chicken

[ha1flosse]

Actually its a good time for a theme with chicken and roosters - especially because the year of the rooster ends 2017. good enough of a reason to have a closer look at the chicks.

its cool to take the reference - photography yourself, especially if you have an idea for the theme and you are guessing which perspectives and viewpoints could be suitable for the artwork:







the photography of the rooster is the template for a sketch with pen and paper. the legs are not ideal, so the perspective of the sketch and the final emboridery will be different:



the embroidery template and a preview of the embroidery will follow soon.

[brynn]

Handsome fellow!

[ha1flosse]

the embroidery - template with inkscape:



render preview of the embroidery:

[brynn]

Love it!

Is there any chance of the comb and face and....I wanna say "waddle"?  Any chance if having it lighter or brighter red?  Or maybe more pinkish?

Not a big deal, but I'm curious why don't we see the stitches in the white areas, in the preview render?  Is it using a more fine thread, so that the stitches blend more?

Fun stuff 

[Debby]

ha1flosse, this is exactly what I would like to do in Inkscape. What extensions are you using? Could you tell me exactly how you do each step? I must tell you I am new to Inkscape. But I sure would like to learn how to digitize my own designs and sew them out. I only have a 4x4" hoop machine so my things will much smaller but I sure would like to learn how to do this.
Thanks, Debby

[ha1flosse]

Love it!

Is there any chance of the comb and face and....I wanna say "waddle"?  Any chance if having it lighter or brighter red?  Or maybe more pinkish?

Not a big deal, but I'm curious why don't we see the stitches in the white areas, in the preview render?  Is it using a more fine thread, so that the stitches blend more?

Fun stuff 

hey brynn, what does "waddle" mean in this context? there is a chance for other colors. i think about orange/red combinations looking at the feathers for example but i'm pretty limited by the colors of the thread i have in stock.

the comb, face, the white feathers, the feet are filled with a satin stitch which has a different weave compared with the fill stitch. the render isn't pretty accurate so you hardly see the fill stitch of the white feathers.

ha1flosse, this is exactly what I would like to do in Inkscape. What extensions are you using? Could you tell me exactly how you do each step? I must tell you I am new to Inkscape. But I sure would like to learn how to digitize my own designs and sew them out. I only have a 4x4" hoop machine so my things will much smaller but I sure would like to learn how to do this.
Thanks, Debby

ok, debby - thats pretty easy actually. which file format is for your machine?

workflow with free software:

1) have a look at the very good tutorials on this website: http://svg2embr.wasbo.net/index.php

if you follow the workflow described there, you can create a perfect template in inkscape and convert it to the ".exp" file format via website. you can further convert the .exp file to the file format of your machine using the free "Wilcom TrueSizer".

2) use the embroider extension of John Howell: http://www.jonh.net/~jonh/inkscape-embroidery/
this is actually just working for small designs to calculate fill and satin stitches of your design in inkscape and export to .exp file format.

in windows, copy the content of the download to the inkscape-directory "extensions" at

/Users/"yourusername"/AppData/Roaming/inkscape/extensions

install python (https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/) and shapely for python (https://pypi.python.org/pypi/Shapely).

start inkscape, create your design in inkscape. path areas will be exported with simple fill stitches, paths like lines and outlines of objects as satin stitches. to calculate your design look for the "embroidery" extension in the inkscape extensions - menu under "Render - > Embroider". select all objects to calculate, input parameters like stitch lenght and spacing and execute the extension. you'll find the embroider_output.exp - file with your design at /Users/"yourusername"/AppData/Roaming/inkscape/extensions

convert the file to your machines' file format using the TrueSizer.

workflow with commercial tools:

1) create your design in inkscape and save it to .svg or .emf file format. load the file in embird studio and calculate the stitches. save the file in the file format you need.

have fun!

[brynn]

hey brynn, what does "waddle" mean in this context?

I was trying to remember what the red material is that hangs down under the beak or chin.  I seem to remember it's called a "waddle" or something like that.  Now I have to look it up....

Hhm, seems that's not it.  Now I have to research....  Oh, but I was soo close!!  It's called "wattle".

[Debby]

Hi Brynn and Ha1flosse, I love the waddle/wattle discussion. have you sewn out the Roster yet?
I have a Brother SE 400 so my space is only 4" x 4" But I am satisfied with this size I would just like to have my own drawings made into embroidery files.
I have followed all your directions right up to the Shapley install I think I have done it correctly but when I try to render an image with the embroidery extension I get the following error:

 Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "embroider.py", line 37, in <module>
    import shapely.geometry as shgeo
ImportError: No module named shapely.geometry

I have a dell 64bit computer, windows 10,  Inkscape 0.92

when I get to the shapley website I am confused on what I am to down load where I am to put it. I downloaded from this site http://www.lfd.uci.edu/~gohlke/pythonlibs/#shapely    unzipped it and put it in the extensions file but its not working.   And I did down load Python but does that need to be in the inkscape extension file? or in the file where it installed from the install program?

[ha1flosse]

have you sewn out the Roster yet?
I have a Brother SE 400 so my space is only 4" x 4" But I am satisfied with this size I would just like to have my own drawings made into embroidery files.

hey debby, haven't sewn it yet - i am still working on the templates. the textile i am planning has also room for a chicken and some little chicks. here is the sketch for the chicken, the feathers still need to be revised.



you can convert your drawings into embroidery files with inkscape, although its a little bit complicated to get this to work. i am using inkscape on ubuntu, so i hope running the embroidery - extension will also work on win 10. the error - messages refers to the still missing python library "shapely", so i assume you haven't installed it correctly.

python and shapely should be installed via installers. it will put the files in the right places by itself. if you have installed python (not just copied the files), have a look at the "software and applications" in the windows "system settings". if you have installed python via installer, there is a entry for python in the list of installed software on your win10 system. look for the version you have installed. if there is no entry, you have to install python first.

choose the package you want to use - 2.7. or 3.4, download the file and click to install python:

Python 2.7 for Win 64bit

https://www.python.org/ftp/python/2.7.14/python-2.7.14.amd64.msi

Python 3.4 for Win 64bit

https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.4.1/python-3.4.1.amd64.msi

after the installation is finished, choose the python package you need regarding the python version you previously installed:

Python Shapely 1.4.0 for Windows 64bit and Python 2.7 - Installer

https://pypi.python.org/packages/9b/9f/1a9c26b8e8a2f74fe3bc97c560ce80cecef09291776f7d8e6d8172d8632e/Shapely-1.4.0.win-amd64-py2.7.exe#md5=38aad844178d3aa78065cae51849d3ca

Python Shapely 1.4.0 for Windows 64bit and Python 3.4 - Installer

https://pypi.python.org/packages/73/f4/61ae7814edef3d9711b9ecae3cc4ad76c4be049151dc315525d308f80e5d/Shapely-1.4.0.win-amd64-py3.4.exe#md5=6dd955382488f3bb3477e269360a210d

click the downloaded file to install it. then start inkscape and the extension should work correctly.

[Moini]

Inkscape comes with its own python on Windows, and, if you haven't installed any python of your own, uses that python version, which contains all the modules that Inkscape needs. Installing an external python version might break some functionality, because it's lacking some specific modules, that otherwise are included in the version that is overridden by this.

You would need to copy the shapely modules into the correct directories within your Inkscape's python installation. It's also possible to indicate to Inkscape which of the installed pythons you want to use.

You can also use pip to install the shapely module within your Inkscape python.

[Debby]

Hi Brynn,Moini and Ha1flosse, your chicken is awesome. when this is finished how big will the final piece be?

I am going crazy with my trying to get embroidery extension to work. I checked and I do have a python in inkscape  but I did download the the 2.7 version from the links you provided and the shapely that went with it. I had in the past downloaded the 3.7 python trying to get this to work, and I down loaded and installed the 3.4 version and its shapely (not all at the same time and I un-installed each before trying the next one) none of them worked. As far as I can tell Inkscape only uses the python that is in its file.   I did a clean uninstall and reinstall of Inkscape. 0.9 and the embroidery ext. (because I was afraid I put things into the wrong places.) I have scanned my computer with each shapely that I installed to see if I could find shapely.geometry which is what the error message says is missing and it is still missing. None of the shapely install has this word. 

How do you do an install with pip? I don't know what that is or how to use it. Where exactly am I to install the shapely module if I am using the python that comes with Inkscape? When you get the ones that are at the links provided they only let you install the shapely with the python version it goes with and only in the python directory that the installer chooses.  I feel like pulling out my hair and I don't have much left!

I do want you all to know that I appreciate your help I hope I am not being too much of a pest. I am beginning to think this is way beyond my capability as I am so new to everything involved especially python. But if your willing to give it another go so am I.                      Bless all your willing hearts!

[brynn]

Hi Debby,
Just trying to follow, without actually doing it myself.  But I am on Windows, so maybe I could help a little bit.

A good friend of mine once gave me some advice which always helps me to see through all confusion.  He was teaching me how to change the oil in my car at the time, but it applies to any machine - even computers.  He said, "There's no need to be intimidated by machinery.  You just have to remember that you are smarter than the machine!"  I know that doesn't seem to apply to computers.  But it does!  The computer can't do anything until you tell it to, or even tell it how to.

But anyway, I found this:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pip_(package_manager).  It sounds like something you'd have to install, if you don't already have it.  Then it can be used to install Shapely.  I'm not sure if I'd go that far, but it's up to you.

Reviewing Moini's comments:

Inkscape comes with its own python on Windows, and, if you haven't installed any python of your own, uses that python version, which contains all the modules that Inkscape needs.

That sounds to me like if you've installed some python on your own, Inkscape will use it.  But note the next sentence, which warns how some Inkscape functionality might not work, if it depends on the python modules which Inkscape provides, which the new python modules (Shapely) overwrote. 

I don't know for sure whether this would work.  But if this python module is installed in the program files, as opposed to the user directory (which I think it is), you could simply download a 7z package of Inkscape, to get the overwritten features.  Then use only the version with the special python for embroidery projects, and the 7z version for everything else.

You would need to copy the shapely modules into the correct directories within your Inkscape's python installation.

Hhmmm....that looks like it would be C:/Program Files/Inkscape/lib/python2.7  (that's for 0.92.2, 64-bit)  Since it's 2.7, that would seem to indicate which version of Shapely to get.  So according to ha1flosse, this is the file you need:

https://pypi.python.org/packages/9b/9f/1a9c26b8e8a2f74fe3bc97c560ce80cecef09291776f7d8e6d8172d8632e/Shapely-1.4.0.win-amd64-py2.7.exe#md5=38aad844178d3aa78065cae51849d3ca

I started the installation process, so that I could see where it was going to suggest I install it, and if I would be able to change it.  It was showing me the last folder I had open, which was in the Pictures library, which is clearly not an appropriate place for this.  So I think in this case it would not hurt to change the installation location to C:/Program Files/Inkscape/lib/python2.7.

It's also possible to indicate to Inkscape which of the installed pythons you want to use.

I don't know how this would be done.  Let me check the FAQ....  Hhm, nothing there.  Well hopefully you can install it properly (from the previous comments) but if not, maybe Moini can let us know how to tell Inkscape which ones to use.

I think I would uninstall all the python versions that you've recently installed, so that you're starting at the beginning again.  Then download the proper Shapely file and install, changing the location to the Inkscape/lib/python2.7 directory.

[Moini]

I think I would uninstall all the python versions that you've recently installed, so that you're starting at the beginning again.  Then download the proper Shapely file and install, changing the location to the Inkscape/lib/python2.7 directory.

Yes, I'd also recommend this.

If you want to use pip, please follow the pip instructions part here:
https://inkscape.org/en/gallery/item/10567/centerline_NIH0Rhk.pdf
(in step 1.6, don't install 'pillow' but 'Shapely' instead)
- no guarantees.

[Debby]

Well I have been busy these last few days embroidering upside down snowmen on hand towels as a gift for a friend.  Its a long standing joke. Anyway when I got back here to follow the directions I think (and I emphasize think) that I did it all correctly but I am way over my head. No matter what I do or what I install I am still getting the same message when I try to use the embroidery extension that says:
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "embroider.py", line 36, in <module>
    import shapely.geometry as shgeo
ImportError: No module named shapely.geometry

I have scanned my whole computer and can not find anything that says Shapely.geometry
I think for now I will give up on this project and concentrate on finishing my Christmas list of projects so that I will have them done before Christmas Eve. I will start again in the new year as I really would love to be able to do what you are doing. I will stop back here often to see the progress of the chickens. Please put up a picture of them all sewed out. They are going to be beautiful. Thank-you thank-you for all your help everyone. May you have a joyous and merry Holiday season. Halloween this weekend, Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years. 

[brynn]

Well, when you come back to it, I think the problem is that you're installing the shapely part in the wrong place.  We can go through step by step, whenever you're ready 

[ha1flosse]

Well, when you come back to it, I think the problem is that you're installing the shapely part in the wrong place.  We can go through step by step, whenever you're ready 

sorry brynn, the extension is not working with inkscape 0.92 and all python dependencies in the right place. i think we should put a inkscape version for embroidery together, using the lexelby extension with the inkscape version proposed in the readme of the extension and with the python in the right places. maybe moini can help with that. all other ways to use the extensions seem to be dead ends, on ubuntu and on windows.

i've been putting time and effort into the christmas gifts and almost finished the rooster - embroidery.





thats how it could look like on textile.



maybe a few more little chicken round the rooster and the hen? what do you think?

[brynn]

Awesome!

sorry brynn, the extension is not working with inkscape 0.92 and all python dependencies in the right place.

Are you saying that even when Debby gets the shapely module installed, the lexelby extension still won't work on version 0.92?  What version do you use for embroidery?

[Edit - just saw this update on IF:  http://www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=102065#p102065  Sounds like the extension author is using it on 0.92.]

I like that idea of making a special embroidery package!  But we should find out if there is any expected delivery date for the extension which I've seen discussed on the mailing list.

There is some good news on the horizon, which might make all of that moot.  Someone has been working on, as far as I know, a fully fledged embroidery tool.  This mailing list thread is where the author has been getting help from Inkscape developers:  https://sourceforge.net/p/inkscape/mailman/message/34888776  Skipping to the last message there, it sounds like the last hurdle has been jumped, and all that's needed now is to code it all out (that's my simple understanding).  It sounds like part of it could be availabe sooner than the whole thing (sounds like it might be hung up awaiting developers review?) (merge requests).  But it seems unclear when it might become available for users.

If a new extension is coming soon, we might not want to spend the time to put together a special package?

[ha1flosse]

Are you saying that even when Debby gets the shapely module installed, the lexelby extension still won't work on version 0.92?  What version do you use for embroidery?

indeed, i suspect that. you need to install the networkx module for python also. although all modules are installed properly on ubuntu, it doesn't work actually and as far as i've been trying, it doesn't work on windows too, tested it on win7.

i am using the http://www.jonh.net/~jonh/inkscape-embroidery/ for test patches and a commercial tool to complete the actual workflow.

[Edit - just saw this update on IF:  http://www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=102065#p102065  Sounds like the extension author is using it on 0.92.]

thanks for the info! interesting news. he seems to run it on 0.92 so it should work. nice to read that. i hope to solve the issues i have and run it too.

I like that idea of making a special embroidery package!  But we should find out if there is any expected delivery date for the extension which I've seen discussed on the mailing list.

so let's do it! it can fill the gap from now until the extension is integrated properly. regarding all the problems i've been facing to run the extension, and i would assume to be an advanced user, most users won't get to the point where the embroidery extension is working properly. an out of the box package of inkscape and all the needed libraries for the extension integrated/preinstalled + the extension itself tested running properly for linux and windows would be fine. how complex could that task be? would this be manageable regarding time and effort?

If a new extension is coming soon, we might not want to spend the time to put together a special package?

that should be evaluated regarding time and effort putting the package together. if we can do it quickly and easily, it's allright, if not it's ok too.

[brynn]

an out of the box package of inkscape and all the needed libraries for the extension integrated/preinstalled + the extension itself tested running properly for linux and windows would be fine. how complex could that task be? would this be manageable regarding time and effort?

You'd have to read that mailing list thread and come to your own assessment about how much work might be left.  A lot of it is over my head.  I'm sure the developer would not mind answering some questions.  If you're not subscribed to the list, I could ask about a ball park eta.

If a new extension is coming soon, we might not want to spend the time to put together a special package?

that should be evaluated regarding time and effort putting the package together. if we can do it quickly and easily, it's allright, if not it's ok too.

I don't know how much time it would take.  Offhand, my best guess would be one or 2 hours by someone who knows what they're doing.

Let's see, this was your comment:

i think we should put a inkscape version for embroidery together, using the lexelby extension with the inkscape version proposed in the readme of the extension and with the python in the right places.

So you want to put (well, since it sounds like it can work on 0.92) let's say we start with version 0.92....  Wait, are you asking for all 3 systems?  Or just Windows?  For all 3 systems, my estimate would change to 2 or 3 or 5 or 8 days -- and we would definitely need 3 or 4 volunteer developers! 

But if you mean just a zip file for Windows, with the lexelby extension, including the necessary python modules, and a readme.....  Well that would still need at least one developer, I would think - a Windows oriented dev.

Or are you talking about a simple text file, which contains the download links for everything, along with detailed instructions for installing the python part and the extension?  That's what I was thinking of doing, when I asked you the other day if you would review my write-up for correctness and completeness.  (still haven't finished, by the way - starts here:  https://forum.inkscapecommunity.com/index.php?topic=805.0)

To build the python in the right places, and have the extension already installed....  Well, I guess Moini probably knows how to put the extension into Linux build.  (Not volunteering her in any way.)  But putting together an installation package, that's a whole other story!

Although having said that, it seems like I heard developers say that they've created some systems which can partially automate the building of installation packages.  Did I hear that right, Moini (considering that I probably didn't use the right words, that was my understanding)?  Perhaps considering that, it might not be all that hard.  But still, "someone who knows what they're doing" is likely at least one developer.

(I might mention that developers have already broached the subject of dedicated use packages - a certain package for people using cutters/plotters, or CNC, or embroidery, or like for t-shirt design or printing/posters, or maybe for mathemeticians, for example)  at the last hackfest!  If we were to make such a request, maybe it would spur them on a little faster??)  (I haven't looked at the Roadmap recently, on the wiki, but it might mention this.)

[Debby]

Hi everyone!
I see you have been talking about since I have been gone! What kindness of heart you all have to be so concerned about my problem. Thank-you from the bottom of my heart! 

I have been working on Christmas gifts but I wanted to sneak a peak at the Chickens and they are wonderful! I love them! The chicks are great and more is always better.

Wishing you all a Blessed Thanks-giving! 
I'll be back to check in again before long. Bless you all.

[ha1flosse]

hey debby!

the inkscape-embroidery-extension is now working on ubuntu linux 16.04 LTS. actually there is no solution for the windows version of inkscape. i made a test patch with the ubuntu version, maybe you like it. feel free to use it for your non-commercial works. click on the image to download a .zip - file with a .pes and a .jef embroidery - template.

[lexelby]

Hi folks!  My ears were burning.

Packaging up my extension along with libembroidery (from Embroidermodder2) sounds like a great idea.  I can't help much since I'm not particularly good at Windows, but I can certainly cheer from the sidelines!  I'd love to get more folks designing embroidery entirely with open source software.

As you can see, I fixed the issue ha1fosse was seeing.  Provided that folks can figure out why Inkscape on Windows won't see the Shapely module, then my extension should work with the newest version of Inkscape (I'm on 0.92.2 now).  I can't really offer any pointers on the shapely issue, though.

I've taught myself machine embroidery design entirely through googling and a little bit of examining purchased design files.  Here are a few examples of things I've made: https://github.com/lexelby/inkscape-embroidery/tree/master/images/patches

[Moini]

Shapely would need to be installed into the Inkscape Python directory, instead of globally - that's all. Else the Inkscape Python won't see it.

[brynn]

I don't have any embroidery hardware, but I could try to install shapely, and the extensioin, just to make sure it works.  I'll try right now - back shortly.

[brynn]

Hhm, following the link which ha1flosse provided, to download the Shapely module.  It directly opens the file download (rather than page where there might be a choice of files).  It downloads a file without any extension in the name.  When I look at Properties, it identifies it as an exe file.  So that tells me I should probably double-click on the file.

But double-click doesn't start any kind of wizard or the typical kind of installation routine, where you choose maybe which parts to install, where to install it, whether to make a desktop icon, and etc..  It just has a Run button and Cancel.  So if I'm supposed to either put, or install Shapely into Inkscape's Python folder (as Moini suggests), I wonder if this Run button will do that?  I'm a bit doubtful.... 

In the past when I've had such a button, it automatically installs whatever it is, silently.  I never know exactly what happens, and it usually deletes the file as well.  (This is how Flash Player updates happen.  Also HOSTS file updates.  I have the feeling this is how Windows handles installing things into hidden files or places.)

So I can see where Debby is getting stuck!  I'm thinking if we could get a link maybe a step or 2 back from where ha1flosse offers, we can get an installer where we can choose where to put it.

However, I'm getting lost on the python site, trying to find it.  I finally found Shapely, but there doesn't appear to be any Windows downloads.  I'm not sure if I found the right thing:  https://pypi.python.org/pypi/Shapely/1.6.2.post1#downloads

Could anyone offer some guidance?

Edit
I also went to the github repo (found link on the above Shapely download page) where I found that I can download a zip file.  Extracted, there's a single folder (Shapely-master) which contains many files and folders.  Is this what should be placed in Inkscape's python folder?

Or if that's not the right repo, but once I find the right one, is that how to do it?

Thanks (sorry to be rambling)