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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: goodgirls1300
Date: 09-13-2006, 11:57 AM (1 of 9)
hi everyone, I was looking for some advice from everybody! I have a Bernina Artista 200, and just purchased Monogram Wizard Plus. The only 'software' I have is the Bernina Artlink. Can anyone tell me how to convert the MWP designs to the ART format? I have no clue how to do that. Any information would be greatly appreciated!! THANKS!!
User: goodgirls1300
Member since: 09-12-2006
Total posts: 6
From: paroper
Date: 09-13-2006, 01:14 PM (2 of 9)
I don't think I realized that the artlink wouldn't convert. I never used mine (sorry). The newer 200's came with Editor Lite and it will convert. You can also use Explorations. I wouldn't really recommend trying a Magic Box because I think that you'll be less than satisfied. It is much more limiting that your machine. I'd talk to a Bernina dealer and see if you can make a good deal. With the V5 coming out there are dealers out there that still have some V4 designer and editor programs with a good price. Honestly, if you are going to do much at all, I think the Artista program, even starting with editor light blows the Explorations program out of the water, but the Explorations program is easy to learn and it specializes in a different type of use. Basically, the only way to convert the programs is through one of the Bernina software packages. This is down side of Bernina. The upside is that the Artista software is some of the very best software made for the home sewing machine!!!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: goodgirls1300
Date: 09-13-2006, 02:32 PM (3 of 9)
Hi Pam,

Thank you so much for your information. I have exlporations, and will try that. I have been eyeing the Bernina software, but have done anything because of the price! I guess for now I will use the explorations, but could you tell me which Bernina software is better? I have not really investigated them in much detail, is there a place that I can do that? Without going to a dealer? Thanks for all of your help!!!

Kristen:bluesmile
User: goodgirls1300
Member since: 09-12-2006
Total posts: 6
From: goodgirls1300
Date: 09-13-2006, 02:43 PM (4 of 9)
Pam -

just went onto the Bernina website and found the comparison chart of all the software. I mainly do monogramming and some small designs on my machine - so I was thinking of the Editor Plus - mainly because I probably don't need everything now, but I am sure I will want it in the future. Can you upgrade from Editor Lite to Editor Plus? Or am I better off cost wise, going with the Editor Plus from the beginning? Ah, soooo confusing! Thanks for your help!

Kristen
User: goodgirls1300
Member since: 09-12-2006
Total posts: 6
From: paroper
Date: 09-13-2006, 04:33 PM (5 of 9)
I understand that with the V5 there may only be two levels of software. I've heard that the lower level is very good. The new V5 Designer Plus has a monogram pkg that is said to rival Monogram Wizard Plus. I have the new software (less than a week) but have had little time to "mess" with it yet. I have checked out the new fonts. If you do not plan to do digitizing, I would probably go with the V5 Editor program. I don't know if it will be "Lite" or the full Editor. I've heard that the Editor program is worth the difference. Check out the forums under community at www.berninausa.com and ask there..under software. There are people who teach the software online and should be using the programs. I would encourage you that if you can to go ahead and invest in the V5 at some level if possible but if not, V4 is out there probably for great prices. Bernina has said that they will keep the V5 in step with the changes in Windows and machine operating systems, where the other versions will eventually be left in the dust. On the other hand, getting into a V4 at some level and then upgrading later may save you quite a bit of money. I'd talk to a dealer to see what kind of offer you can make and how the project the upgrade prices to go. My hubby is a software guru so he insisted that we buy the V4 Designer Plus when I got my machine so I've never used the other levels...a bit spoiled in that catagory. I've really enjoyed the DP and I also have enjoyed MW+. I have Explorations but the portion that it took care of when I purchased it (placement) I quickly learned to do on my own so I haven't used it as much and probably won't. I'm debating about the upgrade to that program. I understand it will be pretty inexpensive so I will be thinking about it, but not sure that I'll do that.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: goodgirls1300
Date: 09-13-2006, 05:05 PM (6 of 9)
Hi Pam,

From your advice, I called my Bernina dealer. They have no more Version 4 in the store, only version5. Right now they have a promotion of no interest if paid within 12 months, so I think I am going to go ahead and buy Designer Plus. The price they gave me is 1499.00. Is that a fair price? I know it is a huge investment, but I think I will definetly use it. Especially the digitizing. If you could let me know, I would appreciate it! Thanks!!

Kristen
User: goodgirls1300
Member since: 09-12-2006
Total posts: 6
From: paroper
Date: 09-13-2006, 06:32 PM (7 of 9)
You will LOVE it and they should give you classes on basic usage of the software. My dealer has a specialty club that we can attend for a little a month. In the club we zero in on a specific part of the software and study it in detail. It is soooo helpful! You'll absolutely love the counted cross stitch in the DP program. I should say that is a great price, at least in comparison to what I paid...$2000 for V4 designer plus and you'll be getting an easier program to use and a lot more. I don't know where the program will settle on the market when the price finally settles in but I would say that if you can get it for that price, I'd certainly jump on it! In addition, there is a $100 rebate that runs through about mid-October. If your dealer doesn't give you the "low down" on the rebate it is on the Berninausa site or send me a PM and I'll get you a link.

I don't think you'll regret the purchase. The quilting package is really good (although I don't quilt). The really neat thing about ART is that you don't have to worry about the size of the design. If it is pure ART you can make it as big or small as you wish and the program will always automatically adjust the stitches. You have infinate size of your lettering and there are tons of lettering available to you....well, I could go on but I'll let the dealer do the selling. I think you'll LOVE it!!!!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: goodgirls1300
Date: 09-14-2006, 10:39 AM (8 of 9)
Hi Pam,

Well, I took the plunge this morning and bought the Designer Plus! I am getting ready to install it and can't wait to start playing around with it! I have a 3 hour class set up for next week, but I am sure I will go to the Bernina USA website to check out the online classes (as long as my 5 and 3 year old girls will give me some quiet time!!)

My dealer said there was no "rebate" due to the special pricing. I hunted around the website this morning and couldn't locate it. If you could send me that link I would GREATLY appreciate it!! I could stand to save another $100 if I can! Thank you sooooooooo much for all of your help and advice, I greatly appreciate all of it!

Kristen:smile:
User: goodgirls1300
Member since: 09-12-2006
Total posts: 6
From: paroper
Date: 09-14-2006, 11:48 AM (9 of 9)
You will love the software!! It is FANTASTIC!!!!! I have sent you a PM with the PDF for the coupon. If you have problems downloading, send me a PM with your e-mail addy and I'll send you the Bernina announcement that had the link...thought it was too big to send through the PM area....the sizes aren't too large there.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
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