EQ8 Change of Heart to a Like

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know that Sue and I have a hate relationship with EQ8, the quilter’s design software package.

EQ8 Software

I know, hate is a very strong word but it does did accurately reflect our feelings for the software.  Ever so slowly, my opinion has been changing.  For this change, I thank Kathleen at Kathleen McMusing.  Earlier this year, I contemplated going to Ohio for hands-on training on the software.  Kathleen also considered it and decided instead to opt for online training.

EQ8 Challenges and Successes

Classes that are delivered to your email (!!) three times a week are pretty darn convenient.  They are comprised of short videos (less than 10 minutes usually) that walk you through each topic.  I signed up on the waitlist back in February and came off the waitlist April 1.  Initially, I signed up for six months or the first six lessons, and I am pretty darn certain I will be signing up for an additional amount of time.  The first month’s topic was Working With Fabric and I have learned a lot!  How to import fabric lines into EQ8, where to find them to import, how to adjust them to scale, etc.  Very valuable!  I didn’t know I was a fan of medallion quilts; that is until we made this Mariner’s compass center.

Compass

EQ8 Month Four

Just following along on the various topics offered, I am about one month behind.  July’s topic is adding borders to medallion quilt centers.  I was thrilled in the first or second lesson we already went beyond the basic border to nine-patch cornerstones.

There is hope for a paper-pieced sew along after all.  The software is starting to make sense.  <gasp>

 

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14 Responses

  1. dezertsuz says:

    Oh, a little understanding can change our minds about so many things! Good for you for doing something about this, and for choosing a way you could work at your own pace, and not have to remember everything from a short weekend course. Or even week-long course!

  2. Vicki in MN says:

    Boy I am so happy to hear you are liking it now!! Is this Kari’s classes you are doing?

  3. That Mariner’s Compass center is just great. I’m liking the software fine so far but have only used it to design simple quilts. I hope after I attend the academy next month that I will have more knowledge to design something paper pieced. We’ll see! Take care, Mary.

  4. Barbara Esposito, The Quilted B says:

    I am going to be watching you closely because Joe insisted I needed this software and purchased it for me. I looked at it once, fiddled a bit, closed the program, and never, ever opened it again, nor did I even once say, “jeepers, I feel like I need to give it a go again!” Nope, not once.

  5. chrisknits says:

    I need to just upgrade to 8 from mini and get the full capabilities of the program. I am constrained by the limited blocks! Love the Mariner’s!!!

  6. Kathryn says:

    I am a big fan of learning through online sources and its good to hear the EQ8 has worked out for you learning it. So satisfying to get on top of something that is useful but a little dense!

  7. Brenda Ackerman says:

    Hello Roseanne, This is fabulous news to read, because it is a wonderful thing to know a friend is finding happiness in something that has caused a lot of pain. The Mariner’s Compass the two of you designed is gorgeous! I have always considered doing a Medallion Quilt with one of these as the center, but have never found the right one. Maybe you and Sue will be the ones who design it and share it with all of us. Hee, Hee, Hee….I am snickering my devilish little laugh and smiling full force! The other patterns that you have shared are very pretty also! Myself not being a computer savvy person, I have never even looked at the EQ programs. May I enquire why it is necessary to continue to invest in each new program they come out with? Do the other programs not allow you to create a Mariner’s Compass as an example? I am just curious, I am not in any way judging or being disrespectful to anyone!!! I do hope that you continue to have fun and learn all that you and Sue want to!! Have a great day!

  8. Rochelle Summers says:

    Congratulations. I’ve avoided using EQ anything because I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend valuable quilting time learning how to use this software by myself. I didn’t know there were online classes!! And I haven’t seen a reduction in your work on projects and you are working, too!! Maybe there is hope for this old lady. I love your designs..have you converted any to a pieced block?

  9. So which online classes did you take? I just finished the Intro classes. Well, “finished” them as in downloaded the pdfs to do later. I knew most of what was covered already, but they will be good for review. I haven’t signed up for any more, so give me some insight if there’s some classes I should keep in mind. Glad you are liking it more!

  10. Brenda @ Songbird Designs says:

    That’s great, so glad you are enjoying it now. Where did you find the online classes? That would be much easier for me. So far, I’ve just been winging it with EQ8!! But I do love it!

  11. Carol S. says:

    I took a class years ago and learned the basics. After that I’ve just winged it and read tidbits here and there on the internet. I love using EQ and I’m so glad you’re enjoying it now.

  12. I have been wondering how you were doing with this. I am so glad it is helping. A week away and I got behind, but I am a caught up. The design’s are fun and there are one or two I am eager to repeat, just to get it really down. AND, I just did foundation piecing so if you want some help, let me know!

  13. Wow — glad to know online classes are available and seem to be quite detailed. Love your Mariner’s Compass! I’m still on the fence about purchasing the software. On a side note I found some long sleeved shirts I can get one if you haven’t.

  14. Connie says:

    Love the Mariner’s Compass center…seems to me you are acing the teaching material! Too chicken to try the program myself…

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