Continuing with the theme of changing up your wardrobe, this online It's Sew Easy TV show is all about transformations! ​

In the first segment of the show Angela has no fear of quickly snipping the sleeves of sweaters!

You'll love the way she "bravely" takes the sleeve and adds it to another armhole. Working with thrift store garments makes this a no fuss project. By working with something that is low cost you'll lose the fear of failure and find yourself ready to jump in and try something new and different.

In the shirtdress segment you'll see how to topstitch the sleeve and sew the sides with  a fast flat method of construction.

And now it's time for you to see the kimono creations I cooked up for show 1406. I had so much fun designing and creating these over blouses and I think you'll really enjoy stitching them too!

Two finished tops are shown on the set. You'll see how I cut one from a scarf and then you'll see me finish off another one at the machine. The second blouse on the mannequin and the one at the machine are both made from soft, light, and lovely Shannon Fabrics "Embrace" double gauze. This is simply the perfect fabric choice for this garment! In the show I included several tips for sewing this slightly crinkly, comfortable cotton.

Patterns for tops like this are plentiful. I've selected several options for you to try. Cut-on sleeves are super easy to sew and there's no need to be concerned with skill level. Anyone can easily make one or more of the styles presented here.

Warm weather is coming and I'm so excited to wear these beautiful blouses!

I wrote detailed instructions to go along with this segment but they seem to be temporarily misplaced on the TV website so I've added them to letsgosew.com. You can CLICK HERE to download the PDF. From this link you can also watch the video again if you would like. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE to watch all of show 1406 until May 4, 2018 at noon EST.

In this show you'll see some fresh, new ideas for adding accents to garments. First, Jenny Rushmore shares pattern hacks to give new looks to a basic tank top. Next, Angela Wolf continues with the shirtdress and adds a placket to the shirtdress sleeve. Then, you'll see me demonstrate one of my all time favorite techniques, adding surface embellishment with couching! 

You'll find her instructions clear and easy to follow. Jenny's garments are as beautiful as her lovely accent :-) Find out more about Jenny at cashmerette.com.

Next, watch Angela show how to sew a sleeve placket like those found on ready-to-wear tailored shirts. This type of placket really makes a custom sewn shirt sleeve look neat. There are many different ways to do this. I suggest using this type of placket on shirt weight fabrics and making a sample or two before trying it out "for real."

You'll see my faux suede coat in the last segment. This beautiful fabric is from Shannon Fabrics, makers of many soft and wonderful fabrics.

Below you'll see a close-up of the couched collar I stitched in show 1404. I readily admit that this was one of the most fun episodes I've taped thus far!

I could go on for hours taking about this jacket but I think you'll have more fun by hopping over to the video to watch. When you are done you can CLICK HERE for complete instructions published on the It's Sew Easy TV website. Note that this particular video is also available here on my You Tube channel so you can watch it over if you like. Watch for more videos to be added to my letsgosew channel soon :-)

Ready to watch the show? Show 1404 is available online until April 27th at noon EST. CLICK HERE and enjoy!

Change is in the air! In this show you'll see how to sew something fresh and new  inspired by current trends. 

In the first part of the show you'll learn some  costume making tips created with items from both the craft store and the hardware store. You'll also learn how to create straps using fabric that closely imitates real suede, and add rivets to the straps with special tools. Cheryl gives you tips, tricks, and cautions for using these all of these tools effectively.

In the second part Angela Wolf continues her shirtdress sew along. Watch as she shows how to stitch a crisp collar. For pressing she uses a tool known as a Tailor's Point Press. My own tool looks almost identical and I've been using it for decades. In fact right now it sits within inches of my ironing board, ready when I need it for all manner of pressing operations. CLICK HERE to read a PDF tutorial on this item. Stitching is of course important but proper pressing techniques can take a project from so-so to a standout item you'll be proud to say you made with your own two hands!

In the third segment designer Linda Lee shares techniques for sewing today's trendiest open-weave fabrics. Finding fabric is usually the fun part of designing something new but then there's always the challenge of figuring out how to make it work. In this part of the show Linda shows both sewing machine and serger techniques for fabrics that may include more open space than actual fiber in the weave of the fabric.

This show airs online until Friday April 19th at noon EST. Visit www.itsseweasytv.com to watch.

Color your world with creativity! There are three parts to this show - DIY fashion expert Jane Monzures demonstrates fun and fashionable ways to use zippers. I'll show you how to keep clothes looking great with padded hangers, and then designer Jessica Stewart mixes up fabric combinations for beautiful children's fashions.

In this segment Jane begins with a bit of zipper history, shares lots of tips for stitching zippers on Trendy shirts, and then includes  instructions for creating fashion accessories with various zipper pieces and parts. Prepare to be mesmerized by Jane's fast paced and inspiring instructions!

In the second, quick tip segment I had the opportunity to show some of my favorite custom covers for ordinary household hangers. Call me crazy but hanger covers are one of my all time favorite projects to make! Here are a whole host of reasons to consider creating some yourself:

• Everyone uses hangers, making them perfect for gift giving. You can embroider a monogram, add a bit of trim or some decorative stitches, and in no time at all you have a quick and easy personalized gift item.
• Wire hangers are boring and not very functional. Why not cover them up and turn them into something pretty and practical? This is a great way to re-cycle hangers and keep your garments from getting the "dreaded hanger bump" that comes from unpadded hangers.
• I believe custom-made clothing deserves special status. Why not make a hanger cover from remnants or coordinating fabric to match a garment sewn from scratch? You're sure to smile every time you hang it up.
• A coordinating hanger cover is the crowning touch to a garment crafted for a special occasion such as a wedding. Imagine making one for the bride, groom, and all the wedding attendants. This simple gift helps to commemorate the occasion and create a lasting memory.
• Hanger covers for children's clothing can be made with fun fabrics and designs that appeal to little ones. They'll keep small clothes from slipping and can be made to match colors in their wardrobe. Come to think of it, they could even serve as a fun lesson to teach children to hang up their clothes!

In the last segment Jessica shares simple tips for choosing a colorful mix of fabrics and creating "boutique look" dresses for little girls. Her tiered dresses are adorable! You'll enjoy her tips for mixing, matching, and making a patchwork effect to turn tiered dresses into wearable art for little ones.

This show is currently airing on line until April 13 at noon EST. CLICK HERE to watch the show.