Alene Ward, of Elkhart, Texas, uses EQ5 to create the patterns she sells directly and on her pattern Web site. We're always interested in how people use EQ5 as a business tool, so we asked her a bit more about her business.

One of Alene's quilts displayed at Quilt Market in Houston, Texas

I've been quilting for about 20 years, and actively designing for eight years. I began designing projects for my own use, and gifts for others. Then, when I had my own quilt shop, I was encouraged to design and teach from my own patterns.

Those classes from my own patterns turned out to be the most popular. So when I closed my shop, my friends encouraged me to continue designing and to market my patterns. I've been doing this for about 3 1/2 years now, under the name Designs by Alene. And I now work with Quilters Warehouse to set up my web site, www.designsbyalene.com.

I don't consider myself very "computer literate," but I wanted my patterns to have a more professional look. So I began looking for a software program I could understand and work with. I decided that Electric Quilt was for me! The version available then was EQ 3, and I've made sure I upgraded each time a new version became available. Now I have EQ5.

I usually begin the design process with paper and pencil. But I end up putting most of my pieced designs onto my EQ program to finish the pattern. (You are able to draw your design from the beginning in EQ, but I just prefer curling up in my easy chair with my pencil first.)

If my design is one with a repeat, such as my new "Garden Path, I can easily make it any size I want with a few clicks of the mouse! It's easy, with EQ, to complete the quilt with borders plain or fancy. The next step is to use either solid colors or go to their libraries of new fabrics within the software, to see what will look the best to make my pattern cover sample. If I already have fabric I want to use, I scan it and use the exact fabric on screen for color placement, before I begin stitching.

Alene-Jewel Quilt

January Jewel 12 Ways

"January Jewel 12 Ways" was a lot of fun! I designed one basic block, then changed the color placement many times to actually create 20 different variations. I then chose 12 of my favorites and now offer the pattern with all diagrams and covers done with EQ! This could be done with existing blocks that are already in the software too. Like, "There's an Angel in my Cabin!", where I used a basic log cabin from Block Base in EQ, then I turned the block until I ended up with the angel!

I do credit the talent and inspiration I get for my ideas to God and dedicate my business to His glory.

CONTENTS: Announcements - Ask EQ - Free Stuff - Works For Me - Show & Tell - Quilt University - Hidden Block Quilts - Tessellating Fish - Designs by Alene - Karin Hellaby - Mischele Hart & Ann Castleberry - Color Printing Tips - Electric Quilt Computer Lab