 | To retreive our pattern, go to "Image" and click on "Load". Depending on where you have your .pcx image stored, locate the leaf.pcx, and click on it. |
 | Hmmmm.....that's great, but the pattern is bigger than the hoop's sewing area. Well we can fix that! Go to "Image" and click on "Image Scale" |
 | Now, change the 1.000 to .500 and we'll reduce it's size in half. The leaf is now appx. 1" x 2-1/4". After you import a .pcx file you can actually move the hoop (by clicking on the middle of the rim) if you want to see the image in a different position on the hoop. A use: you might want to digitize a much smaller leaf and then import a .pcx of an apple, and align the two. |
 | Now that we're sized the way we want, let's set our thread colors. Click on "Function" and then "Thread Colors". When digitizing a design with many colors, plan the order in which you will use your colors in advance. Can you change your mind about the order later? Yes. |
 | We want to start with yellow thread and then a dark green. Click on a radio button and then a color below to see how easy it is to set colors. |
 | Perhaps the color shade in the selection isn't exactly what you want to see on screen. You can adjust that by clicking on "Mix" and then adjusting the setting until it's just the way you want it. |
 | We want to get in close to see what we're doing, so click on "Display" and then "Zoom". |
 | Next, pick a point above and to the left of the leaf and click. This anchors your zoom field. Drag your mouse down and to the right to form a 'window' around the area you wish to enlarge. |
 | Go to "Fill" and select "Fill Stitch". Since your settings revert back to 'default' each time you close and reopen the program, we know we are already at the default settings. Digitize around half of the leaf. On 'curves' use the RIGHT mouse button to anchor, instead of the left button. Use the leaf veins in the pattern as a guide for the angle of the stitches to be sewn. |
 | Zoom-in (using the same technique as above) on the lower part of the leaf. For the second half of the leaf you'll want to 'overlap' the existing stitches down the middle. Place your new stitches just inside the "V" of the exisiting stitches. |
 | When you need to move to see another portion of the design, go to "Display" and click on "Pan". |
 | Move the 'box' outline toward the top of the screen and click. More of the upper portion of the design will be revealed. |
 | When you are all done, or wish to see the entire design at any time, go to "Display" and click on "1:1" |
 | You could sew the leaf out just as it is....but heck, what fun is that? Ready to really make it look spectacular? Go to "Image" and click on "Hide". Now all we see are the yellow stitches. |
 | Time to digitize with the next color. Click on "Function" and click "Color Change". |
 | Up pops the menu. The radio button automatically selects the next color. All you have to do is click "OK". Everything you digitize from there will be in that color. [ If you wanted to adjust that color at this point, you'd just click on "Settings". ] |
| Did you wonder where and when you'd use different Fill Values?... | Well, you're about to find out! |
 | From Lesson 1 you already know how, so change the Fill Values to Spacing (.860) and Length (6.600) |
 | The go through the steps to Zoom and digitize over the yellow stitches, doing 1/2 at a time. Set your angles the same (or close to) the previous angles. When you are all done, sew it out.
You can practive making leaves with various Fill Values [Try .860 and 4.600] [.760 and 6.600] [.560 and 5.600]. Flip your hoop over when you finish and check on how it looks. You should see white stitches and only a narrow border of upper thread colors. Smooth and uniform. |