Digital Designing Process

Hello, I thought I would give you a sneak peek into how I come up with designs that I plan to turn into machine quilting designs on my Tablet PC.

I open Photoshop Elements and create a new document.  I just start sketching freehand style and erase any designs that seem not to work.  I do not worry about the lines if they are wobbly at this point, since I know I will redraw and edit lines later on in this digital format.

If I am designing a small wholecloth design, often I will just draw a section of the quilt, then copy, paste and flip to make a square shape.  I love to work digitally.

Here is my quick sketch design, with color added just for fun:

 

Now it is time to redraw and edit the design.  I know that the center is rather boring, so will adjust that.  I will also edit some other lines, too.   Sometimes, I will redraw a design multiple times, until it flows for me.

 

 

Here is what my first edit looks like.  Again, I added color just for fun:

At this point, I can edit further, or pull out individual elements that could make nice simpler designs all on their own.  These designs can later become part of a larger set of designs.

 

Breaking down the larger design into smaller designs also allows me to play with the idea of creating matching borders, sashings, corners, etc.  Here is an example of a smaller design from the larger quilt design:

Anyhow, this gives you a general idea for how I work.  I plan to redraw these designs and fine tune the stitch path for commercial application.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment.  Happy Quilting!  Carla

Feathers Pearls and Hearts Set

Good Day!  I recently posted my latest quilting designs, available in digital form and paper patterns from Digitech Designs.   Now I want to show you what the designs look like quilted up.  First, here is the set:

Designs by Carla Barrett, available at Digitech Designs

 

 

I borrowed a quilt top from my quilt friend, Doug, at High Sierra Quilters Quilt Shop in Placerville, CA, and quilted away.  Here is the panto for the quilt body:

Here is the Border design with some free motion “finger” stitching on the outside edge:

Last photo show you an overview while the quilt is still on my quilting table:

It was a very forgiving design set up and use.  Plus, I feel the design actually elevates this simple shop quilt.  Love the fabric, too!   🙂

Here is a quick visual for how I do my finger quilting on the edge.  This is faster and much easier to do than piano keys or bead board.  Besides, it looks great!  Did I mention how easy it is?  Just quilt “U” shapes.

Any feedback on this design or other designs you would like to see in the future?  Happy Quilting, Carla

More Designs at Digitech Designs Available!

Good news- Digitech Designs just released several new patterns of mine.  Even better- if you buy it in the first days after release, then the designs are 50% off for a limited time!  It comes as a set, or you may buy the design (in paper or computer format) individually:

Carla Barrett Design available at Digitech Designs

Pattern by Carla Barrett (available at Digitech Designs)

Pattern by Carla Barrett (available at Digitech Designs)

Pattern by Carla Barrett and available at Digitech Designs

Here is the collection as a set:

Designs by Carla Barrett, available at Digitech Designs

All the designs were digitized by the amazing Jessica Schick, owner of Digitech Designs.  Jessica is the best digitizer in the industry, in my opinion.   To locate these designs on sale, for paper patterns, click HERE.  For computerized stitching, click HERE.

Right now, I am busy working on new designs to send Jessica, plus more modern designs for all those modern quilts being pieced.  What designs would you like to see me do to be sold in the future?

Enjoy your week!  Hugs, Carla