During my last two blogs - 2/8/2013  and  1/25/2013  both highlighted the Freebies available here at AnnTheGran and noted just how valuable your membership in Ann's Club really is.

I have been, among other things, checked out some of the freebies here and at other sites.  Well, I do want to reiterate - a Freebie is only worth it if it is quality.  A freebie should be to demonstrate the characteristics of the design and its MANY components.  Digitizing is just one and I am not happy to pay any price for poor quality.  Conversely, I expect to pay (and be paid for mine) for work of quality.  In fact, in the second blog (noted above) the design costs $75!!!  That does not include anything but the DESIGN.

I just finished a freebie from another site and found:

1. the skin thread was the same as a piece of furniture (it was digitized all together - they continued from the arm right to a chair. . . . and from a shoe to a lamp)
2. The jumps were really strange, some went from corner - bypassing many points that were jumped to after the long jump - there were tiny flowers on a little girl's dress.
3. The item was done mostly in a single stitch, it was not a 'redwork' type of design, but the hair was thin and the dress outline (some of it) was thin and some thick without regard to lighting or distance from the view point - perspective.
   

My bridal site demands that my work meet a wedding quality standard and I expect all my designs to meet that criteria.  Even a 'bring your own dish' wedding deserves to be heirloom quality.  Expect, demand it Ann sells it.

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

Thanks, Marge - Experience has proven what you say, be selective, you are spending your time and effort and want to have a product that you will be proud to give or display. 

Newbies are the big downloaders of these items, seasoned embroiders know that you need to be familiar with a designer and you will find your own personal favorites. 

I must say, I have been impressed with BellaMia, available here.  I was not familiar with the designer, but after using the freebie, I knew I had a new and dependable source.  I did show another design in my blog.

Price of a design does not give any indication of its quality either.  However, I recognize that people do deserve to be paid for their work.  When you pay just a couple of dollars for a design, it may or may not mean lack of quality.  But I want to encourage a talented artist.  Payment is the key, buy where you appreciate fine work and good tips, tricks and ideas.

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer