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Design Software
springertigger Beginner Member since 8/20/12 Posts: 12	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/5/12 9:12 AM It's been a long long long long time since I've done any quilting. I'm just getting back into it. But, I've got this burning desire to create and sew. (lol, don't laugh at me, I want to make quilted crate pads for my dogs and my friends' dogs.) It's been so long that my stash is all gone; most of my supplies are gone. I'm pretty much starting over from scratch. I invested in a new Babylock Ellegante 3 earlier this fall. I've bought a few magazines, checked out several block books from the library. But, I really want some design software so that I can more easily see what an idea might look like when it's completed. Back in the Dark Ages, I had a copy of Electric Quilt - it would have been circa 2001-2002, so maybe Electric Quilt 1 or 2. I would be willing to make that work for a while, until I seriously get back into sewing again. But, it's on an ancient laptop that refuses to turn on. And, after all these years, I have no clue where the disc might be. So, I started looking at the current options. I would love Electric Quilt 7, but it's a bit more than I want to spend right now. (I've been spending a lot building stash, supplies and payments on the Babylock. ) But, I'm not really sure that the other options would give me what I want. I want to be able to design and visualize a variety of quilt tops - playing with color and tone. I would expect that for a while, I would mostly use traditional blocks - but maybe in unique (to me) ways. I need to be able to print out patterns once I get things designed. Fabric estimates would be helpful. And, maybe the ability to print out something that could be put up on a design board so I can keep my eye on the prize as I work through the process. Do I need Electric Quilt 7 for this? Is there something else that would meet my needs? Right now, of course, everyone is having pre-holiday sales. If I can, I would like to be able to take advantage. Help? Thanks! Polly - Iowa/USA
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 12/15/02 Posts: 5212	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/5/12 10:01 AM Well can always do it old school with graph paper and colored pencils lol. I would look through some of the pinned topics for ideas. There are so many websites out there with great quilt blocks, patterns and ideas you could literally spend all day browsing. I would think the software would be good to get the measurements depending on what size you want to make etc. But as I said graph paper and colored pencils and calculator work just as well. A lot cheaper too lol. ------ quiltingwolf.blogspot.com
CJ Tinkle Intermediate AR USA Member since 2/5/06 Posts: 978	Login to reply to this post In reply to springertigger << Like this post Date: 12/5/12 10:42 AM EQ7 is the bomb, I can't imagine life without it! I design all my quilts in it, and on the rare occasion that I make someone else's pattern, I first redraw it in EQ so I can make any modifictions I want, or simply for the learning experience. However, if cost is an issue, take a look at EQ's Quilt Design Wizard, it's not very expensive at all and might fill your needs. ------ Bernina Artista 630 ✂ Bernina Aurora 430 ✂ Bernina 1300MDC ✂ Babylock BLCS ✂ APQS Millennium ✂ Singer 201-2 ✂ Singer 301 ✂ Singer 401A ✂ Singer 15-91 ✂ Singer Featherweight 222K ✂ Singer Featherweight 221 www.tinkletimes.com
springertigger Beginner Member since 8/20/12 Posts: 12	Login to reply to this post In reply to CJ Tinkle << Like this post Date: 12/5/12 11:13 AM I was looking at the Quilt Design Wizard last night. But, it says it's limited to 200 block patterns. lol, I've looked at library books that had more blocks than that and been frustrated at the "lack of selection" Otherwise, it sounds great.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/5/12 1:01 PM For anything the dogs are going to paw at, make the blocks as large as possible to eliminate the many seams to a few. Also, plan on 1/2" seams instead of the traditional 1/4". Toe nails can rip the fabrics, so use sturdy, tightly woven types. I put a zipper in one end of the cover tor easily remove it for washing. -- Edited on 12/5/12 1:02 PM -- ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman

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