I have a couple of the Quiltmaker quilting designs add ons. They’ve been somewhat useful but I don’t use them a lot. I also have the Farmer’s wife CD which came with the book. This one has been very useful. I bought one other that I can’t remember the name and haven’t used at all. I guess it depends on where your interests lie.

When I first started quilting I didn’t have access to patterns so I used graph paper to design my quilts. This was in the days before rotary cutters too. So my next step was to cut out templates from cardboard that I placed on my fabric and then traced around so I could cut the shapes with scissors. I still sometimes use graph paper to design my quilts, but don’t do the templates and scissors thing anymore https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png. Now I mostly do improvisational piecing, though I may start with basic elements like 4 patch blocks or half-square triangles, flying geese, etc. My design wall is very important in helping me design. I make a bunch of things and then stick them on the design wall and figure out how to fill any spaces that might need filling,etc. I’ve been meaning to learn how to use EQ8, but as soon as I got time to do that I had to replace my computer so now I have to get with them to figure out how to transfer the license to my new computer.

Rob

I have EQ8. Like it because it is easy for me to change the size of a block and switch colors around. For me it is faster to use than drawing on graph paper.

I make lots of quilts without patterns, but don't make myself a pattern. I just wing it.

Making my own patterns isn't in my DNA. I wouldn't have a clue how to do it. I'm so glad others know how! :)

My husband loves draw on graph paper. He always drawing on paper better than drawing on computer.

I use Electric Quilt software, but am not the most proficient at it LOL :)

Yes, I make it up as I go. I’ve had to buy the Electric Quilt programs. I started with EQ4. Lol. And now have EQ8. It gives me a better perspective of where I’m going with the quilt. I can play with the colors, change the block size. Or if a pattern has a block I don’t like, I can easily find one that I do like. I have at least 10 of the add on programs. I’m waiting for Barbara Brackmans new Block Base that’s coming out. The EQ programs are essential to anyone who thinks outside of the box. I have a friend that sews exactly what the pattern says. She only uses the colors on the pattern. She doesn’t have a need for the EQ programs.

I started with EQ4 also :) I have updated each version through 7, but have not purchased 8. I have the old Blockbase, plus Dear Jane and I'm trying to remember what else. I haven't used it in the last year or two. I've been kind of burned out lately. My most recent projects have all been hand work. I love to piece and applique by hand. Do you know of any active groups here that focus on that? Or do you know of any that focus on drawing in Electric Quilt?

I was a computer professional during my career, learned to quilt after retirement and EQ7 was a natural for me. I really like it for trying out different block orientations. There's an option that rotates the blocks in different ways and it results in a totally different look. I'll draft a quilt using the software from a picture on-line and use that option and come up with "my own" design. Here are two pictures, the original I drafted and the quilt I made: