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

Fashion Versatility - It's Sew Easy TV show 1410

5/26/2018

6 Comments

 
Picture
Details make the difference in everything you make! It could be simple rows of topstitching added to a cuff or collar, or more elaborate details like fancy trims and embellishment with machine embroidery. Yes! You are in the driver's seat behind your personal sewing machine and you can make any project stand out with simple or elaborate details.
Picture
In the first segment Cosplay designer Cheryl Sleboda uses metal grommets to create a changeable costume skirt. Grommets come in all sorts of sizes these days and are used on everything from garments and accessories to home decor and more! If you're looking for grommets of all kinds, including decorative grommets, see what my friends at dritz.com have to offer. Check out their tutorial for decorative grommet styles HERE.

Picture
Angela is nearing the end of the shirtdress sew along with just a few more details to go. this time she tackles button holes and buttons. If you're anything like me you hold your breath when it comes time to make buttonholes. It's usually next to last on the checklist for completing a project. with all the care you put into making something you sure don't want to see a bad buttonhole mess up the beauty of your efforts. 

Picture
Careful measuring is key. The tool you see here is called a Simflex Expanding Gauge. I got mine at my local sewing shop and it has come in handy for more than just buttonholes. Use it to mark fabric for trims, pin tucks, and even placement for embroidery designs.

Picture
Truly buttonholes are better than ever with the one-step sliding buttonhole accessories we have today. I've been sewing long enough to remember the crazy contraptions we had to install to make a buttonhole in the good old days. Now it's just a matter of dropping the button in the back, pulling a lever, lining it up, and pressing go! CLICK HERE to read my previous post with more about building better buttonholes. 
Picture
Button sewing is another task quickly completed by machine. Many machines have a special "button fitting" foot for this. combined with a special stitch built-in to the machine it makes quick work of sewing on one or more buttons. To make the button extra secure be sure to use polyester sewing thread, pull the top threads to the bottom side, knot by hand, and then dab a bit of seam sealant one the threads on the back of the button when you're finished. I like to use this foot for tacking ribbons in place too. If you'd like to see some cute children's clothes with button and ribbon accents you can watch this short video HERE.
Picture
In the last segment of this show children’s designer Jessica Stewart uses her artful eye to mix fabrics and add trims for endless design opportunities on a little girlie girl dress. 

Picture
Her fabric combinations are delightful! You'll learn a lot from Jessica when you watch this part of the show.

Ready to go watch show 1410? Visit www.itsseweasytv.com. This show airs until noon EST June 1st.
6 Comments

Accessorize Up or Down - It's Sew Easy TV Show 1409

5/19/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The whole season of It's Sew Easy TV series 1400 has been focused on creative changes you can make when you mix a little ingenuity with the use of your sewing machine.
Picture
Show 1409 is full of accessories to dress up or dress down any day of the week. 
Picture
When it comes to accessories, belts can be one of the best ways to easily add some spice to your wardrobe. Do you already have a few favorite belts in your closet? If you do, I suggest you take a good look at them and see what puts them at the top of your want to wear list. In other words, what makes your reach for them over and over again? My guess is that comfort is a big factor. Perhaps you find that certain belts just seem to really pull your look together, whether it's an eye catching buckle that serves almost as added jewelry, the belting itself complimenting the color in your garment, or the fact that a particular belt is a perfect match for a pair of shoes. Belts are a great way to top off an outfit and the focus in this show is on soft belts that are super easy to make.
Picture
Picture
Take a look at the denim dress with a red turtleneck underneath. Adding a belt that picks up the dominant red color creates a look that is put together with very little effort. 
Picture
Picture
To snug up the waistline of this wrap garment I made a softly styled matching belt, complete with machine stitched eyelets. An eyelet stitch is nothing more than a round buttonhole and it's found on many different machine models.
Picture
Would you believe . . . the wrap on the show is actually the Chic Suede Wrap from Wrapped in Embroidery? This time it's shown worn inside out with the front facing peeking out almost as piping would. Since this wrap is fully lined it's just as attractive on the wrong side as it is on the right side. There are lots more belts, buckle options, and sewing tips presented in this segment with detailed instructions found on the It's Sew Easy TV website. CLICK HERE to download a copy for yourself.
Picture
In the next part of the show Felice Regina stitches up a purse with a clever appliqué accent. Her circular "moon bunny bag" bag is super cute with the moon bunny appliqué as the focal point on the front. Felice shows you the steps to make this bag, including the zippered gusset which gives it a neat finish and a nice sized opening.
Picture
She has included the complete pattern with instructions on the It's Sew Easy TV website, all for free.

Picture
You'll want to watch this show right up till the very end to see Rebecca Kemp Brendt make her own fabric yardage with the Brother  Dream Fabric Frame and Dream Quilter 15™ DQLT15 quilting machine. Although the word quilt is in that previous sentence, the project Rebecca chose to make is the furthest thing from a quilt!
Picture
Indeed, Rebecca's project is a beautiful parasol fit for the stage, or a very special costume occasion. This project was formerly featured in detail at blog.brothersews.com. Watch the show and then be sure to visit the blog to learn more about making the parasol.

Are you ready to go and watch the show? Show 1409 airs until May 25th at noon EST. CLICK HERE to go and watch.

0 Comments

Convertible Clothes - It's Sew Easy TV Show 1408

5/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
This week you'll see two ways to sew something suited for style, and for chasing chills in the air. Designer Laura Pifer rescues a men's shirt and turns it into a jacket. Fashion expert Angela Wolf continues with her tutorial for the shirtdress by adding the cuffs. Then, she creates a drapey jacket from a giant square of fabric.
Picture
Would you ever think of turning a men's shirt into a ladies bomber jacket? In this show Laura does just that! She is wearing one of her own shirt turned bomber jacket creations on the show. It looks like something that came right off the rack in ready-to-wear.
Ribbing can be a bit tricky to find. I found some recently at Rockywoods.com. I even found a nice bomber jacket pattern on the same site.

​
For a slightly different and dressier bomber style jacket style you may want to try the Wong Sing Jones pattern form HotPatterns.com. I have it in my stash, along with the ribbing but can't seem to desire on fabric for the jacket - stay tuned - I'm sure I'll get inspired before fall comes around again.
Picture
Picture
In the last full segment of the show Angela drapes a jacket on a dress form and gives you a few other ideas for making this style without a pattern.

Picture





If you'd like something more fitted with a similar style you may want to check out Angela's Rachel Twin Set pattern. It has a similar drapey collar and includes a tank top.
Are you ready to watch the show? CLICK HERE and watch until noon EST on May18th. Enjoy!
0 Comments

Interchangeable Looks - It's Sew Easy TV Show 1407

5/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
In this show you'll learn to get more mileage out of garments with interchangeable looks and ready-to-wear jazzed up with machine embroidery.
Picture
In part one Jane Monzures of DIY by Jane fame takes t-shirts and turns them into a cool apron. Such a great idea for all of those t-shirts too nice to discard but not really on your current "want to wear"​ list. 

Picture
I think this is a great idea for souvenir shirts as well as others you may have packed away along with sentimental attachments you still have for them. It's also just a neat idea for a way to honor someone else's love for sports teams and so forth. Make something creative with their favorite t-shirt graphics and you're sure to bring a smile to their face. Great gift idea for Dads and grads too! Consider including the apron along with a set of barbecue tools for Dad, or perhaps a survival cooking kit for the graduate bound for new life in a dorm.

Picture
In part two Laura Pifer re-styles a t-shirt by adding bell sleeves. Laura is a frequent contributor to the official Brother blog and she's known for quick and easy projects that often feature up-cycled ready-mades. Her simple t-shirt re-do is nice for big or little girls alike and a super project for summer.  
Picture
I can hardly contain my excitement for the online debut of this segment of It's Sew Easy TV. In show 1407 I had the opportunity to focus on one of my all time favorite embellishment techniques, machine embroidery on ready-to-wear!  Jazzing up wardrobe basics with splashes of embroidery in interesting places is possible with any machine that has a hoop for embroidery. As with everything else, it's all about knowing some nifty tips and tricks that pave the way for embroidery success stories.
Picture
​In this show you'll learn about the three P's for producing good quality embroidery: Planning, Preparation, and Placement.

A good understanding of all three of these guides you into the world of gorgeous garments embroidered by you and your trusty embroidery machine. Don't forget to 
CLICK HERE for the tip sheet that coordinates with this segment titled Machine Embroidery for Ready-Made Garments. 
Picture
I'd love to hear your comments and entertain your questions after you've had the chance to watch the show! Enjoy! show airs until May 11, 2018 at noon EST. CLICK HERE to go and watch the 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