Newsgroups: alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Quilt Programs (IBM-PC)
From: thompson@gumby.mgi.com
Date: 31 Aug 92 08:47:05 CDT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Management Graphics, Inc.

In article <2354.1370.uupcb@spacebbs.com>, ted.jensen@spacebbs.com (Ted Jensen) writes:

>  She also pointed out that they were advertising
> that they had a new product called "The Electric Quilt" (not on
> sale).  This is a program for designing quilts

> The program was priced at $99.00 and the disk supplied was a
> 3-1/2" type, which my old machine cannot handle.  I am going to
> assume that the publisher can supply this on 5-1/4 floppies if
> need be.
> 
> Anyway, to my questions:
> 
>     1)  Has anyone here ever used this progam and if so could you
>     describe your experiences with it?  It appears to be
>     relatively new (copyright 1992).
> 
>     2)  Has anyone here ever used a similar program?  If so,
>     which one, where available, what price, and what were your
>     experiences with it?
> 
> I am currently running a 10 MHz 286 AT with a 40 MByte hard drive
> but will be upgrading to a 386 or 486 in the near future, and
> would like to get a program like this for her use.  However, I am
> unfamiliar with what is available or where to look for
> advertisements for same.
> ---
>  * SLMR 2.0 * 
>                                                                                                  

Since my original post below, I have had a few second thoughts, The shop
where I purchased Quilter's Design Studio now carries the PC program
that they used on the American Quilters TV series (I think I have the name
right).  I have had a few problems with the software package, I don't 
know if it is the software, of the fact that I am just learning windows,
pc tools, etc.  But if I did it over again I would certainly demo both
packages before purchasing one.  But I a OK-happy with Quilter's Design
Studio, just not thrilled to death.

maggie

***********************************************************************************
Ok finally my review of Quilter's Design Studio

Disclaimer:  I have not used any other quilt design programs so I
don't know how they compare.  I am still getting the hang of using
QDS (Quilter's Design Studio), but so far I find it has enough
of the things I wanted.  (Especially considering I don't even
own my own PC, just use the mine here at work)

This is Quilter's Design Studio, for a 286 or higher PC, with VGA color
monitor.
Price $99.00

address: QuiltSOFT
	 P O Box 19946
	 San Diego, CA  92159-0946
	 619-583-2970


 * QDS has block libraries, some familiar blocks already in the block
	libraries.  The block library is further subdivide by type:
	1 patch, 4 patch, 5 patch, 7 patch, 9 patch, Hexagonal
	Stars, Miscellaneous, Borders.  Once you create a
	block you can store it in a library, and use that pattern
	whenever you desire.

 * You can create your quilt block designs, grids help in the
	design process, you have four drawing tools to use in
	the block design: ellipse, rectangle, pie, standard.

 * QDS will calculate how much fabric will be needed for your 
	quilt. You provide the fabric width. The limit is
	20 different color/pattern fabrics, it can't handle
	anything higher. Will also calculate how much fabric
	is required for the binding. 

 * QDS will print templates for pattern pieces, but no 
	larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches.  It asks you for 
	seam allowance before calculating and printing 
	templates.  You can also add text to pattern pieces.
	It also calculates how many of each pattern piece you
	will need for your block.

 * QDS allows you to print templates for any block in the quilt 
	block library.  You can take any of these blocks and
	specify what size finished block you want.
	
 * QDS allows you to turn the quilt block on point or angle 
	(when angle is used, it prompts you for the degrees)
	You can also flip block up,left, diagonal left right, 
	diagonal right left.  

 * QDS has a color palette already set up, you can further
	customize/create colors and store them.  Changing
	colors on a quilt block is real easy, just point
	out the piece and click on the color, you can try
	as many different colors and you want, as long as 
	they are in the palette. You can make up to 16 million
	colors.

 * QDS has the ability to add vertical and horizontal sashings 
	to quilts.

 * QDS let you add borders, either mitered or box or overlapped.

 * QDS has a grid that you can turn on or off as needed in the designing
	of quilts.

 * QDS has a quilt gallery where you can store all of your completed 
	quilts.  You can recall them and change or copy as desired.
	You can also change color/pattern selection on finished
	quilts you recall into your work area.

 * QDS allows you to duplicate rows, or blocks.  Blocks can be
	duplicated into a number of block configurations.
	I have not used them all yet, but I bet there is 
	over a hundred different ways to copy one block into
	different patterns.  

 * can import into windows clipboard and edit for printing on 
	color thermal laser printers.

 * does not have ability to add second layer-overlay for designing
	quilting pattern over pieced top.

 * QDS it does not except scanned images, but when I called yesterday
	to ask about a problem I had, I asked about the scanned images,
	they have been asked this a couple of times now recently and
	are looking in to this possibility . 

 * I also asked about a MAC version, they have only just started on
	this, and no time frame is available for a market date.

 * plus's** I have had a few problems, all mine from just now learning
	windows, but anyhow the woman has been very helpful, She
	runs the business out of her home, and even told be it
	would be Ok to call on weekends if I have problems!