Stitching Software

I had an older version of PatternMaker that I'd never really used and after several emails with Scott at Hobbyware and proof of ownership details I upgraded to the newest version and so far so good. I have the professional version (because I always find myself wishing I had the extras if I buy the lower versions) and it includes specialty stitches which were wonderful. Select your thread (i.e. Weeks Dye Works, Gentle Arts Sampler Threads, DMC), choose a stitch - such as Smyrna Cross and click, click, you can now put your correctly colored Smyrna crosses anywhere in your chart.

I exported my pattern into Word along with some additional directions and it turned out very professional looking. I'm actually using it to teach a program at my local EGA chapter's meeting this month. MUCH nicer than my drawings on graph paper :)

Don't have any experience with the other products you mentioned, but just my .02 worth - MelissaD

I suspect which software is "best" depends on how you intend to use it. I have identified at least three ways, and I suspect there are more than that. The one that uses the least amount of help is called "pixel painting". You dont need heavy duty graphics software, so you can use something like MSPaint. Find the RGB values of the floss you intend to use from the stitch software, and create a pallet of these in MSpaint. Draw your pattern in MSPaint, and then simple use the stitch software to print out the pattern. The second is the way I use Pattern Maker. Search until you find a picture you would like to stitch, which is already the right size and detail. Use the stitch software to convert the colors into floss colors, and print out the pattern. The third is to use the bells and whistles of the stitch software to create your pattern. In the two former cases the power of the stitch software is almost irrelevant. In this third case, you need to look carefully at what the stitch software provides in order to decide which is "best" HTH.

-- Jim Cripwell. From Canada. Land of the Key Bird. This creature of doom flies over the frozen tundra in winter, shrieking its dreaded call; "Key, Key, Key, Key rist but it's cold!!"

Hi there KCat :o))

Been working with the Pattern Maker Pro for several years now. But even when having the ME add on I haven't used it though: there's nothing better than a hand stitched item because it adds that certain charm to it ... *VBG*. The trick is to work with a GOOD graphical programme alongside with it. Everything is based on PIXELS with PMP and many other stitchsoftware for that matter ... and well for as far the colours go: I've developed my OWN colourpicking grid for it - and it's working PERFECT .. even the shading looks awesome! So I basicly agree with Jim here ;o)) ... only I use different graphic software (PSP) to prepare my stuff in a slightly different way. Take a look at my website and you'll see how it works for me!

But I can assure you Pattern Maker Pro is FABULOUS software to make your own stuff with .. and in the long run it's a great investment :O)) Suggestion: download several trial version and find out what works best for YOU. PMP can be pretty costly when you don't intend to use it that often .. so that is surely a thing to consider.

HTH anytime .....

-- =B8..=B7 =B4=A8=A8)) -:=A6:- =B8.=B7=B4 .=B7=B4=A8=A8)) ((=B8=B8.=B7=B4 ..=B7=B4 -:=A6:- -:=A6:- (( =B0=BA=A4 Misty aka Karin Moderator for: news://news.annexcafe.com/annexcafe.cross-stitch.patterns AND: news://news.annexcafe.com/annexcafe.pixel.painting M & O Designs homepage:

"God grant me the serenity to

- to accept the things that can't be changed

- the courage to change the things I can

- and the wisdom to know the difference "

your own stuff with .. and in the long run it's a great investment :O)) Suggestion: download several trial version and find out what works best for YOU. PMP can be pretty costly when you don't intend to use it that often .. so that is surely a thing to consider.

Thanks for your input also, Misty. truth is, if a software package is too simplistic, I would be less inclined to use it. Intuitive is what I want - which doesn't mean "easy" necessarily. I use Photoshop daily as part of my home business so i'm no stranger to graphics program. Have been employed off and on over the years as a computer graphics artist since 1987. I guess that's why I would think I'd prefer the full Pro version - to know I have that flexibility vs. feeling constrained. It's very much the same way I view my pens and most other things hubby and I buy - if it's too cheap, it isn't a value because you won't use it or it will fail quickly - took us a while to accept that with desk chairs. :)

again, thanks. I think there will probably be a time I'd like to scan in some of my handwriting efforts for more personal touches to a piece. hmmm.. which brings up a question..

Mmmm ... you remind me of someone KCat ;o) ... ME .. *LOLOL* When it comes down to software I also prefer the more costly ones simply because I also think that A) it's the best stuff available and B) you probably will get more value for you money compared to the other software :O))

My partner is a enthousiastic Photoshop user too and swears by it - but I'm way to familiar with PSP now to throw that overboard and start learning another graphical programme ... *VBG*. So I think I'ld better stick to what I know for now ;o)

About the handwriting effords: scan em and turn them in to pixelpainted images - works like a dream every time dear !! I can assure you it's easy to learn and do (kids can do it - so anyone can for that matter).

Hope you'll get wise out of that software jungle out there and pick out the one which suits you best . Good luck & happy designing to yah! Hope to see your designing effords one day ..

-- =B8..=B7 =B4=A8=A8)) -:=A6:- =B8.=B7=B4 .=B7=B4=A8=A8)) ((=B8=B8.=B7=B4 ..=B7=B4 -:=A6:- -:=A6:- (( =B0=BA=A4 Misty aka Karin Moderator for: news://news.annexcafe.com/annexcafe.cross-stitch.patterns AND: news://news.annexcafe.com/annexcafe.pixel.painting M & O Designs homepage:

"God grant me the serenity to

- to accept the things that can't be changed

- the courage to change the things I can

- and the wisdom to know the difference "

I ran across a cross-stitch plug-in for Photoshop a few years back. Have you tried that?

I use and enjoy PM Pro. I have the ME version, although I don't even own a sewing machine.

There was only one feature that PC Stitch had over PM back when I was evaluating the two of them, and PM has it, now. There are more motif patterns available for purchase for PC Stitch than for PM, but I haven't bought the one motif CD that is available for PM so that isn't an issue for me.

I think the DMC pattern CDs use a PC stitch viewer, but I won't swear to that.

Namaste, Cyn

haven't seen that but will look into it.

ah... i haven't really looked at what ME is. I do sew but only very basic stuff.

Thanks, much, Cyn. Again, I'll look into it. That sounds right - each time I go into Michael's (I've been raiding their meager supply of Stitchbow bows every few days, i neglect to examine the software that is right there next to the floss display. cool little display they have nowdays - a few short years ago it was floss in drawers that tended to stick. I'm liking the stitchbow, btb but only in the binder! shoot, I hate binders. But I bought one at Office Depot that's a better quality than the stitchbow binder. I'd rather have a few more narrow binders than four of those big bulky ones that tend to break easily. Definitely didn't like the plastic molded box..

sorry thread drift...

thanks again.