Creative Studio 6 Manual

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Equipment
cable only fits into one connection) or color coded (like the mouse & keyboard
cables) or they are very well labeled (X, Y, Z connections). 
Additional equipment you may want to purchase:
Surge Protectors  are  highly recommended for the computer and controller. 
Universal Power Supply  (UPS) is a type of battery backup device that maintains
power even when the incoming power supply fluctuates. This is helpful for areas that
sustain frequent power disruption. For use on the Statler computer an UPS of 600
VA or larger is recommended. It is not recommended that an UPS be placed on the
supply to the controller. UPS systems are not capable of the large instantaneous
currents required by the controller and can actually cause damage to the controller.
Thumb drive  (also called Jump Stick, Travel Drive or Removable Disk Drive) is a
form of removable media like a disk drive. Files are copied from the source (home)
computer to the thumb drive, and then from the thumb drive to the destination
(Statler) computer. 
						

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1.1.2 Terminology
Terminology -  Be sure you understand the following terms and concepts because
they are used throughout the manual.
Power Up  means to turn on the Controller (red switch first, then green), Stitcher
and then turn on the computer CPU. Be sure the monitor and the speakers are on
also. It takes a minute, but the Desktop screen will appear on the monitor.
Power down  means to turn everything off. Dont just turn off the power! Exit
gracefully by saving your work (save the project), exiting CS (click on the exit X),
shut down the computer (click on the Start button, choose Shutdown) and then
turning off the power to the monitor, speakers, and controller (green switch first, then
red). 
“ Click
” usually refers to using the computer mouse to choose an object on the
screen by pressing the left mouse button quickly. If the object is a command button,
this executes the command. If it is a pattern or boundary, it selects it. Clicking on
any of the quilting icons will initiate that technique. The term click can also mean
pressing a button on the keypad (on the sewing head) or it can mean touching an
icon (if you have touch screen capabilities.
 Tap
 - is functionally equivalent to click, if using a touchscreen monitor. Tapping a
command button will execute the command. Tapping a pattern or boundary will
select it. Tapping any of the quilting icons will initiate that technique.
 Touch & hold
 also refers to a touchscreen monitor, and is similar to Right-click
when using a mouse. During some quilting techniques, touch & hold will display
additional commands.  
“ Select
” means to choose. If using the mouse, this is a single click. If using the
keypad, this is pressing a button. If using a touch screen, it is tapping the screen.
“ Highlight
” and “Select
” are used interchangeably because selecting an object
generally highlights it.
  Swipe  means to drag your finger or stylus across the touchscreen monitor.
A “ dialog box
” (aka ‘window
’
) contains instructions, questions or descriptive
information about something. CS uses dialog boxes to group information that
belongs together, like the dimensions of a pattern. 
 
A “ dropdown
 box
” is a dialog box that appears when a command is selected and
there are choices associated with the command. The choices appear in a box which
is usually just below the command so the association is clear. 
A “ popup
 box
” is a dialog box that appears when the system needs to ask a
question or give instructions. It can  ‘pop up ’ anywhere on the screen.  
“ Properties
” (also called  details
) are descriptive pieces of information. 
“ Object
” is a catch-all term for anything that can be described. It is a very general 
						

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Terminology
(but techy) term that could mean a million things, so CS tries to avoid it by using
more specific terms. 
“ Tool
 Tips
” are little boxes that pop-up and give the name or a short description of
something. To look for tool tips, hold the cursor over an icon for a couple seconds
and see if the tip appears. Not all objects have tool tips, but most icons do. 
“ CAD
 Screen
” also called the  Preview
 Area
,  is the big, white, open area where the
images of the patterns will appear. 
“ Quilt Group”
 is a term used to describe an area of the quilt top to be quilted. Quilt
groups  contain all the information (boundaries, reference points, sizing, positioning)
needed to stitch a particular area of the quilt.
 “Design Group” is a special type of Quilt Group, created when an  image is imported
 into the project. Once the image is imported, patterns can be placed on top of the
image to preview the placement. 
“ Project”
 is technically a computer file but figuratively is more like a binder with
tabbed sections that contain all the patterns, quilt groups, preview areas and notes
needed to complete a whole quilt. 
Encrypted Patterns
 are pattern files that have been coded with a machine
controller serial number or a dongle serial number, so they will run only on that
machine. Encryption protects pattern designers by ensuring that people who have
purchased one pattern can not make copies and distribute it to others. Encrypted
patterns are protected in CS by using special  project file
 types and using special
exported  pattern file
 types. 
Removable Media
  is a device that holds computer files and can be moved
from one computer to another. It makes copying files from one computer to another
very easy. 
Thumb Drive   is another name for removable media. 
UR   is an abbreviation for Upper Right. Similarly,  UL
 is upper left,  LL
 is lower left,
LR  is lower right. These abbreviations are used often when defining boundaries - a
concept to be explained soon!. 
Tip:  These are tips that explain how to use the software to resolve real life quilting
issues.  After all, this is about quilting !    
Design It Yourself  
-  These are tips for experienced CS quilters who
appreciate keyboard shortcuts and want to do their own pattern designing using the
extensive CreativeStudio capabilities.     
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1.1.3 Navigating
Navigating can be done with a mouse, a touch screen monitor, a keyboard or the
keypad (on the stitcher) but most of it is done using the mouse or touchscreen. 
“Click
 means to quickly press (and let go of) the left mouse button. 
Double click
 means to click twice in rapid succession. Double clicking on a file
will open it. Double clicking on a folder will open it too, displaying the contents of
that folder. 
Right click  means to quickly press (and let go of) the right mouse button. Right
clicking some objects will make a dialog box appear. The dialog box contains
properties (which are details or characteristics) that describe the object.
  Tap
 means to quickly tap the monitor touchscreen.  
  Tap & Hold
 will often product the same results as a right click if there are
additional commands accessible.  
Drill down  means to open folders starting from the top level, working down one
level at a time. This can be done using double clicks or by clicking once on a special
+ icon that appears in front of the folder name. (Examples in the next section).  
Drag   means to press the left button, hold it down and move the mouse.
Positioning the cursor over something on the screen (an object of some kind) and
dragging it will generally move it from one place to another. 
 Swipe   means to drag your finger or stylus across the surface of the touch screen
monitor. 
“ Scroll
” generally applies to text rather than an image (but not always). It means to
move the text on the screen so you can see what is before or after it. CreativeStudio
®  uses scrolling to navigate dialog boxes. If Scroll bars appear on the right edge of
the screen or dialog box, you can move up by clicking on the up arrow, and down by
clicking on the down arrow. There is a bar between these two arrows which shows
your relative position in the dialog box.  
“ Scrolling
”  can often be done using the mouse instead of commands. To scroll up,
roll forward on the mouse roller (away from you). To scroll back, roll backwards
(toward you). If using a touch screen monitor, swipe up to scroll back and swipe
down to scroll forward. 
“ Zoom
” means to change the size of an object on the screen by getting closer (zoom
in) or farther away (zoom out). Zooming generally applies to images instead of text
(not always).
“ Zooming
” can often be done using the mouse roller instead of commands. Roll it
forward to zoom in, and backward to zoom out. Zooming is used in the preview
areas. 
“ Panning
” generally applies to the screen images instead of text. It means to move
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Navigating
the image on the screen in any direction without changing the size, scale or
proportion. Press and hold the mouse roller wheel and move the mouse. The cursor
shape becomes a hand. Notice the pink cuff on the hand icon? Nice work Matt!
Panning will be used in CreativeStudio®in the preview areas.     
“ Hovering
” means to hold the cursor over an icon or other object for a couple
seconds, and see if a little box appears (called a tool  tip) that gives the name or a
short description of that object. 
Selecting files  means to choose. Usually this will also highlight the object. When
working with files, a single click will select a file. Double clicks open the file.  To select more than one file at a time, use the control key (Ctrl). Click on the first
file, then press and hold the Ctrl key while clicking on the rest of the files that need
to be selected. If you choose the wrong file, click it again and it will be deselected.
When done, release the Ctrl key and all the files will be highlighted and can be
copied, moved or deleted together.  To select a group of files that are all contiguous, use the Shift key (Shift). Click on
the first file, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking on the last file. When
done, release the Shift key and all the files between the first and last will be
highlighted and can be copied, moved or deleted together. 
Navigating can also be done using the 6-button keypad on the Statler Stitcher.
There is a keypad in the front and in the back of the machine, and they both function
in the same manner. 
Using the keypad on the machine eliminates the need to return to the
keyboard/mouse repeatedly. Just press the Mode button to move sequentially
through the icons. To backup, press and hold the Stop button, and press Mode.  
						

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1.1.4 Keyboard Shortcuts
Sometimes there are keyboard key-combinations that will execute a command
without having to use the mouse. The combinations require pressing two keys at the
same time, like pressing the shift key with a letter key to produce a capital letter. The
Control key (abbreviated Ctrl or Ctl) and a letter are the most common combinations.
Some examples of keyboard shortcuts are below: 
Note: the check mark (   ü )  is short for click or tap. 
KeySeq
Is the same as: What it will do: 
F1
üHelp
Access the User Manual Help System
F2 Virtual Stitchout , 
F5 Reset keypad
F7 Node Mode
Ctrl+N  ü File, 
üNew Project 
Create a new project.
Ctrl+O üFile, 
üOpen Project
Open an existing project
Ctrl+S üFile, 
üSave Project
Save the current project
Ctrl+Z üEdit, 
üUndo
Reverse the most recent command
Ctrl+Y üEdit, 
üRedo
Re-execute the command 
Ctrl+I üFile, 
üImport
Import Image 
Ctrl+E üFile, 
üExport
Export Image 
Esc Escape from a command sequence or mode
Ctrl+ ü
Selects multiple items
Ctrl+A Selects all items
< > Selects each pattern in order, regardless of how many are
stacked on each other.
k,l Selects each boundary in order, regardless of how many are
stacked on each other.
i,o  Selects each trim in order, regardless of how many there are.
Del Delete the highlighted text or object.
Pg Up
Pg Dn
Navigate through the quilt groups. 
­   ¯
  ¬
  ®
Alt+ -or-  Ctrl+
Nudge selected patterns. Alt + the arrows will nudge the pattern
with the handles showing. Ctrl + the arrows hides the handles.
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Keyboard Shortcuts
Feature Specific Shortcuts:
Feature: KeySeq What it will do: 
Measure
Rightü
Transfer a measurement. Measure first. Hover over destination field, then
Right ü the destination field, then click the number to transfer.
Draw/Set
Sew
Order
F8 Set Sew Order mode.  On Preview area, click arrow to change direction, click
number boxes in preferred sequence. F8 again (or Right ü) to save changes.
Esc to exit without changes.
Draw/Patt
ern
Anchor
F7
F9
F10
F11
F12
Node Mode - show the nodes of the selected pattern.
Choose pattern anchor Edge. 
Choose pattern anchor Center.  
Choose pattern anchor Endpoint. 
Choose pattern anchor Stretch.
Double click a selected pattern to rotate through the choices. 
Draw/
Boundary
Alt+B
Begin (or end) Draw Boundary mode on Preview area. Click  ü the
boundary points,  Right ü to end. 
Esc or  Alt+B or second  Right
ü to exit Draw Boundary mode.
Draw/
Trim
Alt+T
Begin (or end) Draw Trim mode on Preview area. Click  ü the trim boundary,
Right ü to end.
Esc or  Alt+T or second  Right
ü to exit Draw Trim mode.
Draw/
Arc
Alt+A
Begin (or end) Draw Sewable Arc on Preview area. Click  ü 3 points (beginning,
top of arc, ending).
Esc or  Alt+A or second  Right
ü to exit Draw Arc mode.
Draw/
Curve
Alt+C
Begin (or end) Draw Sewable Curve on Preview area. Click curve midpoints.
Right ü to end. 
Esc or  Alt+C or second  Right
ü to exit Draw Curve mode.
Draw/
P2P Line
Alt+L
Begin (or end) Draw P2P Line on Preview area. Click  ü line transition points.
Right ü  to end. 
Esc or  Alt+L or second  Right
ü to exit Draw P2P Line mode.
Draw/
P2P
Pattern
Alt+P
Begin (or end) Draw P2P Pattern on Preview area. Click  ü pattern ending
points, Right ü to end. 
Esc or Alt +P  or second  Right
ü to
 exit Draw P2P Pattern mode.
Draw/
Freehand
Alt+F
Begin (or end) Draw Sewable Freehand on Preview area. Use the mouse or
touchscreen to create a sewable design. 
Draw/
Measure
Alt+M
Click any 2 points on Preview area; measurements are displayed. Esc to exit.   
Draw G Turn on (or off) the Gridpoint Snap when using Draw mode on Preview area. 
Draw E Turn on (or off) the Endpoint Snap when using Draw mode on Preview area. 
						

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1.2 Computer Skills
The Statler Stitcher  CreativeStudio® manuals assume that the quilter has been
exposed to computer systems and is familiar with basic computer skills and terms.
However, since many computer systems are similar (but different) a brief overview of
those computer skills is included here. 
One of the most powerful virtues of a computer is its flexibilty. Unfortunately, that
can also be a detriment because there are several ways to do the same thing, and
that can cause confusion. The methods used in this text are NOT the only way to
perform certain tasks. There are faster methods so if anyone is using a different
technique but gets the same results, that is just fine!
1.2.1 Explore Folders
Folders and files are stored on a computer much the same as they would be stored
in an office. By arranging them in a hierarchical structure, folders and files can be
stored and retrieved easily. The term Path is used to describe how to find them. 
Example: C:\Patterns\Patterns Statler Stitcher\Angel.qli
(1.) This PC is like the office. 
(2.)  Local Disk ( C
:) Drive       is one of the file cabinets  
(3.)  Patterns    is one of the drawers in the cabinet
(4.)  Patterns Statler Stitcher          is a folder in the drawer 
(5.)  Angel is a file in the folder
(6.)  .qli     is the file type. 
1. Your  Computer
 holds all the files needed to run the Statler Stitcher.
2.  Disk drive 
C
:  is the file cabinet. It is a physical space that holds folders and files.
Disk Drives use letters to differentiate them. C: is usually the computers fixed hard disk drive
D: is usually the computers CD drive
E, F, G, H, etc.  are used as needed. They might refer to a network disk drive, a
thumb drive, a digital camera card drive or other removable disk drive.
   
3. The  file drawer
 contains file folders that are similar in nature. ( Patterns)
4. The  file folder(s)
 group items that go together.   (Patterns Statler Stitcher )
5.  The  filename 
is (hopefully) a descriptive name. 
For example:   Angel
 is (hopefully) a pattern looking like an angel.  
There are no rules regarding assigning names to files but keeping them simple and
clear is a good idea. Filenames are usually listed in alphabetical order so if there are
two files that go together, it is wise to name them so they will be sorted together. 
EX:  daisy_block.qli,  daisy_border.qli,  daisy_panto.qli,  daisy_triangle.qli
6.  File Extensions
 indicate which programs can read them. Most word processing
software can read a file extension of .txt (short for text) or .rtf (short for rich text
format) or .doc (short for document). Word processors cant read a file with an
extension of .qli (short for quilt language),  .jpg (short for a picture file), .skf (short for 
						

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Explore Folders
sketch file), .dxf (short for CAD drawing file) or .pat (short for pattern file).   
Statler Stitchers recognize file extensions for pattern files (.qli, .csq, .csqx, .dxf, 
.pat, .patx) and projects (.proj, .projx) and very little else. 
  
Looking at Folders
 
File Explorer makes it easy to view and manage files and folders. Right Click on the
Windows icon, and choose File Explorer. 
The screen appears with two panes. Single click the folder name (in the left pane) to
select it and display the contents of the folder (in the right pane). Use the icons to
navigate the folders and files. 
Drill down  and back up using clicks and the icons. The drill-down  path
 is shown
at the top. 
Searching Folders and Files
The Search function is used to find specific files and folders. On the right side of
the screen is the Search dialog box. If we want a pattern of a daisy, we might begin
by searching for a pattern file with the word daisy in the name. There could be other
daisy pattern files that dont use the word daisy in the name but this is a good place
to start. Click in the Search dialog box and type the word. Tell the system where to
start looking, by  selecting
 the correct folder name from the list on the left.   14 18
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All the files with the word daisy that were found in the Patterns folder are listed,
complete with an image. 
Creating a New Folder
 
The Statler Stitcher comes with hundreds of patterns already loaded. In addition,
there are dozens more that were provided by different Statler pattern designers.
These bonus patterns are stored in separate file folders which identify the designer. 
It is a good idea to create a separate file folder for your original patterns you have
recorded or created.  This separates the patterns you have purchased from the ones
that came with your system.  
Looking at the folders tells us that the standard pattern files are stored  on the C:
drive so that is where we will put our new folder. C:\My_PersonalPatterns. 
Click on New Folder icon in the upper left corner of the screen. A new entry is
created, called New  Folder. It is already highlighted, so just type the new name: 
My_PersonalPatterns and press the enter key. 
1.2.2 Explore  Files
The Statler Stitcher computer comes pre-loaded with all the software and files in
place, but at some time we all need to add, copy, move or delete some of our files.
There are several right ways to manage files so if there is a method you know and
are comfortable with, use it. File Explorer  is used here because it is easy to use.
As described earlier, files have a  path
 (the disk drive, folder and subfolders), a
filename
 (hopefully it is descriptive) and a type called a  file extension
.
CreativeStudio can read the following types of files:
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