Is anyone interested in an EQ7 thread?
 

After owning EQ7 for something like 5 years, I have finally figured out enough of the basics to be able to design and save a few quilts in it. Apparently there are two kinds of owners of EQ: those who take to it like a duck to water, and those who find it has a steep learning curve. The thread I am proposing would be for those of us in the latter category. I am thinking we might be able to reduce the number of EQ7 programs lying unused on computers around the world.

Since I have not gotten very far yet, I figure I can pass on some basic tips that might help someone else. I also might be able to pick up tips that help me progress.

Anyone?

I am interested, however I upgraded to EQ8. I can do the basics, but nothing too fancy.

I would love to learn EQ7, I have had my new computer for more than a year and haven't even bothered to install it.

I didn't upgrade to EQ8 because I figured it was of questionable worth to me if I hadn't learned EQ7 in five years. I made it a priority for myself to learn EQ7 this year. Once I do that, I will look at EQ8 and see if it is worth it to me.

Vagabond, the first step is to install the program! Installation was easy for me, so I say just go ahead and do it. Then pat yourself on the back.

I consider myself a moderate user. I'd participate.

I'd love this thread. While I have many quilts made up with EQ7 there is an awful lot that I haven't delved into yet.

I struggled with EQ7, because even though it worked on my Mac, was very Windows-esque . . .the file structure really thru me for a loop. I find EQ8 Sooooo much easier to learn.

I’d also suggest getting the workbooks and going thru the lessons, one at a time, from the beginning. It really does help.

As for a thread. . .I think you’ve already started one.

I would also love this topic.... I piddle around with it every now and then but by the time I pick it up again, it's like I have to start from scratch.

This describes me, totally...... I started with EQ 4 and have continuously upgraded, never really getting a handle on the program. Such a waste of money. I don't have the imagination to design my own but would be interested in stretching my brain. LOL

I upgraded to EQ8 and can't even get it loaded. I really think there is something wrong with my brain.

Well first off....thank you. It is comforting to know that I am not the only one who wasted her birthday money on something she hasn't invested the time to learn. I would certainly follow a thread. Who knows, I may even learn to create a label!

If anyone would like to use them I wrote 23 lessons on how to use EQ. They are in the Tutorials section here on the board and they are in PDF form so you can download them. I would be happy to help if you would like. I wrote the lessons because I hated seeing people struggling with it when I love love love mine. I have used it to write many tutorials and lessons and I love to use it to record an idea I want to try. I love to share so I am available if anyone would like some help.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/tutori...a-t195158.html

I found the books difficult to follow. I had a hard time finding the sections I wanted. They jump around a lot and don't start with the first steps and follow through. I also wanted more better directions. But I am one that has to see things to understand them.

I don't know if this will interest anyone but you can find some posts here about other EQ users. These were posted in 2014 and they discuss their experiences with EQ
The second link is to an Electric Quilt section where you can find a lot of threads pertaining to EQ

https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/eq-software-t238207.html


https://www.quiltingboard.com/tags/electric+quilt.html

I started out with EQ7 and struggled, and then found Rhonda's tutorials and was able to do a lot more (Thank you Rhonda!) but I was still very much struggling with even basic stuff.

Then I upgraded to EQ8, and have already easily surpassed what I could do in EQ7 without much effort.

I'm interested and haven't upgraded to EQ8. Don't use it enough to warrant the upgrade.........yet. Was just given a tip the other day when you go to print out your block, something I didn't know. Wondered why my 2nd block didn't come out the size I thought it would. All happened when I went to print out the instructions. Silly me but now I know to check what size the block states above as it doesn't matter what size you plan it on your layout.

I'm like several others who have had it for a few years but I haven't gotten thru all of the lessons, leave it and then have to restart at the beginning again because I don't remember. I did upgrade to EQ8 when it was available at a discount and told myself that this was the year to make a concerted effort to learn it! But we've been refreshing our entire basement level where my sewing room is and haven't done anything else :( although I'm pretty excited about my new sewing room :). Anyway, I would follow the thread as I'm certain there would be enough similarities to be helpful. I have a question right off the bat, that maybe someone can answer who has already figured it out... While I like traditional quilts and blocks, I really like where they are reworked into a more modern style quilt, or just completely new random, modern designs. I've never gotten to the point in EQ that tells you how to do this. I assumed it was possible when I bought the software. Is it and how do I do it?

I spent 5 years piddling around with it, as others have mentioned. Tried Rhonda's tutorials, and learned something from the first couple, but I seem unable to learn easily from step-by-step written directions. I have the same problem with the books.

What finally got me jump-started was this free video tutorial by Kari Schell called "Catch the Waves":
https://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/...-quilt-newbies
I think it's still available. Basically each video is just 10 minutes or so in length, enough for me to pay attention to, and what I did was watch a few minutes, pause the video, then do the same thing on my EQ7. I had to re-watch portions of it, and it wasn't all-inclusive, but it got me *finally* into the basics of the program. She may have a similar series for EQ8; I'm not sure.

One of my biggest issues, even after watching the video tutorials, was trying to figure out how to delete a line in EasyDraw when I wanted to change something. I have finally figured it out, so if anyone else is struggling with this, let me know. (It might be in the video tutorials, and I forgot it. This is the kind of detail my mind struggles to retain.)

One of my biggest desires has been to be able to ask a question, such as "how do you delete a line in EasyDraw", and get it answered quickly (without feeling stupid for asking the question). To this end, I think I am going to create another thread here that will be strictly for asking questions and getting answers. I'm thinking it might be okay to combine questions about EQ7 and EQ8, but maybe that is asking for confusion.

Any suggestions for the new thread?

I upgraded to EQ8 but will follow along as there are similarities.
Rhonda your tutorials for EQ8 were wonderful and helped me a lot.
Kwiltr I am not sure what you are looking for. Can you give an example of the kind of quilts you are interested in making?

Kwiltr, a lot of the modern versions of traditional quilts I have seen simply involve changing the coloration. One example are these double wedding rings quilts: https://www.amazon.com/Double-Weddin...dp/161745026X/ . For something like that in EQ, you would first design the quilt layout, then color in the various pieces in a non-traditional way.

Other modern quilts are constructed very simply, or differently, from traditional quilts. A website with some modern quilts I like is this one: https://modernquiltrelish.blogspot.c...tern-shop.html

In either case, you must first create a quilt layout in EQ. EQ itself comes with lots of different blocks you can use to create a quilt layout. There are some add-ons you can purchase for EQ that include complete quilt layouts, such as this one: http://electricquilt.com/online-shop...in-star-power/ . However, to make those quilts "modern", you would need to play with the coloring and perhaps make changes to the layout.

All of those things you pretty much need to do yourself. EQ is certainly capable of being used to design modern quilts, but it is not automatic. You might want to start by copying a simple modern pattern you like into EQ. What I did last week was re-create a pattern in EQ that I would really like to make up as a Christmas quilt some day. Some quilts are relatively easy to re-create, but some can be quite complex and difficult. Fortunately for me, I tend to prefer simple quilts.

I upgraded to EQ8, but haven't looked at it yet. I took a class at my LQS for 7, but just don't get it out and practice. Any info would be helpful!

Prism99, I think your idea of an EQ7 thread is great. It sounds like many have struggled with the program. I have not yet purchased 7 or 8 and have been on the fence as to which one...and now the 7 is a bit less expensive. It is wonderful of you to offer your experience and knowledge of the EQ7 program.

Definitely, I am one of the slow learners and any help will be welcomed . I am not the type that can sit down and read the manual and then jump on board. I need to do it slowly and step by step.

I will definitely be following along! Got the EQ7 program about a year ago and have done nothing with it.

Interested because I have EQ and have never used it.

Yes count me in I need to learn more about the program

Thank you. I just downloaded the lessons.

Okay, I started a new thread that is specifically for posting tips about EQ, and for asking questions about using EQ. Those of you whose EQ software is collecting dust, ask a question over there! It's not for getting started. For that, try using Rhonda's tutorials or going to the video tutorial I posted for EQ7 (that helped me finally "get" the basic steps). Once you get stumped on something (such as me not knowing how to erase lines in EasyDraw when I made a mistake), post in the other thread and we'll see if someone here can help. Here is a link to the other thread:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...e-t295451.html

Prism99, I used to write system requirements and I found EQ7 difficult to comprehend. I think I am too logical for it! Even so, I have learned enough to use it in the way I planned. Would love to try out EQ8, but not so much that I plan to spend money to buy it.

This is a good idea. And I guess I should revisit Rhonda's tutorials.

I use my EQ7 a fair amount and feel pretty comfortable with it. I didn't invest in EQ8 mainly because I didn't feel like there were enough major differences that would justify the expense. I usually upgrade every-other edition.
EQ has improved a lot since their first DOS versions. I attempted to use those older versions & pretty much hated them...but I'm glad I have my current version. I'll be happy to participate in an EQ forum - to learn, as well as offer any guidance I can share.

Happy Quilting!
Donna Mc

I am interested also. I purchased EQ7 tried to figure it out & then got EQ8 because I read that it was 'easier'. I did get it installed but have not had a lot of time to get into it. Would love any tips. I'll also download Rhonda's lessons. The more how-to info I have the better. Thanks

Came back again today to read the next lesson. Can hardly wait until I have a block of time to sit down and try to use the program.

Is there such a thing as EQ5? I'm thinking I had that on my computer awhile back and Struggled with it. Since that time my computer crashed and took it along. Since I was not very comfortable to do anything with it, I haven't been interested in getting EQ7 or EQ8. But. . . . . when someone whips up a design to solve a problem on this board it seems so worthwhile. They seem to do it in a flash - it would have taken me a week to wiggle around in that program. I guess I'm saying I may be on the fence to do it again if we have step by step and problem solving threads. Then - which to get - EQ7 or EQ8 for this tiny brain to comprehend? Are there any places to get it discounted?

I, too, will follow the thread for EQ7. I see you show a link. I started with EQ4 and upgraded to the EQ7, but had the same problems as others with comprehending. I will get it back off the shelf and reinstall so I can follow along. I did print off Rhonda's lessons, but had trouble remembering from one time to another. Thanks for the new thread.

Would love a thread like this

Rhonda do your 23 lessons on the EQ5 work on the EQ7? Would much rather go with your lessons than the book if possible.