EQ's Block Base -opinions
 

I'd like opinions from those who already own it. Do the blocks include any kind of instructions? Are there a lot of applique blocks? I tend to be a pattern follower, but use my EQ7 to test out colors and borders. I have EQ7 and hardly ever use it, but wonder if maybe Block Base is better geared for me. I believe it operates independently of EQ7. Tomorrow is the last day for free shipping and just thought I could get some opinions.

edited to add: Yes, I did look at the video. :o

I have both EQ5 and Block Base. I prefer to draw my own patterns, so very rarely use BB. For the couple of times that I needed it, I could have found a freebie online and drafted it in EQ5. JMHO

I have BB installed on my old computer and would use it to search blocks. I could import the blocks into EQ and get all of the information that EQ generates. No instructions. I have not used it in over a year -- but I was missing it (since it saves me having to draw the block -- if I have a specific block in mind). I know that you can get many of them on the web, but it is great to already have them in digital format. IMHO it is a great resource.

I don't have EQ but I use Block Base quite often to browse the patterns and find names for blocks so I can then search the internet for a free pattern or design my own. It does NOT have instructions. The only applique blocks I remember are traditional pieced blocks with a little applique in the corners or like the handles on baskets.

I use Quilt Pro to design, test color/fabric combinations & determine yardage. Quilt Pro comes with bunches of rotary cutting patterns, some foundation pieced patterns (although it will help you turn any pattern into a foundation pieced pattern), a few applique patterns, some quilting motifs and some embroidery designs. It will also let you import photos for photo quilts and add your own fabrics.

They also make other programs that work with it--Carol Doak foundation piecings, a couple other foundation piecing ones, Mariner's Compass and Strip Piecing that I know of. There is also a free Block of the Day, every day, you can sign up for and download whether you own Quilt Pro or not. If you own it, you can download the block that will be added to the program automatically but if you don't, you can download a pdf chart of the block. It doesn't give you step by step instructions when you design your blocks or quilts (it does both) but it does give cutting charts & yardage. You can adust the yardage by changing the width of fabric. By default, it is 44" but I always change it to 42" and flannel designs, I change to 40" WOF.