Hi, I retired as a business software developer 1 year ago. I've been a Programmer since the late 1970's. I think Sewnoma hit the nail on the head - EQ7 is not intuitive. I found using it more difficult than the software I used in my professional career. However, I too love it and would not want to be without it! Like Sewnoma, I also prefer to design my own quilts and it has been indispensable for drafting unique blocks and finalizing layouts, sashings, coloring, borders, sizes, etc.. I've only purchased two quilt patterns (one of them is the Dear Jane software which I'll consider a "pattern"); all remaining quilts have been designed by me on EQ7. It is well worth the learning curve time spent.