sad if they just sit in a file on a computer never to be looked at again.

i have used almost all i have taken.hazy

I for one am very grateful for all the freebies I download.I am on very limited income having spent my small divorce settlement on my machine and threads etc.I only download designs that I will use and am always amazed at the generosity of very talented digitisers and the quality too.I have favourite designers that I always check out for the wonderful quality.So once again, THANK YOU, yes your designs are used and loved.
Maria

I only collect the designs I think I will use. I see a design & think So n' So would love that. I love the Christmas ornaments too. I do a lot of Christmas, birthday & baby gifts too. I found RW/lineart make great cards.

Charla

wow. so many answers to this question, I have been a bit busy to keep up with them, thank you so much for taking the time to share with me, It is good to know that people look through and use them.
Alice

sometimes i buy them and i didnt even use them! this is so much worse.
last time i will keep on downloading free files but i have passed on to that phrase. i find it agony to follow everyday.

I, myself have used quite a few freebies & they come in handy. I found one (somewhere) & it fitted perfectly as the centre piece of the quilt I just finished. One thing i wish though is when getting freebies, a lot of the time they don't have a name in the files (zipped area) showing where I got it from. I don't have the time or patience to type every name on every freebie I get, & then when I have used it in a gift or major project I can't send a pic to the owner of that design to show how I've used it, or even to give them credit where credit is due.
I do admit I have thousands of freebies as well as a heap I have got from sites I have paid to be a member or have just bought from a site, I know I probably will never use EVERY single one... but at least I know I have it somewhere if I DO ever want it....lol. I am a hoarder of many things, eg. fabric, threads, papers & crafting stuff as well. I know one day I WILL get to play with all of it, it just sits & waits for me quietly taking up room on the computer or in any of the rooms in our house... Thank God my husband doesn't leave his car bits all over the house too, we'd have bedlam then.
Hugs,
Reggie

1 comment

by spanishpeach 29 Nov 2010

I make a folder of each digitisers name and then can either name or date the design ( or both)So whenever I download a design it is saved into the relevant folder.Hope that helps.

In the beginning I would download most of the freebies out there. Now I am more selective. I have 9 grandchildren so they do get used. If not for kids, then gifts, quilts etc. Thank you so much for providing the freebies.

I only download the designs that are cute or pretty to me and yes I use them! I am making a baby quilt for my grandaughter and a Nascar bed spread for my grandson. I have used several different designs from different sites. One thing I did notice was when I would open up a site and there would be freebies and items for sale that if something caught my eye and I just had to buy it. I will purchase it right then. So yes I do stitch out the freebies and are so thankful for them. Thank you very much and I do have designs from you and love them and will be using them for years to come. Some of the designs I've download has a date that they were created in say 2003 or 2007 But there still new to me being a semi newbie. Thank you again for all your talent!!!!Dawn

Yes and no. I usually love the designs, have a project in mind, but sometimes I don't get around to doing all I want to OR my grand daughters outgrow the child designs. I have a file system I can USUALLY find what I want. Use them all? Not possible unless I live to be 200 yrs old! But I am grateful for all the work others have the talent to do! So thank you!

Yes I eventually use them.I only download designs that appeal to me.I save them by subject with the designers name ,so I know where to go if I want to see more of that designers work ( sometimes I forget to do this ).Thank you for putting up freebies

i use most of mine for gifts on item,s .but i have a lot of pleasure seeing how they stitch out.so many thanks to people like you who let us use for free

Alice. I don't own the software to digitize, but I do have an old version of software that allows me to view designs, change formats, add words, and a few other simple things. I have my designs on a separate drive and I look at them constantly, With out freebies I would not be able to do all the donated projects that I do for our church, school, and friends. I am particular about what I download. I visit many different sites and when I see a freebie I really like and I have some way to use it then I download it. Here on cute I go through the projects and see how others are using the designs. And I love to browse the designs posted here by cuties. I also try to keep designs organized in folders
Cindy B.

I am fairly new to embroidery. I had done crafts, and hand stitchery for years. but,when my husband gave me a machine as a gift it opened up a whole new aspect for me. Not really knowing quite what to do. the freebies and tutorials have been a great source of learning for me. I really appreciate all the work and effort everyone puts into their work.

yes I download yours and many others. I will use them some day.

:} Hi Alice - I use freebie designs.

I simply can't afford to buy all the designs and design sets I like and want but when I do see a design or set I'll certainly buy it.
For instance, I can't afford to buy a design card or set for $99 just to use one or two designs I like and never look at the others again.
Without the generosity of experienced digitisers in offering one or two beautiful designs I would never have 'grown' as far as I have in this wonderful pastime, or so quickly.
Without a doubt I am grateful for the overwhelming collection of freebies I've made during the 18 months I've been machine embroidering. I am tending to collect only those designs which appeal to me, and I even broke one of my rules this year and collected some Hallowe'en designs. Not every digitiser makes my kind of design, e.g. I'm not too much into cartoon-style designs or 'dark' designs.
I do think that as I advance in the embroidering arena and think more of producing quilts,clothing or larger projects I will want/need complete sets and that's when my favourite digitisers will reap the benefit of their generosity.
When time or circumstance permits, I often sit at my computer and look though my Organiser to see what beautiful designs I've collected. This has been the reason why I've re-discovered some of my early designs and been able to use them in recent projects.

So, Alice, don't imagine that your freebies will be snapped up haphazardly just for greed, as a general rule, but they will be helping someone to enjoy their embroidery all the more and ultimately you will be the winner because your skills will become known by use and by word of mouth. 'Word of mouth' is a wonderful way to advertise your business.

Thank you, too, for the free designs you have offered. I'm so looking forward to stitching out that No. 2 Fairy...... :}
(I'm descending into a non-stitching abyss here but I'm having a whale of a time in AZ otherwise...... collecting freebies???!!!???..... :} .... )
AlmaG.

I consider my files a design library. I collect them and use them when I need them. Right now I'm working on a project that needs jungle animals, border accents, and small lettering for a baby. I go through my library and design my project. I do not test every design I download until I'm ready to use it which could come back to bite me someday when I need something and it doesn't work properly.
I still appreciate every download very much!
I also started with very expensive purchased embroidery card sets. I still purchase when I need something that I don't have and now I also have a library of reputable designers sites to look at when I need them.

I may not have used every freebie I have gratefully accepted from generous digitizers, but when I download them I DO have something in mind. And I really do use many of them in time.

I may not have used every freebie I have gratefully accepted from generous digitizers, but when I download them I DO have something in mind. And I really do use many of them in time.

just like Mops I started with verey expensive embroidery cards. And I'm happy I can use downloaded designs now. And if i like the freebies I DL them, and very often use them. But I collect the ones i like in folders. and I'm happy with these, to know that I have them ready for use.

I adore the freebies. I have 5 grandchildren. I stitch out a design and put in in a quilt. They love to search for a design. Thanks for all the freebies.

I love my freebies....that is all I had for the longest as I wouldn't buy anything from anyone until I tried the freebies first....
I have only been dl freebies since June and in that time I have only found 1 bad design that I had trouble with and it was the only one I didn't test first, but I think I can fix it freehand with my machine.....I think it was a design flaw, but can't find the site again to check it out....
I love the freebies that I have and have used them in lots of projects....I have only bought designs from 4 sites and they are just marvelous......
I will stitch out your fairy as soon as I get home as I am still visiting with son.....
and thank you for your freebies and the digitizing skills that you share with us so often....you all are very talented and I really appreciate your designs as yours are in JEF>>>>

I can only speak for myself, but I do use the freebies I download... and I quite often end up buying many designs from a site offering freebies that I enjoy. I hope that helps. :D Hugs, Nancy

I use ALOT of freebies...ofcourse that doesn't mean that I don't also have a fair amount that haven't been stitched out (yet), but I will use them if or when the need arises. I like having an arsenal of designs to choose from. The fun thing with Buzz Tools is that you get to see them everytime you browse on a hunt to find the perfect design for a particular project...and it helps keep the designs I have fairly fresh in my memory. Great question though. ~Rita

I like a libary of designs changing my lifestyle and doing more sewing and quilting when I first started I bought as I needed and special from the embrodiery store then found the internet got a laptop I liked very detail design then found out that sometimes they take to long to do then started looking at line work and saying for my quilting then found that I need little designs mini for some projects and then my love of flowers what can I say then friends found out I can embrodiery and they ask for thing I would not like for myself so I download a lot and work my files daily I use the scan disk memory card to hold designs just the other day didn't download something wan't everneed that and then hunting it for hours because husband need it for a gift at work for a new mom to match room I enjoy having a libary of designs use the pictures on my screen saver with changing picture as inspirations and modivations. I tell husband he play games I make a game of looking for freebie I also purchase design and alway take time to look at the for sale items. I think that why people post the freebies so if I look they have served the reason they were given in the first place. lol then got have the angels and faces for the doll I make.

Hi Alice-
Personally I only download freebies that I'm pretty sure I can/will use. And like others who answered, I also don't buy from a digitizer unless I've stitched out at least a couple of freebies. Like stitchers, there are lots of digitizers with varying degrees of talent. So, THANK YOU!! for all you share so generously with us. You're one of the best.
In friendship and stitches
Marion in KY

yes i do use a lot fo them - but I am lucky in that ART adjusts stiches if yu resize the designs without any problems

i have NEVER bought designs from a site that i haven't used their freebies. if i like the how the freebies stitch & how they look i feel much better about making a purchase. my 2 favorite sites have very nice freebies and change often!

1 comment

by msfancyvip 27 Nov 2010

I am in your corner...that is exactly how I feel. I save my files by website...and I definately keep purchased designs seperate from freebies. Like someone else stated...if a freebie doens't stitch out nicely, I also will delete the entire folder.

I only download something I think I will use at some point. I have dl of many baby things and kids things but will probably never be a grandma, I got those "just in case". Probably 90% of what I have were freebies so I do use a lot of them, especially holiday ones. I so appreciate the freebies because I would not be able to have many designs without them.

I think that we all say the same. We DL what we think that we are using. The same with what I buy. Most of the time I use it but I still have a lot (most FSL and crosst) what I did't use yet I will next time. And yes I read it before I nead probebly more then a lifetime but it is good to choose what you need and find it then. Yvonne

I think that we all say the same. We DL what we think that we are using. The same with what I buy. Most of the time I use it but I still have a lot (most FSL and crosst) what I did't use yet I will next time. And yes I read it before I nead probebly more then a lifetime but it is good to choose what you need and find it then. Yvonne

When I download from a site with freebies I tend to DL all that I think I may want as they might no longer be there later plus it is quicker to make multiple DLs at one time and save into 1 place. I keep files sorted by site and can usually remember the style. Normally I will be using at least 1 of the designs fairly quickly but recently needed a special design and pulled out a freebie from 3 years ago and it was perfect. The site is no longer available so if I hadn't tucked it away I would have had to do a lot of searching.I also keep a second folder on USB for the things I plan to use right away. Also even if they do not get stitched they are something to look at and to dream about what they could become.

When I started in this hobby, every time I saw the word freebie, i got it, now I am more selective, before I DL i ask my self will I ever use it?

I have used many freebies over the years, but usually test them first.

Personally, if I see something I think I like and might stitch out when I get free time-I download it-after all, that's why they are called freebies, right? I have to admit, when I first found quite a few of the freebie sites, I did think I had to have everything,I have curbed that urge though, because after doing some stitchouts, found that they don't always look as nice on material as they do on the computer.I haven't downloaded any of your designs though.

I only download what I like, and only then if I'm likely to use the design. (Every now and then I go through the various folders and get ruthless with those I downloaded when I first began and was less discerning.) I try to be logical in storing the files so they are easy to find when I need them.

Alice, what an interesting question and responses from all. I am a bit fussy with the designs that I download as freebie's - the real reason that I stated to download freebie's - was to creat a catalog of files and to have something from a site to test stitch - so I knew whether to go back to that site and purchase from them - you get to where you know the digitizer and how their designs stitch out - I have a wonderful data base - that I frequent many times a day - it is my catalog of files - I can open and close all my embroidery designs - when I need a design for a project - I open my data base - if I didn't go to it often and review my files - I wouldn't know what I had - I can open a folder of designs - see all the designs in that folder - if they fit on the screen - if there are more in the folder than the screen can view at one time - I can scroll down and see the reminder of them. I do keep track of my designs - not always whether they were free or not - once I get a design - I usually will remember if I purchased it or if it was free to me. If the freebie stitches out great and I use it often - I am sure that I will return to that designers site for purchasing designs in the future. I appreciate a designer that will offer a freebie of various sort of designs that allow the person coming to their site the ability to have a good quality design to test out their work, too. So to answer your question - I look at my designs regularly - not ever folder gets opened every day - but I can also use a search to locate a file - if I know the name of the designer, the file name or number. I love that - if I forget where it came from - but have stitched it out - I take a picture of it and keep that in a folder with info about it - by the designer and also the name of the file. It allows me to return to the designers folder and get the file and use it again. *4U

5 comments

by ansalu 27 Nov 2010

Shirlene that sounds as if you have a wonderful straight system in your designs :o)
I have sometimes the problem that I did not put the name of the designer/HP to the freebie when I dl it at the beginning of my "embroidery-times". I put jpg's of every design next to it because my embird and the iconizer just work when I have parallels-program open (I use an iMac). For my designs I have a kind of sticky-memory and for that a friend who also does embroidery always calls me her "emboidery-guru" (know + find everything I dl once) ;o)
Greetings, Bettina

by trovato 27 Nov 2010

I'm busy getting your system, but it will take time. Love and hugs, Yvonne

by shirlener88 27 Nov 2010

Bettina, glad to know your are the 'embroidery-guru"' hehehe!

Yvonne, it does take time in the beginning, but once you get it set up and use it each time your download any file - then it works really well.

by shirlener88 27 Nov 2010

I also must point out - I am not one that goes to the FREEBIE section and download all the designs that the rest of the wonderful CUTE family have provided - I spend enough time on the Internet - without doing that, too. If someone shares a design in PROJECTs the first thing I look for if I like it - is the site it was purchased from. I hope more of you start using that as part of your description - it eliminates answering the question many times, later.

by ansalu 27 Nov 2010

Thank you Shirlene!!!
If I upload something at projects I always write in the description my source for the design cause you have to answer that question not only one time; not everybody scrolls to read the other comments and answers :o(
Greetings, Bettina

Many of us probably became a part of this group from originally coming to collect or at least look at the daily freebies. I agree that we tend to be more discerning as time goes on and only collect what we may use. I don't collect many cutesy designs either, but funny sayings are more likely to be used by me if I can see it as a gift. The Designs by Cuties are freebies too, and lots of us use those regularly. Look how popular Vicki's animals and Santa designs are and so many of the alphabets, as well as Lee's napkin rings etc. Today I've sewn Aguasanta's mylar music heart, which was also a freebie (turned out really well!). Like people being different, some will be used, others not. Handy to have a range, just in case :)

Like mranderson nowerdays I just collect what I really like and maybe can use someday. Had made also the experience that you never find a design you've seen somewhere when you need it. I have no special folder for freebies. I put them in that folder with the matching theme (> animals, flora, kids, fairytale...).
I make no difference between freebies and purchased designs because often these designs are just temporary freebies (like here on Cute or the monthly freebies on emblibrary).
Greetings, Bettina

LOL - they do sit in my computer but I do look thru them - lots of them make me smile and brighten my day. I wish I had time to stitch them out but that is just not possible. I collect in the hope that one day I will have the time and I download the designs I like as I think one day I might just need a design like that. Of course over the years tastes change and even from day to day - one day I will download everything and other days ( the days I really should not be on the computer) I only download those I know that I will (one day) use. I live in eternal hope.
Karen

I started machine embroidery in 1991, and then you had to buy cards. In 1999 I bought proper software and then made what I needed. So my stash was limited but adequate. In 2007 we got an internet connection and the first site I happened to come to was Cute. I bought a embership within a month and downloaded a lot - but not all.
As for downloading freebies: now and then. When I do I look at it in my software and if I don't like what I see I delete it and make a note never todownload again.
But even so it's amazing how many designs (also on the bought card and CD's) I never used.

At the beggining when I had my embroidery machine, I collected all what it was possible, Now I DL only those which please to me, I have now on my computer more designs that I could ever use.But I like to glance throught all those designs when I begin a project, to find the best one, the most appropriate, by size, number of stitches and colours so it is necessary well to know all what I own. I have print many desings on ring binders that I leaf through often, but I have yet many designs to sort and arrange. Now, I do not look for freebies every day, -except on Cute, Cute alphabet and amazing- but if I see a freebie that I could use one day, I download it. it is for me then, the opportunity to visit this whole site, and to put back in my head, what kind and style of designs I can find here to buy eventually.

Well I think that when you start machine embroidery you download everything in a mad way taking everything and anything. I have reached a stage that I download very few freebies and have deleted some of the freebies I took when I first started sewing

1 comment

by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

I think you might be right about that. People start to realize that they don't need all of the freebies and slow down in downloading, of course I have the freebies on my site so that people can download them I just hope they get used.

Alice,
I won't dl a design just because it's free. If it is something I know I'll never stitch out I can't see clogging up my computer. I've even looked through my designs and deleted some. Just because something is free doesn't mean it has to be taken. Some designs I don't like, others are too cutesy and I guess I pick and choose. Right now I embroider for my family and specially my 2 dgs but one day I hope to sell some things and I want to feel good about the items I sell. If I don't like the design I can't expect others to.
Meri

1 comment

by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

Good to here that people are discerning. I hope you do well when you decide to start selling your work.

They will be there when they are needed. No sense waiting until you need a design then start searching for freebies. I have a file or 10 of freebies. Don't put too many designs in each as this makes it easier to search. At this time I am becoming more selective as to which designs I DL. I have to ask myself just how many designs do I need. My freebies DO get looked at. Love Marg

1 comment

by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

I suppose that is a good point, you might see something on a website then never find it again.

Thats the beauty of collecting freebies. You will be able to search your design stash and find the perfect design for the project that you are busy with.
I love my freebies and greatly appreciate the designers and their generousity.
Thank you very much.
From Bev

1 comment

by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

Thanks Bev. hopefully they will get used then.
Alice

I have to admit that I do DL freebies but I am very fussy. Obviously I do have loads that I have never used. I go through my files regulary as I do forget what I have. I am really trying hard not to DL everything that I like but as we all know it is a Cutie addiction!!!!

1 comment

by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

thank you airy fairy. It is good to know you keep looking at them they are more likely to get used that way.