EQ Giveaway! EQ Video!
I use and love EQ8 quilt design software. I came on board around 2006 or 2007 with EQ5 or so. I was not computer-savvy but EQ was user-friendly and easy to learn, and it’s even more so now.
I’m partnering with The Electric Quilt Company over a few months’ time to show how powerful EQ8 really is. Lately I’ve been playing with one particular design and yesterday I learned how to record what’s happening on my computer screen. This makes it possible to show you much more about EQ and how I use it.
If you read my post One Hot Mess, and Its Redemption you know something of this quilt design already.
Let me show you in a quick video a little more of how this design evolved.
Here is Part 1 of the evolution.
One bit of info you might find interesting about EQ8: You can design in solid colors or you can use fabric swatches.
I will often test a design both ways. Solid colors are great when you’re getting started on a design. They help you not to be distracted by the beauty of the fabrics.
Sometimes I design only in shades of gray so that the color doesn’t get in the way of the main idea, either. Let’s come back to that.
Here is Part 2 of the evolution video.
Just to clarify, what you are seeing in the videos is the set of quilt design possibilities that evolved as I worked on this over several days. The actual design process happens on a different screen called the quilt worktable, which would make a good video on another day.
This is one of the possibilities that I rather like, although it is very pink. But check it out in shades of gray.
Designing in grayscale is tantalizing. I think of Japanese quilters and how they make the most marvelous designs with the fabrics collectively known as taupes.
Let’s have a giveaway!
This giveaway is for one copy of EQ8 quilt design software, generously provided by The Electric Quilt Company. The giveaway entries will be gathered from comments on this post and also from comments on an Instagram post @stashbanditquilting\\. And yes, if you’re in both places, you can enter in both places.
so you can see many designs at once. https://electricquilt.com/
To be entered here, leave a comment before midnight at day’s end on Friday, July 31 and answer this: How do you see yourself using EQ8 quilt design software? If you’re unfamiliar with the software, some of the possibilities would be:
- Design original quilts
- Design original blocks
- Resize designs I find elsewhere
- Try out different colors in patterns I already own
- See current fabrics mocked up in traditional quilts
- Design a modern quilt
- Move from traditional to modern concepts just for fun
If you don’t happen to win or you just can’t wait, you can use code EQ8STASHBANDIT to save 20% off the entire website at electricquilt.com.
That’s a generous discount on a power tool for quilters!
Quilt on,
Edited to add: The winner of the EQ giveaway is Heather White. Thanks so much for all your comments. This is valuable feedback, and I’ll use it to create more EQ videos.
Tags: electric quilt, electric quilt company, EQ8, giveaways, original quilt designs, quilt design
Jean
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Thank you for the contest! I have EQ 7 but really have never mastered it. I could see myself using EQ8 in many ways…….resizing designs……….trying to design new blocks and quilts………try out different colors in patterns I already own. Also figuring out complicated borders.
Cindy Golding
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Resizing and designing. I had an older version. I hope this one is easier for a novice computer user. My computer skills have improved though.
Marty Link
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I have always wanted to try this software to see what different color and texture combinations would look like,
Julie Mirdoch
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I’d probably use mostly to design mini quilts, which I absolutely love. l also to possibly re-size quilts. That’s always hard for me.
Kathy Gilson
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I would really like to be able to try different colors of fabrics in patterns I already have. I have so much fabric, and many patterns. I’m a collector!!!
Meylonie Schatz
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I can see myself using EQ8 for all of the above suggestions. I just got a new computer today and made sure it would be compatible with this program.
Teresa Scott
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To be able to up my game so to speak would be awesome! Thank you for this opportunity.
LeeAnn J Meduna
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I think I would use EQ8 to try to design, something I’ve never done!
Barb K
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I would like to try quilt design–also playing with different color choices would be fun!!
ALISON
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Thanks for sharing! So many possibilities!
Beth T.
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Right now I am designing all of my quilts using pencils and draft paper. This is familiar, but can be tricky if the math isn’t easily divisible or the shapes don’t involve straight lines. I spend way too much time double-checking math and trying to figure out yardage, time I would rather spend quilting (or looking at fabric, to be honest). EQ8 would give me more time to be creative, and, as a person with lupus, would make the most of the energy I have.
Whiskers
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Designing quilts is my favorite part of the process. I have sketches scattered all over the place. Hmmm…. having them all in the same place might be very nice.
And that pink one you are working on. Looks like “Barbwire Twist” to me.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Ingrid Linck
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Thanks for the give away!!
I never used any electronic tools for designing my blocks, normally I just sketch on my notebook. But I would love to learn and design my own blocks and quilts with EQ8.
Sue Nelson
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EQ looks like a fabulous tool to use! Would love to be able to work with this.
Verna
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I want to design my own quilt someday, and easily be able to resize designs. It was cool watching your quilt evolve in the videos!
Sharon
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It is a TIE! Twinkle Bright and Color Coded are both saved and on my must make list!
Julie
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I would design original quilts. Thanks for posting the videos and other information making this look so doable.
Christine Scott
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I am new to EQ but would love to get started on a new part of the quilting program. I also have a granddaughter that is wanting to learn some basic sewing/quilting techniques during this quarantined time. I think this could be a perfect tool for us to use to design some basic patterns together.
Sheri Woods
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I’ve been considering getting EQ8 for some time, because I always see a pattern I want to try out in different colorways, or create my own version of a block but change it up. I don’t have enough colored pens and pencils to have all the colors of the universe, but I do revert to graph paper and try to visualize what my mind is doing. I am such a visual person that I have to “see it” before I can do it. Thanks for these quick lessons – very fun! Your voice is always so nice to listen to as well!!
Tiffany Newton
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I would love to be able to design my own quilts with this software. So much math now!
Nichole Bryant
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I would love to test modern colors in traditional design and then to create some more geometric Escher-esque patterns would be amazing! We have experimented with using a kid’s spirograph but couldn’t get it right! imagine this program would be amazing to experiment with those ideas!
Mary Beth
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I would do all of the things you mentioned, but would like to be able to design BOM blocks for my quilt guild’s BOM program. Thanks, Diane for this intro and the video is great!
Ronda
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I would use the EQ8 software to help me with my color challenge when designing quilts. Than you for this opportunity
Marlene Kleppinger
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design my own quilts
Leslie
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I would love to try out EQ8 as I have never used it before!!
Glenda Shaw
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Would love to try it!!
Glenda Shaw
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Would love to try it!
Gale
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I could use this to try my ideas for original quilts, plug fabrics into blocks and combine blocks to see how they go together.
Diane B Paul
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I have eq8 and love it. Also there are free lessons on the website and wonderful books to help you learn all the wonderful things that can be done. I’ve been using the software since version 5 and 8 is really wonderful. But there is a learning curve so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get to do everything you want the first time. Also having a mouse rather than relying on the pad on your computer when you do the drawing is very helpful. One other thing I want to warn people about. You can make so many wonderful virtual quilts it may cut into your sewing time and even if you make tops you may never quilt them because it’s so much fun designing them.
Since I’ve got the program I don’t expect to be in the drawing but wanted to say how wonderful it is and the support staff at EQ are really great at helping if you run into a problem.
Katy Coleman
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I have been afraid of tring this for years, but your post just may encourage me to take the leap. Thanks for this!
sherry vinton
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Wow, this would be a great tool. Just discovered your blog, as a fellow Husker so happy to discover you!
Diane Harris
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Yay! Great to meet you, too!😊
Amy Brandt
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I would love to try designing my own quilts. EQ8 is on my wish list so I don’t have to draw it out on graph paper anymore!
Deb Simich
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I’ve been on the fence about designing my own quilts with a software program but like the idea of taking a simple block and pairing it with a different block so that would be a great way to start.
Jane
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I would love to design quilts for charity quilt giving. I have used the program on a friend’s computer and really love the options!
JoyceO
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EQ8 would be a new adventure for me! 😂
Debra Ferris
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Would be fun to design a quilt or a block that can be edited and used in a variety of quilts to give them different looks.
Jonnie
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I struggle with colors, so EQ could help me see what looks good before I start cutting up my stash.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Monica Gerhart
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I would love to import my own fabrics into the program and create quilts
Heather White
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I would really love this! I have so many ideas for quilts in my head and I would love to be able to see them in real life.
maureen sopko
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I’m fascinated by EQ8. I think I would audition different colors on traditional patterns first and then try to design a modern quilt
Janiece Goin
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Thanks Diane! You got me excited to even think about a computer program for quilting. I would play with all the options. It would look so much better than my pencil drawings on graph paper. Loved your presentation.
DEB WORTHMAN
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I see myself taking my grandmother’s quilts and redesigning them with the software program.
Mitzi
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I was thinking that it is a great designing tool for blocks and quilts, and I would definitely use it that way. When I saw it could be used to resize quilts, I really liked that!
Beth Bishop
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I love making traditional quilts with some kind of twist. EQ8 would let me play with ideas and colors faster than drafting and coloring on graph paper.
DANIELLE N BATTEN
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It would be nice to “play” with a quilt design before chopping up all the fabric!
Ana Earl
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I just received my second graph paper spiral notebook to help me in designing my quilts using up my scraps. EQ8 sounds like a new learning curve for me to further the designs rattling in my head. Plus I can leave my granddaughter’s color pencils alone lol. Thank you for giving us this chance to win! PIECE ON!
kathy pfaltzgraff
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Thanks Diane, for sharing your EQ8 designs. I have an earlier version, but never took time to master it; now I get fabric projects started and get bogged down, I would like to go a different layout or change up my scrap color ideas but not wanting to ruin anything! I let it sit, instead. This might be the boost I need. A Colorado neighbor, Kathy in Colo
Trudi Noonan
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I had an early version way back in the early 2000’s but due to moves around Nebraska I no longer have that computer or the discs, plus they would be non supported now…it had to be 17 yrs or so ago. Now that I am better with computers and now an educater I can teach myself the software easier. Would lobe a shit at it
Robin J
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Using EQ to audition colors would up my quilting confidence! Using it to calculate fabric needs as well as rotary cutting direction would be helpful when designing a quilt. Lastly, to be able to create a block/quilt and to be able to print a foundation paper pattern or a template would be so exciting!
cathy k
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I would use the EQ8 to play. it would be fun to see what kind to designs I could come up with.
Donna Petrmichl
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I would love this program for color. That’s what I struggle with. This would be amazing. Thank you
Barbara Geigle
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I would love to try EQ8. I have tried another brand software that is hard to use and is glitchy.
Mary Wood
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Today is my birthday, maybe it will be my lucky day. I recently retired and now have more time to spend quilting. I would love to have EQ8 to try designing my own quilts. It would save so much time instead of drawing on paper. It also would help with color choices. It would be great to be able to see the total effect of different placements
Dorothy Willingham
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I would really like one……I never have used one, but love any type of technology!!!
JOAN WORKMAN
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EQ8? That would be so helpful in quilt layout. Sometimes I need help envisioning how sashing would look…and I get out the old pencil and graph paper…EQ would be so much easier! Thanks for the chance to WIN!
Sandi Cox
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I’ve yet to jump on the bandwagon for any design software but have been exposed by several instructors and users to various verison of EQ. I would love to be the winner so I begin the journey from design to finished product.
Susan E.
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I like to play with using different angles to create circular effects. I can see using EQ8 to quickly identify how scale, pattern, and color can amplify the feeling of motion in my quilts.
Rita Hope-Haverman
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Of course designing my own quilt but it would be super helpful plugging in colors for an existing quilt block. Endless possibilities. Thank you for this giveaway.
Lorna Davis
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Hi Diane, I would love to try EQ8, just to see my ideas outside of my head, before cutting!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Here’s to a healthy August!
Stephani Belt
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I have always wanted to give this software a try. Thanks for the contest and opportunity to win.
Ellen N
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Thanks for the wonderful tips on using the EQ8. i love software that allows us to create. Would love to give it a try and be able to make my own designs.
Dena
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I would love to try my hand at EQ rather than graph paper and colored pencils to design my quilts. Been quilting for 10 years and love to make my own pattern or layouts. Thank you for the chance to enter to win a copy.
Karen Emerton
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Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
Mary Ellen Winter
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Oh my what a wonderful prize! I have wanted to try the EQ software FOREVER. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Catherine G
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I would imagine that the EQ 8 quilt design software would be a great asset to help me use up my stash of fabric and produce some wonderful new creative projects!
Doreen
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Thank you for having this wonderful giveaway. I’ve thought of getting this software but was afraid I would not be able to use it. But after your review of it I think I can! I would use it to design quilts and blocks and just to have fun playing around with color and all kinds of designs.
Thanks again.
Jessica Vaughn
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I would like to use EQ8 in designing my own quilts. I have so many ideas in my head!
Debbie Damitio
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I would love this to try out different colors!! And I’m sure a lot of other things!!
Cynthia Dahlgrejn
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If I had this software, I could design the quilts that hang around in my head and haunt me at night. Like many people, math isn’t my strong point, so to design on graph paper just isn’t going to work!
Ann Tvrdik
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I have EQ7 but have not spent much time to learn it. When I started quilting I had a very simple computer program which I used a lot but when I got a new computer it wasn’t compatible. Would like to use EQ8 to design quilts and learn more about value in helping to add dynami vs to quilts. Thank you for the demonstration. Now to get motivated to learn more.
Donna Gillespie
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Wow….looks amazing..have never tried EQ and would love to try!
Wilma Kinder
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I have never used any quilt designing software, but I can see myself using it first to design blocks. Then designing quilts and learning all aspects of the software. Thank you for the opportunity.
Meredith Eaton
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I would love to be able to play with scale and repetition on original blocks to see how it affects a traditional or more modern aesthetic. So interested in this program!
Diane H
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I have never used any quilting software and would love to go nuts trying everything it does!
Karen Campbell
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I would love EQ 8 to resize current patterns to use for Linus quilts. I also struggle with color combinations so would definitely use it for that. I think it might be time to restart Dear Jane too!!
Juls E
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Designing. I want to flip, rotate, recolor, recombine, stretch, shrink, and all those other things that are so cumbersome with graph paper! Time to stop being a technopeasant.
Clara R Haessig
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I would have fun and come up with some strange, unique, and fun to make quilts and more. This looks like fun on a rainy day with a cup of my fav soda, mountain dew. Thanks for all you do.
Kathy Cummings
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I would design modern quilts!!! This is exciting!! Thank you!!!
Sue Roy
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I’ve never used EQ. The ideas can just keep coming. I love the scrappy look in the ideas for quilts!
Tammy Howell
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Wow! I would love to have this software! I love to design quilts and blocks but have a hard time with math and resizing. This program would be used every day at my house.
Terri Cochran
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I recently designed a quilt with my friend Cheryl on EQ8. I found it to be much easier to follow and understand the process. I can’t wait to design my own blocks, boarders and to work with color. So exciting.
Ellen
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I love designing quilts. EQ8 is a far cry from my current pen to paper/graph paper methods!
Kim McGranahan
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I would love the EQ8. I currently do not have any software. I have been using colored pencil and graph paper.