Hello! My name is Joanne Banko, owner of www.letsgosew.com. My sewing life began in Junior High. I remember taking my very first stitch on one of those clunky looking school-style sewing machines. While the machine itself was nothing to brag about, I was hooked on sewing from the start. I still have that first school project, a colorful cotton apron with lots of crooked top-stitching!
I credit my Mom for truly sparking my passion for sewing and encouraging me to "make it myself." At the beginning of ninth grade, she offered me a choice between ready-made back to school clothes, or a new sewing machine and fabric! As you may guess, I chose the sewing machine and I've been stitching ever since! I might add that I was able to continue elective sewing courses all through high school with great teachers all along the way! After graduation I enrolled in Fashion School, completing a dressmaking and pattern making course at Progressive Fashion School in Cleveland Ohio.
Graduating from Fashion School has given me many great opportunities. In my current role as a freelance sewing educator and online instructor, I enjoy teaching, writing, and designing projects to share with fellow sewing enthusiasts like you! After working in a sewing machine store for many years, I can tell you that making friends with your local dealer is the first step to a happy sewing life. You will not only find new and exciting sewing products there, you will find expert advice for your particular brand of machine, helping you sew more and sew better!
I hope you'll visit this site often! I'm here to help you make the most of your sewing and embroidery machines, giving you the knowledge and inspiration you need to create beautiful items for yourself, or to give as handcrafted gifts to your loved ones!
I credit my Mom for truly sparking my passion for sewing and encouraging me to "make it myself." At the beginning of ninth grade, she offered me a choice between ready-made back to school clothes, or a new sewing machine and fabric! As you may guess, I chose the sewing machine and I've been stitching ever since! I might add that I was able to continue elective sewing courses all through high school with great teachers all along the way! After graduation I enrolled in Fashion School, completing a dressmaking and pattern making course at Progressive Fashion School in Cleveland Ohio.
Graduating from Fashion School has given me many great opportunities. In my current role as a freelance sewing educator and online instructor, I enjoy teaching, writing, and designing projects to share with fellow sewing enthusiasts like you! After working in a sewing machine store for many years, I can tell you that making friends with your local dealer is the first step to a happy sewing life. You will not only find new and exciting sewing products there, you will find expert advice for your particular brand of machine, helping you sew more and sew better!
I hope you'll visit this site often! I'm here to help you make the most of your sewing and embroidery machines, giving you the knowledge and inspiration you need to create beautiful items for yourself, or to give as handcrafted gifts to your loved ones!