Pro-Stitcher Connect! (what you need to know)

You have probably heard through social media, our newsletter, or your local retailer that there is a fabulous new version of Pro-Stitcher software, called Pro-Stitcher Connect. There’s a lot of excitement, and confusion, over it. I hope these Q and A’s will help you to wrap your mind around this really awesome new chapter in our Pro-Stitcher journey. I got the scoop direct from Pro-Stitcher! Please read through this entire post.  There’s lots of good stuff here that will help you. And lots of links that you will need to use.

Pro-Stitcher Connect

What is Pro-Stitcher Connect?

• PS Connect is the latest new software version for Pro-Stitcher hardware systems, both Premium and Lite. In addition to program improvements, it also enables the user to turn on wifi through the software to download designs and updates without using a USB, as well as watch educational videos directly on the tablet.
• Pro-Stitcher Connect can be downloaded here: https://prostitcher.com/prostitcher-software-update/
• UpDATES to Pro-Stitcher software are always free to owners and PS Connect is no different.

Which tablets are compatible with PS Connect?

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 tablets are compatible. There is a compatibility chart, along with a really great video that shows you how to identify which tablet you have, even if you have taken off the stickers! You will be able to tell by color, shape and where the connections are. Look there first!  There’s a link on the PS Connect update page, or you can go directly to https://prostitcher.com/compatibility
• Hardware UpGRADES are not free. PS Connect might require you to upGRADE your tablet if it is not compatible.
• If you do not have a Connect-compatible tablet, NOW is the time to purchase a tablet upgrade. For a limited time, they are available only on the prostitcher.com website for $750. The regular price is $1195. The discounted price is available until June 16, 2023. You will be placing a pre-order. All tablets need to be configured for your machine and Pro-Stitcher has been inundated with orders for new tablets. They quickly sold out of existing inventory, (what they thought was more than they would ever need). So place your pre-order before June 16, 2023 to be able to take advantage of the greatly reduced pricing. Pro-Stitcher is estimating that they can ship pre-orders within about 90 days.
• [personal note: I was excited to take advantage of this special pricing! I upgraded my 9 year old tablet because I knew I was running on borrowed time and I sure wanted to take advantage of new features.] Technology equipment like tablets, laptops, cell phones, just don’t last that long! I think I have replaced my cell phone 5 times in the last 9 years. I also have some insider information that some really slick new features will be released for PS Connect. Don’t ask…my lips are sealed!
• PS Tablet upgrades can be purchased here: https://prostitcher.com/shop/tablet-upgrade-product/
• Your new tablet will come pre-loaded with PS Connect, and the tablet bracket, and connecting cables appropriate for your machine.

Will there be further updates to Premium and Lite software?

• A new Beta version for Premium and Lite customers is available on prostitcher.com. Once that version is stabilized, there will only be updates for Connect moving forward, just like we have had in the past with Classic and Standard.
• A little history here. We started Pro-Stitcher with Classic software. It was the bee’s knees!  Then came Pro-Stitcher Standard that was light years better than Classic. Then came Pro-Stitcher Premium. We swooned at all the great new features, not to mention all the new designs. Classic, Standard and Premium are still supported by Pro-Stitcher’s wonderful team. No new updates have been available for Classic and Standard for some time now. But, there are still quilters who use those software versions and are enjoying them. After a stable version of Premium is posted, Premium will still be supported by the team, but no new updates will be available. You can choose to stick with Premium if you want. It is a personal choice.

Hey, haven’t you been telling us to never connect our Pro-Stitcher tablets to the internet for years? What gives?!

• That is absolutely true! We told all Pro-Stitcher owners to never access the internet with their PS tablets. So I understand the concern, however as technology has improved, we are able to do so safely. Windows Defender is the antivirus software that comes installed on these tablets and works quite well. In addition, the developers have written code into the software that only allows users to access prostitcher.com and only allows users to download quilting design files and program updates, greatly reducing the likelihood of being infected by viruses.

I’m still nervous about wifi, should I not update to PS Connect?

• Please update if you have a compatible tablet. There are bug fixes and improvements for both Premium and, in particular, Lite users in this update that you will benefit from.  You do NOT have to turn wifi on if you don’t want to. You can use Connect the same way you have always used your Pro-Stitcher software, but it will work better. You can still get updates and install via USB. You can choose to never connect to the internet.

I’ve updated to Connect, and now my tablet wants to run Windows updates, what do I do? 

• Yes, please run those Windows updates. That is the best way to ensure your tablet has the latest security systems in place. Also, you might get a message from Microsoft asking you to update to Windows 11. Feel free to do that if you would like.

Can I install additional virus software protection?

• No, additional software cannot be installed on the tablets. In addition, doing so would actually make the tablet less protected from contamination by interfering with Windows Defender and PS software.

Will updates only be done via wifi in the future?

• No, turning wifi on is optional and future updates will still be able to be installed via a USB. There are no changes to the current USB update and digital file saving/opening procedures.

Tell me what those software improvements include.

• You can find the full release notes on the prostitcher.com website, however, a few top fixes include:
  • Huge improvement for Lite users, particularly with tie offs and reducing crashes.
  • Added in Help text.
  • Improved Opti-Stitch, including being able to change speed while stitching.
  • Reduces those pesky unwanted line additions outside of Area that occasionally happened when cropping. (Love this one)
  • Reduces program crashes.

Do I need a ProStitcher.com account to download PS Connect? 

• Yes, you need to have a registered account at prostitcher.com to download any software. You only have to select your machine preference the first time you log in. We need this information to be able to know how many of our users are on different machines. Once you have that account, you can download any software update for any machine.
• This is different from a paid Pro-Stitcher Membership. Remember, PS Connect adds great new features that are 100% free to you. A PS Membership is optional and is a great way for computerized quilters to build their digital stashes, but it is totally optional.

Pro-Stitcher Membership

What is this membership all about? Do I need to pay $14.95 a month to get my current library of designs?

• PS Membership is an additional & optional membership that is a great way for members to build their stash of digital quilting designs. It has nothing to do with your current library of designs, that stays exactly the same. The benefits of membership include choosing any two designs from the house PS Patterns library every month, that you can download and keep. Designs from the Featured Designers are not available for membership downloads. However if you like a Featured Designer pattern you will be able to purchase it with a 25% member’s discount. An extra monthly bonus design in ‘Quilting Season’, a free quilt top pattern every month, and your 25% off additional purchases from Featured Designers patterns and/or house designs, along with other perks makes this a great deal, but (again), totally optional.
• You can become a Monthly member for $14.95 (that’s less than one typical E2E design). Or an Annual member for $143.95. What a deal!
• Information on PS Memberships can be found here: https://prostitcher.com/membership/

What if I already have a Quiltable membership?

• All Quiltable Clubs have now become Pro-Stitcher Memberships. That change happened automatically behind the scenes. That’s great news though! It costs less, and now Members can choose any TWO designs from house Pro-Stitcher Patterns each month.

How easy is it to cancel the membership?

• Just like other online memberships, it’s a super simple process. All you have to do is click on your account in prostitcher.com. Select <memberships> and then <cancel>. If you have a monthly membership, it will continue until the next billing date. If you have an annual membership, you’ll just need to click cancel sometime between now and next year’s billing date.

Other questions

How can I understand how to do all this stuff?

There is a whole series of education topics right on prostitcher.com! Videos, PDFs, and tutorials that cover general Pro-Stitcher techniques, and they’ve created a series of tutorials just for PS Connect. Watch them! You’ll gain confidence and understanding.

• Links:
  • https://prostitcher.com/education-courses/
  • https://prostitcher.com/frequently-asked-questions/

What if I experience a technical issue or just need help with this update?

• As always, Pro-Stitcher has dedicated support teams ready to help! The best and fastest way to get assistance is by opening a support ticket. Visit prostitcher.com/support or send an email to Support@ProStitcher.com. That will make sure your question gets to the right people who can help you.

I heard I will get a free design. Is that really true?

• Yes. [Yay!] Go create a free account at prostitcher.com and you’ll notice that they automatically give you a free design of your choice at PS Patterns. It can be a simple block, e2e, or even a large bundle! Be sure to browse the site and see what’s available. Please know that the site is experiencing a lot of traffic because every PS quilter is excited about the new changes. It might be a little slow for the first while.

What about International tablet upgrades?

• The Pro-Stitcher tablet upgrade is available for purchase for customers in Canada, the UK, and Australia. These will be available only from prostitcher.com just like in the US. There will be a flat-rate shipping option for those countries. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for taxes, customs, VAT, or additional fees upon arrival. The 90 day shipping window might be extended for international customers.

Whew!  The folks at Pro-Stitcher are so excited to be bringing you this great new technology for your Pro-Stitcher quilting. It’s a lot to take in! Read through these Q and A’s a few times and visit prostitcher.com to watch the videos. And remember the support team is there to help when you need it.

Remember to Quilt Every Day!

by Mary Beth Krapil