bstanbro

My husband bought me this embroidery module for Christmas. Of course, it comes with no book or instruction other than a not-helpful-at-all tutorial. I'm going to take a class at my LQS at the end of the month and I'm hoping that will enlighten me.

My question is whether any of you have purchased additional software in addition to what comes with it. The software that comes with it seems fairly limited, and so I'm interested in knowing whether the additional software is worth the substantial expense.

Please let me know your opinions and your advice on this topic. Thanks. You all are so smart, you always give me good advice.

sandpat

I have a Bernina 200E..so have the embroidery module just like yours (well..basically). I brought it home and immediately determined that I had to have software if for nothing else...to convert files from the internet to the ART file format so I could use them.

Not being too sure how much I would actually use it...I couldn't see shelling out the $2500.or so for the Bernina software (although it is really nice)....I bought software from OESD..Explorations software. You can start with the basic package for about $250...then you can add to it if you feel you need or want it. You can check it out on the OESD website.

Good luck..you will enjoy it!

sewjoyce

The Explorations Software is probably the way to go. I've used it in the past and really liked it. However, my friend talked me into upgrading the Bernina software to 6.0 and now I'm entirely lost (LOL)!

sandpat

Joyce, the Bernina software is really really nice (as it should be for that price)..I've seen it demo'd in some classes..but I just don't use it enough to warrant the cost, well, at least in my opinion. You'll get up to speed on it soon though, it looks to be fairly user friendly. :D

sewjoyce

It's not too hard -- I guess. However, after you pay all that money you find out that the only manual/help is in your software. I had it printed out by a friend on extra heavy paper for $50 (it's over 600 pages). The Bernina Store was charging $75 on regular paper. Someone checked with Office Depot and it was over $100 on regular paper. So I felt like I got a good price on getting the manual but also got screwed in the first place because Bernina didn't provide us a printed one....

sandpat

Well, that does kinda stink...you'd think for the price you would at least get a written hard copy manual. :roll:

pvquilter

Have you bought a computer for the module yet? I have this model also and am wanting to buy one and hope I don't need to upgrade in a year. I know you can;t get one with Windows 7 because it won't work until Bernina has a patch for that. What are you planning on doing or what have you done.

bstanbro

My husband is an engineer and we literally have old laptops lying around the house. I just snagged one of those--I think it has Windows XP on it. The computer isn't the issue for me--it's just figuring out how to use the software. My initial reaction to it though is that it doesn't do much with the software that comes with it. It's a way for Bernina to make scads of money by first charging an arm and a leg for the module, and then another arm for the software.

When I bought the sewing machine I really didn't see that the increased cost to get the integrated embroidery function was worth it. I don't think I will do that much machine embroidery, but I thought it was another way to do quilting on small projects. I still think it is. I just think I'm going to have to spend more to get what I want. Either way, I still think I'm going to spend less on the total price for the whole shebang by purchasing it this way. Having to have the laptop makes it less convenient, but for my needs, I think it will work out.

I'm just trying to figure out what other people have experienced if they have done it this way and whether the extra cost for more software is worth it.

nursie76

I have the embroidery module for my Bernina 440 QE and I love it. It came with the Art Design program. I downloaded a rather extensive manual for free from the internet. I took the class which helped tremendously. I have downloaded hundreds of free embroidery designs from various sites on the internet and have purchased some as well. You can use ART and PES files with the software provided with the module. If you want to be able to digitize your own designs then you would need to purchase the more expensive software. Would I like to be able to do that? Yes. Can I justify the extra expense, not right now. However, you can add lettering to existing designs and combine designs.

Sandpat, does Explorations software work with Bernina?

PV quilter, I emailed Bernina about compatibility with Windows 7 and they said it would with certain service packs and drivers. I can't copy and paste what they sent, but if you emailed them you could get the info.

sandpat

Nursie, yes, the Explorations software does work with my Bernina machine. They even offer online seminars along with Bernina.

You can buy several different levels of packages to go with the basic "starter" pak. I think those run a couple hundred bucks each. They go all the way to a pak for digitizing. Maybe someday..but for now I don't do enough to justify that part.