Machine Embroidery Digitizing - What Youll Need Besides the Software
You've purchased an embroidery machine, practiced the designs that were included in the package, maybe even bought a disc of designs or downloaded a few designs off the Internet to stitch out. Now you're thinking about investing in digitizing software and taking your embroidery to the next level. But the digitizing program is just a part of what you'll need before entering the creative world of embroidery digitizing. Choosing the Hardware An embroidery digitizing program is image editing software capable of converting a digital picture to stitches and saving it in a format that can be read by your embroidery machine. And, like any robust image editor, a digitizing program is resource intensive. The program's packaging will state the manufacturer's recommended minimum computer system specifications to operate the software. Let's take a look at just such a recommendation and see how the 'minimums' stack up. (I won't mention the program or the manufacturer but these are actual recommendations from a popular digitizing software. Yours may vary but probably not by much.) The Computer Manufacturer recommends: IBM-PC or compatible computer originally equipped with a USB port. I recommend: The same. Operating System Manufacturer recommends: Windows(R) 98, ME, XP or 2000.
I recommend: Windows(R) XP Pro with the latest Service Pack and updates. You might be able to get by with an antiquated operating system but not for long. Mouse Manufacturer recommends: N/A I recommend: Any comfortable, optical, non-rollerball mouse. When doing imaging you cannot attain the precision you need with a rollerball. And an optical mouse means there is no ball on the bottom to catch or jerk at a critical time. Processor Manufacturer recommends: Pentium 500 MHz or higher. I recommend: Pentium class 1 GB or higher. The faster the processor the better. We're imaging, not typing a letter. Memory Manufacturer recommends: Minimum 64 MB (256 MB or higher is recommended.) I recommend: Minimum 512 MB. Memory is cheap and more is always better. You can never have too much. Hard Disk Free Space Manufacturer recommends: Minimum 100 MB I recommend: You'll need 100 MB free to install the software but you're going to need a lot more than that to store your creations. Purchase a hard drive with a minimum of 40 GB, 80 GB or higher is better. A hard disk is like a garage: It collects junk and you rarely clean it out. Give yourself plenty of room for storage. Monitor Manufacturer recommends: SVGA (800x600), 16-bit color or higher. I recommend: 17" SVGA (1024x768), 32-bit color. You're going to appreciate the extra screen real estate from a large monitor, and you'll need to be able to easily differentiate your thread color choices. USB Port Manufacturer recommends: USB Ver. 1.1 or higher. I recommend: USB Ver. 1.1 or higher, 2 or more. Some programs will run only if a card reader/writer is installed. That's one port taken. If your machine accepts input directly from your computer you'll need another port available to send your finished file to your machine. Printer Manufacturer recommends: A graphic printer that is supported by your system (only if you want to print your images). I recommend: A graphic printer. You will want to print your images and the associated thread color data. As a side note: I'm not sure why anyone would have a printer that was not supported by their system. CD-ROM Drive Manufacturer recommends: Required for installation I recommend: The same, but with a minimum twenty-four-speed (24x) drive speed. A higher speed drive is fine, it transfers data faster but it's also a little noisier. CD-ROM Recorder Drive (RW) Manufacturer recommends: N/A I recommend: Once a year or so when you're in the cleaning mood, you'll want to burn your images to CD to reduce clutter on your hard drive and reorganize. Deciding to purchase machine embroidery digitizing software is just the first step to truly creative embroidery with a personal touch. Get the most out of it by making sure it is happy in its new home. Digitizer Deb Schneider offers her machine embroidery designs on her website, WindstarEmbroidery.com. You'll also find Embroidery Thread Conversion Charts and information about embroidery digitizing. You can email Deb at: dschneider(at)windstarembroidery.com
Related News
Leading a healthy and active life - Petaluma Argus Courier
Leading a healthy and active lifePetaluma Argus Courier, CA -20 hours agoShe keeps her days filled with hobbies, crocheting baby blankets for a organization servicing unwed mothers and working in her garden. ... |
Patrick R. Barbieri - New Times SLO
Patrick R. BarbieriNew Times SLO, CA -Nov 26, 2008According to two local craftswomen, the two hobbies couldn’t have more in common. And to prove it, Anne Gough, owner of Yarnsat the Adobe, and Jenne Hiigel, ... |
Vermont Hand Crafters Fine Craft & Art Show to be held at Sheraton - BurlingtonFreePress.com
Community center on its last legs - Baxter Bulletin
Community center on its last legsBaxter Bulletin, AR -Nov 27, 2008This was truly a happy place to celebrate life events, heritage, crafts, hobbies and social networks where friends are made and contacts bonded. ... |
Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. - SWOT Analysis - companiesandmarkets.com ... - PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)
Meet the Person of the Week: Nancy Horne - EastBayRI.com
Meet the Person of the Week: Nancy HorneEastBayRI.com, RI -Dec 3, 2008Do you have any hobbies? “I like to do word search puzzles — I can do a couple in no time. I enjoy the holidays with my family and spending time with them ... |
Tastes like Christmas - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Tastes like ChristmasFort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN -Nov 21, 2008Or, a brother-in-law whose only hobbies seem to be smoking cigarettes and popping the word "irregardless" into conversations. Even worse? ... |
Baby boomers take to more high-energy hobbies - Newsday
Baby boomers take to more high-energy hobbiesNewsday, NY -Nov 15, 2008While many find satisfaction in creative-yet-sedentary hobbies such as painting, arts and crafts and flower arranging, others are turning to more strenuous ... |
Gifts from the heart, made by the hands - 9NEWS.com
Gifts from the heart, made by the hands9NEWS.com, CO -Nov 29, 2008Kate Lutska, a teacher, spent her Black Friday at Thompson's Hobbies and Crafts in Lakewood shopping for her students. "Well, I have a lot of students to ... |
Here's a big list to get you in the holiday spirit - Mooresville Tribune
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Need A Scrapbook Journaling Idea?
Try using song lyrics in your next layout.
How to Make a Simple Gemstone Necklace
With gemstone beads, every bead is precious. Every bead is beautiful. A
little more effort is needed when stringing a gemstone necklace together.
Discover the Truth about Comic Book Collection; Nerdy Geeks or Shrewd Investors?
It is unbelievable when one says, yeah, I collect comic
books, what the general public response might be? Oh no, a
slightly off the wall geek. Here is someone who has lost
touch with reality. Or someone that is in his or her own
little world. I think not. Yes, comic book collectors may
sometimes march to the beat of a different drummer, but who
says we all have to be cut from the same mold. Comic books
are big business.
Endless Possibilites With Custom Printed Lanyards
Custom printed lanyards are an extremely popular item and are readily available for purchase through a large amount of suppliers. Many suppliers have detailed e-commerce sites that allow buyers to select a lanyard style and customize it without ever having to leave their office or home. The finished product is typically delivered within one to three business days. Custom printed lanyards are relatively inexpensive, especially when purchased in large numbers. Often available for as little as a few cents per item, the choices in style, color, material, length, and print are seemingly endless.
Patterning and Spacing in Your Scrapbooks
How can you arrange your scrapbook page to best show off your mementos and embellishments? You can place everything in the center of your page, place a single focus item in the center, or divide the page into sections adding items to each section. You may also choose to lay the items out in a standard recipe or calendar layout.
Green Thumb Not Required
Ah, the sweet smell of fresh flowers, herbs and fruit. But what if you don't have room for a flower garden or a fruit tree? What about if you always over or under water your herb garden? What happens when your house just doesn't get a lot of sun? And what about when you try and try but you just don't have that coveted green thumb? Sigh. And even if you could grow that prize winning dahlia, what happens in the winter when you crave that subtle floral scent wafting through the house, room to room? You're probably not going to import 20 plumeria leis from Hawaii to fulfill your dream.
Creating Vacation Memories
My daughter and I recently had the opportunity to spend a week at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We were totally overwhelmed with all the things there were to do, and I had no idea how we would ever be able to remember it all.
Scrapbooking Tips And Tricks For Photos And Images
When you're incorporating pictures of any kind into your scrap book, why not set them off with an unusual finish? This could be an original idea for a border or frame -- or an arrangement of several items on the page to add a little drama. Here are a couple of tips that might do well for a children's album -- perhaps a keepsake baby scrapbook, or just a page for a boy or girl.
Functional Pottery Makes a Great Gift, Plain and Simple
Are you looking for something unique to give a friend or family member for an upcoming birthday or holiday? If you really want to wow that special someone, why not consider purchasing an original one of a kind pottery gift that makes life better in some way.
Origami Instructions
Origami is a fantastic art form that guarantees hours of fun and enjoyment, not to mention a great way to challenge yourself and build your creativity. However many beginners come across trouble in 2 main areas:
The ABCs of Ceramics
Ceramics can be delicate and decorative or unrefined and utilitarian. Bone china, porcelain, stoneware and earthenware - this month we'll review them all.
How Ceramics are Made.
Embroidery Digitizing Software
Embroidery Magic 2 software is very easy to use to make lettering, it is also easy to learn to use the digitizing part of the program but to digitize a good design takes learning, skill and practice. An example of what I am saying is that - for a artist to paint a picture, all it takes is some canvas, paint and brushes (these supplies and tools are easy for anyone to use but it takes learning, practice and artistic skill to paint a beautiful picture. The EM 2 program is easy to use but to digitize a good design takes learning, practice and skill.
Airbrushing Does Not Have to be All Disappointment, Heartache, and Bloody Hard Work!
A smart, but irritating man once told me that Airbrushing did not have to be all blood, sweat and tears. If only I had someone guiding me back in those hard, frustrating and sick in the stomach days of airbrushing, I wouldn't have wasted all that time and money!
Antique Delft and Very Collectible Tiles and Ceramics: Beginners Start Here
So you fancy starting a collection but you're not sure what to collect? How About . . . ?
Scrapbooking Teen Memories
By the time your teen is in high school, you probably aren't taking as many pictures of them as you used to. I have to keep reminding myself that I only have a couple of years left and no time to waste trying to capture fleeing teenage memories.
The Power Of Scrapbook Journaling
By journaling your pages you will transform an ordinary collection of photographs into a vibrant and visual storyboard - telling the stories behind the pictures, revealing hidden memories and emotions.
Jar Lid and Jar Candle Decoration
Supplies Needed:
4 Fun Ways to Display Photos
From baby pictures to vacation pictures, images of family and friends are treasures that are kept for a lifetime. They make great gifts and add cheer and warmth to the interiors of our homes. Below are four fun ways to display your favorite photos.
A Look at Cloisonné Lapel Pins
Cloisonné lapel pins are the most traditional, if not the most collectible of the lapel pin types. Most of the older lapel pins are either die-cast metal or cloisonné. Cloisonné is from the French word for cell, which refers to the method that cloisonné is created. A metal structure, or cell, is formed with the outline of the design and filled with enamel and then baked to permanently set the design. The cloisonné technique dates all the way back to 13th century B.C. in ancient Japan, however the Chinese really made the art form their own, creating beautiful vases and other artifacts. A cloisonné lapel pin is a modern interpretation of this ancient and beautiful art.
Preservation and Making Copies of Your Scrapbook
You put a great deal of time, thought, and effort into your scrapbook pages. Scrapbooks often are very personalized creative works that are very meaningful to the creator. Therefore, you should try to protect and preserve your work.
|