FAQs – Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts (the book)
What software is needed to access the files on the CD?
There are three types of files on the CD: PDF files, Electric Quilt files and TIFF files.
PDF files can be opened with Adobe Acrobat. The most basic version is Acrobat Reader, which will allow you to read and print PDF files, but not create or edit them. Most computers already have some version of this software installed, and you all you have to do to open the PDF file is click on it — the software will open automatically. If you do not already have it, it is available as a free download at www.adobe.com. PDF files that are larger than can be printed on a single page need to be tiled, that is, printed on several pages and then assembled. Instructions for how to print tiled pages are in the printing instructions document on the disc. Some versions of Acrobat will not tile images for printing. If this is the case with your version, take the file to a professional print shop such as Kinko’s. Most such shops have professional level versions of Acrobat, which will tile pages when printing.
Electric Quilt files can only be opened with Electric Quilt software. If you do not already have EQ and would like to purchase it, go to www.electricquilt.com. To open the file in EQ5 or EQ6, simply click on the file. EQ5 files will open in EQ5 or EQ6. EQ6 files will open only in EQ6. Please be aware that the EQ files on the disc are NOT library files, they are actual EQ project files. If you would like to save the blocks in them to a Block Library, please refer to instructions in the EQ instruction manual.
TIFF files are a universal graphics file format that can be opened in most image editing programs, such as PhotoShop, CorelDraw or Illustrator.
How do I open the files on the CD?
There are two ways to open these files. One way is to open the software, then use the Open File function to look for the file and open it. (If you are working directly from the CD (i.e., you have not already saved the file to your hard drive) it will be in your CD Drive directory.) The second way is to highlight the file (but not open it), then go to File–>Open With–> and select the software you would like to use. The file will then open in that software.
If one of these sets of directions don’t work, please consult with whomever set up your computer, as the way you have your particular computer set up may be causing the difference.
How do I “tile” the templates on the CD that are larger than 8-1/2″ x 11″?
PDF files that are larger than can be printed on a single page need to be tiled, that is, printed on several pages and then assembled. Instructions for how to print tiled pages are in the printing instructions document on the disc. Some of the more basic versions of Acrobat will not tile images for printing. If this is the case with your version, take the file to a professional print shop such as Kinko’s. Most such shops have professional level versions of Acrobat, which will tile pages when printing. Another solution would be to print out a smaller version of the template, then use a photocopy machine to enlarge it. But since you’re going to a copy shop anyway, you’re better off printing the larger template directly, since photocopying also thickens the lines of the drawing.
I think my disc might be defective. Can I get a replacement?
Please contact Customer Service at Krause Publications, www.krausebooks.com/cust_serv.
I want to make the quilt on the cover of the book
The quilt on the cover was made by Rhonda Adams, one of my students. It is her original design and I do not have the pattern or the rights to share it. It is a “mandala” style setting (see SASQ, page 63).
Where can I find corrections to Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts?
On this blog — just look in the right-hand column and click on Corrections to SASQ. Most of the corrections listed on this page have now been made in the second printing.
When will the second printing of Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts be available?
The second printing of SASQ is now available and all of the significant corrections that were listed on the Corrections page have been made.
