Debbie Nivison, Queen Bee
The Tar River Piecemakers Quilt Guild (TRPQG) EQ8 Electric Quilt Bee utilizes a computer program designed to assist in quilt design, widely utilized by quilt designers to develop their quilt patterns. Like any computer program, EQ8 presents a learning curve. One member has over eight years of experience using EQ7 and EQ8, and has become well-acquainted with the software. Although EQ8’s predecessor, EQStitch, was once available for embroidery design, it is no longer supported, that member has switch to Embrilliance software for embroidery needs.
EQ8 is the preferred tool for developing quilt ideas, making modifications to quilt designs, or creating digital copies of patterns to prevent loss. While EQ8 excels in many areas, it does not provide instructions on how to stitch out a quilt block. In such cases, the user utilizes EQ8 to recreate and analyze the block, breaking it down to understand its assembly for sewing purposes. The program also facilitates converting blocks into foundation paper piecing patterns and enables the printing of the necessary pieces.
In addition, EQ8 offers printing capabilities that assist in estimating yardage or fat quarters required for a quilt. When determining quilting patterns, the user can print a basic layout of the quilt and use colored pencils to experiment with different quilting designs. Although EQ8 provides numerous features to aid quilters, the user acknowledges there is still much more to explore and learn about the software’s full potential.
Meetings are held on the 4th Saturday at 10:00 am in the Imperial Centre, Education Building, 344 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC. All are welcome.
For more information contact Debbie Nivison at deb2222ah@gmail.com .