did you look into the online courses through Quilting University? There seem to be a few that are designed to help you learn the software. Online courses are normally pretty good.

I've just bought it and tried it for a couple small projects. It's great fun and not hard to use if you can sit through the videos that come with it. I LOVE playing with the fabrics and blocks and layouts and uploading my own fabrics.

My son has been asking me when I'm going to make the new placements I have been dithering over (trying to match my new stoneware colors) and I printed him my latest EQ7 design for a 4-color placemat on 11x17 paper and plopped it on the dinner table. No-sew. Maybe I should laminate it LOL

Of course, I am a born fiddler. I can't do anything the same way twice, and if I don't hurry up and finish a project, it somehow morphs into something else or something I don't like. And I'm only on my 3rd project! :) :)

I have both EQ7 and Quilt Pro version 6. Maybe it is because I have had Quilt Pro since version 1, but I like that program much better for design and creating class handouts.
EQ7 graphics are superior, but I find it very difficult to work with so I give up and go back to Quilt Pro.

I have to admit that EQ is not one of the easiest programs I've ever used. I should have signed up for one of the online classes or even the one at my LQS.

I can just about run Paint Shop Pro in my sleep. Same with MS Publisher. EQ is not the most intuitive thing in the world.

But, even though I occasionally feel like tearing my hair out, the rewards of being able to lay out my own quilts are worth the trouble. Figuring yardage, changing block sizes, changing layouts - and all the calculations done for you.

Just one example - I'm following the Barbara Brackman Civil War BOW and the blocks are 8" finished. A lot of traditional block patterns don't lend themselves to an 8" block, but if you open the block in EQ and set the size to 8", you can print rotary cutting instructions, templates for each patch, or foundation piecing patterns, whichever you want. No more struggling with 7/16" measurements.

If you already have EQ and don't use it, take a class! :) Or just jump in and design a quilt, using the help files and videos that are included in the program. Yep, video tutorials right on the disk - very cool!

You will be amazed at what you can do and how it simplifies so many things for you.

if anyone has brought their eq6 or 7 for less than $150.00, please let me know where. thanks!!

You can possibly find eq6 for that on ebay. Or if anyone is selling a used copy of eq7. I believe stores aren't allowed to discount it until a certain amount of time has passed after its release.

I have had EQ7 for over a year and very happy with the purchase. I also took a class on Quilt University for around $36 to learn how to use the program. It was well worth the time and money for the class it gave me a better understanding how to use the program. The class showed me all the possibilities the program offers.

Many that say it's a waste seems to me are the ones that don't try to learn how to use it. I can adapt any quilt pattern or design a pattern in less time then it takes to search online for a pattern.

Some critics have said if you don't line up the metal piece with the last fabric cut your next cut is off. Some folks also complained that it was to heavy and you really need a dedicated place for it. I was very very close to buying one, I will be going to another quilt show in Sept if someone is there selling them again I might make the purchase. Just a lot of money to spend if folks don't think it is worth the money.

I have EQ5 and the best advantage that I find is that it can calculate the yardage needed for each colour etc, without you having to work it all out yourself. It basically saves time with drafting and calculating, for me. I haven't bothered to update it because it cost me $250 and I don't have the $$$ to be forking it out every couple of years.