DesignaKnit 8 Exists!
I spent part of Labor Day catching up on some knitting machine groups and found a lot of posts about DesignaKnit 8.
Yes, you read that right, DAK 8 exists and is currently being beta tested!
Here are links to a general brochure and upgraded features.
Per the general brochure, system requirements are:
Windows 98 SE or later.
Free USB port for optional cable links (does not apply to HandKnit).
Screen size at least 800 x 600 pixels.
Approx 500 Mb hard disk space (if install tutorials & manuals). 90 Mb without tutorials & manuals.
No word yet on availability, pricing, or how many lives we’ll get.
According to beta testers, DAK 8 will still work with XP and 32 bit systems as well as the more modern Windows 64 bit operating systems. Sadly, no Mac version. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for DAK 9.
If you have any news, feel free to add to the comments.
UPDATE
Softbyte has posted that registered UK owners of DAK 7 will get info in mid September on how to order the upgrade. Those of us in other countries are encouraged to contact our distributor.
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September 5, 2011
8 comments
Wow, this is exciting news. It’s been a long time coming.
Even though there is still no Mac version, a couple of years ago I purchased a used Mac Mini, just to see if I could run my more esoteric programs on it. I installed VMWare Fusion, although I would probably go with Parallels next time, in order to run DAK 7 on a Mac. That way you do not have to use Boot Camp or set up a dual boot system. It just runs inside a window right on your desktop, much like I am using DAK 7 now on my 64-bit system, only I’m using Microsoft’s free download, Virtual PC, and a version of Win XP in virtual mode. My 64-bit system is now running Win 7 for everything else.
Anyway, I was able to get DAK, as well as my court reporting software and my Bernina embroidery software to run just fine on a Mac within the Fusion Windows XP window. I could drag and drop files into the Windows window to access them, and vice versa. You probably know all this already, but I thought I’d stick my 2 cents in.
It would be even more wonderful if there was a Mac version, but I won’t hold my breath.
Pam
I am a Mac user and run DK demo version with no problem so far. I used “wine bottler” to convert DK into a nice app for Mac. I hope it will work too for DK 8. We’ll see….
Hi Pam and Sorole,
Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences with using DAK on a mac! I hope I will be able to, too.
@ Sorole: Wow, I’d never thought DAK would work with winebottler! I’m going to give it a try, it sounds like a great solution! Are you also able to transfer stitch patterns from your mac to your knitting machine?
Thanks again!
I don’t manage to run the DAK7 nor the DAK8 with wine/ winebottler… π π Could you please please tell me how-to?
YES! I managed to install the DK8 demo with Wine. I found this youtube tutorial about Wine very helpful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_840240&v=m0BBkISOcEA&src_vid=msYNfqvv-uw&feature=iv
I do however, want to transfer stitch patterns from my mac to my knitting machine. I’ll have to buy the DAK programme for this. I am really curious if it will transfer from a mac!! If you’re interested in the outcome, I’ll let you know.
Wine + the real license version of DAK7 do not work π
I got an old PC from the attic to run DAK on, this time.
Can anyone tell me whether DAK8 will design for the Bond/Ultimate Sweater Machine? I’m looking to get my wife & 9 year old daughter started in machine knitting and see the USM as the best first step given cost, lack of availability of bulky machines, etc. I realize the machine design settings in DAK involve tension settings and the Bond/USM uses interchangeable plates to determine tension. I’m on Mac, so I haven’t downloaded the trial version…will have to bootcamp it, but I’d rather not waste my time on that if someone could tell me up front whether or not I can use it with USM. Also, I’ve been looking at Bond Elite Ribber videos (discontinued) and thinking about making my own ribber for them since the original just used the same off-the-shelf components with a mounting bracket and two connected carriages. If DAK will work w/ Bond/USM, does it also include ability to design for the ribber? Also, is there an ability to design for sock knitters like the Earlbacher Gearhart machines? On the handknit side, is there an ability to design for knitting loom projects too? I’d really appreciate anyone’s feedback.
Can you explain what design a knit is please?