We have found a pfaff 3d upgrade w/dongle in my aunts belongings. Do we need the Pfaff suite to use this? I have Viking’s VIP software. Can we buy the Creative (software) if we need this still? My uncle said my aunt traded it for this upgrade. No books or info just 2 cds saying upgrade and red dongle. Thanks.

Hi,

The red dongel and disks is everything you need to load and run the 3D Creative software. The Viking and Pfaff software is identical just labelled differently. The upgrade did not come with the manuals in print form - they are all on the disks.

When you install the software you will be asked what machines you have and if you say that you have a Pfaff as well as a Designer 1 /rose 1+ etc then you will have access to more software. Is it the full 3D Professional upgrade or just the 3D Artist/studio?

You will be able to register the software in your name even if your aunt had previously registered it.

When you come to install it I am happy to answer any questions you might have.

Carolyn Duncan
Sew What Designs

I work for a Quilt store that sells machines. I thought we had just about every machine needle that one could ask for, BUT a few weeks ago a customer asked for a double hole machine needle. I’ve never seen one of these. I’ve seen double eye hand sewing needles, but not for a sewing machine. Have you? If you have, where would one find it?
Bridget

Dear Bridget,
 
We had this question a few months ago, and it was the first time I had heard of double-eyed needles too!
 
Double-eyed needles have exactly that, two eyes, one right above the other so that two different strands of thread may be inserted. Not all machines will accept them, however, and it sounds like there may be some tension problems, but the result is quite pretty…creating something like the two-colored twist threads we now use. Check out http://www.kapres.com/doubleeyeinfo.htm for more information and a source to purchase these needles.
 
Evy
www.abitofstitch.com

Hi Evy,

Dear Diana,
 
Great strides have been made in the production of rayon machine embroidery thread in the last couple of years. It is no longer considered to be such a delicate fiber, so if the rayon thread you have has been purchased recently, you should be able to use it with no problem, keeping in mind these few notations:
 
Rayon is made from cellulose (wood pulp). So it is basically a natural fiber, once called “poor man’s silk.” With proper care, just as one would carefully treat other fine, natural fabrics, rayon material or thread will produce beautiful projects.
 
Wash in cold or cool water, use gentle detergent, remove as much excess water as possible by rolling in towels and squeezing, then air dry. If you must put the garment in the dryer, tumble slightly on low heat for five minutes, remove promptly, hang or lay the garment flat to finish drying.
 
Rayon thread is not dependably color fast and should never be bleached. Today’s rayon threads do not bleed as badly as they used to, but still use caution. Damp garments should be removed promptly from the wash and allowed to dry so that the embroidery is not resting on another portion of the garment.
 
As is the case with most embroidered items, any ironing should be done from the back. When that is not possible, use a press cloth to protect the embroidery. Steam, if necessary, should be used with caution.
 
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, keep out of direct sunlight and do not use on items that will be stressed or rubbed frequently.
 
I use rayon embroidery thread almost as much as it’s polyester sister. I just try not to use it in projects that will be handled excessively, exposed to the elements or worn by small children who will most likely spill juice necessitating the use of some type of bleach product during laundry! I quite agree with you about the shine, it’s beautiful…and I love the softness. When embroidering silk or wool projects, I usually use rayon thread, it just seems to compliment the fabric better!
 
As for thread breakage, can’t say that I have really had a problem with that. But then, I always stand my little rayon Sulky spools on their ends on my table thread stand instead of in my machine’s spool holder. Seems to work better that way.
 
I’d say, go for it! Just keep in mind all of the above and treat your finished projects gently. Best of luck!
 
Evy
www.abitofstitch.com

I just found this info on the Husqvarna website. The driver has been moved to this location in the FAQ.

Carolyn Duncan
Sew What Designs

Is the 3D Embroidery System compatible with Windows Vista?

The 3D Embroidery System is not designed to operate on Windows Vista. This is also true for earlier embroidery software. The compatible operating systems are stated on the product boxes. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that the 3D Embroidery System, or previous software, will function correctly on Windows Vista.

However, it is possible to install 3D Embroidery System software on Windows Vista. To get your dongle working, after installing your 3D Embroidery System software, see FAQ #H013.

There are no other adjustments to the 3D Embroidery System in respect of Windows? Vista. The operation of the Designer SE, Designer I and Parallel Reader/Writer unit should not be affected, apart from driver installation. You may need to answer some security questions in Windows Vista while installing the hardware drivers, as the drivers were designed for previous operating systems.

A workaround is necessary when using the USB Reader/Writer and d-Card Reader/Writer. Each time you use either the USB Reader/Writer or d-Card Reader/Writer to read a card, write a card or send an embroidery with Send 1 or Send 2, you must disconnect and reconnect the unit before using it again to read, write or send.

Note that in due course, a new solution will be available for using the USB Reader/Writer and d-Card Reader/Writer with Windows Vista. If you do not qualify for free upgrades, there may be a handling fee for providing the CD containing the solution as it will not be part of the 3D Embroidery System.

FAQ#H013 Error “No dongle attached. Cannot open program” when starting my 3D software on Windows Vista, even though my dongle is inserted.

After you have installed the 3D Embroidery System software on a Windows Vista computer, download and save the 3D Embroidery Vista Dongle Update. After saving the file on your computer, double-click the file to install the dongle update.

Note: If the following User Account Control message appears when installing the update: “An unidentified program wants access to your computer”, click the ‘Allow’ option to continue.

Is there an update for Hus dongle to Windows Vista? While I’m at it, does 3D Embroidery System operate in Vista? Thanks, Ian

Dear Ian,

Yes there is. It is on the Husqvarna website. The driver has been moved to the FAQ location.

You may also need to set the 3D software to run in compatibility with XP. To do this right click on the main icon, select properties/compatibility and select XP.

Carolyn Duncan
Sew What Designs

I have the 3D program that came with my SE machine, would the Beginners Guide to 3D Software help me learn about my machine and the program that came with it? I don’t have the program that has everything with it, just what they gave me with my machine. Can you tell me what other tutorials would help me also? Would the tutorial that is called Put Your Best Foot Forward help me with my SE machine? It said that it is for the Pfaff machine. Any help you can give me I thank you for. Judy

Dear Judy,

The Beginners Guide to the 3D Software would help you with your 3D Studio software, that is the base package that you would most likely have purchased with your machine.

The Pfaff Foot DVD would not be suitable for an SE, but we will have one in a few weeks that will. It will be on using the Designer series accessory feet. I am editing it at the moment and it should be available late July or early August.

I hope to get my new SE in August so I will have a DVD on it later this year.

Carolyn Duncan
Sew What Designs

Just letting you know that there is now a new Embird 2006 Build 6 available, which is a FREE upgrade for current Embird 2006 owners. If you have purchased Embird 2006, just download the new installation files for Embird, Studio and any plug-ins you use, then install them on your computer. You do not need new passwords for this build, your existing passwords will work fine. Click on this link to find out what’s new.

There are also six stylish new predigitized alphabets available for Embird. Click here to see samples of the new Embird Alphabets 34 to 39.

With the new Put Your Best Foot Forward DVD Tutorial from Carolyn Duncan and Jo Strong of 1800 Sew Help Me, you will learn to use the standard and various optional accessory feet on the Pfaff 2140/44/70 sewing machines. The DVD covers buttonholes, darning, embroidery, teflon, open toe, eyelets, fringing, applique, 7-9 hole cording and 3 groove cording.Are you confused by the standard feet that came with your machine? Are you unsure of what foot to use for a particular technique? Do you have trouble attaching the feet at times? Can you make a buttonhole twist? Then this Take Home a Tutor DVD was made for you!

I have viking #1+ with customizing Pro emb system 5. Would like to get redwork designs but they are 5×7 as are some other items that I would like to do. Is there software that will set these for the plus hoop that is with my machine or is it just not possible for my machine? I would get hoop it if that is workable. I have no access to shop near here. Thank you so very much.

Hi,

Your best option would be to use a “Hoop-it-all ” hoop.  At http://www.hoopitall.com/hoops/hoop_finder.htm it will list the hoops available for your machine.

You would need to have software to split the design. Either Embird or “4D Stitch Editor” with “Design Aligner” software would do that for you.

It is possible but it will take some practice to get the alignment spot on especially with a redwork design.

Carolyn Duncan
http://www.secretsof.com/sewwhatdesigns

Hi Carolyn, I love your tutorials - they’ve opened Embird right up for me!!  So, many thanks for your hard work and excellent advice. My question is this… Is it possible to create a fill in Embird Studio (perhaps with Sfumato) that looks like stipple quilting?  I’m simply too lazy to draw loads of squiggly lines.

All the very best,
Catherine

Hi Catherine

Oh yes, it is possible to create your own stippling and its especially easy if you use the Tablet and stylus pen option in the latest Studio. I have a lesson on that function in my Studio tutorial. Its fun and addictive and very very easy.

I am glad you like my tutorials. Studio and Embird are wonderful programs aren’t they?

Kind regards
 
Carolyn
Carolyn Keber
carolyn@embirdlessons.com
www.carolynkeber.com
Step by Step Guides for all Embird programs.
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