Staying Current with Software Upgrades without Going Insane
Everyone living today witnesses the incredible technology explosion almost on a daily basis. Those born before 1970 saw the Dawn of the Age of Computers, and those born after 1970 have grown up with all this technology as a normal experience. But even as they get older, they to will say, “I remember when…we didn’t have this or that device, or we used to have thus and such to do this or that. Obsolescence is a fact of life now happening at about the same rate as the technology advances.
I saw a pay phone booth the other day with no phone in it. This is another piece of technology that has become almost non-existent. Tape players, VCRs, records, typewriters and floppy disks have seen their days. We don’t think twice in replacing a cordless phone when it stops working with a new cordless phone. Some people have skipped owning a home phone completely and only have a cell phone. Who could have imagined this ten years ago?
We understand that gaming consoles such as Nintendo and X-Box produce new products every couple years to offer more complex games made with the newest, coolest graphics and programming. These new games need new equipment to handle the higher power video output. To be able to play the new games, one must own the newest game consoles.
In the sewing world embroidery cards, 9-pin serial ports, floppy disks and parallel port dongles are becoming things of the past. If your sewing machine or embroidery software uses any one of these, begin thinking about upgrading to keep up with the latest in embroidery designs and technology. Today people buy new embroidery machines, not because they wear out their old machine, but to be current with today’s software and hardware. Check with your local dealer to see if upgrades are available for your machine.
Current upgrade options will add value when selling or trading your machine. Upgrading can also extend the need for you to purchase a new machine for a few more years. An example of this is Viking’s Designer 1 machines that use floppy discs directly in the machine. Those machines may now be upgraded to have the USB port connectivity.
While we see new computer operating systems every few years, it is more common to see new versions for our favorite software programs. We look at the list of the newest features and wonder why one would need all the new functions.
More importantly, embroidery software needs to be upgraded to the current level to work on the newer computers. This is why it is important to take advantage of software version upgrades when they become available. Yes, they will have LOTS of new features, functions, tutorials, and usually are easier to use than the previous version, but the real reason to upgrade is so they will work with the current PCs.
It would be sad to realize one day that your software can no longer be used with your current computer because it can no longer be upgraded. This is starting to happen with some embroidery software packages…they are obsolete. The companies that made them can no longer upgrade the version 1 software that you bought eight years ago. For it to work with your current computer a brand new software package must be purchased. OUCH! If only you had taken time to upgrade the software along the way.
Now with Windows new operating software, “Vista”, people with Windows 98 are being left in the dust. Do you know that Microsoft does not even support their own Windows 95 software anymore? It is twelve years old!
This is reality in today’s tech world. The only way to stay current with the software is to purchase the newest version upgrade as it becomes available. Upgrades are usually available for 1-3 years giving users plenty of time to take advantage of the newest software level features and functions.
Do you need software support for your older software? Software support also may not be available after a certain time. As a version gets older and more outdated, there are fewer people who know how to help you trouble shoot even the basic questions. The software support people themselves advance with the most current versions!
Another common technology occurrence is the update. The difference between a software upgrade and a software update can be confusing. Upgrades are essentially a new version of the program but it can piggyback onto existing software and share many of the same components. With an upgrade your older program can have the same program features as someone who purchases the newer current version for the first time. For example, if you currently use Quicken 2003 and you buy and install Quicken 2005, you’ve just upgraded your software. http://financialsoft.about.com/od/softwaretitle1/f/upgradevupdate.htm
Software updates are minor fixes or enhancements made available by free downloads to customers. Updates sometimes include new drivers which support the latest hardware such as printers and CD drives. A software update is also called a patch because it is applied over software that you already installed. A software update is not a full software package.
The main thing to realize is that everyone and every industry that uses computers will be driven by whatever is the current computer operating system. The embroidery world is not the only one that needs to continually change their program to keep up with latest computers. Because computers do so much more, and have memory storage and speed like we have never seen before, it makes sense that programs must have the ability to work with the new system. An old program that was built to operate at the speed of the computers ten years ago should in no way be expected to keep up with the speed of computers today.
While all of this computer talk can be mind-boggling, and that old adage about “the only constant is change” becomes truer every day, know that you do have the personal service of Heirloom Creation’s staff to help you navigate though the computerized embroidery software world. Know too, that I have been working with embroidery machines and software from the first day they were ever available, and I have seen EVERY version, upgrade and update, and plan on seeing many more!
© 2008 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.
The Proof is in the Pattern Tester
When I began working for Bernina of America I was so excited! I was 20 and they wanted me to work with the gal who published all of Bernina’s sewing projects and inspirational materials. After I started, it became clear to me that what they really wanted was a “Bernina Guinea Pig”!
I remember after accepting the job, they shipped me my very own fax machine. This would be my main tool for communicating (pre-e-mail days) with the company and receiving my patterns to test. Since I was allowed to work from my home sewing studio, I was in heaven! I thoroughly enjoyed this luxury from day one.
Each day, I would check the fax machine to see what projects needed proofing. Some only needed a fresh set of eyes to make sure everything looked good before publication. Other projects needed a complete sew-though to make sure each step was in the correct order, and that the written measurements were correct. I would drive to the fabric store, purchase the required amount of fabric, trims, and threads, and then head home to sew. Get this – they paid me to do this! I would giggle to myself some days knowing that I did have the perfect job.
I quickly learned that the person sending the faxes often worked late into the night and sometimes well into the wee morning hours from her home office. When she was finished, she would send the fax and head for bed. The fax machine by my bedroom, and there is nothing like being awakened by that famous fax “beep” when it arrives. Being still the excited new employee, I HAD to get up and check out the new sewing project. If I did not get up, I would lie there wondering what exciting sewing project awaited my attention.
This went on for several months, and after totaling up my free-lance hours one day, I realized I often worked a full 40 hour work week. Shortly there after Bernina of America officially hired me full time, and my life of travel, sewing, pattern testing and training became my new whirlwind job. I was the classic road warrior with a home office in Santa Barbara, CA. Fast forward a couple more years and my Bernina travels crossed paths with a young man from Sioux Falls, SD. That’s the short version of how I met Steve and landed in Sioux Falls!
Just as testing patterns was a part of my early sewing career, there is now an opportunity for our students and quilters to try pattern testing. Recently, Ingrid Barlow asked Heirloom Creations if we would gather a few quilters together to help test her patterns prior to publication. I immediately started having flash backs to my own “testing days”. Nothing is worse than getting half way through a pattern before realizing that the directions were not written correctly or a sewing step was out of order. All pattern designers need fresh eyes to test a pattern, proof the directions and offer suggestions.
Ingrid is looking for testing groups for two of her latest quilts. Heirloom Creations is offering these classes FREE for those who purchase fabric for this quilt, are willing to test this new pattern, offer personal feedback, and help proof yardages and cutting instructions. You must already have accurate sewing, quilting and rotary cutting skills. You also will receive a FREE pattern once it is finalized.
Step Ahead
Thursday, March 6
10 – 4pm
Basket Trap
Friday, April 25
10 – 4pm
Are you qualified for this type of sewing enjoyment? Come and see if you have the skills to be an official pattern tester! For more information about these classes at Heirloom Creations, please call 605-332-4435.
Project Linus Make-A-Blanket Day SUCCESS – 132 Quilts!
Many thanks to everyone who came and sewed at Heirloom Creations 4th Annual Project Linus Make-A-Blanket Day!
132 quilts and blankets were completed or dropped off on Saturday!
A specal thanks goes to the following local businesses and news stations that helped promote the event:
- Results Radio
- MIX 97.3 FM – Ben & Patty
- KDEZ 100.1 FM – Brad & Bryan
- KSOO 1140 AM – Chad McKenzie
- KSFY 6pm & 10pm news team
- CiCi’s Pizza
Project Linus is a national organization that prompts the collection of hand-made, new, kid-friendly blankets to give to children who are hospitalized or traumatized. Local Project Linus chapters are set up around the country to help with collection, tagging and distributing blankets to area hospitals.
Click here to read more about Project Linus and it important role in South Dakota area.
Click here to read more about Project Linus and it important role in South Dakota area.
Project Linus Make-A-Blanket Day – February 16, 2008
With all the new growth in the Sioux Falls area, we are thankful for all the local hospital’s investment into our communities future. Children are also our future. Most of us would do anything for a child in need or a child needing special medical attention. That is where Project Linus comes in.
Project Linus is a national organization that prompts the collection of hand-made, new, kid-friendly blankets to give to children who are hospitalized or traumatized. Local Project Linus chapters are set up around the country to help with collection, tagging and distributing blankets to area hospitals.
Heirloom Creations is one of the Eastern South Dakota Project Linus’ main drop off locations for quilts, blankets, and crocheted and knitted afghans.
Since 2005, Heirloom Creations has participated in Project Linus’ annual Make-A-Blanket Day. On Saturday, February 16, 2008, we invite anyone who would like to come sew and help stock pile quilts for the local Project Linus chapter. We welcome all levels of sewers, non-sewers, quilters and non-quilters. If you are not able to join us on this special sewing day, Project Linus welcomes donations of any of the following items throughout the entire year:
Kid friendly fabrics
Batting
Crochet yarn
Knitting yarn
Fabric for quilt backs
Floss for quilt tying
Do you travel to any of the following cities to visit family or for work?
Project Linus is always looking for volunteers to take and drop off finished quilts to the following hospitals as needed about every 2-3 months:
Yankton
Vermillion
Mitchell
Watertown
The following hospitals need blankets delivered to them less often: Clearlake, Madison, Mitchell, Freeman, Canton, DeSmet, Viborg, Armour, Tyndall, Brookings & Scotland. If you would like to be on a call list for future deliveries, we would love to be able to contact you.
For donations, questions or available delivery to any of above locations, contact Diane, the Sioux Falls Project Linus chapter leader at SiouxFalls.SD@projectlinus.org or (605) 361-1821
Every 3000 Miles
In most cars on the road these days there is a little vinyl sticker in the upper left hand corner of the windshield. That’s right – the sticker that tells us when we are due for the next oil change. Today they give two numbers, a mileage number and a specific date. Most of us probably go by the mile or date that is furthest in the future, but every mechanic (and the sticker) will say that we should use the earliest date or mileage reading.
Our sewing machines, sergers and embroidery machines beg for regular yearly check-ups. They, too, are one of our closest family members. Is it the pecking order at home to go from family, pets, vehicles then sewing machines in the order they are enjoyed, looked after and used? Then why do we forget to give our dear sewing machine the very best?
Last week was my time to take my car in. I knew it needed an oil change and the front end was starting to get a bit shaky at highway speeds. Later that afternoon it was all set to go. My car was sitting their waiting for me all shiny new looking from a complimentary car wash, and its four brand new tires. I turned the key and away we went. HEAVEN! It was like when I first drove it home when I bought it!
It is time! If your sewing machine as not been opened and completely serviced recently, call and make a same-day appointment today! Or if you have time to leave it for a couple days, we will clean it in our regular service rotation and call you as soon as it is finished. Our service guys will treat your sewing machine just like it was their very own. Click here to read A Sewing Machine Technician’s Check List.
Nothing feels like HEAVEN like sewing on a brand new sewing machine. Have you forgotten what your sewing machine felt like when you first bought it? Just like when I stepped into my newly serviced and cleaned car last week, it felt so good! If you have recently sewed a project that made everything on it, in it and around your sewing machine linty, do not bother cleaning it yourself. Just bring in the entire sewing machine and its case for us to do the dirty work for you.
Gary and Ryan take so much pride in cleaning both the inside and outside of sewing machines we have heard people say, “That’s can’t be my sewing machine. Mine did not look that new when I brought it in!”
Recently, we have started a collection of pictures of things we have found in sewing machines. Watch for additional pictures as we see them!
© 2008 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.
Heirloom Creations Sewing Retreat 2008
January 2008 finished with Heirloom Creations’ 3-day Sewing Retreat at Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain, SD. It took me about four days to finally catch up on sleep and work and to have time to post some evidence of the past weekend on the website.
I want to say to everyone who attended, THANK YOU! We all met new sewing friends, laughed, discovered what we were all capable of doing in three days when there are NO distractions from home, relaxed, took a walk when we needed it, and laughed some more. We dressed in our PJs and slippers because we could. We walked around to see what others were working on, posed for pictures, showed what we finished at show-n-tell, and all on the schedule that each person wanted to keep.
Cedar Shore has the most awesome meeting rooms for sewers with excess lighting, super high ceilings (we don’t feel cramped), enough electrical power to have numerous irons, and room for everyone to have their own 6 foot table as well as room to spread out!
Check out the pictures to see all the luxuries they have to offer!
People even had room to put up their own personal design walls if they wanted.
As for meals, they just set up the buffet and eating area right there in the room too!
We planned for a special “Saloon Night” on Friday night complete with root beer floats.
Many of our gang dressed up for the occasion with cowgirl and cowboy hats, vests, bandannas, sheriff badges and six shooter cap guns! We were also visited by “Miss Kitty”, the only local sewing/saloon gal in town.
Since the reason most everyone attends this particular retreat is so they can work on their OWN projects, I try not to interfere with too many extras. Each day I did offer a very short “mini workshop” to learn a technique that they could try while there.
On Day 1 I showed how to make the poplar Artist Trading Cards. Many people took a break from their projects to make these small 2 ½” x 3 ½” mini quilts using fabric scraps, yarns, beads, buttons, glitz and decorative stitches. Those who did make ATC’s traded their cards with others and shared their creative talents. Thanks to everyone who traded their beautiful cards with me! This collection of cards instantly reminds me of our sewing retreat time together.
On Day 2 I showed a use of Kaye England’s 22.5 Degree Wedge Ruler. I absolutely love using this ruler to make a Dresden plate block without all the fuss! I had rulers for people to use and Clover Yo-Yo makers to finish the centers.
On Day 3 I showed a unique way to put binding on a quilt using a 4-ply yarn as a way to stabilize the binding edge for perfect stitching. There will be no more wobbly edges on the back of the quilt when machine stitching in the ditch!
We only had one minor casualty during the sewing retreat – somewhere around 10pm on Saturday night we seemed to have “broken” the Day Spa massage therapist. Dain was kind enough to come visit our sewing room on Friday night to offer us 10 and 20 minute chair massages. I heard he stayed almost to midnight the first night! What a guy! But then many of us wanted longer massages the next day after realizing how good he was. Did I mention he was young and cute too? We should give him a heads up next year before we arrive!
To see pictures and another retreat write up, visit Kay P’s blog at http://myolivebranch.wordpress.com/2008/01/31/jeepers-its-thursday-thumper-already/
Would you like to join us next year? Please let me know if you are penciling us on your calendar as a possibility for next year. Then if we need a bigger room, we can reserve the space. Thanks!
Save the date:
Friday, January 23 – Sunday, January 25, 2009
Heirloom Creations’ All Inclusive Sewing Retreat
Cedar Shore Resort
Chamberlain, SD
The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative has a new website!
The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) Raising Awareness & Funding Research Through Art
The February Priority Quilt auction is now open for bidding. Click here to see this months quilt!
The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) is an Internet-driven, grassroots, totally volunteer effort to raise awareness and fund research through art. I founded the AAQI in January 2006 because my mother has Alzheimer’s disease. All profit is donated to Alzheimer’s research. Since the AAQI began we have raised more than $157,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
On January 2, 2008, the AAQI became a Michigan nonprofit corporation. On January 17, 2008 we applied to the IRS to become tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. (This determination can take from 6 to 8 months.) Click here to learn more.