrator. Thanks for the chance to win this awesome pattern!
I’m another pencil and paper designer. Love this pattern. Fingers crossed I win!
A design wall, and going by the seat of my pants. EQ just came out for a Mac, so maybe I’ll take the plunge
I’m low tech using pencil & scratch paper and laying fabric out on the floor. EQ is on order so hopefully my design process will change soon!
I started using Quiltography on my iPad. I’m new to quilting and have not check out any other software.
I’m somewhere between Eq7, paper, and no plan at all.
I use pencils and paper !!
Thanks! I’m so excited – must remember to check my mailbox, must remember to check my mailbox….!!!
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