Ask Martha

The first classes going up on the website will be for Explorations.  Each class will be tagged as to what expertise or feature will be targeted for that video or class.  This doesn't mean that other software or general embroidery techniques won't be covered.  If you have a specific question about your artista software, I may be able to answer it.  I used to use it a lot, but since I've been using Explorations, really haven't needed it.  Let me know if you have a technique you would like to see demonstrated and I'll see what I can do.

Martha

Check back in a couple of weeks. There are some in the works!
Martha

I have some videos on YouTube from when I was at OESD. The only problem I had with it is that someone added some obscene comments to it. I could take them off but I certainly didn't have the time to keep doing that and of course, that was not acceptable to me that someone would do that. I don't know about the password thing because if you have it password protected, that opens up all your videos, not just one. But I will look into it and see if there's a way to do things a little differently. Thanks for the suggestion!
Martha

This is a really loaded question! There are a lot of reasons that your outline may not be matching up. Here's your list.
Not enough pull compensation.
Not enough underlay.
Improper hooping.
Improper stabilization.

The pull compensation and underlay you can do something about in Explorations. The hooping and stabilizer issue is another cat altogether.

To check the pull compensation, have the filled object selected. (It's probably the fill not the outline.) Click on Stitches 'n' Effects and then click on Effects. Down at the bottom of that menu under Quality you'll see Pull Compensation as well as Underlay. You can do both of these at the same time. Click so that both of them are turned on. If you want to change the settings, click Settings at the top. There will be tabs for both. If the stitch is a fill use Tatami for underlay, use the max pull compensation if you need to no matter what the menu says. It may add just enough to get the outline right.

On the other hand, most causes of outlines not matching up is actually hooping. Check to make sure the inner hoop is all the way into the outer hoop. Nine times out of ten, this is what causes outlines not matching up. If you have adequate stabilizer, the fabric is smooth, not stretched and the hoop screw is tight, you should be good to go.
Martha

It is my understanding that there is a release that encompasses the new 830 information. You'll need to check with your dealer. If they are not familiar with it, they might need to check with OESD.

There are a couple of ways of finding out what's new on the site.  The quickest and easiest is to sign up for the RSS feed.  (See Rogerh's blog at http://www.madcowcreationz.com/content/welcome-our-site).  Or you can sign up for our newsletter.  I will also try to send out a blanket email to all those who have requested to be on the mailing list for online classes.  I did not send an email out about the Color Wheel yet because we were doing some testing on it.  But it obviously has proven that everything is working okay at this point. 

We are striving to make this as painless as possible.  We are also in the process of making the videos available on CD's.  I don't have an expected date on this, but obviously the cheapest way is to view them from the site.  I realize that some of you are in the south toolies and don't have access to high speed internet so we are trying to accommodate you.

Suggestions are always wanted, needed and researched.  So keep them coming.  Also, if you are struggling with a particular aspect of Explorations, send me an email at martha@madcowcreationz.com or you can use this Q&A as well.  I will try to get a video up as soon as possible to make things easier for you.  And if I know what you need, it's much easier to decide what to do next.

Thanks for your support.

Martha

We will be adding CD's very soon!

Yes, Marilyn, that is true.  I tried to get that taken care of before I left but wasn't having much luck.  However, there is a way around it.  It's a little cumbersome but it can be done and you don't even have to buy anything new.  You will have to download the Explorations Sizer from OESD.  It has the new JEF hoops and file sizes for the 11000.

Martha

Diana,

If you've "purchased" the video and have gotten the Thank You for submission of your order, you have finished that process.  To view the video, all you have to do is be logged in and click on the My Videos from the menu at the top of the page. Click on the name of the video and it will take you to the video viewing page.    Click on Play which is at the bottom left of the screen under the Dash Player logo and then click Pause (same button).  Let the video load for a few minutes then click the Play button again.  If the video stops and turns dark gray while you are watching it, it simply means that you've caught up with the stream and you may want to let it stream a little more.  The dark gray bar that was shown in the PDF shows how much more you can view before you need to let the video stream again. 

Martha

You can either download the pattern and print it yourself or read from your computer or we will send a printed pattern via USPS.  Downloading saves time and shipping charges.

Martha

Yes, you can use Explorations with Hoop It All Hoops. You will need to create a new hoop in Hoops Mode.

Hoop It All hoops were basically created to make hooping easier. Easier is not always better.

I would suggest if you order a Hoop It All, find out if there is a 30 day money back guarantee and use it. This is a decision that you'll need to make yourself, some people love them, others don't think they're worth the money.

Happy Embroidering,
Martha

We just created a simpler way to get to the videos. Click on the "My Videos" link on the top menu. This page has the quick start info about the player and the links to the videos. Click on the name of the video you purchased and it will take you to the viewing page. Only those videos that you have purchased will be viewable.

Log into the website and click on the My Videos item on the menu. This takes you to the list of videos. Click on the name of the video you purchased and the video viewer will load. If you are still having troubles, please contact us.

Thanks for sending us your question and please keep us informed if you have any other questions, comments, or suggestions.

Jenn

Once you have placed the order, the screen changes to the "Thank you" screen. Click on the "My Videos" item from the menu at the top of the screen. The videos will be listed at the bottom of the page. Click on the name of the video you want to watch and the viewer will load. When you get to the viewing page, you will now see a large block with an arrow that is the player. Before you click on the arrow to play the video, read the most recent Blog from Martha and the attachment. Once you are ready, click on the play arrow. Then press Pause and wait for a few minutes. This allows the video to download several minutes to your computer so you don't have to wait for the streaming as you are watching the video. Depending on the speed of your internet access, this may take a little longer if you have slow speed. Be patient, it is worth the wait! There has been some misunderstanding about the video. It is not a download, it is a streaming video like you would watch TV episodes on the internet. We want everyone to be satisfied with what they are getting, so please contact us with any further questions on our website.

You can access your video classes anytime for 1 year from the date of purchase.