I’m here to tell you about a new product called EQ Mini!  I have been a happy EQ7 user for quite a few years now.  It’s a complicated but useful program that has allowed me to create some really intricate paper pieced patterns.  I highly recommend it but it isn’t for everyone. For some, it is more than they need and too much to comprehend all at once.  I know a number of people who have purchased it and put it away because it felt overwhelming.  EQ Mini is a great way to get your feet wet and get accustomed to designing using a software package.  You might find that it is just right for you or you might choose to upgrade later on.

Let me tell you a little bit about it.  When you download EQ Mini, you being by choosing your quilt layout from the selections shown above.  You can pick a traditional grid layout or turn it on point; you can work with strips that are either horizontal or vertical.  And it’s super easy to adapt these designs in the next step called “adjust layout”.  You can change the number of rows, block size, and sashing width.

In the next step, “edit borders,” you can decide to add a border and adjust its width.  You can also choose to piece the border in a number of different ways.

And finally, in the last screen, “design quilt,” you pick blocks from a block library and place them in the layout.  Then you can choose solid colors and fabric patterns and color in the blocks with a few simple clicks of your mouse.

Here is a very basic quilt that I designed by choosing a traditional grid layout with no sashing or borders.  Then I selected a Classically Pieced-Diamond in Square block.  I recolored it using solid colors from the fabric library.

Depending on the tool that you select from the tool bar in the far right, you can change all the blue to another color in one click.  Or, you can change the color of one individual piece, should you want to create a scrappy design.

Here’s an example of the log cabin block inserted into the “on point” grid and recolored with a variety of grey and peach fabric prints provided in the fabric library.

I decided to try adding a border and it was a cinch!

I think that the row quilt layout is a really great feature.  You can quickly create a quilt like this using the “Point A” selection.  I adjusted the number of points in a row, the height of the row and length of the row.  Then I colored the triangles.

Next, I changed the coloring of the same layout to try a zig zag.  It was so quick and easy.  And it gives you a really good idea of what your options are for your finished quilt.  It also allows you to print estimated fabric yardage for your design (which I have found to be quite accurate in EQ7).

EQ Mini is a great tool for those who want to create layouts of various styles with blocks that are provided by the software.  If you need more options than that and want to design your own blocks, you will need EQ7.  But now, there is an EQ for everyone!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of EQ Mini, please visit my IG account today.  You can find me @duringquiettime.  Look for the graphic below in my photostream.  Leave a comment for one entry.  Tag friends in additional comments for more entries!  The giveaway will run from the 14th -17th.  On the evening of the 17th, I will draw one lucky winner’s name!

If you want to learn more about EQ Mini, visit their website here.  If you want to go ahead and jump in, use the code DQTF16 for a 20% discount on the software.