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Which or where do I start to look? (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 4/6/15 8:53 PM ET
Hello,
I'm thinking of buying an embroidery machine and realized that it would help to buy some embroidery software. I'm looking at buying a used Babylock Ellure Plus.
Is there a certain kind of software that's better than any others? Or is it mostly small little things in the software that makes you prefer one over the other? About how much am I going to pay?
Thanks!
I'm thinking of buying an embroidery machine and realized that it would help to buy some embroidery software. I'm looking at buying a used Babylock Ellure Plus.
Is there a certain kind of software that's better than any others? Or is it mostly small little things in the software that makes you prefer one over the other? About how much am I going to pay?
Thanks!
Posted on: 4/6/15 9:04 PM ET
Wander over to the machine embroidery board to find the pinned topic for machine embroidery software directory, which was started by Pyrose. You can browse those threads to start your education, then ask questions once you get an idea of what is involved. It's a lot to digest for a beginner.
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Fictionfan
Posted on: 4/7/15 0:20 AM ET
In reply to Fictionfan
Thanks! I really didn't know where to begin!
Posted on: 4/7/15 0:56 AM ET
In reply to kblazen
PR is a great place to do initial research on embroidery machines and software. I got a lot of help here that guided me through buying my first combination machine for sewing and embroidering. I used it for some time without software and then got more help here to make decisions. I didn't find it necessary to have software immediately.
That said, I found much more activity on facebook pages devoted to the software I ended up using. So, I recommend that route to gather a lot of input rapidly.
Other things I've done that have been helpful for me- I was very careful in selecting my dealer. They are excellent and give good classes on using the embroidery functions. It's Village Sewing in Santa Rosa and they have put out terrific youtube videos.
I like books and have some that introduced me to teachers that I feel I can learn from. That led me to their DVDs and also taking their Craftsy embroidery classes. Once I had my machine, I found Craftsy helpful since I can stop the class, repeat sections and ask questions. Wait for a sale to purchase.
My thought was to give some general guidelines for how to research. However, why not share the specifics of what's worked well for me?
* Teachers- my #1 favorite is Deborah Jones for books, DVDs Craftsy and her facebook site- My Embroidery Mentor. She is absolutely top notch.
* Software- I went with Embrilliance because it is available in component parts; I could buy what I needed right away and then add more parts later as I learn. It works with Mac and not all software does. Plus it is very reasonably priced compared to other more massive programs. It works with all file types. The facebook page Brilliant Embrilliance is very active and I've learned a lot there. Youtube videos on "how to" are plentiful.
It really depends on how you like to learn. There are a lot of avenues out there, so look for what suits you best. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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That said, I found much more activity on facebook pages devoted to the software I ended up using. So, I recommend that route to gather a lot of input rapidly.
Other things I've done that have been helpful for me- I was very careful in selecting my dealer. They are excellent and give good classes on using the embroidery functions. It's Village Sewing in Santa Rosa and they have put out terrific youtube videos.
I like books and have some that introduced me to teachers that I feel I can learn from. That led me to their DVDs and also taking their Craftsy embroidery classes. Once I had my machine, I found Craftsy helpful since I can stop the class, repeat sections and ask questions. Wait for a sale to purchase.
My thought was to give some general guidelines for how to research. However, why not share the specifics of what's worked well for me?
* Teachers- my #1 favorite is Deborah Jones for books, DVDs Craftsy and her facebook site- My Embroidery Mentor. She is absolutely top notch.
* Software- I went with Embrilliance because it is available in component parts; I could buy what I needed right away and then add more parts later as I learn. It works with Mac and not all software does. Plus it is very reasonably priced compared to other more massive programs. It works with all file types. The facebook page Brilliant Embrilliance is very active and I've learned a lot there. Youtube videos on "how to" are plentiful.
It really depends on how you like to learn. There are a lot of avenues out there, so look for what suits you best. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. Andy Rooney
Pfonzie- my honey Pfaff Creative Performance and Pfaff Passport, Bernina 930 and 830, Evolution and Enlighten sergers
Pfonzie- my honey Pfaff Creative Performance and Pfaff Passport, Bernina 930 and 830, Evolution and Enlighten sergers
Posted on: 4/7/15 6:28 AM ET
Thanks Fictionfan and Wendyrb for the info! Just bought a BL Journey, and it will be a journey as I don't have clue what I am doing with the embroidery, but excited to learn! With sewing and PR, there is never a reason for me to be bored or without anything to do in life ;-)
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Cheryl
"Busy Hands, Happy Heart"
"Busy Hands, Happy Heart"
Posted on: 4/7/15 11:51 AM ET
In reply to kblazen
I suggest you read all about embroidery software based on what you want to be able to do.
I personally don't want (or like) to digitize my own embroidery designs. There are so many great and wonderful digitizers out there to buy designs from---so, I don't need an involved digitizing program per se.
I primarily use Designers Gallery Studio III, and their Gallery Works.
I simply want a software programs that lets me unzip, view and organize, or combine/manipulate embroidery designs, add text fonts to designs. (also Windows 7 will unzip designs with a right click mouse option called extract)
My machine as many built in preferences as it is. Rotate, resize, curving options, built in texts, density options, etc. So, sometimes I don't even access these programs.
May I suggest you use your machines built in designs, and text fonts and all design manipulation options built into your machine to start with----until you have an idea about how the machine's embroidery options function. First.
-- Edited on 4/7/15 at 11:53 AM --
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I personally don't want (or like) to digitize my own embroidery designs. There are so many great and wonderful digitizers out there to buy designs from---so, I don't need an involved digitizing program per se.
I primarily use Designers Gallery Studio III, and their Gallery Works.
I simply want a software programs that lets me unzip, view and organize, or combine/manipulate embroidery designs, add text fonts to designs. (also Windows 7 will unzip designs with a right click mouse option called extract)
My machine as many built in preferences as it is. Rotate, resize, curving options, built in texts, density options, etc. So, sometimes I don't even access these programs.
May I suggest you use your machines built in designs, and text fonts and all design manipulation options built into your machine to start with----until you have an idea about how the machine's embroidery options function. First.
-- Edited on 4/7/15 at 11:53 AM --
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Angie Rose
Quilter & Machine Embroiderer
2020 Pfaff Performance Icon & 2015 Brother Dream Machine 2
2017 Pfaff Passport 3.0
2019 Accuquilt GO Big
Brother Scan n Cut DX225
2009 Prodigy 24" long arm
Quilter & Machine Embroiderer
2020 Pfaff Performance Icon & 2015 Brother Dream Machine 2
2017 Pfaff Passport 3.0
2019 Accuquilt GO Big
Brother Scan n Cut DX225
2009 Prodigy 24" long arm
Posted on: 4/7/15 12:43 PM ET
Start with a basic iconizer so you can view design files. Essentials Thumbnailer is less than $40. You may not have a need for anything more.
The Embroidery Library website has many free tutorials and videos. CLICK HERE
-- Edited on 4/7/15 at 6:50 PM --
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The Embroidery Library website has many free tutorials and videos. CLICK HERE
-- Edited on 4/7/15 at 6:50 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 4/7/15 1:00 PM ET
In reply to AngieRose
I agree with AngieRose- first have fun exploring your machine capabilities. Then combine what it does with what you want to do. My machine has lots of nice built-in designs to use while practicing technique, stabilizers and on different fabrics.
I was warned and found it to be true- buying embroidery designs can become a hobby in itself! However, I couldn't see what I had downloaded. So, the first thing I bought was Thumbnailer from Embrilliance to view and organize what I had. That was a good practice and slowed down the shopping. I have a very nice stash.
Thumbs up to Angie's point on digitizing as a separate function from others in embroidery software. For now, I'm manipulating designs I have to become what I want. It gives me plenty of creative range. Although I draw well, digitizing is an art in itself. Should the day come when I want something completely my own, I'd pay for someone I trust to digitize for me. I want to sew and embroider, rather than master digitizing. I understand it has quite a learning curve.
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I was warned and found it to be true- buying embroidery designs can become a hobby in itself! However, I couldn't see what I had downloaded. So, the first thing I bought was Thumbnailer from Embrilliance to view and organize what I had. That was a good practice and slowed down the shopping. I have a very nice stash.
Thumbs up to Angie's point on digitizing as a separate function from others in embroidery software. For now, I'm manipulating designs I have to become what I want. It gives me plenty of creative range. Although I draw well, digitizing is an art in itself. Should the day come when I want something completely my own, I'd pay for someone I trust to digitize for me. I want to sew and embroider, rather than master digitizing. I understand it has quite a learning curve.
------
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. Andy Rooney
Pfonzie- my honey Pfaff Creative Performance and Pfaff Passport, Bernina 930 and 830, Evolution and Enlighten sergers
Pfonzie- my honey Pfaff Creative Performance and Pfaff Passport, Bernina 930 and 830, Evolution and Enlighten sergers
Posted on: 4/7/15 1:13 PM ET
Some thoughts on magazines- I tried 2. Creative Machine Embroidery was not for me at all. I've kept Designs in Machine Embroidery (DIME) although I keep waffling since I've never done any of the projects. Just not my taste and I'm not a projecty kind of person. I have enough creative ideas of my own that I can't keep up with.
However, I do pull out the technique articles every month from DIME, especially those by Deborah Jones. I've also learned from the Fabric 101. In the beginning it was a good place for me to pick up on resources for supplies and investigate them. The back cover is a full-page advert for Embroidery Library. As mentioned this is an excellent source for free tutorials and they have good sales on their designs.
I took a 2-day class with Eileen Roche the editor of DIME. Her sister Marie was there too. No question it was a sales event for them and the sponsoring Babylock store. However, I tried things I had never done- applique and an in-the-hoop purse with a zipper. The women were very knowledgeable and excellent teachers.
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However, I do pull out the technique articles every month from DIME, especially those by Deborah Jones. I've also learned from the Fabric 101. In the beginning it was a good place for me to pick up on resources for supplies and investigate them. The back cover is a full-page advert for Embroidery Library. As mentioned this is an excellent source for free tutorials and they have good sales on their designs.
I took a 2-day class with Eileen Roche the editor of DIME. Her sister Marie was there too. No question it was a sales event for them and the sponsoring Babylock store. However, I tried things I had never done- applique and an in-the-hoop purse with a zipper. The women were very knowledgeable and excellent teachers.
------
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. Andy Rooney
Pfonzie- my honey Pfaff Creative Performance and Pfaff Passport, Bernina 930 and 830, Evolution and Enlighten sergers
Pfonzie- my honey Pfaff Creative Performance and Pfaff Passport, Bernina 930 and 830, Evolution and Enlighten sergers
Posted on: 4/7/15 2:47 PM ET
In reply to wendyrb
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for nice comment---I forgot to mention I just recently downloaded Embrillance's "Thumbnailer" onto my old Dell, and then onto my new HP Envy laptop. Thumbnailer sure helped when sort out some old designs I knew I would never use, and for seeing what I had right in my C drive file under My Embroidery Designs. It was easy to move the various embroidery design folders since I could see what was in each folder with Thumbnailer on board!
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Thanks for nice comment---I forgot to mention I just recently downloaded Embrillance's "Thumbnailer" onto my old Dell, and then onto my new HP Envy laptop. Thumbnailer sure helped when sort out some old designs I knew I would never use, and for seeing what I had right in my C drive file under My Embroidery Designs. It was easy to move the various embroidery design folders since I could see what was in each folder with Thumbnailer on board!
------
Angie Rose
Quilter & Machine Embroiderer
2020 Pfaff Performance Icon & 2015 Brother Dream Machine 2
2017 Pfaff Passport 3.0
2019 Accuquilt GO Big
Brother Scan n Cut DX225
2009 Prodigy 24" long arm
Quilter & Machine Embroiderer
2020 Pfaff Performance Icon & 2015 Brother Dream Machine 2
2017 Pfaff Passport 3.0
2019 Accuquilt GO Big
Brother Scan n Cut DX225
2009 Prodigy 24" long arm
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