by Sandra | November 5th, 2009
It is always so cool to see my pattern full size fresh from the printer. I love technology. Create my drawing in Adobe Illustrator, Save as a PDF file and electronically send it to my closest Kinko’s and a few hours later, voila! a full size perfect pattern to work from at only $6.95 for 36″ square. I have an errand boy who doubles as my husband who picks it up for me. Thanks dear if you are reading this today.
When I compare this to the days when I had to manually draw everything out in pencil and then trace with my fine line ink pen, shiver. Need I mention the size of paper I needed and had to wrestle with for some of the larger patterns that had to be manually drawn out? It truly was a laborious process and it was hard to maintain enthusiasm the longer it took to draw out.
Inspiring Colors
When an idea hits, I need to commit it to concrete form immediately while it is fresh on the brain. Sure I do a quick cartoon, but the older I get, the shorter my memory is for that instant picture with all of the details in my head. I think the word would be “fleeting”. I must capture it as quickly as I can or it is gone just as fast.
I want to dive in, well….NOW, but alas I need to take care of the binding issue I have been avoiding since Monday. I did remove 24″, aren’t you impressed? 
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Oh, my…. It will be WONderful when it’s done, but you better get to work! Looks like a lifer project to me!
(And that binding you’re removing – is that on the quilt for your book – the one with the teapot and the spoon and all the other tidbits you’ve been teasing us with over the past few?)
Looks like your all set to go ! I can’t wait to see it come to life !
If I could I’d do your binding so you could strat right away ! : )
Yes Michelle, that binding I am removing is from the book quilt. See what I do for you guys?? LOL
This is a very subtle colored quilt and unfortunately that palette doesn’t photograph well, but I promise it is really pretty in person.
I am used to this photo stuff because my quilts have all kinds of details only found upon close inspection and are not really designed to be viewed at a distance so photos are problematic for best representational impact.
I think those of you who have seen Pharaoh and American Still Life in the flesh can attest to that.
I was on the fence as to whether to enter any show again, but I have decided with some arm twisting (Frances), I will enter it at Paducah. That is why I am fussing so much over the photo. If I can’t get a good photo, it will never get past the jury process. That would make me sad.
If only you lived next door Boop.
Beautiful!!!! The quilt is going to make Jason very, very happy and proud. Thank you for explaining about the PDF file etc. I had been wondering how the pattern would be made full size. Here I was thinking you had to print out and tape together! I cannot wait to see the book quilt, so glad you are going to enter a show again. I think Jason’s Pumpkin Quilt is definitely going to be a show winner too.
Denise, when I showed him the finished central pattern at the final size he smiled, and said, “that’s great”. Those are the words I need from him to know I have his ultimate stamp of approval.
I used to print out and tape together, but when Kinkos’s started their online file and print service, I was all over it!
Sandra, this is going to be a masterpiece!!! I am eagerly following your progress. Thanks for the heads up on what Kinko’s can do – I hadn’t know that.
Thanks Ivory Spring! This is going to be a fun project for me and fun to share as I work.
I just love being able to have an actual size pattern to work from that is clean and like I pulled it from a pattern envelope. Most printers accept PDF files and they can be sent electronically now.
No more photocopying a pencil, pen and ink drawing that is smeared with erasing marks etc., and then taped together. That is something to cheer about.