letsgosew.com
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up for Sewing News, Freebies, & Updates
  • Order Just Jackets Embroidery Collection
  • Just Jackets FAQ
  • Order Wrapped in Embroidery Book by Joanne Banko
  • Joanne Banko's Blog
  • It's Sew Easy TV Online Blog
  • Machine Embroidery Survey
  • IT'S SEW EASY TV Videos & Bonus Files
    • NEW! It's Sew Easy TV Series 2100
    • It's Sew Easy TV_Series 2000
    • It's Sew Easy TV_Series 1500
    • It's Sew Easy TV - Series 1600
    • It's Sew Easy TV_Series 1700
    • It's Sew Easy TV Series 1800
    • It's Sew Easy TV Series 1900
    • NEW! Superstar Sewing Stitches
    • NEW! Classy Textured Cape
    • NEW! Baby Bath Wrap
    • NEW! Detachable Collar
    • Sew a Swimsuit
    • Machine Embroidered Garments
    • Kimono Blouses
    • Custom Covered Hangers
    • Sewing Beautiful Belts
    • Felted Flower Hat Trim
    • Sew a Waffle Weave Robe
    • Learn about Couching accessories!
    • Turn a Pashmina into a Trendy Topper
    • Machine Embroidered Reverse Applique
    • Machine Embroidered Knit Dress
    • Use Non-Stick Foot to sew a Custom Luggage Tag
    • Serge & Sew Broomstick Skirt
    • Machine Embroidered Western Jacket
    • Machine Embroidered Bobbin Work Pashmina
    • Embroidered Pajamas
    • Sewing Pearls and Sequins
    • Learn how to use the Fringe Foot
    • Quilted Pinwheel Patchwork Tote
    • Machine Embroidered Lace for Lingerie
    • Sewing Circles with a Circular Attachment
    • Sew with the Edge Joining Foot
    • Re-style Tops for Little Girls
    • Short Style Tip- Blouse Embellishment
    • Learn how to make pretty piping using the Piping Foot
    • Embellish with the Three Slot Cording Foot
    • Facebook Live Interview 12-4-2018
    • Machine Embroidery - Starter Tips
  • FREE Tutorials and Tip Sheets
    • NEW! Embroidery Placement Positioning Tips
    • Free Embroidered Snowflake Coasters
    • Tip sheet - 5 Reasons Quilters Need A Serger
    • Free In-the-Hoop Patch Pocket Design
    • Serging versus Sewing
    • FREE Project-Embroidered Gift Tag with Gift Bag
    • Tip Sheet - Pillow Pointers
    • Tip sheet_Sew Straight Laser for Seams
    • Embelishment Tips from dime V.111
    • Tip sheet - Shannon Embrace Double Gauze
    • Tip sheet - Fun with Fonts
    • Fabric Tip Sheet- Sewing Faux Suede
    • Tip sheet for Sewing & Embroidering with Metallic Thread
    • Fleece Ruana Pattern: As seen on PBS It's Sew Easy TV
    • Fabric Tip Sheet - Crepe Back Satin
    • Fabric Tip Sheet-Sewing Slinky Type Knit
    • Fabric Tip Sheet - Fleece
    • Fancy Footwork Tipsheet - About the Walking Foot
    • Fancy Footwork Tip Sheet_Basic Appliqué
    • Fancy Footwork Tip sheet - Ruffler Attachment
    • Fancy Footwork Tip Sheet - Narrow Hems with a Standard Foot
    • Fancy Footwork Tip Sheet - Non Stick Foot
    • Tip sheet - Machine Embroidery Pattern Connection Resources
    • Tip Sheet - Machine Set up for Shirring
    • Tip sheet - Snowman and Target Markers
    • Tip Sheet for Printing on Fabric
    • Tip sheet-Five Ways to Finish Fleece Blankets
    • T-Shirt Transformation Tutorial
    • Project- Serge a Little Girl's Sweet Summer Dress
    • Tip Sheet for Fleece Frame Shape Appliqué
    • Tip Sheet - Bobbin Work Sewing & Embroidery
    • Tip Sheet - Custom Covered Buttons
    • Tip Sheet - Liquid Stabilizers
    • Tip sheet - Appliqué with Brother XV8500D & ScanNCut
    • Project - Sheer Chiffon Wrap
    • Project - Pearl Trimmed Candle Ring
    • Tip Sheet -Mitered Satin Blanket Binding
    • Fabric Tip Sheet_Knit Know How
    • Tool School Tip Sheets
    • ITH Project Planner
  • As seen in DiME Magazine - Photo Gallery
  • Sewing and Embroidery Events
  • About Joanne Banko

It's Sew Easy Online Preview New Series begins today!

3/28/2015

1 Comment

 
Picture
The New Century Begins – The 1900's

This new series promises to be full of information, education, and inspiration, as It’s Sew Easy TV time travels through the decades. Throughout the series they have included many historic photos to stir the imagination and illustrate the mood of different decades. 

The first episode is titled The New Century Begins – The 1900's, with snippets of fashion photos that include Edwardian era daywear. Recently I read that during the brief Edwardian era a woman's corset maker was more important than her dressmaker. Take a look at what was worn “underneath it all” in the early years of the century. 
Picture
In my opinion corsets could be labeled with one descriptive word - conTRAPtions!  I think you will agree that while we may wax nostalgic for greener pastures of days gone by, when it comes to women’s clothing there is a lot to be said for modern convenience. 

Picture
Outer wear was certainly beautiful in many ways with embellishment trims galore and elegant details that must have taken months to sew. But just imagine the time it took to get dressed, let alone maintain a wardrobe with yards and yards of fussy fabric sewn into just one dress!
Having said all that, it is going to be a lot of fun watching this series and seeing contemporary interpretations  of  fashions and fashion details from past decades.

Picture
In the first segment Angela Wolf creates a kimono duster inspired by dusters once worn over long, full skirts and dresses. Quite literally these "coats" were meant to catch dust.  Today this is a flattering and versatile look for all ages and size ranges. It really is layered dressing at its best. Great for special occasions and everyday events too.  Watch as Angela shows you how easy it is to alter a basic pattern to make a modern day duster. I’m seeing this long or short straight coat style in current ready-to-wear catalogs as well as new commercial pattern offerings for Spring 2015. Angela’s own Evelyn Dress and Coat Pattern would be a great place to start. I also like Sandra Betzina’s duster pattern created for Vogue. CLICK HERE to take a look for yourself.
Picture
Next up you’ll see Kathy McMakin sew classic heirloom accents. Her instructions for sewing an heirloom fancy band are detailed and very easy to follow. Camera close-ups show the stitching order and materials you’ll need to create a precious heirloom baby bonnet. An ordinary zig zag stitch is essential for this type of sewing specialty. In addition, many machines like the Brother models used in the show include a multitude of decorative stitches. These extra stitches give heirloom sewing enthusiasts many more options. Wondering if your machine has heirloom stitches included in the menu? Chances are you have at least a few to choose from. Common names for this category include hemstitches, bridging stitches, and entredeux. Take a look at the illustration below for a few examples. Do you see anything that matches with your sewing machine's stitch menu?
Picture
Ready to watch the show? 
CLICK HERE to watch It's Sew Easy episode 801.
1 Comment

its' sew easy tv online preview tucks and texture

3/22/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Rebecca Kemp Brent starts the show with a fabric manipulation technique that is easy to master. She begins with flat fabric, adds texture with tucks, and finishes with a shape that forms a beautiful bolster pillow.  Rebecca shares tons of tips for making this “smocked” pillow project easy and fun. If you use a washable fabric for this project you’ll find it easy to remove for cleaning, making this a no muss - no fuss pillow project.

I think this technique would be nice as an accent on a garment too. I can see this as a yoke treatment for a jacket or used to trim cuffs, collars, and even baby bonnets. Just imagine this look on one section of a formal dress or perhaps the bodice of a wedding dress with hand-stitched beading as the icing on the cake. This is one of those embellishment techniques that makes my mind soar with possibilities!
Picture
Next up, you’’ll get some ideas for channel style quilting techniques applied to specific portions of a Ponte knit jacket. Angela Wolf is masterful at adding details that make the difference on custom garments. In this episode she quilts her clothing using the Brother digital dual feed foot, also known as the MuVit™ foot.  If you’d like to watch a brief overview of this foot click on the photo below and you’ll see this foot in action.
Picture
This new fangled foot is a close cousin of the walking foot and is perfect for pucker free stitching.  Instead of teeth it uses a smooth belt driven by a motor.  I used this same foot in episode 702 when I made a quilted tote bag. My favorite special feature of this foot is the ability to stray beyond the normal straight stitch. You can stitch through multiple layers using a variety of decorative stitches with side to side and backward movement. You simply cannot do that with a standard walking foot because a standard walking foot is designed for forward motion only. This means you are limited to a straight stitch and zig zag. That's not the case with the MuVit™ foot. Different settings make this foot ideal for stitching everything from silk to vinyl and makes difficult sewing tasks SEW easy!
Picture
In the last segment Janet Pray will show you how to stitch a two-step flat felled seam. You’ll see her demonstrate on denim but this seam is suitable for many fabrics. It's great when you want a sporty seam that’s durable but has a bit of flair from the added accent of topstitching. This is a practical seam you’ll want to master. It’s suitable for many items such as sportswear, children’s clothing, and it’s ideal for patchwork piecing on quilts, crafts, and accessories too. 

I hope you have enjoyed the It’s Sew Easy 700 series episodes. Why not start a sample book of the techniques you learned from watching the show? It could prove to be an invaluable reference for future projects. 

CLICK HERE to watch this week’s show. 

0 Comments

It's Sew easy tv Online Preview - Fabric first

3/13/2015

0 Comments

 
Fabric First - In this week's online episode the focus is on three select fabrics for specialty techniques. Get ready to learn more about free form sewing on silk dupioni, linen, and cotton sateen.
It's Sew Easy TV - Episode 712
Picture
Picture
Featured fabric number one is Silk Dupioni. In my opinion this is one of the world’s most perfect fabrics! 

You’ll find silk dupioni readily available in local fabric shops and from online retailers such as fabric.com.  This type of silk simply begs to be embroidered. Two of the nine wraps in my Wrapped in Embroidery book are trimmed with embroidered silk dupioni. The sheen, durability, & versatility of this fabric set it apart from many other fabrics. I prefer to wash mine before using it for smaller projects. A “recipe” for my particular method of pre-treating silk dupioni is part of a bonus on the CD included with the book. 

Picture
For garment sewing, you’ll find this fabric is ideal for formalwear, jackets, and suits. The swishing sound is reminiscent of taffeta and adds to the allure of a garment sewn from silk dupioni. In this episode Angela shows a custom-made silk dupioni jacket with an interesting story behind it. To make the silk look unusual and interesting she distresses the surface using felting needles and a felting attachment on the Brother PQ 1500S.  Watch Angela transform the surface of the fabric with free form needle punching on the formerly smooth silk surface. 
Picture
Never seen a felting machine? Check with your local Brother Authorized Dealer for more information on Brother Model PQ1500S, the SA 180B Felting Attachment, and Felting Needles for the PQ Series. Barbed needles on a felting by machine are commonly used to embed fibers into a base fabric. With or without added fibers, this episode proves there are many ways to have fun with a felting attachment.
Picture
Picture
Next up, Tina Givens shows quilting with linen. She readily admits she's a rule breaker when it comes to quilting and she backs up her philosophy with casual quilting on classic linen. I would classify this as No Fuss Free Motion. It’s a bit foot loose and fancy free with free motion from the wrong side of the fabric. The result is a charming look that is relaxed and unpretentious. Tina will also teach you how to piece with linen and sew a quilt with a homespun finished look.

Picture
Picture
Angela wraps up the show with yet another free motion technique, demonstrating basic thread painting on a cotton sateen skirt.


This is something anyone can learn to do, and another form of free-motion embellishment for fashionable garments.

CLICK HERE to watch this week’s It's Sew Easy TV show online and don’t forget about the Free Project Downloads available for each and every show!
0 Comments

it's sew easy tv - online preview

3/6/2015

0 Comments

 

The theme this week is simply  Something Extra 
Picture
We all know that the details make the difference in most any project but this week’s It’s Sew Easy TV online show is more than just designer style details. It's a show that  features out of the ordinary items like a tufted little cushion and a super trendy scarf. Watch episode 711 from March 6th to March 13th. Read my preview below and you’ll find a direct link to watch the show at the end.

Picture
Part One: Janet Pray from Islander Sewing Systems shows a precise method for mitering corners. Master this technique and you’ll use it again and again, on placemats, table runners, wall hangings, pillow shams, and more. 
Picture
I love the fact that this method allows for anything from a narrow to a wide binding and provides a finish for four perfect corners. I suggest you watch this one with the intention of making a sample. If you can, watch and sew at the same time, pressing pause between steps until you have completed one corner. You can go ahead and put away your pins though, Janet is the queen of pin less sewing. 

Picture
Part Two:  Rebecca Kemp Brendt turns both large and small pieces into a beautiful Biscornu. 

Now, if you’re anything like me the word Biscornu is new to you. It makes me think of something served with tea or coffee in a café! It is however something that usually features hand embroidery and is made into a pincushion. Rebecca has some great samples that feature machine embroidery and even embellished buttons. I think these would be really fun to make for a sewing club gift exchange. There must be a million ways to embellish these little beauties!
Picture
Picture
Part Three: Angela Wolf takes messy strands of yarn and makes a trendy scarf. You’ll love the result and you'll never let a stand of pretty fiber fall into the wastebasket again. This is a project for any age or skill level and looks like a ton of fun.

Picture
CLICK HERE to watch It's Sew Easy TV episode 711 and let me know if you decide to try any of the techniques for this show. 
0 Comments
    Welcome!
    ​
    E
    ach week at noon a new show airs online at itsseweasytv.com.
    This blog features a preview of each weekly show.
    Picture

    Author:​

    Joanne Banko
    Brother Ambassador

    Inspiring Sewing Enthusiasts to make the most of their machines!

    ​
    Click Here to Sign up for Sewing News, & updates about FREE Tip Sheets and FREE Project downloads.

    Archives

    March 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    March 2014
    February 2014

    As a believer in full disclosure, I'd like you to know that Blog posts may contain affiliate links for products and services I know and trust. Purchasing items through a link marked * results in a small commission for me, with no extra charges for you.
    Shop popular online retailers via EBATES and you will receive cash back rebates on all your purchases. I have personally used Ebates for  for several years and receive a small referral fee if you click the button below.
    Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

    RSS Feed

© Copyright 2023 by Joanne Banko. All rights Reserved