There ARE other, less expensive programs for designing quilts. I love EQ, but they're not the only game in town. I did a quick Google search and found other EQ products (stand-alones) that are more affordable, such as Blockbase and Dear Jane Design, not to mention products from other vendors: Kaleidoscope Kreator, Quilt Pro, etc. I think there are others that have even been discussed here on the board.