Before you protest, let me offer my explaination. When we think of freeware we generally think of something related to computers or some type of computer program. As the freeware and shareware editor, I'm going to pull rank and write about something that has nothing to do with computing. Actually, it does use a computer to deliver it's results, but the end results are purely crafty.

And I mean that literally.

My wife is an accomplished quilter. I am a compulsive computer enthusiast. Rarely do the two of us share a mutual interest. When Carolyn showed me a 'utility' she uses to help her develop a visual image of a quilt still in the planning stage, I immediate saw the potential. After doing a google search for similar utilities, I came up empty handed. This was the only utility of it's type I could find on the internet.

Interactive Online Quiltbuilder is a very simple click and drag program that lets you create a virtual basic quilt before the first stitch is sewn. I don't know the first thing about quiltmaking, but even I enjoyed creating a 'quilt' and stretching my creative instincts.

With a veriety of 'shapes' in the left side navigation bar, you can click and drag any combination of shapes onto a design board, place them in whatever position you desire, and view your work until you're satisfied with your design. Squares, lines, circles, and triangles large and small can be combined to form your personal pattern.

Clicking any shape repeadedly will change the color of that shape through a variety of colors. Combine any combination of shape and colors until you're satisfied

Once you're satisfied with your work, you can name your pattern and transfer it to your printer to create a permanent pattern.

Although this is a useful tool for real quiltmakers, I think it's ideal for young quiltmakers who will enjoy using the interactive tool almost as much as making their quilt.

We originally found the Interactive Online Quiltbuilder while visiting the official Pigeon Forge, Tennessee visitors site. Known for it's mountain crafts and quilt shows, it's fitting that Quiltbuilder is hosted on their site.


Online Quiltbuilder