EQ Academy is next month and there are still a few seats left! Which class do you want to take? Scroll down for a quick overview of each one, including testimonials from students about the event!
The most popular class:
Class overview: Are you new to EQ8? Have you owned earlier versions but just didn’t use the software? This 2-day class is perfect for beginner EQ8 users needing the full-EQ experience. Take an in-depth tour through the software to get a better understanding of the three worktables, the Project Sketchbook, and how to navigate the entire workspace so you can design your own beautiful blocks and quilts!
Class topics:
- Understanding EQ8 project files and the Project Sketchbook
- Navigating the Quilt, Block, and Image Worktables
- Creating Horizontal and On-point quilts
- Working with and understanding EQ8’s quilt layers
- Creating perfect borders with a click of the mouse
- Printing quilt images and fabric estimates
- Printing templates, rotary cutting charts, foundation patterns
- Drawing simple pieced and applique blocks from scratch
- Searching the Block Library
- Editing blocks from the Block Library
- Searching the Fabric Library
- Adding new fabric to the Fabric Library
Tell me more about this class >
“I was pleasantly surprised – after the first day of the 2-day beginner’s class, I could have left happy with what I learned. Highly recommend.” —Sandra L. from Pennsylvania
The class for returning students:
Class overview: Looking for the next step after taking the 2-day beginner class at a previous EQ Academy? This class is for you! Take what you’ve learned in your previous courses and expand that knowledge with intermediate skills and techniques presented by EQ expert, Yvonne Menear.
Class topics:
- Overview of set up for new projects and setting up your Sketchbook
- Use EQ8 pre-sets to challenge your design skills and keep it simple to accomplish
- Create blocks using all the worktable options, including foundation piecing
- Change the look of blocks with fabric and solid color options
- Use the Image Worktable to import fabrics, including working with panel images
- Personalize quilt labels with photos of family
- Use blocks in various quilt layouts for a unique look
- Set designs on all three layers of the quilt layout
- How and when to use Symmetry to change the quilt layout
- Import blocks from another project
- Search the libraries and add items to the Favorites section
- Discover the unique properties of each of the layout types
- Understand which tools work with each layout
- Explore the differences between similar layouts (Baby Blocks vs. Variable Blocks) with emphasis on how these blocks are measured (edge vs. point-to-point)
- Explore the Layout Library and the options available
- Create One Patch layouts
- Use the Randomize tool to change the look of layouts
- Print yardage estimates and block cutting instructions
Tell me more about this class >
“This showed me some shortcuts I was absolutely unaware of as well as introduced me to some features that would have been useful had I known about them before. I’m looking forward to using my new knowledge!” —Joy S. from Texas
Saturday classes for anyone:
Class overview: This half-day class will show you how simple it is to add your own fabrics and panels to EQ8. Learn how to import fabrics, straighten, scale, crop, and add the fabrics to your Favorites library! Discover the differences between fabrics and panels and how to edit them for your design.
Class topics:
- Use provided fabric scans to learn the process of importing, rotating, and cropping to the repeat
- Learn about fabric scale to make sure your fabrics look the same in your virtual quilt as they do in your sewn quilt
- Set fabrics into quilts and learn how to rotate and fussy cut the fabrics within the patches and borders
- Discuss the steps (and caveats) for taking photos of fabrics with your camera
- Import fabrics into EQ8 from fabric manufacturer websites
- Save fabric images or photos from the web for use in EQ8
- Download and install fabric libraries from Electric Quilt and Do You EQ websites
- Create My Favorite Libraries to save your fabrics for use in all EQ8 projects
Tell me more about this class >
“Thoroughly enjoyed my EQ classes. Instructors and those helping were outstanding. Well-structured lessons and handouts were excellent.” —Jeanne G. from Georgia
Class overview: In this half-day class, we will combine the power of EQ8 quilt design with the ease of fabric die cutting. The AccuQuilt GO! Qube system is made up of building blocks in a four-patch design grid that make up some of the most common blocks already available in Electric Quilt. Use those blocks to design beautiful quilts, try colors and fabrics and then when you are ready, use your AccuQuilt GO! Cutter to cut your fabric.
Class topics:
- Discover existing EQ8 blocks that are compatible with the GO! Qube System
- Edit blocks to use the die cutting patch shapes
- Create your own library of blocks to use in any project
- Design beautiful quilts with your die cutter-compatible blocks
- Tips to design your own blocks using EQ8 templates and rotary cutting charts
- Class based on the GO! Qube 8″ Mix and Match block set with tips to accommodate other GO! Qube sizes.
Tell me more about this class >
“This was an incredible experience and I learned so much! Staff was exceptional and were very patient with all of our questions.” —Diane S. from Nebraska
Class overview: In this half-day class, you’ll learn how to use the Custom Set feature of EQ8 to create quilt top designs with different sized blocks, sashing, and/or negative space to yield alternate grid designs. EQ8’s Custom Set layout is like starting with a large design wall and placing blocks of different sizes next to one another to create beautiful quilts. Using a combination of the Set Block tool and the Adjust tool is where the magic happens.
Class topics:
- Review the basics of setting and customizing the sizes for blocks in the custom layout.
- Learn the quilt grid settings for easy snapping and sizing of blocks as you set them.
- Explore the Layouts by Style in the Layout Library.
- Save newly created layouts to the Layout library.
Tell me more about this class >
“I have been using EQ8 for about 1 1/2 years and wondered if it would really be worth going that far for the classes…but after the first few hours I could have gone home happy. I learned so much to enhance what I already knew how to do. Thanks for making it a great experience.” —Kelly W. from Virginia
Class overview: This full-day class will provide you with the fundamental skills to draw both pieced and applique blocks in EQ8. You’ll draw blocks from scratch, as well as learn to edit existing blocks from the library. The EasyDraw portion of the class will focus on grid-based blocks and how to set up the worktable and snap settings for successful drawing. PolyDraw will cover the basics of the CAD-drawing style and making the most of the specialized grids. The Applique portion will concentrate on using the Shapes tool to draw pre-defined shapes to create fun and unique applique designs. You’ll also use the StarMaker and PosieMaker tools, as well as Wreathmaker.
Class topics:
- Learn how to find the block’s grid.
- Set up block dimensions and snaps based on the grid.
- Learn which drawing style (EasyDraw or PolyDraw) is appropriate for the pieced block you want to create.
- Edit blocks from the library.
- Determine appropriate sizes for blocks to make them easier to sew.
- Block vs. Motif for applique designs.
- Print patterns for the blocks.
Tell me more about this class >
“I am so glad I went. I learned so much. Thank you again for a great learning experience.” —Janice B. from Michigan
Enroll now!
Come to EQ Academy for the learning, but stay for all the fun! With free goodies, fantastic giveaways, and nearby shopping, you’ll wish you’d come sooner!
Read all about EQ Academy and get a peek inside the experience >
