Is it worth the money?

EQ8 review.

 I bought EQ8 because I like designing my own blocks/quilts and wanted to start doing it easier and on a more professional level.

I had tried an earlier version of EQ but it did not do everything I wanted.

I have a friend who has EQ8 but she mainly uses it to audition fabrics, that she scans into the program, to see exactly how her finished quilt will look. But as I said I wanted it so I could design blocks and quilts.

So I purchased EQ8 and have not regretted it one bit.

I have an idea for a block, I open EQ8 and within minutes the block, templates and quilt layout are a reality. I can draw, the block, with straight lines, curves, arcs, I can flip blocks and clone parts of a block ( great when designing applique).

If I have drawn my block as a eg 6x6” but decide I would like it to be 8x8’ or 6x12” I just change the dimensions, at the top of the grid and presto the block is resized.

Once I am happy with my block ie size and design I can then put it into a quilt template, choosing exactly how many blocks horizontally and vertically and therefore how big the quilt will be. There are several quilt top templates eg horizontal, on point, baby block, horizontal and vertical strips. I can print the quilt top ready to play with colouring in ( example figure 1) OR I can “colour” in the block using fabric from the fabric library then put it into the quilt to see how it looks. Figure 1

Once I have the block in the quilt I can rotate the blocks either individually or all at the same time. There is also a “symmetry” function that will rotate the blocks in the quilt giving you all possible layout. Figure 2 and 3 are examples of the same block, as used in figure 1, but in different layout. Figure 2

Figure 3

If I am happy with the block and quilt I can then print the templates for the block, with or without seam allowances OR I can print a foundation pattern, if applicable OR rotary cutting instructions, if  when you are using one fabric for the background throughout the quilt. No more buying too little fabric or way too much fabric.

There are tools within EQ8 that I do not use very often but the tools I do use I use all the time so I have definitely got more than my money’s worth out of EQ8. I can see myself using it for many years to come.

If you have any question re how I use EQ8 or if there is something you would like to do in EQ8 but are not sure if it is possible please do not hesitate to ask. If I don’t know the answer I will endeavour to find out for you. EQ8 are also very quick at responding to any questions.

I hope this has been helpful if you have been thinking “is it worth the money?”

Margaret

My top 5 holiday prep tips.

A little prep goes a long way

I am not really an App kind of person BUT these two I find just so helpful when prepping for holidays.

1.    PackTeo. This App suggests things you might need to pack under various heading eg documents, clothing, hygiene, first aid kit, electronics. You can also put items into the “Carry On Bag” section. There is a packing for children suggestion list too. You can personalise the list by add items to the lists as you think of them leading up to the time of actually packing. As you pack you tick of each item ensuring you leave nothing behind.

2.    Ulmon. Offline maps you can access when travelling. In the weeks leading up to departure you pin all the places of interest you want to visit on the city map. Then you can see the proximity of all the attraction so you can plan each day so you don’t miss a thing. Pin the attraction in each city and you are ready to go. Thank you, Heather, for introducing me to these two Apps.

3.    I like to buy a new scarf/wrap for my trip. The scarf can be a light blanket on the plane, a quick shoulder or head cover when going to a church or mosque or a wrap to jazz up a plain t shirt or little black dress. I tend to buy one with a few colours in it so it goes with everything.

4.    I like to prep my travel handbag early, then it is once less thing to do as the trip gets closer. Now I know everyone has their own idea about what constitutes a good handbag, but I will tell you what I love about mine. It has lots of pockets for starters. I always carry my passport in the outside pocket next to my body when I am at the airport. There are two smaller outside pockets on the other side, the top one always has lip balm, tissues, nail file and a small tube of hand cream. The bottom one has two pens, for filling out all the airport paperwork, and some zip ties for our suitcases. We are zip tie people rather than locks. In the main centre compartment of the bag I have my phone, book and glasses. My bag is starting to look a little worse for wear but as I have not found a replacement for it yet it will be coming with me on my next trip next month.

5.    Sewing of course, I am a patchworker after all. I sew at airports, on plane and trains. I like to take enough hand sewing so that I still have some for the flight home. Choosing the blocks and fabrics and cutting out the pieces can take some time so start early. I take all my blocks laid out in a Jen Kingswell Block Wrap so they are nicely contained and ready to be sewn.  Remember no scissors in your carry on but I have never had a problem with needles or pins.  

I love to travel and have missed it over the last two and a half years. In fact I had sort of forgotten how to prep for travel, writing this blog has reminded me that the prepping and anticipation of travel is half the fun.

Remember to “Travel with open eyes, an open heart and an open mind and you will be reward with unforgettable unique memories and experiences.”

Margaret