This is my first posting, though I've been reading everybody else's for a couple of months. I recently bought an embroidery sewing machine specifically to use for machine quilting. Does anyone have any recommentdations for software - good or bad - if you've made a mistake, please let me learn from yours!. I'm an absolute novice - just figured out today how to load embroidery softward into it!

Joanne from AZ and CT

Joanne, Welcome aboard! I think you will enjoy yourself on this site and get lots of help and advice! Unfortunately, I don't have a machine that uses software so I am unable to help you out with that but I'm sure some of the others will have some advice for you.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look there.

Hi Loretta, I checked out embroidery.com and realize I should have been more specific when I asked for suggestions. I have a Pfaff embroidery machine. I wonder if the Viking software would work with Pfaff. They bought Pfaff, but I don't know if the software works on both brands?
JoanneS

JoanneS....welcome! Glad you stepped out to post and glad to have you here with all of us! You will learn much here, these are some great people here w/much info to share...welcome!welcome! Skeat

Are you planning to make your own designs or purchasing already made designs from somewhere? Does your machine have a USB or do you need to tranfer the designs to your machine via card?

I have an embroidery machine with a USB and only used purchased or free designs. I have not had to purchase any additional software such as Embird, BuzzTools, PE Design, etc... Because I have the USB I don't need a converter box to move designs from my computer to a card...

Hi Loretta, Lisa, Skeat and dreamingquilts,
Thanks for all your replies.

I can download free designs and purchased designs to my sewing machine, because my computer has BOTH USB and Serial ports. I didn't realize how good that was until the Pfaff customer service guy in India walked me through it via the phone. Now I'm ready to start downloading!

I've heard that some free downloads can cause problems with computers, but that may just be a rumor. Any suggestions - especially for safe sites. I've already ordered Anita G (forget the last name) feathers quilting software from my VERY excellent Pfaff dealer in Tucson. This dealer offers classes year-round and has a big enough business to attract big name teachers for 'Sit and Sews.'

And that brings up another question. Is it ok to mention by name businesses such as my Pfaff dealer in Tucson or web sites we like or don't like?
JoanneS

Is this what you mean?

http://www.embroidery.com/product.asp

You should be able to transfer them to your sewing machine. Depending on your hoop sizes, some of the designs may be too large use.

Thanks - I'll take a look at that site.
JoanneS

Hi, JoanneS, welcome to the board. The people on the board are great & always willing to help.
Jo