Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Quilt Album Review and Giveaway!

One of the biggest questions asked by quilt lovers is: "Who made it, when did they make it and what pattern did they use?". Well now there is a program for quilters and textile artists to document their creations along with the important details about the quilt called Quilt Album. Another bonus, it can be used on Windows or the Mac operating system.

Not only can you document your own quilts, but you can also add photos from quilts that you have seen at shows or in magazines, to use as reference or inspiration. How many times have you seen a quilt you like and then forgotten where you had found it or who designed the pattern. Now you will always have that information, at the click of a button.

Quilt Album not only documents your quilt, but you can also print out the pages to make your own album, that you can share with others. There are also features that allow you to make cards, labels, business cards and address labels.

Quilt Album comes in two ways, as a cd or you can choose an instant download. I used the instant download and I was amazed at how fast the download was and easy to install. It is so easy, that I never had to read the manual. I was able to add quilts and information just by filling in the required information.

The window is self explanatory, all of the features are viewable in one window. You can load photos from your picture folder and fill in the information. I do not have all the information on some of my quilts, so I just added what I could remember. It also stores your personal information so that you do not have to fill your name in, each time.



When you have filled in the details about your quilts, you can open up the quilt summary page to see all of your quilts at a glance. This page can be printed out and used as an index for your album. You can sort your quilts and in my case, I used categories. This way I could have my quilts and other textile pieces in their own categories, for easier searching.



I used photos that I had available but it is good to make sure you use quality photos. Taking a photo of your quilt on a wall is best, especially if you want to make them into cards or labels. On the other hand, placing the quilt in a setting, works beautifully for holiday cards.

I really like the card feature, especially since I never have a note card when I need one. Now I can just make my own and have them ready to send with gifts. When making a card, you choose from your selection of quilts and choose what information you want to show, on the back of the card. You can also change the fonts to make them larger, or use a fun font, like I did with the kitty card.



I printed out two sets, one for a Christmas card and one for a general card. I used my designs on these two examples with an idea in mind. I think it would be fun to send cards from my designs and insert the pattern inside the card. And since you can use the program for any type of craft, it is something any textile artist could use. And for those of us who sell our pieces, it is an excellent way to keep track of what you made, and who bought it.

I used basic card stock, but you can use any card stock that works with your printer. Imagine the possibilities with specialty card stocks that are available now. Once the information is filled out and a quilt selected, it is only a matter of hitting the print button, no special settings were needed.



This program is so easy, it is ridiculous, I keep thinking I am missing something. But it really is that easy and if you need help, you can download the PDF manual which is nicely formatted and easy to follow. It also includes hints and tips for photographing your quilts and printing.

If you would like to learn more about Quilt Album you can visit their website, view a video and sign up for their newsletter. You can also visit them on Facebook where they have random giveaways for their followers. A special Thank you to Pat Sloan for giving me the chance to review Quilt Album.

The generous folks at Quilt Album will give one lucky visitor a free copy of Quilt Album. Here is your chance to have your own copy of Quilt Album and document your quilts. Just leave a comment about what features you like about the program and/or how you would use it for your art work. Leave a comment on this post only and on Saturday, Spetember 10th, I will draw a name from the comments.

47 comments:

julieQ said...

How very nice!! I found an old paper album with quilt pictures...falling apart.. It would be nice to have an electronic record!

paulette said...

Wow!! Lucky YOU!! I love the way you can print off copies of your quilts and turn them into cards!!
Thanks for sharing!
P

TheCrankyCrow said...

Oh Deb - this is just the cat's pajamas!! Love it!! Immediately I knew what I would do - load up all my hooked rug pieces....and remember when I hooked them, whose patterns they were - and, best of all, be able to make cards from them so I never have to be the relative who forgets my other relative's birthday, anniversaries, etc. again!! This looks awesome! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Dorothy said...

I saw the Quilt Album on another site recently and thought it would be great for my quilt journal as the one I have is sorely in need of information, and photos. The pages are stuffing with scraps of fabrics used and has gone no further. This would solve all that hassle, I would love to be the winner.

moosecraft said...

Sounds like an awesome program! I really like the notecard feature too (especially with Christmas right around the corner)... sounds great for rug hooking, quilts... even needle punch pieces or any hand made items for that matter! I just might give this a try! Thanks, Debbie!

rebecca said...

Great idea!!! All my info in one place. Yummy thoughts!

pat sloan said...

I'm so glad you found it easy! Thank you for the awesome review!

Jacque. said...

oh my gosh...this would be ideal! I started documenting my quilt info in a journal-type book, but to write it out by hand...well, let's just say that it's not what I want. ha! This would be perfect because it'd be right here on my computer, where I spend half my day, it seems! I would have absolutely no excuse not to document, document, document! And the other features...the notecard, the index...AWESOME!!!

Thanks for the opportunity, Debbie!

Deb said...

Oh, this sounds like a fantastic thing to have. I used to document my quilts and then got away from it. This is definitely something that I would make a lot of use out of. Love how you printed out copies and made them into cards.

I could use this to document my xstitch pieces too. It's making me giddy thinking about it!

THank you so much for the chance!!

Joanne said...

Wow - did you say easy - So cool to have something that is useful and easy! Love the card feature too! Oh ideas are swirling.....

Linda said...

I can see using this for projects other than quilts....as CrankyCrow suggested. I like the Category feature as well as being able to use the photos/info for labels and cards! I love organization products and this one fills the bill!

Gill said...

This sounds a great idea!
Perhaps for once I could get organised!

~Madalynne~ said...

Although I don't quilt as much as I used to, this would probably be adaptable to most any craft. Great review Debbie!

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

I saw this demonstrated at a quilt show and was amazed at the ease of use. I have this added to my wish list. Thanks for the oopportunity to enter your giveaway :)

Fiona said...

This looks amazing Debbie... something I love about linking up with people and their blogs is hearing about new 'gadgets' and applications... things I never even knew existed....
Keep well.....
Hugz

Allie said...

Wow this looks amazing - I love the documenting feature, I wouldn't have to scroll through endless blog posts to see what I made when, lol. And you can make cards and business cards? Amazing. I really wish I'd had something like this when I started quilting, I used to give everything away and I don't remember what was what. This also looks like a great business tool - I love it!

Deb Fox-McHugh said...

I REALLY need to document my quilt! This would be so awesome, I must get it soon!

Anna said...

What a fantastic idea!!! Thanks you for posting. tomorrow is my day off from work and I am going check it all out.

Kathryn said...

I'm part of quilt study group where we bring in old quilts. It might be good to use this to document our progress. Kathie L in Allentown

Sharon J. Hughson said...

I'd love a quilt album

Anonymous said...

It might just be the only way to keep some order in my quilt keeping records..only yesterday while woking on my pc I came across some photos of work I had totally overlooked for 4 years, and almost forgotten! Thank-you! This Quilt Album might be just the ticket:)

Terry said...

This looks like a great way to keep track of your quilts! Thanks for the chance to win it! :0)

woollylottrugs said...

Would love to win the album. Would be great for my rugs.

hugs
cyndi
xo

/sewprimitive said...

I like the ease of recording photos and notes/comments about my quilts. I think it would help prevent procrastination, if anything will.

Cathy G. said...

Wow! This looks like something all fiber artists or crafters could use! If it's as easy as you say it is then count me in! That card feature sounds awesome too...
Am going to check this out! Thank-you so much for an opportunity to get one free! Free is always good!
Cathy G

Carrie P. said...

Wow! this is a pretty cool program. I went to see the video and I like how it tells you what size Avery cards to get if you want to make cards.
I like the quilt summary too where you can see all the quilts you have made.

Annette S said...

Thanks for a chance to win a Quilt Album program.
I am constantly collecting photos or bits of paper and stuff as inspiration for future quilt projects but they are scattered
in many places. Putting this all on the computer would be wonderful and quicker to access. I also like the feature to record as much info on current projects that I never have enough room for in a photo album. And the other bonus is that it is Mac compatible!

BarefootThunder said...

I would love to be able to easily document my quilts !! and what a great bonus it would be to be able to make note cards!! :)

Becky said...

I love the idea of using photos of quilts that I made to make cards and address labels. I've tried unsuccessfully to use photos with online templates. Thanks so much for a wonderful review!

Julie said...

Even can be loaded on a Mac! I'll be happy with that! Thanks for the chance. The cards are beautiful.

Jane's Quilting said...

This is a great idea. I like the way you can put all your info on your quilts but yet add other quilts. Right now I have an old 3 ring binder and use paper protectors. But my printer is old, so my copies are not real clear. This would be great....Thanks for sharing and giving the opportunity to win one.

Kathy H said...

I was just thinking about making my own notecards and maybe some pictures of my quilts for different seasons would be fun to use. ANd then I read your post. Looks like that would be the perfect software. Thanks for the chance to win in your giveaway.

Kris said...

Debbie -- What a great invention!!! I especially like the idea of making cards!! I am like you, I never seem to have the right card around at the right time!! I suppose you need a color printer to make the cards, don't you!! I would love to win this little baby!! Thanks for the opportunity!! Kris

Diane said...

I could definitely get some use from Quilt Album ... I have not been very good w/ tracking my quilts. thanks for the chance.

Marlene said...

I like the part about so easy to use. I am not good a documenting my quilt info. This program would get me moving on that one!!!
Marlene

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Wow! How fun! I would love to make cards from some of my Mom's old quilts that my GGM made. That would be such a neat keepsake for my nieces. And then I would love to document my own quilts. :-) Thanks for the chance!

Val Laird said...

Wow, what a great giveaway. I would love to be organised with documenting all my quilts. Thanks for the opportunity.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

This note card idea is so nice!

Deb said...

Since I send a lot of cards, the note card print-off feature would be great. I'd love to be included.

Deborah in Atlanta said...

Organization and automation. Two wonderful words to explain what I love about this giveaway. I'd be so thrilled to win. Keeping my fingers crossed. Awesome giveaway. Thanks!

yorkie mom said...

I am such an organization freak! This is right up my alley! Would love to document my quilts as I do not sign them!

JoAnn said...

What a great program! There are not many quilters help programs available, so this is a real treat. I love that you can use your photos for cards, too!

Kathy MacKie said...

This would be a great way to keep track of one's quilts as you know most of them are gifted to many family and friends.

MoeWest said...

It looks like a great program for recording the details about my quilts. I also like the notecard feature.

Sandi said...

What a wonderful give away! It would be fun to print off cards to use as a fund raiser for your local quilt guild during the show.

You could almost print to order if you were organized well enough.

Congratulations to the lucky winner whomever that person is.

Thanks for the chance to win.

Anonymous said...

I always, always say I want a photographer to take photos of my quilts so they can be notecards. This is wonderful and I'm thinking too with client quilts to have all the info in one program!

Peggy said...

I actually like everything I have read about this software and hope I'm not too late to enter. Thankyou!