Install: hopefully this has been easy for you. I still have the old DOS versions of Patternland and Fiberworks on my computer. They run just fine under windows, however, they don't print so well anymore. Printing capabilities and new printers are one of the big reasons programmers moved to the windows format.

Load and Save Files: Since I have been doing more with files, I have decided to create a folder for each project and save everything there. I usually end with several types of files for each project, word processing, weaving files and graphics files. How do you organize your files?

Print: Have you discovered landscape and 8.5x14 paper. Great for printing threadings. I get excited over the most elementary things and then wonder why I didn't think of them long ago.

Loom Drivers: I have added an extension cable to my keyboard cord that allows me to bring my keyboard over to the loom. I also got a longer cord from computer to loom. I keep my computer out of the path of any possible fly shuttle accident.

Next Steps: Data entry, copying, color, etc.

Learn the shortcuts for doing these things. Keyboard data entry is the fastest for me. All of the programs have more than one method to enter data. Read the help and try a new one.

Program Features: block substitution, name drafts, fabric analysis, shaft shuffler, etc.

This is why I have more than one program. This is one of the areas that I think we can help each other. What are you doing with these features to help you design?

WIF Format.

The wif format lets us share files.  Most programs now support these files.  Not all features are supported in every program.

Paint Shop Pro 7. www.jasc.com. This program will handle graphics files, lots of formats, tif, bmp, etc. using print screen and lots of edit commands, lots of things can be done. For example, suppose you need an alphabet in a particular size. Start with a word processing font, enlarge to pixel size, add grid, recapture screen and paste. Here are 2 letter B=s, the first is font size 10, the second is font size 22. All letters from the same font size will be consistent. You can decide how much detail you want. With wingdings and symbols, (like the pumpkin) you may find just what you want at least to start a design. If these files are saved as bmp's WeaveIt will read them into the fabric analysis screen. Anything on the screen can be used as a design starting point. Weaving screens can be captured this way. I've used this program to help prepare this newsletter.

Scanners and Printers.

Learning to use the scanner for designing is one of the things I want to accomplish. I want to know how you clean the background and optimize the image. Are there some adjustments or features that you have found yourself using over and over? What software do you use with your scanner? What resolution? This is a great starting point for weaving designs, especially drawloom designs.

Drawing Programs. Have you found a good drawing program that suits your needs?

Handout preparation. In writing a test for my university class, I needed a blank drawdown area. It is amazing what white warp/white weft will do.

Spreadsheet Programs. Do you use a program to help with the math calculations?

Record Keeping. How do you keep records? Do you have a format for yours?

Judie Eatough

Designs: M. Atwater, Shuttle Craft Book.