More on “Compositions” by Ken Parsons

I had mentioned about a new software called “Compositions” by Ken Parsons some while back. To my understanding the software was released to the general public yesterday with a 30 day free download trial period at http://www.annthegran.com  My understanding is that ATG will be the only company selling the product for Ken Parsons Designs. The price of the software…a mere $99.

Downloading and playing with it a bit, I was surprised to find that the software among its various other neat features also has an interesting Monogramming and adding text feature. Text feature is further enhanced by preset phrases which can be placed in English, Italian and French. Moreover, the text feature is connected to Babel fish allowing one to immediately type in a phrase, sentence, word in English and have its translated version in whatever language available from Babel fish to directly paste into the text window. Ofcourse one must be connected to the Internet when doing this. Taking the Kitchen gloves as my sample, I played with this for a bit and found the whole process extremely easy and simple. The software does not print out the sample (gloves) template but it is not so very difficult to give dimensions of the one you have either stitched out yourself or a purchased one. Three present texts and monograms are included within the software which makes the $99 price quite a bargain.

Playing a bit more I decided to try my hand at some of my Christmas gift list taken care of. I took out some of the napkins that I had been thinking of embroidering.

 The napkins are 18″x18″ which I plugged into the preferences and imported the stitch file that I wanted to place in the corner. The design looked nice but needed a bit of Christmas cheer so I used the text feature to write in Merry Christmas.This is where I discovered that I had the option of using envelope features in text. However, the envelope feature is only available prior to typing in the text in the given window. It would be nice to have the feature available afterwards as well.

The software allows for merging of colors, and can show the start/ending points as well as the jumps. There is some editing available as well as straight stitch outline and satin stitch digitizing.

In my opinion, for a newcomer or someone wanting to use embroidery for a bit more than just on towels and bibs etc….the software can enhance and give the confidence to the user in using embroidery designs on just about anything.  Even though I can digitize my lettering I found it easier to simply take the built in texts and use it to enhance my design…the same with the kitchen mitts. If you are wanting to try something that will not only give you a bit of text/monograms but also placement help and confidence, then I would suggest to download the software and try it out. It can be downloaded at http://www.annthegran.com   Have fun!