I really think it is :D:D:D
However, if you consider the amount of enjoyment and entertainment you can get out of this program, it is very comparable to a game box and game :wink:

Maybe try ebay and look for EQ5, it will do all that you are mentioning above and is much more reasonable than EQ6 or EQ7. I have seen EQ5 for $50 on ebay before :D:D:D

I have it and use it a lot. For something less expensive try Quilt Design Wizard. It's a scaled back version of EQ but does the yardage and templates. It would be a good place to start and is under $50. Use a coupon at Joann's and get an even better deal.

I bought EQ and have hardly used it. However I have not tried designing my own patterns, yet. I do plan on spending some time here this summer figuring out how to actually really use the program
It sounds like you like to design you own patterns and it may be just the thing you need.

YES!! Love it play with it all the time. Here's 2 places for $169.00. I know its a lot of money, but even if you find eq6 and then upgrade to 7 it'll cost you more.

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

http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp25482.html

While I've never used it, Quilt Pro has a "lighter" version of it's main software ($140) 1-2-3 Quilt for only $45. Sort of like Photoshop Elements instead of the mothership program.

http://quiltpro.com/page/productMain

It should be able to do simple quilts and print out templates for you.

There is a version of EQ5 on ebay now for $75/free shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Electric-Quilt-5...item588d61958b

I think using 5.0 would be great - I used it for years, and probably could have gotten away with NOT upgrading to 6.
But it would most certainly meet your most basic needs.

You could try posting an ISO request in the Classified section. I've seen them before but as the business is conducted via PM, I don't know how successful the buyers were.

But they do come up on eBay every now and then. Keep checking.

I love mine. you still have to figure out some of the math but it really helps.

OH YES you want to get EQ!! I have done as many as 40 different designs/layouts to accomplish one quilt (that I never was disappointed with!). I had nearly as much fun doing the design as I did making the quilt! I agree with someone that EQ5 is sufficient for your needs. I also agree that the scaled down version like Quilt Pro would be fun for you too. There are no surprises when you have done all the prep work in EQ. Let me show you an example: I only had a 1 1/2 yd remnant to make a quilt. I've shown this quilt before on this forum, since I painted the center to match the remnant fabric. I could not have managed this without first doing it in EQ to assure enough fabric.