For what it's worth, I bought the Quilt Design Wizard (QDW) from Amazon.com. Based on what I've read off the Electronic Quilt (EQ) website, QDW is the stripped down version of EQ. That being said, I find the software a bit confusing. But, I'm not sure if it's my lack of quilting knowledge or if the software just isn't that user friendly.

I have used both EQ6 and EQ7. The thing I like about EQ7 is
scanning the fabrics is so much easier. I have a lot to learn
but I enjoy exploring new ideas and changing colors to see
what looks best. Good luck and don't give up. I took a class
at a Quilt Camp and that helped tremendously.

You have to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.

This is what it says on the website:

Please enter EQ 7 under in the "search" window on the Home page, scroll to the bottom of the page to view IHAN price and order.

Due to EQ Minimum Price Policy we are not permitted to advertise our price here.

When you "upgrade" an EQ version, you are actually getting the new program completely like the ones bought at the Full retail, but you sort of get a "discount" because you have the previous version. <G>
EQ6 was the first version with "activations" and that happened because of problems with people having loaded the program on more than their personal computer(s). People would be taking the time of the techs, and using the program when they didn't really purchase it themselves. Sigh.


I love the program. There are some quirks, and you need to understand various things about the program. But it does a whole lot more than most people will ever use/need. Upgrades are done at user request, pretty much. (If you are a user and let the company know "I wish I could do ____ with the program." the people at the company will keep it in mind and new versions come out to meet the wishes/demands of the users.
EQ is probably not a great program for beginners, because it has no sewing instruction. Or any how to put something together.
But for what it does it is amazingly low priced. Computer techies that I know are very surprised that a program that does all that this one does costs under $300-$400. So, at under $200 it is a steal.

Pati, in Phx

EQ6 and 7 have the wreath maker function. I think you can specify how many of the motifs you want in the wreath too. <G>
(And that was one of the things very much requested by users. )

Pati, in Phx

Take a look at PlanetPatchwork.com. I saw a discounted price there just a few weeks ago.

Yea! It worked!. Thanks so much Melinda. Yes, this is the lowest price I've seen it anywhere. You rock!

Did you order from that site?

EEooowww. I just noticed they are very proud of their shipping -$17.49. But, even with that, it may still be less than most others.

I bought the EQ7 and have used it and read most of the manual and watched the videos. It is a great program and it takes a while to learn some of the techniques but once it all sank in the old brain it is easy. I still have a lot to learn but I love it. Can't work on it as much as I would like because I'm on this board and trying to catch up.

No, I haven't ordered from them but only because the budget can't stand it yet. When I do, I'm ordering from them tho. I'm on her mailing list/blog and she has some wonderful prices and lots of GIVEAWAYS! :thumbup:

I think that EQ 7 was created just for me. It is seriously worth being a bono fide registerd user of the program. There are rewards for this, free fabric downloads, free tech help, serious discounts on upgrades and other percs. There is a big difference between 5 and 6, 6 being easier to use, fewer steps and 7 has more options for those of us who also like to play with art type hangings.
A coworker, nonquilter, said that the price of the software was really small considering it's capabilities, a real value. Am looking for the Fran Gonzales tutorial book, makes learning the program so much easier.

I remember when I got the very first Quilt Program. It was about $30. My husband said as he helped install on our computer , "Don't expect a lot for $29.99. " We were both amazed at what it could do. -- I continue to be amazed!
Mary

I am computer challenged. Do you'll think it would be worth it for me. I also work full time so wouldn't have alot of time to work on it. :(

Debo...I think you might not want to invest in this. Maybe try it on a friend's computer first. I had to practice...practice..practice. But I can spend hours on something like that because I love exploring the software.

Debo...I think you might not want to invest in this. Maybe try it on a friend's computer first. I had to practice...practice..practice. But I can spend hours on something like that because I love exploring the software.

about 14 to 16 years ago I bought EQ2, THEN I bought my first ever computer! LOL did not even know how to turn on or off a computer. had to learn how to use the computer, then learned how to use EQ2, and I have up graded each time up to EQ6, I have yet to get up grade to 7, but you can bet I sure will! I also got the block base and a couple of the stashs, I LOVE EQ, and each one is better than the last. Now I use it to design all my quilts. Makes it so handy also to just find out id you have enough of each of your chosen fabrics on hand to do the quilt, or if you will have to make adjustments befor you start. Sure saves me lots od "oh snerts I ran out of fabric!" moments. I know ahead of time if what I have is enough or not, befor I ever make my first cut,into real fabric. For me it has been worth every cent! Would not give mine up for anything. First tool I use in making a new quilt.

But from what I understand, you have to have EQ6 installed or have the serial number from it (not sure which) in order to install the EQ7 upgrade.

I bought mine also pre-sale for $189Australian. It is worth every penny. You can not only use their block library, there is a fabric library,your fabrics that you can put into the computer and then use it to design what ever size and color block and quilt. This one also tells you how to incorporate your photos into your quilt too and shows you how to print it out onto fabric. But you need to go slow and listen to the videos until you have it right. I also have EQ5 & EQ6, thanks to a friend of mine. I had EQ7 before EQ6 so I go straight to 7 for what I want to do now. I have only had my laptop for about 18months, so I am still learning on both computer and the EQ7program. If you have a friend with the EQ6 program ask to be show how it works and then see for yourself it you want to buy one for yourself. You DO NOT need EQ6. You get everything with the EQ7 and it shows you how to do everything from down load to using it.

I'm guessing here that EQ7 (or any version) is a Windows based program, right, so it won't run on Mac's.

yes, unfortunately, that's correct :cry:

Pati, in Phx[/quote]
But from what I understand, you have to have EQ6 installed or have the serial number from it (not sure which) in order to install the EQ7 upgrade.[/quote]

Yes you have to have "proof" that you purchased the previous version (or, in some cases, the one before that) to get the upgrade. After all, the discount is because you are a previous customer. <G> (and it is the serial number you need. Don't have to actually load the software if it is to a "new" computer.

Pati, in Phx

But I know of several people who successfully run EQ on Macs with "Parallels" or such.

Pati, in Phx

When I got EQ4, I got "EQ4 Simplified" by Fran Gonzales. You can use that book with any of the programs. I think she came out with another one. I love it and followed some of those lessons with great success. I recommend getting one of her books to help you.

One thing: there is great customer service with the program. I'm new to it, and any question that I've sent them has been answered thoroughly and right away. So you're not all alone on your own with the software.

Debo, I am computer challenged also. The getting started book is so well written that all you have to know is how to push the button to turn it on.
One of my former beaus is the local computer guru and he said that the book is the best tute he has ever seen. If I can make the program work anyone can.
I have ADD and absolutely no patience with graph paper and colored pencils.

Thank you all so much for the advice.

I think I'm convinced to buy it. I may ask for it for Christmas. - If I can wait!

Amazon has it now for under $150:

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_725r1nbpei_e

Wow - The Amazon price is good!

I got 7 a few months ago but I haven't had time to sit down and go through step by step. I know that when I do I will be loving it :) but I want to make sure that I won't have too many distractions so that I can give the time needed to get 'lost' in having fun :)

I would suggest you get it now for the $150. It may go up around Christmas. But it is well worth it no matter how you pay for it. I will suggest that you go through ALL of the videos. It helped me understand how to use the EQ7 and the different patterns available is staggering. Enjoy it costumegirl

My DH just called my attention to the fact that the Amazon price has now returned to the $180 price. I did find it here for under $150, don't know how long it will last.

http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/tacony-eq7.php

I just received my EQ Dear Jane CD and book. I will wait until tomorrow to set it into my computer. I had a busy day today. A friend used her embroidery machine and did the words for my daughter's wedding anniversary. Her payment was for a block of mint chocolate but before I left her sewing room I left a $5 note. She will not go into that room until tomorrow. Boy she did a good job. When I finish doing the top I will show you what it looks like. I have used the EQ7 and had been able to scan my fabric into the programe and set that fabric into the block I was working on. It looks great and I think it is worth even your $180. Hopefully you can get it cheaper.