Replies

1. 
   cansew | Dec 27, 2007 11:23am | #1

   Hello Matt,I'm not familiar with your Bernina 340,maybe
   someone else has the same machine and can help you out.
   Meanwhile,I like to share what I do.I have a Pfaff 300e
   embroidery only machine which connects to my computer
   with a USB cable.I don't need a special box etc.to download
   or resize designs.
   When I download a design I just left click on a design,which
   then usually downloads as a compressed (zipped) folder and
   then opens with the 3D software that came with my machine.
   Here are a few nice freebies to try out on your Bernina.
   http://www.mtldesign.dk/page3.htm
   There are more freebies on the sidebar too.
   Good luck

1. 
   MattInPA | Dec 28, 2007 07:47am | #5

   Thank you for your input. It will certainly be of great help.

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Dec 28, 2007 01:48am | #2

   You have to be careful with the free designs, there are many that are not well digitized and who knows who these people are.  I only get designs from "reputable" sites, it takes a while to figure this out.  For now, I would start with large sewing machine companies whose designs may be offered in a variety of formats.  You need to know what format your machine uses.

   May I suggest starting with http://www.bernina.com and http://www.emblibrary.com?  The emblibrary site has a monthly newletter they email you with a different sale each month.  Many of us here have ordered from them successfully.  I have been ordering from them for many years, thier designs stitch out well, they keep a record so you can redownload if needed, have free designs, have great tutorials on hooping, stabilizers, etc.  You can email questions to them and even request designs. 

   Hope this helps.  Mary

    

1. 
   cansew | Dec 28, 2007 06:02am | #3

   Hello,I stitched out the cute Nissepige,on the far right,in
   the middle row,on the freebies link I posted.It looks beautiful
   and is well digitized !

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Dec 28, 2007 07:36am | #4

   What company is it?  I'm glad the freebies worked out for you.  I tend to operate on the side of caution (just short of paranoia, ha ha) these days.  We spend so much money on the equipment and software that it would be a catastrophe to get a virus in our computers.  I do have a good firewall and antivirus but...

    

2. 
   MattInPA | Dec 28, 2007 07:51am | #6

   I got a few names from this site prior to my post. emblibrary was one of them. I will probably go to them first. I tend to be on the paranoid side too. Thanks. Good luck in the new year.

   Matt

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Dec 28, 2007 08:12am | #7

   Another thought....if you go to a place that sells embroidery designs, write down the names of the companies, then check out thier websites.   Alot of them have free designs.  OESD (wholesale only) is also http://www.embroideryonline.com for retail.  I have ordered several times from them, as well as http://www.marthapullen.com (Sew Beautiful magazine and tv show on PBS (girly and heirloom and babies mostly) and http://www.bonniemccaffery.com , http://www.nancy'snotions.com (tv show, Sewing With Nancy)  I do feel safe giving them my credit info.  My hubby uses Paypal but I haven't looked into that yet.

   I like emblibrary.com because of the variety, my grandsons, son, and hubby enjoy all the Native American, wildlife, and school mascot type designs.   I need to embroider a giant snowy owl on a jean jacket for hubby tomorrow that didn't get done in time for a present.  Have fun in your search.  Mary

3. 
   zuwena | Dec 29, 2007 09:52am | #8

   Hello Matt,

   Have you tried getting some guidance on downloading and recommended designs from the dealer.  I don't have a Bernina but I found my dealer to be very helpful with lessons on how to use the machine and also the manufacturer's website.

   Also, the suffix or extension you mentioned probably indicates the "format" that the design software reads.  When you download free or purchased designs you will usually get all or be able to "select" from those offered.  Different machine manufacturers (Babylock, Husqvarna, etc) have configured their machines to read different formats.

   Finally, if you ultimately decide to purchase off the web look for the little lock symbol at the bottom right hand side (or occasionally on the top right) of the webpage that shows the website is secure for the transmittal of confidential information.   Z

   PS  I just found a site "Secrets of Embroidery" that you and your wife might find helpful with lots of basic information on embroidery and what file extensions are:  http://www.secretsof.com/content/612

   Edited 12/29/2007 2:14 am ET by zuwena

1. 
   MattInPA | Dec 29, 2007 11:35pm | #9

   SUCCESS! After a phone call with the dealer while online at home we have successfully downloaded our first free design: a dragon typing on a computer (ecactly what I wanted). We got it from EmbroideryOnline. Thank you all for your help. We are much less overwhelmed.

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Dec 30, 2007 12:14am | #10

   Hi Matt.  I got in here late, but wanted to add that Embroidery Library has a "Techniques & Tips" section that is very helpful.

   This will take you directly to "Techniques & Tips:

   http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/holder.aspx?page=techniques

   I buy from Embroidery Library and different merchants at Embroidery.com.  You set up an account and designs you download remain in the account and can be downloaded again - comes in handy when the computer acts up and looses your files.

   http://www.embroidery.com/default.asp?sid={E2729BC7-84DA-4442-864F-4F3AF919C424}

   Enjoy the new machine!

   Edited 12/29/2007 4:36 pm ET by spicegirl1

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Dec 30, 2007 07:06am | #11

   that sounds like a cool design!  My grandson has a "gamewizard" from embroideryonline, I'll look for the dragon for dear hubby

1. 
   MattInPA | Dec 30, 2007 07:49am | #12

   total cost...$0.00