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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: SonjaS
Date: 06-12-2007, 11:30 AM (1 of 8)
| I recently purchased a Janome 350E embroidery machine, and have been doing a lot of practice. I want to do some monogramming, but am not sure where to start with fonts. Someone suggested Monogram Wizard Plus which runs about $200, and includes 55 fonts. I've also looked online at Embird Font Engine to use with true type fonts. I don't currently have any embroidery software, and wondered what might be the best way to invest my money. Thanks for any suggestions! |
User: SonjaS
Member since: 05-29-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: embpro
Date: 06-12-2007, 02:12 PM (2 of 8)
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you can go in for contract digtization instead of buying your own expensive software i think thats a cheaoer option and saves u from the hassles of digitizing it in house, |
User: embpro
Member since: 05-30-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-12-2007, 08:12 PM (3 of 8)
|
Monogram Wizard Plus is a wonderful program and it makes lovely monograms but words are not its forte because making long phrases in the program is a little complicated. It also saves in only about 3 formats so you still something to convert the design to your format. Embird is one of the lesser expensive programs out there. It does wonderful basic editing and with the plug in programs can go all the way to digitizing. Several people do digitizing with Embird and sell their designs. While I don't think that digitizing is something that the average seamstress will necessarily use nor get proficient with, it is an option. I do believe that every seamstress needs a good editing program and the capaciy to do wording, which Embird will give you. I have MW Plus and I use Artista Software (a little more expensive than I would suggest for you). In your case, I would suggest that you seriously look at the Embird options. You do have the options of purchasing individual fonts which are treated (I think...not sure...like designs)...or you have the font engine. If you can swing it, I'd consider the font engine and the basic program OR the basic program and 2-3 varied font plug ins to start out. I would not invest heavily in the font plug ins because I think you'll want the font engine before you know it. Although MW Plus is an absolutely lovely program, I think you'll enjoy the versitility of the Embird program and use it more. In my case, at the time I purchased the MW I already had Artista V4 and was just wanting a few "frilly" designs for fancy monograms...but if I had nothing I'd head for basic first. I hope this helps. Although professional digitizers are nice, I don't think that you want to rely on them solely and you still need a program to do basic editing, rotating, enlarging, reversing, shrinking, conversion, etc., none of which MW will do. 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: MotherInLaw
Date: 06-12-2007, 10:59 PM (4 of 8)
|
I have Embird and the Font Engine and I love them. Everyday I find another font to download for free and turn into a Monogram. I would recommend Embird for an all around software. And the price is right also.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
|
From: PaulineG
Date: 06-13-2007, 03:49 AM (5 of 8)
Sonja - or anyone else with the 350e - I'm just wondering if it has any inbuilt buttonholes? I know it's embroidery only but a buttonhole is pretty much basic embroidery. I have a Janome sewing machine that I really like - except for the fact that it has 4 step buttonholes.  I've been eyeing it off for awhile (the 350e) and really liked the USB support not to mention the price as I don't feel like I need to upgrade the sewing machine itself. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 06-13-2007, 10:01 AM (6 of 8)
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Pauline while any embroidery machine could make a buttonhole it wouldn't be practical to do. It would require placement of the garment in (or on) a hoop. Much easier and faster to use your 4 step.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 06-13-2007, 04:59 PM (7 of 8)
|
Good point Tom (not what I wanted to hear though). I was looking for awhile at the 9700 which does have the embroidery (and the nice buttonholes) but apparently not the USB support. Any plans to update it that you're aware of? Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: SonjaS
Date: 06-14-2007, 01:57 PM (8 of 8)
|
Pauline, just so you know, the 350e does not have built in buttonholes. I do love it though, and am very pleased with purchasing this machine. Also, Thanks everybody for the software information. It has been extremely helpful! SonjaS |
User: SonjaS
Member since: 05-29-2007 Total posts: 2 |
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