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IT'S SEW EASY EPISODE 1206: GET COMFORTABLE

4/28/2017

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This week the show has a simple and straightforward theme - Get comfortable! Traveling for work, going on vacation, or just traveling from point A to point B, comfort makes the journey more pleasant. Comfortable clothes and great travel accessories are presented throughout this entire series.
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This week's show begins with Donna Babylon demonstrating a cute and super useful lingerie bag. Her Ooh-la-la appliqué letters fit with the fabric theme she selected and will surely bring a smile each time you tuck away your lingerie! Be prepared to jot down some notes while you watch this segment. Donna shares lots of helpful tips while making this zippered bag. You'll want to repeat these techniques on future projects.
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Next Donna squeezes another item into this segment, a neck pillow made from super soft fabric. I purchased a similar pillow a long time ago and practically go into panic mode if I neglect to pack it for a trip. It's great for home use too, providing extra neck support while reading in bed. Cuddle® fabric from Shannon Fabrics is an ideal choice for a pillow like this. It's easy to sew when you follow Donna's tips. She has provided complete instructions and a free pattern for the neck pillow. CLICK HERE to download a copy.
Take a look at the big bold appliqué letter on the pillow! What a great way to identify your own personal pillow or customize it for a special gift. Visit Donna at www.sayitwithapplique.com to see more fusible letter kits and a variety of projects to use them on.
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In the second half of the show Angela shows you how to make a lovely lacy top.
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Using her versatile Evelyn pattern, watch as she guides you from prepping the pattern to finishing the neck, sewing the seams, and hemming this flattering top. Novelty fabrics like this can be challenging to construct but Angela demystifies the process. 
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The end result is something you can wear as a swimsuit cover-up or as a blouse with a tank top underneath. It's perfect for summery days at home or away!

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In the last few minutes of the show you'll learn how to dial your way to a smooth serger stitch! Learn more about the controls you see on the serger and how small adjustments can make a big difference in the end result.
Personally, I can't imagine sewing without a serger. I could sing its praises all day long! Not just for garments but also for crafting, quilting, home decor, and most anything that involves a piece of fabric. In fact during the month of April I've posted a few miscellaneous serger tips on the letsgosew Facebook page. You can CLICK HERE to take a look.
Are you ready to "get comfortable" and watch show #1206? CLICK HERE. This show will air from July 28th to August 4th. Enjoy!
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ITS SEW EASY EPISODE 1205: at the beach!

4/21/2017

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Ready for some fun in the sun? If the answer is yes, you'll love the projects featured on this It's Sew Easy TV show!
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You'll see two totes and a breezy blue swimsuit cover-up on show 1205. These easy to sew items will have you ready for the outdoors in a flash and suited up for summer vacation or some well deserved relaxation close to home!
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The first segment features a project perfect for anything from a picnic to a day at the beach.

At first glance you'll find yourself asking, is it a towel or is it a tote??? Rebecca Kemp Brent proves it can be both! She has fashioned a big beach towel, arguably a summer necessity, into a clever tote. If you’re spoiled by Rebecca's customary step-by-step instructions you'll be happy to know that she has provided written materials with all the info you need to make this for yourself. Just CLICK HERE to download instructions from the TV website.
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Next, sewing blogger and author Caroline Critchfield sews a fish-shaped drawstring bag. Use it for the beach or the laundry room, your choice! And yes, Caroline has provided a complete printable pattern with crystal clear instructions. CLICK HERE to find them.
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Next up you’ll find me sewing in circles to create a soft flounce for the sleeves on a swimsuit cover up.

In reality, this cover-up is an oversized tunic top. The pattern has been modified slightly and I cut a larger size to make it work as a cover-up. Originally, instructions for the cover-up, along with a companion beach bag were shown in the Projects & Free Designs section of the Brothersews website. Click on each of the images to find the original instructions.
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I highly recommend this pattern, whether you make it as is for a warm weather top before or sew it slightly oversized for this good looking cover-up.
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New Look Pattern 6292 is still current as I write this blog. I know I liked the pattern but it also has five star reviews on the popular Pattern Review site. New Look patterns are always at the top of my "favorites" list. I personally like the style, fit, and the price range of this Simplicity® brand of patterns. I reach for New Look again and again, especially when I am looking for a basic simple style. Just a tip:  Choose a pattern according to your true body measurements and make a test garment to see if you agree. You may find that these become a new favorite for you too!
Are you ready to go watch the show? CLICK HERE. This show is on air until July 28th at noon EST.
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IT'S SEW EASY EPISODE 1204: VERSATILE AND PACKABLE

4/14/2017

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Close to home or far away, smart packing makes for enjoyable travels. This week you'll learn how to embroider a designer tote and accessorize simply styled dresses. 
It's Sew Easy Episode 1204
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Eileen Roche is known for many different machine embroidered clothes, crafts, and quilts. One of her best known items is the fashionable line of purses and totes she has designed. Wait until you see what she stitches in-the-hoop with an embroidery machine!
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I would guess that many of us have a boatload of totes, but do you have one so wonderful you find yourself taking everywhere you go? I the answer is no, then now is the time to make a great tote. If you're looking for a tote that's sure to get many compliments and is neutral enough to coordinate with your whole wardrobe, this "postmark" tote may be just the ticket. It's designed for a laptop but don't let that stop you from using it for anything and everything!
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The steps to make this tote are easy but the results are nothing short of fabulous! Visit your local sewing shop to ask about ordering the Designer Handbags collection, which includes the tote featured in this episode.  CLICK HERE to find out more information about this design CD.

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Now, are you ready for some travel worthy pieces that work from sun up to sun down?

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Get ready to sew, embroidery, and accessorize some slinky type knit dresses. The next segment is all about easy dressing with knits that travel well.

​First you'll see some highly packable accent pieces that turn a plain dress into something special for day or night. This includes a few of my favorite scarves from the Wrapped in Embroidery book.

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After a few accessory tips you'll see how these Blue Roses add a three-dimensional accent to a knit neckline. The Blue Rose Cluster and Blue Rose Border are special designs from the Brother ​ibroidery.com website.

Most of this segment focuses on a great machine embroidery technique I like to call "offsite" embroidery. It simply means the embroidery is done elsewhere or offsite, and then added to a partially or fully constructed garment. In this case the embroidery is on fine netting that closely matches the dress fabric.
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You'll also get some tips for sewing super slinky, stretchy knits like the tank style dresses in this show. Complete instructions are on the It's Sew Easy TV website. Just CLICK HERE.
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In the last few minutes of the show Angela shares yet another serger tip. This time you'll learn basic set up for narrow rolled hems. Show 1204 is currently airing on itsseweasytv.com until noon EST, July 21.

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IT'S SEW EASY EPISODE 1203:             ON THE GO

4/8/2017

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This entire series is full of great projects that will help you improve your wardrobe, organize important belongings, and of course guide you towards more enjoyable travel experiences! Many of the items presented in this "On the Road" series will make your life easier on a day-to-day basis.
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Caroline Critchfield starts the show off with something fun! She is a prolific blogger, author, and an expert in making simple projects that are pretty and practical.
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In this show she creates a fast fold and stitch wallet using small fabric remnants. Watch as she completes the entire project in just a few minutes. This is a project anyone can make and just about everyone can use! Pattern pieces and complete instructions are on the It's Sew Easy TV website.
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The snap setter shown for this project intrigued me. Turns out it is the Babyville Boutique brand. Fabric.com has a nice selection of this brand of snaps along with the snap setter tool. I know a lot of people who love these plastic style snaps. Far less expensive than metal snaps, they're great for baby wear, items for little ones, and craft projects. Call me a traditionalist, but I'm still partial to the metal ones, like those produced by Snap Source and Dritz. Anyone else care to weigh in on the topic? I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts on this!
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In the next part of the show you'll see Angela transform pants to shorts and then shorts back to pants.

Outdoor and sporting enthusiasts are sure to love this great tutorial. She  shows you how to turn a ready made pair of pants into a convertible style, extending their use and turning two garments in one packable piece! 
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In the last few minutes of the show you'll get some additional tips for balancing serger tension. While every serger is different, this continuing series will help you understand your serger, master the adjustments, and make the serger earn its keep as a workhorse in your own sewing space. 

You can CLICK HERE to watch the show. It will be available Now showing online until noon EST on April 14th.

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    Welcome!
    ​
    E
    ach week at noon a new show airs online at itsseweasytv.com.
    This blog features a preview of each weekly show.
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    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.

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