Electric Quilt turns 25 this year and to celebrate, they’ve launched a year long party! Every month, they feature a new industry partner, resulting in a list that now includes Fat Quarter Shop (February), Moda (March), Riley Blake (April) and Free Spirit (May). We particularly love June because June is all about Aurifil! We are pleased to have partnered with Electric Quilt to offer a fabulous giveaway over on their blog in addition to another one right here on Auribuzz. We hope that you’ll join us in wishing the Electric Quilt Company a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
But first, a little background…
The Electric Quilt Company started as Dean Neumann, then a math professor at Bowling Green State University, married Penny McMorris, a corporate art curator and producer/host of several PBS series on quilting. Both loved quilts. And Dean had an idea he hoped might help quiltmakers develop their design ideas on-screen. So as Penny worked on a new television series, Dean spent spare time teaching himself programming, then developed the first Electric Quilt software program.
Dean’s program debuted on a segment of Penny’s “Great American Quilt” program (WBGU-TV) in 1991. Viewers from across the country called the television station. Penny and Dean collected their names. And The Electric Quilt Company was born.
Today The Electric Quilt Company is the leading quilt design software company in the world. In the company’s 25 years it has produced over 54 software editions, published over 27 books, and a whole line of downloadable block patterns called My EQ Boutique Blocks.
But equally important is customer support and education. The company offers an online Forum, classes taught by EQ teachers through EQ University, and a yearly EQ Academy for hands-on learning. Electric Quilt places a special emphasis on offering customer service. Penny & Dean both agree, “We are immensely proud of the people behind our company: how hard they work, how smart they are, how eagerly they tackle new assignments, and as importantly, how kind they are to users who contact us for help.”
Pretty awesome, right? So, how would you like to win your very own copy of EQ7 design software ($189.95 value)? [Insert squeals of delight and mad applause here!] To enter-to-win, simply click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page, or simply click on the image below. You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have! Entries will be accepted from now through 9:00am Eastern Time on Saturday, June 25! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on by noon on June 25th! Good luck:).
If you’re feeling particularly lucky, you might also want to bop over to Behind the Mouse, the electric quilt blog. They are giving away The Heritage Collection by Jenny Doan for Aurifil, a gorgeous thread box with 12 large spools of our perfect 50wt thread. To find out how to enter, simply click here or on the image below.
UPDATE (6/25): This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Joanie MacIntosh!!
Fridays really are perfect, aren’t they? Enjoy your weekend & Happy Stitching!!
[All images and historical text courtesy of Electric Quilt Company]
WOW – what one can do with this – the p;possibilities are endless – hope there is enough time to do it all.
Oh, I’ve been needing to upgrade to EQ7! I would love to win!
The sky is the limit!
Everything! I’ve never seen it used but have only heard about it.
The ability to let your imagination soar with this tool. Then be able to share that idea with others in many different formats!!
My daughter has used this. Since I’m now starting to get into quilting, I’ve been checking into it and it sounds interesting.
Oh I would really love to win this. It would be such a great help to me . 🙂
I’d just be excited to try it. I design most of my quilts, using basic blocks. It would be fun to try EQ instead of using graph paper to design my quilts. Thanks for the chance.
Wow this would be fantastic to win this prize EQ is such a great program. Thank-you for this chance. Terry
Thanks for the chance to win. I think I’d like to see my own dyed fabric in the programme and how it would mesh with other fabrics in different quilts.
What an awesome program AND giveaway!! Thank you. timewilltell63 at yahoo dot com
It would be so awesome to design my own blocks and quilts!
I love auditioning colors of fabric and threads
I like the fact that you can make up your own patterns, add fabric choices, and you can see what the completed quilt will look like. Saves time and money when turning an idea into reality. How many of us have put a quilt away midstream because it was not working out the way we had planned?
Happy Birthday! Thanks Dean and Penny for contributing so much to so many. Yoru generosity is appreciated and we thank you for your talents and sharing them with all of us. Many blessings.
There are unlimited possibilities with this program. Thank you for creating and sharing this program.
It would be so very special to be able to design my own ideas into quilts with this great and helpful programm!
Oh how fun it would be to have and use this. Right now it’s just pencil and paper. Thanks for the opportunity.
I would love to WIN! I would love to use this Product. So many possibilities.
Great quilt design program. Remember watching Penny on my public TV station those many years ago when I was a new quilter.
I have an older version of EQ that has helped me design several great quilts.
I love seeing all the designs and color variations.
I would love to have EQ to design quilts and see the secondary design when a block is repeated. It would be great for auditioning a colour scheme too.
I don’t particularly like to use patterns for my quilts. I sometimes use a pattern as a starting point and this software would help me to create “my own”. I also understand that this wonderful software has options for thread, quilt designs etc How fabulous is that.
I would love to explore new designs!
Many of the quilts on blogs I follow are designed with EQ.I like to use the computer, seems it would be a great addition to my hobby to have the software and create my own designs in an efficient and fun way.
Thanks so much for the chance – and congratulations on helping so many people with growing their projects!
“possiblity’s are endless”
I love EQ, and ended up not being able to reinstall it on a new computer. Would love to win!
I would love to win the EQ7, but then when would I have time to sew? =) Pick me anyway, thanks!
I love that EQ7 is so versatile and the company support is top notch. The possibilities are endless.
So many possibilities. The ability to audition other colours, get accurate yardage requirements when resizing patterns are just the first two that come to mind.
What a fabulous opportunity!!
i so love to play and change things up – this would be so fun!
I have always wanted to design my own patterns!!!
I like that you can see how your fabric will look in the finished quilt. Thanks for the chance to win!
I just gotta have it!
The endless possibilities, I would be happy to win it, I can’t afford the expenses 🙁
The more Ilook at EQ, the more I want to use it! I would love to win it and start making what I see in my head.
Wow! All the new things to do!
I love how EQ lets you see what your quilt will look like before you start.
I’ve never used EQ so I am excited to haves chancery improve my quilting skills and resources!
WOW!! I have so wanted this…….I have my fingers crossed and will keep them that way. Such a great way to design a quilt.
would like to be able to add my own fabrics to design my own quilt.
I have always wanted to try using the EQ software, but never had the time. I will be coming into some spare time soon and would love to have this as a quilting alternative to buying patterns.
The opportunities for endless creativity is amazing.
I use EQ all the times when making quilts and lap robes for my charity group… I would love to win a copy for the other quilter as I know she would get the best results just like I do.
Great giveaway. WHat an amazing tool to add.
Would love to be able to design on computer and translate it to real life!
i had one of the first editions of eq and would love to have the new one. i also love their inkjet fabrics; they are the only ones i use.
I’ve heard people talk about EQ in open sewing at my local quilt shop. They really like it and I’ve been wanting to try it for a while now. Heaven knows this girl needs all the help she can get.
Being able to load pics of actual fabrics into the design process is a definite advantage.
I’ve seen so many quilters use this software but I just can’t afford it right now…winning this giveaway would be so awesome!
I love that a block can be resized and printed to whatever you want.
i am not mathematically savvy so i would totally love to have the opportunity to work with this program!
I did not realize all those great quilts started on EQ. I would love to use this. crystalbluern at tds dot net
Being able to design my own quilts (and calculate yardage) would be wonderful! Thanks for this giveaway!
TRYING TO GET IMAGE QUILTS GOING,DOING PICTURE QUILTS THIS WOULD HELP!!!
Learning something new, esp. tech related!
I have a friend who designs mystery quilts for her blog and then posts clues once a month and we get to put the quilt together and it is so much fun. She has also designed some table runners. I think it would be fun and so fantastic to be able to design my own quilts and table runner patterns to make for friends and family! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this spectacular prize!
Never used a quilting software before! I always do it by hand. Drafting was my original profession, so I know how useful this could be!
I have never used quilting software before!!! So very excited about this giveaway. Thank you!
This is an awesome give away! Aurifil threads are wonderful too!!
I’ve been dreaming to have one of these!! It would be fun to design quilts!!
Happy birthday “EQ”! Many thanks for opening the door to many creative creators who use your wonderful product.
Oh my goodness, where do I start!! EQ7 would be so great to design my own quilt!
I love being able to check out my fabrics on a quilt before actually putting it together.
I’ve looked at the EQ series several times and just haven’t made the commitment. This would be the perfect opportunity to start. Thanks for the history lesson. Where would we be without mathmeticians?
25 years ago I happened to attend a quilt show in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Curiously there was a lady standing all alone in front of a computer near the vendor. I walked over to see what was going on and spent quite a while visiting with Penny as she showed me what the software could do. That day I left the show with my copy of the program. Since then every quilt I have made has involved Electric Quilt.
Now I would like to win another copy to give to a good friend who is on a fixed income and unable to afford internet service. A number of ladies from church keep her supplied with fabrics, which she uses to make up quilts for the new babies at the local hospital, and lap quilts for the elderly in nursing homes.
I have never used any software, so just learning to design in general would be exciting.
It will give me the chance to design my own quilts, and help me with the math!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
EQ would make it so easy to try alternative color options and help me figure out how much fabric I needed. Thanks for a chance to win!
I’ve been using EQ7 for years, and love it. I sometimes use other designer’s patterns, and change the border designs with EQ7. Just create the block and the size you need, do the layout, and play with border options. I also design quilts, and can play with layouts and settings until I like what I see. If you want to adjust the size of a quilt to use the amount of fabric you have, you can do that, too. It’s just such a fun tool for creating.
I think what excites me most is the chance to design a quilt and see what it would like in different colorways before actually getting fabric that I might not like as much when its in the quilt! Thanks so much for the chance to win 🙂
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com
I still design on paper. I would love electric quilt. Thank you and good luck everyone!
I love the idea of being able to audition my fabric in the squares!! This sounds like a fantastic program overall!!
Very unique. I have never designed my own quilt. I usually follow quilt magazines, so this would be awesome!
I like the idea of previewing my color choices.
What interests me the most is being able to create paper pieced patterns.
EQ is fantastic and help me create and then preview what it will look like
Would just LOVE it on my Mac!…
I am excited to be able to use my fabric stash in the quilt design!
I love being able to see how my quilt will look before I even cut into the fabric! You can even audition thread colors for the quilting 🙂
What a great prize to win, and from beginner to pro ,something for everyone. Not only choosing designs, altering, but changing colours too.
The chance to design my own blocks and quilts electronically would be fabulous!!! I have the computer, but just can’t ever seem to free up the money for the EQ7. Thank you!!!!
Fun designing on EQ!
I would like to design my own quilts.
My brother has used EQ for a number of years. I would liv love to get this version so he can update his quilting!
I’m pretty new to quilting, so I love the idea of winning a copy of EQ7 to help me design my blocks and quilts. I have talked to several people who own EQ7 and they all love it!
Most exciting about EQ is seeing my quilt idea come alive and being able to use my fabrics is wonderful.
I would love to design my own quilts instead of using graph paper and colored pencils.
Designing a quilt that no one else has is one of the many possibilities I see with EQ7
Quilt design software is great not only for auditioning the designs but also the colors and fabric. Easier than cutting test pieces or drafting and coloring them by hand!
I’ve been cobbling together images of what I want to design/quilt with photoshop. Would love to do this with a real tool for quilters.
What excites me the most about using Electric Quilt 7 is that I would be able to design my own quilts more easily!
I’ve been wanting a new EQ, my copy is on a floppy!
I have not used it myself
Would love to try this software
I’ve never used EQ, but I think being able to audition colors and tweak the size of blocks would be wonderful.
That I won’t have to think so hard! haha
It helps me get the right amount of fabric I need for my project. No more too much or not enough.
would love to plan quilts on it
I would love to create my own quilts!!
I am sew happy EQ is now available for us Mac users. I can’t wait to start .
I’d love to win and try this out!
I’ve just started designing my own quilts on graph paper and would love love love to own this!! Fingers crossed! !
It would help me be more creative.
I am a fairly new quilter, so would love to be able to be more adventuresome in designing my own quilts with the help of EQ7. Thanks for the chance.
What a wonderful giveaway and a great program to have in anyone’s quilting arsenal.
I like seeing different coloration for a quilt.
So many possibilities what a great giveaway good luck everyone
I have so many ideas for quilts in my head, I’d love EQ7 to help me get some of them into workable patterns.
I have never used EQ but I would like to win one and try it.
I would love to try EQ7. I love drawing my block ideas on graph paper but I also love using my computer. I think I’m ready to modernize and simplify my design ideas.
I have the Dear Jane Program and would be lost without it…..Having EQ7 could bring my quilting to a whole new level….what a dream….:)
It would be so awesome to design my own blocks and quilts! And to be able to audition fabrics!!
Thanks for the chance to win!!
I would love the chance to design my own quilts. Thanks for the giveaway.
It would be so exciting to win this and congratulations.
I enjoy getting a quilt preview prior to committing to my design by cutting fabric.
I like the idea of trying out fabrics (even just colors) before cutting into the fabric.
Looking forward to my own copy of EQ7…
Happy Anniversary of 25 years! And going strong… I do keep up with your blog and watch for patterns…
No seam ripping! My design process tends to be a jump in and do and re-do it and re-do it until it turns out the way I want it to. The idea of figuring it out ahead of time without my seam ripper is mind altering.
I have tried the other EQ n I really liked them. Hope I win.
I like the fact that you can use images of actual fabrics in your designs to get a better idea of how it will really look.
I love the power of design! And, the power of Aurafil thread!
I love the thought of being able to design my own quilts!
I would love to see different color combinations before I get started.
I would love to win. I have lots of ideas that I could use and help share my plans into reality.
Winning this would change my world! Got my fingers and toes crossed! 😊
What excites me the most is the billions of possibilities! I would love to win! Thanks so much and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 🙂
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com
I would seriously LUV to win a copy of EQ7!!! I’ve tried designing a quilt using MS Office Excel. It really only works if you’re using squares… I would so love to become proficient with EQ and be able to import samples of the actual fabrics I wish to use. Thanks for continuing to improve your program and for the awesome giveaway opportunity!
How awesome that you want to celebrate your birthday with us! Party! EQ excites me because I can visually see what I want to create and change the pattern, design, colors, layout all right before my eyes before I make expensive mistakes. Love how technology has changed our quilting lives!
What excites me most is the fact that I am still using EQ5 and I could get the more user friendly upgrade!
I enjoy using EQ6 now for designing quilts, but have found it isn’t working as well with my computer any more. I would love to win EQ7 to use! A friend sends me her ideas for quilts and I have fun designing them for her.
Would love to learn how to design my own quilts. I’m always resizing patterns to fit my needs and likes and want to take the next step to doing my own designs.
It would be fun to design my own quilts as a beginner.
Would looooove to have an EQ7!!! My Daughter & I are learning to quilt together…& this would be AWESOME for use to design our own Projects! Thank you for the Chance to Win!! 😀
I have never used it before but it sounds awesome. I would like to be able to see what the quilt will look like ahead of time.
I really love all the possibilities of designing my own patterns. Wish I had EQ, someday.
Being able to try out actual fabric samples and different colorways when planning a quilt is what excites me most about EQ.
What a fabulous giveaway! I’m starting to try and create and design on my own and I just know this is the ingredient to make all my quilting recipes work out beautifully. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’ve read a lot of blog posts where the blogger is using EQ7 and it is really amazing to see all the creativity. I would like to give it a try.
kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
I would especially love to have a better idea of how much fabric to buy when I design my own quilts, something I know EQ would be able to help me with.
This would be a great addition for my quilting habit.
Congrats on 25 years on quilt designing software!
I’d love to win the EQ7 software because then I wouldn’t have to calculate my designs with the calculator any longer. Thanks for the chance!
I’m most excited that the EQ software will take away the math part of quilt design…That’s the part that I struggle with the most!
I would love to design my quilts on the PC instead of graph paper.
Learning new software and the possibility of designing quilts and blocks is exciting. Thanks!
I want to learn to design my own quilt pattern.
I would love to win the chance to be more creative with my own quilt designs!
I am a beginner quilter…this would be crazy helpful in designing my own quilts (and teaching my kiddos)!
Playing with color
I would love to try designing paper pieced patterns
What excites me most about using Electric Quilt 7 is the color audition part, and playing with blocks
I would love the opportunity to try using the program
I have never used EQ, but have often thought what an awesome tool it must be. To be the lucky winner would be so cool – thanks for the chance!
I can try out many different colours and many different layouts so easily.
I would love an EQ7. I would enjoy learning to create with it.
I have not had a chance to try EQ, but would like a chance to try it. It looks like you can do a mock up of the quilt with your fabrics to see how you would like it–would save time & fabric!
I would like to design my own patterns, and I think EQ7 would be the best for it!
I’ve also never tried the program,but would absolutely love to win. I think it would open up so much creativity
It would be great to be able to design my own patterns!
I think the best part of EQ is the fantastic support that comes with it. They are always ready to help with any problem, big or small.
I would love this version of EQ it looks so fun and helpful. You could really go crazy with all the features in the software.
I’ve done a little bit of quilt designing – with graph paper and pencil crayons. I would love to own EQ7 and get it done more easily and efficiently.
I would like to design my own quilts !
I have so many quilt designs in my head!! Surely EQ7 would expedite getting them on paper
Would be exciting to see your quilt dreams form into an actual quilt!
It was very interesting to learn about EQ.
I would love to use EQ to try different quilt layouts and to play with what colors go where in a block.
I want to see how my fabric choices will work with a design. Thanks!
Thank you for such a generous giveaway!
To be able to see a quilt digitally in many color combinations
Being able to easily play around with different color combinations would be great.
I love the fact that you can scan in your own fabrics and see what your quilt design will look like exactly.
EQ has so many fabulous features!!!!
This has always sounded like a wonderful software products with so many possibilities of building my skills. Thanks for the chance.
The endless possibilities.
I am a new quilter and I think the program would help me learn and eventually help me make my own patterns.
As a beginner quilter this software would really help me!
I would love to be able to play with color because I’m not always happy with the way my choices play together…thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you for such a great giveaway! I’d love to have The Electric Quilt to be better able to place fabric choices in quilts. Thank you for the inspiration on your blog!
I am excited to be able to design a quilt and get help with the math portion.
I would absolutely love to win this and let my imagination soar in creating quilts. Thank You for the opportunity!
I love to design my quilts and appreciate the suggestions.
I love to try different measurements on both my blocks and my borders to check proportions. So easy to use.
I am anxious to try its quilting function
All the design possibilities are exciting.
I would love to easily create patterns.
Wow! I’ve always wanted to try out EQ. Thanks for the chance to win!
The reason I would like an EQ is… I have been following their designers for awhile now it is amazing how they pass along the tools of the trade, help newer owners with tips, suggestions etc. Thank you for a great giveaway.
thank you for this giveaway!
The ability to let your imagination soar with this tool. Would be so helpful in so many ways!
Electric Quilt 7 offers the possibility to create so many things!
I would be excited to design my own quilts. 🙂
I get excited about creating quickly without having to find graph paper.
What excites me the most about using Electric Quilt 7 is the almost limitless possibilities and choices.
mtmom57@gmail.com
Great looking bunch! =) I don’t own EQ 7 yet, but it looks amazing. I would love to work with it! The possibilites really aren’t even limited to imagination. EQ7 looks like it could stretch my imagination farther than ever. And I love that it can be updated and added to so easily. Thanks for the chance to win it!
What excites me about the Electric Quilt 7 is more setting options. I have EQ5 and use it quite often, but I would love to have EQ7 and be able to design more layout/medallion style quilts, Thanks!
My email is: bestbelle2010@aol.com
I would really enjoy discovering and using it to create millions of new projects! Thanks for this giveaway!
Everything! I don’t have a computer program for quilting.
Just beginning to learn this program at work. It looks like its going to be a lot of fun!
The limitless possibilities excite me! Would be so fun to play with!
I love to be able to create quilts! So fun to have EQ
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! THANKS FOR A GRAND GIVEAWAY!
The most exciting possibility with EQ7 is being able to throw away graph paper and pencil! What a time saver this would be! Thank you for the opportunity and Congratulations on your Anniversary!
I’m most excited about creating paper piece projects.
What is most exciting about EQ is that I have always dreamed of buying the software, and now that hubby surprised me with my 1st longarm and my very own quilting studio, I don’t think i can live without a copy. HaPpY AnNiVeRsAry and thanks for the chance to possibly have another dream come true!!!!
How exciting! I have yet to try out EQ7, but I know that I love testing out designs and would love to have the program to work out my ideas.
Would love to have this tool to do more custom designing
Always wanted this–good luck to everyone! What a terrific gift!
Just the thought of sitting down and trying to put together different blocks and fabrics and rearranging to come up with some new exciting design excites me. I have wanted the software for a really, really long time….thank you for this giveaway opportunity. My fingers are crossed!
I’m curious, On the left of the group photo, there appears to be an arm and hand that’s not attached to any one? I suppose it could be the tall gal in the back, but it would be a very long arm!
Regardless, I love EQ!
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