Another newbie question - I know I need some software for my Babylock Esante to do designing, resizing etc but can't afford the high prices they are asking (fixed income and all that sillyness). Does anyone have a suggestion, recommendation on what I can purchase or use for this?

Sew what Pro is an editing program and more.
You can resize designs with stitch adjustment, combine designs,add digitized letters to designs, convert design formats and many other things.
The price is very reasonable - $65.00 US.
You can try the program for 30 days or 60 saves before purchasing it.
Just download the version for your computer operating system - either 32 bit or 64 bit.
Link below.
Eastwitch2

study this one, perhaps it it to your likeing and works for the babylock

I tried embird free trial, loved it and purchased it and now love it even more

Sands compting has software that cost very little and a good support team too. You can download and use for free for a month to try.
http://www.sandscomputing.com/


Than you have Embird that lots of people use. Believe you can also try for free for a month.
Good luck