Santa brought me EQ7, just as I requested. I've been messing with it for two days now, and I'm amazed at its capabilities. However, I'm starting to think this might fall into the "Be-careful-what-you-wish-for" category. Will I ever learn all of its capabilities? Will I ever be able to use it without having the open instruction book beside me? And I can certainly see how I might lose all perspective on how a quilt looks to the outside observer. After messing with something for a while, I can't tell any more whether I like it or not. Too many colors, patterns, borders, blocks, etc.? I can't tell after a while. I wonder if those of you with more experience might have some helpful hints or rules of thumb that guide you. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, and I can't even articulate a question.

I've used EQ since version and love it. However, 7 is overwhelming me. 5 was much more user friendly, but I'll learn. I'm looking for a quilt show near me where I can take a class in EQ7 to learn more about all the things it can do. I know from experience that you have to just get your feet wet and design and learn each time you use it. Congrads on getting the version. Add the accessories as you can. Learn to scan in your own fabrics and design with your own pictures. Have fun.

Congratulation, it is on my wish list. So I am not any help. :-(

The most important tip from me is to keep playing but stop every now and then and take a break! You are right about there being almost too many options available. One thing I like is that you can change the number of quilts displayed in the project sketchbook and the more you display, the smaller they are. This gives me a little better perspective when trying to decide if I actually like the design or not. Sort of like using one of the peephole viewers to look at a quilt.

I got EQ7 too. I have played with it a little and I love how you can see what the quilt will look like and how by just changing the colour of 1 border you get a totally different look.
But I think it will take me quite a while to learn all the different things you can do. I'm sure I will have fun learning though. lol

Good idea! See I knew you all would have lots of ideas.

Yes, I noticed that there is a once per month class right near me. We're taking off on our snowbird adventure in a week, so I can't do it until I get back. I'll have lots of fun playing in the meantime though.

I keep wanting to get my feet wet with landscape quilting using some of my pictures. I'm glad I haven't started anything yet, because this seems like a great way to get a project off the ground.

Congrads to you. I have been wanting this myself. Unfortunately, I can't afford it right now. One of these days, I will own one. When I can finally get it, it will probably be outdated. I have seen it at my local quilt shop and it looks amazing but complicated at the same time.

Congrats on getting it. I just had to uninstall mine and reinstall it.....
Working good again....

You'll just get the newest version--it won't be outdated.