by Sandee Gimblett
Tacoma Open Group For Microcomputers

Without question, my favorite computer application is the design system for my embroidery machines. This software has many facets, but I will discuss my two favorite parts here. The first part is called "Creative Customizing." This application allows me to work with existing embroidery designs that are either free on the web, or that I have obtained elsewhere. I can use this software to combine 2 or more designs into one, to change the colors on all or parts of a design, and to rearrange designs to suite my own particular purposes (staying within the guidelines of current copyright law, of course!) For example, let's say I want to take the separate design of a computer, and show it being dumped into the separate design of a garbage can (only when I'm frustrated, tho'!) I can move these separate designs around on my design grid until I have the computer tilted over as if it's going into the garbage can. Then, I can link the 2 designs together, and my software will rewrite the grid as if it is one design, eliminating any duplicate embroidery lines and stitches, allowing me to embroider-out the new customized design as if it were one design to begin with! The 2nd facet of my embroidery system that I love is the ability to download free designs off the Internet (and there are thousands out there!) into my embroidery design library, and stitch them out for free!