News release

Tradition Meets Technology with HP's New Online Quilting Community and Custom Quilt Label Kit

Digital Cameras, PCs, Printers and Scanners Inspire Creativity and Personalization for Quilters

Today at the 28th Annual International Quilt Festival, HP unveiled two technology-based tools for quilters -- the HP quilting community Web site and the HP Custom Quilt Label kit. Providing the quilting community a variety of valuable tools and resources from projects and free patterns to expert tips and a step-by-step label kit, these offerings enable quilters to incorporate digital imaging into their quilts using digital cameras, PCs, printers and scanners to enhance their quilting in creative and memorable ways.

The HP quilting community Web site, http://www.hp.com/go/quilting, is an online resource where quilters can learn, create and share information about how to best use computer and digital imaging tools in their craft. The site provides a number of free patterns and projects for all skill levels with ready-to-use and customizable design templates and supply lists to inspire creative ideas for trying new tools and techniques.

How-to articles and tips on the site show quilters how easy it is to incorporate technology with their own images or designs onto printable fabric and then into projects like a memory quilt. In addition, the site provides a means for quilters to share experiences and offer advice with fellow enthusiasts and experts through a quilting event calendar, polls, contests and links to other useful quilting sites.

The HP quilting community Web site will be frequently refreshed with the latest trends and seasonal ideas to inspire new quilting ideas.

HP Custom Quilt Label Kit

With the HP Custom Quilt Label kit, quilters can design and print their own custom fabric story labels, made-by labels and matching gift cards. The story labels allow quilters to tell the story behind the quilt with their own words and images, while the made-by labels provide quilters with a custom means of signing their work. For gift giving, a matching card can be created to match the quilt or the occasion.

This easy-to-use software provides step-by-step instructions, tips and suggestions to help users quickly design quilts using a number of templates and themes. Quilters can choose from an extensive variety of quality artwork, color schemes and templates or they can create their own designs using personal text, photos and graphics to make their labels look as artistic and unique as their quilts. The software is both PC and Mac compatible.

"Quilts have been treasured and passed down to create lasting memories for generations. They are irreplaceable," said Hugh Amick, vice president of imaging and printing solutions, HP Imaging and Printing Group. "With the technology we have announced today, HP wants to help quilters express themselves and bring their quilts to life with story labels and images that will help make their work even more unforgettable."

The HP Custom Quilt Label kit is available now at hpshopping.com for an estimated U.S. retail price of $24.99.(1) More information on the kit and where to buy it is available at http://www.hp.com/go/quilting.

About HP

HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corp. on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.

(1) Actual prices may vary.