I use graph paper also quiltin-nannie, I have always designed my own quilts. Thats how I've always done it. I guess I would rather spend my money on quilting supplies also!

I use EQ7 a lot. It never was confusing to me, it's just a click and do program. I started with chapter one of the book and it was easy to follow along. I buy new items to see if I will use them. I don't buy thinking I will really use this a lot. Some I don't like to use and that doesn't bother me and I don't know why it should.

I did sell my first copy of EQ 7. Then my friend came to visit last August and he brought me his copy that he had bought and gave it to me because he couldn't figure it out either. I figure I'm not out any money on it so I will hang on to it and maybe, just maybe, I will figure it out!

I noticed that there are still openings at the Cincinnati quilt show for EQ7 classes, I would love to take some of those!

If you dont like to work with computers, EQ is a challenge. I have it, never use it. I dont take the time to learn it.oh well.
Sandy

I have EQ7 & love it. There are somethings I need help with like the drawing, can't seem to master it but love the other features especially the block choices & being able to use colors to get an idea of what works & what doesn't. Many great features.

I also have EQ7 and find the learning curve quite tough, more so the remembering after not using it for a while. I would also give it a D rating. I think in order to really benefit from it one would have to use it every day and that can be time consuming, time I'd rather use working on a project . I have used it a couple of times for making quilt layouts but that is about it.

Yeah,I had great plans for the EQ7, too. I actually purchased EQ5 and have been upgrading from there. I just don't give it enough time to learn it, so haven't really done very much. When I think of cost vs value, I'd say the Rowenta irons I've had are a waste. They ALWAYS leak. I'm back to Black and Decker for $20.

It is a difficult program to learn, what really ticks me off is that being an EQ6 owner I cannot use free EQ7 patterns....just seems wrong. I won't buy EQ7, there are so many things that could/should be easier, if it was built more like some of the graphic programs available (MSpublisher for instance) it would be more user friendly.
IMHO.

Reeze Hanson is doing a terrific series of EQ7 tutorials in The Quilt Pattern Magazine. For anyone who's interested, you can check out the magazine at www.quiltpatternmagazine.com.