pes to vp3. I was excited and said out loud now I will be able to convert all those freebies I didn't download because they were not hus format. The women is the class all of them said what freebies. Where can you get freebies? Then asked me the addresses of all the sites. And so I sat there spelling out addresses to them not knowing that I was making the instructor angry. Another worker Mary came in and the instructor walked over to her and said NOW I KNOW WHY WERE NOT SELLING ANY DESIGNS!!! some people are getting them free on the internet!!! really loud so all could hear. Then she said to the class that we shouldn't trust the free designs because she tried some of them and they weren't very good. And only buy the Viking designs to be safe. What she didn't know was Mary the other instructor was the person who gave me my first web sites. Smart Needle and Secrets Of. After the class I walked over to the women and told them that I had stitched out alot of the freebies and they were just fine and that the sites were not going to give us bad designs because they want us to buy from them. They all had brand new machines and were so thankful. When I go to the different sites and if I see something I want I will buy it. As I am also very thankful for every free design I get. Changed the instructors name it is not Mary

I think we all have been there at least once - I told the Viking manager that I could buy 5 spools of thread for what she sells one spool for - But, it was also clerks from the Viking store that led me to some of the sites to get better pricing on stabilizer and etc - and too, the designs. Before I new about all of this - I was probably one of the better customers, for I would pay the $100 for a package of designs simply because there were one or two that I wanted - soooooo glad that I don't have to do that now. LOL

I get in trouble too. I tell people at JoAnn's not to buy the stabilizer at the viking section before checking JoAnn stock at 50% off. Sometimes you only want to spend a few bucks to have fun ...It's not always fun to buy a big expensive roll

I think some of the big names in machine embroidery need to rethink their pricing because if you only like a few of the designs you're not going to spend $60 - $100 to buy the disc.Some now let you buy single designs instead of a set but this is only available over the net.
In 1994 I got my Janome 8000 the cards were about $100 unless they were on special but when machines started to work from cd's they release a cd containing nearly all the old sets for $80 ,didn't we feel ripped off.

Sounds like most of the stores sing the same song. I heard from my instructor as well that most of the free designs aren't as good. However I have been back and told her what a great website this is. She isn't interested for her because she stitches out designs that are featured in the Brother brochures. Plus she sews for Anita Goodesign. I must say though this is the best site I have found. I feel very lucky. The designs are beautiful and stitch out wonderfully. It is a great community to be a part of. Wake up retailers!

Forgot to say that I have purchased membership in three sites to get a lot of patterns I wanted and do purchase single patterns from sites when I want them. I don't mind purchasing when the price is reasonable. I don't expect all to be free, but do take advantage of the freebies, too.

I was told the same thing about the "inferior" designs when I went through classes for my Brother. The Brother sets for also expensive, so I went looking and have so far not had trouble with any of the free designs but one. You ladies are correct, if the designs to be purchased were reasonable, we would buy them. They cut their own throats.

I see where you did nothing wrong, I do hope you told them about our wonderful cute site & how much it has to offer.

Quite possibly Viking would sell more designs if they didn't charge $100 per set. I don't feel particularly sorry for them. They could bring their prices down a little in this economy.

Perhaps you should have just directed them to the Cute website, then they would have found the freebies quick enough.....

Oh no! That means you cant use 4D to digitise your own designs too? lol But seriously, your dealer sounds like the Janome dealer I no longer visit. I'm only one little fish but I wont be swimming in their little fish bowl any more lol.

As for freebies, it was my dealer (my embroidery machine is a Brother, the Janome is a regular sewing machine) who told me about freebies being out there. We also email each other when we find sites with designs on sale. I dont think freebies should be a hushed up secret - as others have mentioned .. its great advertising for a digitiser and you get to try-before-you-buy.

Sooooo, if you're only supposed to be buying viking designs (which are vip or vp3 I assume) then why were you learning how to convert pes files to viking files. I was under the impression that pes is a Brother format. lol makes you wonder, eh? (this is written in jest, of course)

On a brighter note, its great that you now know how to convert designs to your machine's native format no matter what the original design's file type is. A whole new world has opened up for you, congrats. :D xXx

Thank you for the story. I was so thankful to find out that
there are free designs in the internet. First I read of this
in a German magazine more dealing with politics and miscellaneous things (Spiegel). I was amazed to learn that
there are embroidery machines and then I started looking in
online auctions. I found the machines are very very very
expensive for a normal person - but ended up with my Brother
galaxy which was expensive enough. Now I needed the designs and I was so very lucky to find the design of cuties in the end so many helpful understanding people
and it is also comforting and interesting to read all the
stories of the real life - about caring suffering praying
funny stories and it is also nice to get response if you
have something to tell yourself. Thank you all, dear
Cuties and have a nice week - Maria

Ha,ha, I just love your story. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall. Enjoy your hunting for other sites.
Hugs and God bless
Marietta

Get your freebies from the sites you trust. If someone has suggested the site, they've probably used their free designs before. Just get the freebies that look good. I don't download every free design. I've even got designs from pay sites and when I try to open them the PES or VP3 doesn't work and I have to go back and re-download in another format. Maybe you could have had them write down their e-mail addresses for you and then e-mailed them the sites. That way you wouldn't have gotten spanked :-) and you would have had more time learning from the instructor. I have a separate file for freebies until I go to open them. Once I open them I transfer them to their respective folders, ie animals, birds, Christmas, etc. I always open my freebies as soon as I download them to make sure the format is good. Yes, Thank you freebie givers!!!

My Husqvarna Designer II doesn't know the difference between designs from the bought cards and those wicked freebies from the other side of the line so it just stitches out all the designs I ask it to and it performs well with every one. Certainly some designs are digitised better than others but aren't we all advised to test stitch before attacking the project fabric? I've been lucky so far and I've had success with most of my free designs, and the money saved on a one-theme $99 card has been shared among generous freebie-offering digitisers who are trying to make a living or a least some honest pocket-money.
When the time comes for me to make something very special then I'll choose the designer who has allowed me the privilege of seeing the quality of his/her work first, and who will sell me the most useful designs for my money. I repay those digitisers who have helped me to enjoy an extended selection of different stitching by purchasing from their websites when my finances allow me to do so,

Some dealers do themselves a dis-service by being less than honest or withholding information because news travels fast in the machine embroidery world and purchasers will gravitate to where their money reaps an honest reward. If a person is going to spend thousands of dollars on a machine then she wants to get the most she can from it.

AlmaG.

When my local Babylock dealer found out what I do she took me aside and gave me a TERRIFIC price on a machine. Plus when a lady, who was a customer passed away, she told the family and they donated Boxes of her fabric to me. So this way I have more $$ left for thread/stabilizers. She is VERY nice but not the 2 local Viking Dealers or the Bernina Dealer.. They do not discount anything.I live close to 3 little towns that have fabric no machines, so they are very nice to everyone.

I also love freebies-no I don't always use them right away-but you never know when someone might want something for an order and there you have it. I also don't like to buy a whole design pack-the expense-plus, I might only use 1 design in the whole pack! You still spend money on stabilizers, thread, etc.so THANK YOU always for freebies.

Sorry there is lots here to answer to. A plus for my dealer who if you buy a machine from gives you discount for threads etc that you buy from him. This includes a different rate for serviving too. It is worth the hassle of getting to him as I am 2 hours away. There are a limited number of dealers in a 2 hour drive from me. This has been a very interesting post to read

Most of the freebies are just fine! That's what a "test run" is for..to see if it stitches out like you want! If you're in the USA & it was a Viking instructor, I bet I know the instructors name! Nuff said! I'm glad your dealer is helpful. Viking designs are very nice, and they do have some lic. ones you can't get anywhere else..but overall, they are too costly for us on a fixed income. I join Dawn in "thank you Freebie givers!"

i say once you buy the machine where you get your designs is your business. i understand their point they are in it to make a profit but feel free to do it your way
bev

I also have had issues with my original dealer...they really DON'T want us using the freebie sites. There is another dealer close by that has told me about the sites and been a help on other matters too. I have bought designs from where I bought my machine, but now that hubby has lost his job..freebies are the way for me. I am a stay at home mom-grammy so funds say ignore the purchase and get on the computer. Tonya akastork

People don't buy from the stores because they are too expensive. And in my opinion, some of these quilt/machine stores need to be aware that their bad, unfriendly attitudes are going to chase people away from their doors. I have three shops in my area and one of the three has such an unwelcoming vibe, with signs about shoplifting and unfriendly salespeople that I don't enjoy going in there. Shopping for fabric and taking classes should be F-U-N!

2 comments

by asterixsew 28 Nov 2010

To have 3 shops in your area sounds bliss. There are many places throughtout the world that dont. Buyers will go where they are welcomed and appriciated

by ninalei 28 Nov 2010

I don't go to my local store much because when I left one time I heard the owner tell a sales lady not to let anyone leave without buying something - she was fussed at because someone had just walked out empty handed. At $10-12 a yard for fabric and $60+ for embroidery patterns, I just cannot afford them. I also was very angry over the owner's comment. I have not been back yet and refuse to go back.

I love the freebies....some of us are on a small budget and really appreciate free designs, plus I like to see how well the designs stitch out...when I can afford to buy I do.....you would think the people at the Viking dealer would be glad, the more designs you have the more you stitch and the more supplies you need......blessings Janet

Last time I was at my machine store the sales lady was on the computer at the BFC site. She was stitching out a multi hoop design that was not a freebie. But since she was on there I've got to expect they know all about the freebies. In fact, they have greatly downsized the amount of designs they carry that are for sale. They sell a lot of thread, stabilizer, classes, and machine accessories.

3 comments

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

This instructor said that their only allowed to use the huskavana designs.

by sewmom 28 Nov 2010

Well, that's kind of limiting isn't it? But I suppose they have to make money.

by asterixsew 28 Nov 2010

This is acceptable if it only sells Viking machines

Enjoy my freebies and sure that everyone else does too ! There are really miserable people out there, aren't there ?

2 comments

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

I just try to be happy and share with people! Thanks!

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

Share knowledge not designs!!!!! I just realized what typed before Ooops!! LoL

My dealer is very derogatory about free designs. I can understand it though, as a lot of their business comes from selling design CD's.

What a way to treat a customer and with others present too. Enough to make you find another dealer. What planet was she on? Freebie finders thanks. The quality of Freebies from some sites has made me buy from them. Yes there are some dodgy designs about but as one gets more into sewing you put your own quality control in and dont use some. I was looking at the main website for my machine last night and there were a load of designs there I would not want as freebies or bought designs either. Happy sewing and long live the kindness of the freebies on the many sites around

I too have a viking/rose with the 4D machine. But, I have the best dealers. She told me -on the sly- about the freebies: but, cautioned me about them. She said it is fun to try them but keep in mind the ones bought are guaranteed to come out perfectly. So, for fun sake, Keep on with the freebies....I'd rather spend my money on thread that a program.......

I am also the one to get into trouble during "class" I watched a new circular attatchment demo on the brother machine and the lady was missing the beg and end of the circle by 'miles' and making all sorts of excuses why.
I, being a fundi and old hat at sewing was giving her a lesson on how to meet the ends. She was not impressed with me but others now bought her attachment with confidence that the ends would actually meet.
I tell friends who don't know about Cute and I love my freebie collection.
Thank You Freebie Taker
From Bev

Well, I am sorry that they got annoyed at you, but she did say some truth about freebies, and that is why I have become very selective as to where I get them, if I get any at all.

Not all designs are created equal. I have been looking at the designs that I have collected over the years, in my embroidery software, and some are not very good at all.

I have always thought that the digitizers give a sample of the quality of work you can expect from their site. Let me tell you, there are a lot of sites I would not buy from at all, and I don't even download their designs anymore. I just found that their designs aren't the quality I would pay money for. Therefore, to me, their freebies are not worth going after.

But when I find a good site, I like to recommend it to others.

I do thank people who give the freebies, because they show us what to expect from their site. Have a nice day and enjoy embroidery, no matter where you get your designs! :) * 2 all

Lovely story, thanks for telling.

I live in the netherlands, my first 2 machines did only work with very expensive embroidery cards. My 3rd did works with discettes so that was better already and rhe machine I have now is working with USB and it was my dealer and the instructor who told me both you could easily use designs from the internet, the instructor even gave me some sites to start with. Thank you for your story!

1 comment

by roberta 28 Nov 2010

The instructor told you a lie about only using Viking designs. I've used freebies for years with my Viking Designer 1 and you can even download in PES format with no problem. I also have 4D. I have so many freebies I will never use them all but I am very appreciative since my husband is on disability. Their designs are way too high and I've only bought a few due to that. So you go ahead and get all your freebies and enjoy them. I do. If you have a JOAnn's nearby check them for stabilizers. Might come out cheaper and check online for embroidery supplies at the Viking store. By the way I've been doing this for 6 years now. Roberta

i've had my dealer tell me the same thing, I think it's because their designs are usually close to the $100 mark and even those that we buy on line don't come close to that. I for one can't afford the dealer designs. You would think the dealers would lower their prices thereby getting more sales and making up for the difference in volumne. I know there are several of my brands designs I would love to have but not for the price. But I am so very grateful for all our freebie providers and I do buy from them. Not as many as I would like but I do buy. I just love my freebies and the generosity of our designers.

2 comments

by cherylgauteng 28 Nov 2010

Me too !!

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

When I left the store I glanced at the designs hanging on the wall and one cd was 65 dollars. Trust me I didn't linger I wanted to get out of there!!!

Gotta love people that don't want you to be able to do fun stuff without paying them for it. We love our freebies and appreciate the digitizers who offer them to us. Better watch out, next time the teacher might have a ruler to crack your knuckles with, lol.

3 comments

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

You always make me laugh!! What a great personality you have!!! Thanks Dawn

by beatie58 28 Nov 2010

That is a risk we all take, getting our knuckles cracked by the teacher do you remember when! Sorry showing my age now. Hugs Sally

by leenova54 28 Nov 2010

Thanks sewlikedawn, some people don't get me, others do.
beatie58, I remember my first grade teacher was never without her ruler...and back then they were wood!

I was also told in the Macine shop not to trust freebies and download everything that's for free. I must say with a couple of exceptions I have been very satisfied with my freebies. Thanks to all the digitizers that give us the freebies.

5 comments

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

I can't understand why they don't want us to know about the free designs, they must get commission on what designs they sale!

by stitchship 28 Nov 2010

I agree, don't download all the freebies, some sites are dangerous, and known to infect others with viruses too.

I'm not saying don't get any freebie. I am saying be very selective, and very careful where you go.

But on the other hand, the dealers make a profit from everything they sale. So it is not surprising that they discourage it.

by dadsdutchman 28 Nov 2010

Okay, after snooping for a while I have to add my 2 cents.... I had to show my dealer how to mylar, go figure. Some are nice and others are really really nasty. It's like give me your money & shut up; I don't have time to answer any of your questions or concerns now that I have your money and the seller was even snobbish that I didn't buy the diamond and bought what I needed to do the job I had in mind.
I get freebies everyday. Love 'em, use 'em & enjoy 'em. There has only been one place that my computer says RUN DONT WALK AWAY from the dangers of opening it up.
The stitches may not be picture quality, but if you look at what you buy in the store that has embroidery on it.... neither are theirs.
Thanks

by dadsdutchman 28 Nov 2010

Oh, BTW... I have one of the girls ask me where I get all my deals.
She was drooling when I told her of all my good luck. Not only with the freebies (which I don't mention too much) but with the sales from other stores.
In this day you have to watch every penny & on a fixed income, the money does me more good than it does them.

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

There have been sites that I go to and my McAffe goes red and bells start ringing and tells me to get out fast and not to go any futher so I do and I have haven't had any promblems. Oh I hope that I didn't just jinx myself!!!! Knock On Wood!!! Say a prayer. Ok I think I'm safe now!

Too bad some people get bent out of shape over something like others collecting freebies. I am more than thankful for the digitizers that share their work. I can't afford a digitizer program or to only buy designs because most are very expensive. Thanks for writing about your experience. Hand in there. Alva

2 comments

by sewlikedawn 28 Nov 2010

Right now I can only buy the designs on sale. My youngest son and his daughter had to move in with us and were helping him to get on his feet. So when I see a really pretty freebie sometimes I yell out Wow! and my husband will say she must have found a good design! Thank you for your message.Dawn

by leenova54 28 Nov 2010

That is tough, my oldest son is being knocked down to 20 hours a week after Christmas, he is a writing tutor at a college so he is looking for work out of town, he'd be back living here but he has 3 cats and we already have 2 and I am very allergic.