jaciqltznok

EQ is really the best for this!

Havplenty

nope 57 is not old at all, at least not from where i sit. and speaking of skydiving, i went to celebrate my 35th birthday. i had seen those guys that use skate boards in their jumps so i had my mind set on doing a somersault from the plane. i couldnt find anyone to go with me until i finally talked my older brother to go jump with me.

needless to say my brother was scared outta his wits (but he did jump outta the plane eventually) and i was too pumped up to think about anything else. i did a tandem jump (someone [instructor] is attached to you) on a cold november day at 14,000 feet. i did my somersault with a red baron soaring descent (arms pulled back with head up) and i was having so much fun i forgot to pull my chute chord. good thing an instructor was attached but i had a ball and want to go again. enjoy your jump.

jcrow the first 17 quilts i made i did not use a pattern. i made them lap size and "designed" them as i was sewing them. i cut my pieces and put back together as if i was assembling a puzzle (which i enjoy). i dont really use patterns now to make my quilts, i see pics or quilts i like and then recreate my own version of them, including what size to make my strips, blocks, settings, etc. there are some quilts i would like to make that i know i may need a pattern for but until that time comes..... i do my own thing. i also have graph paper and colored pencils but sometimes i use excel to design to 'color' squares and work on placements. you can do anything you want and any boo-boos you think you are making you can just consider unique design elements. enjoy.

Scissor Queen

One of the biggest advantages to designing your own quilts is nobody know how it's "supposed" to look!! Since nobody but you knows what it's supposed to look like you're free to change things as you go along.

katesnanna

Jeanne, first things first - please STOP putting yourself down. Unfortunately there are plenty of others who will do it for you. Secondly - don't compare yourself with others. We should only compare ourselves to what we have done before.
If you don't like math maybe it's better for you to stick to using patterns but at 57 you are not too old to learn. I got my computer 5 years ago at 57 and have never had so much fun learning new things. It is great brain training which my psych tells me helps keep alzheimers at bay. Embrace it with gusto. Try the graph paper first, if you're not sure of things ask as many questions as you like on this board. You are welcome to PM me any time.
Lastly don't ever tell yourself you can't do something until you have tried all avenues of learning that particular thing. Have faith in yourself and you will be surprised just how much you can learn. All the best & happy quilting.

Rose_P

Here's one way to approach the problem: Look at a quilt the size you're after. Measure the blocks and count how many there are in the quilt. Make whatever blocks you like in that size, plus 1/2" for seams. Do the same for the number and size of borders and sashing. The choices of fabric and design of blocks will be all yours, but the math was done by whoever made the quilt you're basing it on.

If you're too old at 57, what does that make me at 64?!

jitkaau

How do you think you would go with using graph paper? You could draw the quilt onto the paper and then do foundation piecing. If you wanted to use the graph paper as templates or measurement guides, just remember to add the seam allowance on all sides of each piece.

quiltmau

you are far better than I am-I can't use a pattern to save my soul!! Every time I try it turns out wonky. Weird sized squares-lopsided squares and so on. Wish I could use a pattern or understand the directions because I love some of them I have purchased.
Just can't get past the wording- I am dyslexic so I have that problem as well. I love to read and at times have to reread passages in books 2 or 3 times to understand what is going on.
Instead of giving up just do what you are best at-I just sew the strips or blocks together and hope for the best. I know that whoever gets the quilt will like it as it will keep them warm.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses so celebrate what you can do and enjoy it.

quiltmau

I have EQ and can't figure it out. I even tried the classes and turned up stumped. I am not computer illiterate as I do all my bills and taxes on the spreadsheets. I just can't seem to understand the EQ program-and I know it is my fault. It is like the patterns-my mind just can't process it. Damn mind!!

Grace MooreLinker

How did you run the train??
I'm 77 so age has nothing to do with learning, so think posistive and go for what ever you wish to try. life is a changle charge right along, be like the little red engine I think I can Then I can.. good luck with your quilting patterns work great. you can add to or change them to fit your wants and likes..

Marysewfun

I just bought and received my EQ7 - and armed with the tutorials, online website info and Rhonda's lessons, am off to learn it. Before receiving it, I did jump out and start a throw-type quilt from a design I saw somewhere but couldn't remember where or possibly what it might be called. I designed what I remembered using a couple blocks of paper and then started sewing. Its half done and I think it will be okay!

Marysewfun