Recommendations for decent software

[SewManyPatterns]

Hi everyone!
I am a newbie to the forum and a newbie to embroidery! I love embroidery and have wanted a machine for a long time.... AnD fInAlLy HaVe OnE!!!! It's a modest Brother se270d but I love it.

I am interested in digitizing some of my artwork and was wondering if anyone could recommend decent software. I am scratching the surface and am not finding out much about the whole process -- just press release or back of the box information.

I have found PE-Design... but not sure how to get my image from the sketchbook to the screen (my scanning software doesn't save with the same embroidery extensions).

As an artist, I do have a ton of applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.), so I can create electronic files with color separations. But, I am not even sure if that step is necessary.

Is there another application like PE-Design that does the same thing that is better for the task?

Thank you for your time! I am sure I'll have a ton more questions, with google search I do!

-Leslie

[mdquilter]

Hi Leslie! Welcome!

I would check out Embird. The software is downloadable and there's a digitizing plug in available. I don't have the digitizer, but I use it to merge lettering with purchased designs.

I have heard very good reviews on the digitizing side of it though.

Good Luck!

[sewingfor3]

I use Designers Gallery software and like it, I do not have the palette so I am not able to digitize, I would love to.

[Mabel]

I'm reading this thread with interest, as I'm hoping to buy software as well!

[SewManyPatterns]

Thank you Beth for the warm welcome and the quick information! I checked out the site you suggested and think there is something there I can try! I plan on downloading the demo to see how it goes!! I am so excited to learn more about the software!!!

Sewingfor3 I'll check out that application next! Thanks!!!

Mabel Doesn't it sound like fun? Am so excited to try.

I love the sassy images (Born To Shop and Dolly Mama, etc.) but can't use them because they are all too large for my little se270. I have some old illustrations I did a long time ago and am now making electronic files of them... I will definitely keep everyone posted!!!

[pccbradley]

I to am very interested in doing some digitizing and will have to check out these programs. There is always something else that can be learned.

Have a great day
Sandi

[fun2sew]

I have the pe-design v7 and love it, don't do much digitizing but love the program.

[Sew Fun]

I, too, have PEDesign v7. I have done some digitizing with it but seem to have a very steep leaning curve.

[StitchinGrandma]

There is another thread here that might give you more info. Click here (http://www.embroidables.com/forums/showthread.php?t=878&highlight=software)

Also, I was just recently told from a well known digitizer that she recommends getting Embroidery Magic 2 because it's a very good basic digitizing program. She also said that if you buy it from AuntyM then you will have a forum where you can get answers on how to do all types of things within that software. You can read about this one here (http://www.auntymdesigns.com/html/embroidery_magic_2.html). I was pretty sold myself on Embird but now that this woman gave me this info and I've read about it, I'm not sure which one I will get when I can afford to purchase one now. I know that she told me this program is going to be a good program because you will learn the basics of creating a good design from the bottom up manually and not by using an autodigitizer which is what I want. She said that you can purchase this program also from Ebay for a very low cost and that it does not require a dongle so you are able to make a copy of your program disk to save as a backup in case one were to break or get lost.