PFAFF PFLASHBACK: Creative 1471 - Experience Creativity Without Limits

PFAFF Presents: creative 1471 - Experience creativity without limits

 

PFAFF Educational Consultant Teri Angeline Wasserbach makes it easy to learn how to use the computerized Pfaff Creative 1471 and helps owners realize their full creative potential.

An accomplished seamstress and fashion designer, Ms. Wasserbach covers the basics of operating the machine and points out the machine’s controls and functions. She demonstrates the many unique features of the Pfaff Creative 1471, such as its 32 computer memories, built-in electronic instruction guide, automatic needle threader and exclusive built-in dual feed walking foot.

She discusses wide varieties of the machine’s 180 built-in stitch programs and shows how the computer can modify or combine them to create a virtually unlimited number of stitch designs. Ms. Wasserbach also explains the Creative 1471’s innovative free programming feature and shows how users can create their own stitch programs and actually sew any design they can sketch.

If you have older VHS tapes or DVDs that you would like to donate to be digitally transferred and added to the PFAFF Talk YouTube channel, please send an email. I am currently looking for older Sewing With Nancy episodes and video releases (up to 2005); as well as official PFAFF instructional, starter guide, and promotional videos (up to 2005).

PFAFF PFILES: Creative Stitch Artist

For your pleasure is Creative Stitch Artist software (also known as VIP Stitch Artist), which can be used to create 9mm and MAXI stitches. This software works for Creative 2140/2144/2170 and 7500 series machines.

Stitch Artist requires no dongle to run, and only a serial to install (provided below). Considering it is nearly twenty years of age and no longer supported by SVP, I figured it was time to share this useful tool.

Although the description of the software only mentions the 7570, this should also work for the 7560/7562 machines, and very likely 7510/7530 machines as well via a direct connection (9mm only as they do not have MAXI capabilities).

Creative Stitch Artist features the following:

Design new stitches for your machine
Create new 9mm and Maxi stitches for your Pfaff creative 2140 or 7570 machine. You can automatically create stitch designs from your own background picture. Select from nine different stitch types including traditional candlewick knots.

It's your choice
After loading your background picture, you can either create a Light or Heavy QuickTrace automatically, or add stitches using the QuickTrace, Satin and FreeHand features. Select one of nine different stitch types.

QuickTrace Light and QuickTrace Heavy
Click on a line to create a line of Running Stitches (Light) or Triple Stitches (Heavy) along the connected lines of your image. Choose stitch lengths from 1mm to 6mm.

Parallel Satin stitches add a beautiful sheen
Create straight columns and curved columns of parallel satin stitches. Fixed angle satin is always at 90 degrees to the direction of sewing, to allow the machine to move forward smoothly.

Place FreeHand Stitches where you wish
Add beautiful traditional Candlewick knot stitches in star, rectangle or ellipse shapes for the finishing touches to your stitch design. Place Single Stitches to link areas, or add straight or curved lines of Running or Triple stitch.

Edit stitches easily
Import stitch designs from your Pfaff creative 2140 or 7570 machine. Select and modify groups of stitches - move, cut, copy, paste, rotate, scale or mirror areas!

Import stitch designs
Insert stitch designs from your Pfaff creative 2140 or 7570 machine. Most of the 2140 stitches are supplied with the program, too. Insert pcd and pcq format designs also.

Select stitches easily
Choose one or a group of stitches using block, color, polygon or freehand select, or Select All. You can select stitches using the arrow keys, too.

Modify blocks of stitches
Cut, copy, or paste the marked section into that stitch design or a new one. You can also mirror vertically and horizontally, rotate, or scale parts or whole designs up and down.

View and stitch directly
Choose thread colors to preview your design, then transfer it to your machine. You can even export the stitches in embroidery formats to use in the hoop.

Choose your color
Select any color to preview your design. You can use the thread color numbers from your preferred manufacturer. Add notes, too.

Quick 3D View
Preview the stitches in three-dimensional stitches and set at Real Size. Use the VIP Configure program to set your fabric color. Print a design worksheet in color to use as a sewing guide. Set your screen background to any color in the 16-million Windows color palette. Turn the grid on and off or change the size or color.

Transfer your stitches
Send your stitches from your computer to your Pfaff creative 2140 or 7570 machine. You can also export the stitches in embroidery formats to use in the hoop.

Help and Tutorials
A printed User's Guide and extensive on-screen help provide advice if needed. The interactive training program included will show you how easy it is to use VIP creative Stitch Artist.

7570 Creative Card notes. This also applies to the 7560 & 7562.

You can download VIP Stitch Artist here. The serial to install is 820843.

PFAFF PFLASHBACK: Topjet Vario Plus Steam Iron

 

PFAFF PFILES: Transferring Designs to a Creative 7500 or 2100 Series Machine

One of the most common PFAFF-related questions I see is "how can I transfer designs from a computer to my 7500 /2100 series machine?" I have created a list of ways for how this can be acheived. If any readers have other recommendations, please leave a comment below or email me.

Creative 7560/7562/7570

Method 1: Third Party Card Readers

I will begin with the easiest and likely to be the most successful method -- the Vikant Ultimate Box II and the Vikant Ultimate Card III. The Ultimate Box II will work with Windows 10, and Vikant advertises it will also work with Macs (with the addition of extra software). You can read all about the Ultimate Box II here -- be sure to read the FAQ.  I have never personally used this, but I often see people praising it.

There is also the Amazing Box by Amazing Designs, which I believe it more or less the same thing, although it seems to be discontinued, and I am not sure how well it works with Windows 10.

 

Method 2: Serial Transfer Cable

The PFAFF serial transfer cable (#820004-096) plugs into the Creative Designer input on the machine, and the other end plugs into a serial RS232 connection on the computer. This bypasses the need for a memory card. I am not sure if USB adaptors work for this. If so, cheap $15 adapters will likely not work as they do not produce enough voltage for large amounts of data to transfer, which results in no connection. This cable works for the PC Designer software (there were several versions of this software for both Mac and Windows), but I am not sure if it will work with any other software. These are rare and expensive, and will likely only work with a computer from the 1990s unless you can get compatible software to work with a modern operating system.

Method 3: Creative Card Station

The PFAFF Creative Card Station (not to be confused with the 2100 series Creative Card Station II/Smart Card Station), also requires a serial RS232 port on your computer -- I am also not sure if a USB adaptor will work. I think the Creative Card Station might also work with PC Designer software, and I know it works with 3D File Assistant (but not 4D or 5D). Creative Card Stations occasionally pop up on eBay and in the Facebook Marketplace, and are less expensive than the transfer cable.

Creative 2140/2144/2170

Method 1: Third Party Card Readers

I'll start with this as many people have both the a 7570/7562/7560 and a 2140/2144/2170, and this works with both -- the Vikant Ultimate Box II. See "Method 1" above for information.

Method 2: PC Card Transfer Cable

PC Card transfer cable (serial version).

.

There are two versions of this transfer cable:

• Serial RS232 (#9233031591000)
• USB (#820498-096)

The card plugs into the machine, while the other end plugs into the computer. This will work with 3D/4D/5D File Assistant to transfer designs -- 5D works the best with Windows 10. Regarding the RS232 version, a serial-to-USB adapter WILL work, but again, it must be a quality adapter or else a connection will not be made between the machine and the computer.

Method 3: 3D Creative Card Station II/4D Smart Card Station

PFAFF 4D Smart Card Station (#820802-096), originally called 3D Creative Card Station II (#820488-096), plugs into any Windows machine via USB. It has two ports -- a smart card slot (for the 2124 & 2134), and a PC card slot for 7500 and 2100 series PC cards. It will accept both the purple Creative Fantasy memory  cards, and the red & white memory cards for the 2100 series. It works well with 5D File Assistant for transferring designs. The box says it only reads 7500 series cards, but it will indeed write to the purple Creative Fantasy cards (which formats them for the 2140/2144/2170, and will not work in 7500 series machines).

The smart card slot in the Creative Card Station II/Smart Card Station works with the Creative 2124 and 2134 machines.

Creative 2124/2134 Smart Card

Memory Card Types

7570/7562/7560 Creative Card (#92-030 012-00/000)

7500 series Creative Card.

There are two versions of this card, which look identical except the first version has two switches/actuators rather than one. The extra one is for the battery. Older PC cards used batteries, so if you have one of these that no longer work, chances are the battery needs to be replaced. 

Insert from a Creative Fantasy memory card (Version 1), 

explaining how to change the battery.

2140/2144/2170 Creative Card

2140/2144/2170 Creative Card.

This is a 4MB card for the 2140/2144/2170 machines. I am not sure if these can be formatted to use in 7500 series machines.

Memory Card Compatibility

It should be noted that the 2140/2144/2170 machines are backwards compatible. In other words, they can read 7500 series cards, and can even write to them, but they have their own formatting system that the 7500 series cannot read. For example, a blank 7500 series Creative Card can be used in both 7500 and 2100 machines. However, if you save data to one using a 2100 series machine, a 7500 series machine can no longer read it, and the card will have to be formatted for it to again work with a 7500 series machine.

Third-Party Memory Cards

Aside from third-party companies such as Vikant and Amazing Designs, it is also possible to use generic blank PC cards, although I cannot confirm which specific brands and specifications work.

\

A generic PC card.

Final Note

If you come across one of the cards in the photo below, please know it is not a blank memory card, but rather a firmware upgrade card for the 2140/2144/2170 machines. It cannot be formatted to use as a memory card.

PFAFF PFLASHBACK: Sewing With Nancy - The Best Of Tailoring (VHS, 1993)

Sewing with Nancy (The PFAFF Years) - The Best Of Tailoring

Nancy Zieman, hostess of TV’s Sewing With Nancy, brings her 3-part series on The Best Of Tailoring to you in this 60 minute video.

Highlights:

• Updated techniques for jacket construction

• Determining which areas of a jacket require interfacing; selecting fusible interfacing

• Making interfacing patterns

• Full fuse, partial fuse, and double fuse techniques

• Easing and setting in sleeves

• Adding sleeve heads; inserting shoulder pads

• Applying the under collar

• Assembling the lining unit; joining facings, sleeves; and upper collar :

• Joining and hemming jacket and lining units

• Finishing touches which produce a professional looking jacket

Reference Material:

To accompany this video, Nancy has written a book titled The Best of Sewing With Nancy.

In this video, Nancy used a PFAFF Creative 1475 sewing machine.



If you have older VHS tapes or DVDs that you would like to donate to be digitally transferred and added to the PFAFF Talk YouTube channel, please send an email. I am currently looking for older Sewing With Nancy episodes and video releases (up to 2005); as well as official PFAFF instructional, starter guide, and promotional videos (up to 2005).

PFAFF PFLASHBACK: The History of PFAFF -- Ownership Changes Part II (1993-2000)

This installation of PFAFF PFLASHBACK is part two of the popular History & Ownership Changes article that I wrote several months ago. Covering the years 1993-2000, it actually predates the time period covered in the last article. This is a rather bizarre and convoluted story, but clears up the many rumors of why PFAFF went bankrupt in late 1999, and why it was sold a few months later to Viking in April 2000.

1993-2000

In 1993, 72% of G.M. Pfaff AG (PFAFF) was sold to Hong Kong-based company Semi-Tech Global Ltd. for $73 million (USD). Semi-Tech Global was controlled by a Chinese-Canadian businessman named James Ting, who was one of Hong Kong's most successful businessmen at the time, accumulating a large empire worth five billion dollars. Semi-Tech Corp. (based in Ontario, Canada) owned Semi-Tech Global, along with various electronic companies including Singer N.V. (Singer), which was purchased in 1989 and rebranded. 

In 1997, Ting had Singer purchase PFAFF from sister company Semi-Tech Global (which now owned 81% of PFAFF) for $150 million. The other 19% remained on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This seemed like an odd acquisition because Singer was not doing well financially, and in the prior year PFAFF generated $448 million in sales. Clearly something was not right.

The black sheep of the PFAFF 7500 series -- the creative 7560. Originally designed for Singer during the mid-1990s while both companies were owned by related companies. This model was eventually released under the PFAFF brand for unknown reasons. It has no IDT dual feed and is different in appearance than the other 7500 series models. Later released was a limited-edition 7562 model which included the IDT dual feed.

In September 1999, both PFAFF and Singer filed for bankruptcy within days of each other. PFAFF's bankruptcy was partially due to Singer's debt. The Ontario-based Semi-Tech Corp., which owned around 50% of Singer's common stock, had filed for Chapter 11 protection one week prior. The company claimed Semi-Tech's bankruptcy was unrelated to that of PFAFF and Singer, but it was apparent all was not well within the group controlled by Ting.

Around this same time, multiple companies operated by Ting, including Singer and PFAFF, were all injected into a company called Grande Holdings. This company was also owned and operated by James Ting; along with Christopher & Stanley Ho (also of Hong Kong's wealthiest businessmen at the time). None of the shareholders or banks were notified, a highly illegal act that wasn't realized by the courts until many years later. As it turns out, there were bad bonds, bad behavior, and hundreds of millions of dollars had been stolen from Canadian shareholders. Vast sums of money went missing from the various companies owned by the Semi-Tech Corp. -- about $2 billion total in cash and assets.

The bankruptcy of Singer, PFAFF and the Semi-Tech Corp resulted in the collapse of Ting's empire. In 2000, with hundreds of millions (if not billions) in cash and assets still on hand, he was on the run and wanted in Canada, United States, and Hong Kong. He was eventually arrested in 2003 while getting off a plane in Macau, and imprisoned in 2005 on two counts of false accounting related to the fictitious purchase of a company called MicroMain Systems. He was released one year later following errors in the prosecution's case. Ting has not been seen since, with his whereabouts being unknown to this day.

It should be noted that in terms of product quality and production, amazingly nothing seemed to have changed at PFAFF despite all of the drama happening behind the scenes. Machines were still made in Germany and assembled in the Czech Republic by Zetina (these machines have "Made in Germany" on the serial plates). The quality during this era was very high. In fact, this time period is arguably when the best computerized models were produced, such as the 7550 and 7570; both of which are still highly sought-after models that have retained extremely steady values in the used sewing machine market.

Aftermath

Because PFAFF was essentially bankrupted due to a money laundering scheme by James Ting, Viking were able to quickly purchase the company, likely for a very small amount of money. Viking and PFAFF were then sold to the equity firm Kohlberg & Co. in 2006 to form SVP Worldwide (reuniting PFAFF and Singer), and in 2018 SVP was sold to another equity firm, Ares Management. 

So there you have it, some arcane PFAFF history showing the dark side of the sewing world!

🕵

PFAFF PFILES: Spotlight: Features of the PFAFF Creative 7570, Narrated By Nancy Zieman (VHS, 1998)

Spotlight: Features of the PFAFF Creative 7570

What makes the Pfaff creative 7570 the best sewing machine you can own? Let TV sewing personality Nancy Zieman show you!

Get a close up look at some of the important, must-have features of this incredible machine and see for yourself how advanced electronics and options can make you sew more creative!

You'll see how built-in dual feed makes quilting a breeze... how pushbutton pattern mirroring can spice up your heirloom projects... how the 7570’s 19 needie positions give you precise topstitching and embroidery positioning...and much more!

Don’t forget to ask your Pfaff dealer to show you the wonderful stitch design and embroidery possibilities open to you with the Pfaff creative 7570's optional accessories, including the Pfaff creative designer, PC-DESIGNER Software, Creative Fantasy embroidery cards, Design Collections and more!

PFANTASTIC PFAFFS: Creative 7530 & 7510: Computer Sewing Delights

Welcome to the debut edition of PFANTASTIC PFAFFS, which will cover various PFAFF models from 1983-2005.

This edition covers the creative 7510 & 7530 models. The following is the dealer brochure which covers all of the technical information for both models. Scroll down to view the entire brochure, or click the upper right icon below to pop out and view in PDF format.

PFAFF PFLASHBACK: Sewing With Nancy - Stitching Strategies with Philip Pepper (VHS, 1999)

Sewing With Nancy - Stitching Strategies with Philip Pepper (The PFAFF Years)

Nancy Zieman, hostess of TV’s Sewing With Nancy, and Philip Pepper, Pfaff creative sewing specialist, bring the 3-part series on Stitching Strategies to you in this 60 minute video.

Highlights:

• Using sewing machine built-in decorative stitches

• Setting up your sewing machine for machine embroidery

• Choosing and using appropriate stabilizers

• Making an embellished Christmas stocking

• Combining machine bridging and decorative stitching

    - Stitching perfect embroidered circles

    - Hemstitching with a wing needle

    - Adjusting a sewing machine for using embroidery cards

• Making a comfort pillow featuring machine embroidery

• Adding dimensional embroidery to projects

• Designing with built-in stitches and embroidery cards

• Sewing a multipurpose embroidered tote

• Designing with flowing stitch patterns and stitch stacking

Reference Material:

To accompany this video, Nancy has written a fully illustrated booklet entitled Stitching Strategies.

In this video, Nancy and Philip used PFAFF Creative 7570 sewing machines.


If you have older VHS tapes or DVDs that you would like to donate to be digitally transferred and added to the PFAFF Talk YouTube channel, please send an email. I am currently looking for older Sewing With Nancy episodes and video releases (up to 2005); as well as official PFAFF instructional, starter guide, and promotional videos (up to 2005).

PFAFF PFILES: PC-DESIGNER Software Ver. 2.0 for Windows Instructional Video Series (VHS, 1996)

PFAFF How-To Video Series -- PC-DESIGNER Software Ver. 2.0 for Windows (VHS, 1996)

Volume 1

***NOTE: The original VHS copy of this video had serious audio production errors (from the factory) with very loud music, low vocal volume, and background hiss. I did my best to remaster and even the sound out. Luckily, Volume 2 is in much better condition.*** 

Pfaff PC-DESIGNER Software Ver. 2.0 for Windows -- The creative link between the Pfaff creative 7570 and your home computer!

Ptaff Educational Consultant Linnette Whicker introduces you to a whole new world of creative possibilities using Pfaff PC-Designer Software and your Platf creative® 7570 sewing machine.

You'll love this complete video guide for using Pfaff‘s exciting PC-DESIGNER Software to create your own unique stitch motifs and embroidery designs. 

Beginning with the basics of PC-DESIGNER Software installation and configuration, Linnette covers everything you need to know to get you well on your way to becoming a PC-DESIGNER pro! Learn to master:

•P-Designs - Beginning with the menu commands

and a detail of toolbar functions, you'll even find out which

needles and threads make the difference. Linnette also shows

you how to use Fill-ins A and B, so you can sew beautifully

rich and colorful embroideries easily.

•M-Designs - from start to finish! You'll learn all

about the menu, toolbar functions, and the status bar. Plus,

we give you some examples to try step-by-step — sew along

with Linnette or try it on your own.

Once you've completed all the exercises in this video, be sure

to look for the PC-DESIGNER Software video, Volume 2, and

take what you have learned here to new heights in creativity.

Volume 2

Pfaff PC-DESIGNER Software Ver. 2.0 for Windows -- The creative link between the Pfaff creative 7570 and your home computer!

Ptaff Educational Consultant Linnette Whicker introduces you to a whole new world of creative possibilities using Pfaff PC-Designer Software and your Pfaff creative 7570 sewing machine. 

Take your creative sewing skills to the next level with Pfaff PC-DESIGNER Software. This video shows you how to achieve interesting sewing effects and master a variety of techniques with P-Designs and Creative Fantasy embroidery hoop motifs. Linnette shows you how to experiment with Maxi-Stitches, combining some with 9mm designs, adding free motion directional stitches to others, and manipulating Maxi-Stitches to create unique patterns. She'll also cover P-Design pattern sizing and merging selected stitch sections into one design.

You'll find out how to maximize your creative potential when you use your Creative Fantasy with Pfaff PC-DESIGNER Software. Learn step-by-step how to design from a BMP file, how to create your own BMP file from Paint Brush and how to scan a design and turn it into a BMP file. Plus, pick up creative lettering techniques, too.

You're sure to find hours of enjoyment and lots of sewing and designing tips from this complete tutorial.

Linnette Whicker, an Educational Consultant for Pfatt, develops educational materials and conducts seminars and classes worldwide.

If you have older VHS tapes or DVDs that you would like to donate to be digitally transferred and added to the PFAFF Talk YouTube channel, please send an email. I am currently looking for older Sewing With Nancy episodes and video releases (up to 2005); as well as official PFAFF instructional, starter guide, and promotional videos (up to 2005).