I use my EQ8 about once a month and really appreciate it. I use it for basic questions - size of quilt with X number of blocks and what size borders to use. I have also used it to make certain a quilt with over 150 blocks didn't have two blocks with the same color side by side (I imported the fabric from Kaffe Fasset website). I use it to design some pretty simple quilts. I am very happy with it.

I purchased the EQ8 Training manual for about $30 and it has been helpful in the learning curve.

I don't have EQ8 but use my EQ7 all the time. I agree with whoever said it is not for people who have to have a pattern and actually follow the pattern. I have to do it my way, because most of the time I can't understand what the patterns are telling me to do. Unless it is a Judy Neimeyer PP pattern, I almost always redraw the quilt in EQ7. Then I see about colors and do I want sashings or not? Do I want corner blocks in the sashings or not? How do I want the borders? It really helps me decide on a design, but even then, I may change it as I go. My friend calls me a quilt rebel. I prefer to think of myself as a free thinker and artiste'. "smile"

One thing I've found with EQ; if I can't figure out how to do something, I email my question to the company and they always answer quickly and helpfully. So I know that anything I need to do in EQ I'll be able to, even if it requires their help. I use EQ often.

I just bought an EQ8 and am (slowly) learning how to use it.
That said, I have already designed a placemat from scratch and I have copied a block that I wanted to increase the size of, so it isn't brain surgery.
The idea that I can draw things or import pictures and turn them into paper piecing is a real plus to me.

Watson

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I agree, I mostly use EQ if I want to change the size of a quilt, it will figure out the correct yardage