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
  • Machine Embroidery Survey
  • FREE Tutorials and Tip Sheets
    • NEW! Serger Sample Sheet
    • NEW! 2-Thread Serger Techniques-Pt.1
    • NEW! Basic Serger Stitches
    • New! Sew with Your Feet_Resources
    • New Project! Chic Triangle Scarf
    • New! Embroidered Sachet Envelope Project
    • Denim Re-design Hanging Organizer
    • Sewing a Cargo Pocket
    • NEW! Interfacings for Embroidery Tip Sheet
    • Making Kitchen Towels & FREE Cornucopia Applique Design
    • NEW! Embroidery Placement Positioning Tips
    • 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
    • Tutorial_Embroidered Greeting Card Project
    • 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
  • My Sewing Story
  • It's Sew Easy TV Online Blog
  • 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

DESIGNER DRESS AND SCALLOP TRIM IT'S SEW EASY EPISODE 806

7/31/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
In this episode Angela walks you through the steps for draping an elegant dress. This got me thinking about sewing for special occasions and sewing a dress just a little different from what you may wear every day. Perhaps you're attending a class reunion, dressing up for a holiday or celebration, or you just want something a little dressy for a day or evening out. Sewing really pays off when you can make your own dress for a special event. 

I suggest you shop ready to wear first, armed with a notebook, tape measure, and the determination to hunt down some ideas and guidelines to equip you at the sewing machine.  Observe colors, lengths, sleeve styles, and neckline features you like as you browse and try on ready-made dresses. These four elements are usually the most important factors for a garment you'll ultimately feel good in. 

Once you have made these discoveries and written a few basic notes to yourself, head for the fabric store with measurements and perhaps even a few sketches/photos of what you've seen in your shopping excursion. 

At the pattern counter, look for a pattern that catches your eye at first glance. It doesn't have to be something complicated.  Selecting a  dress pattern with few seams is fine but you may also want to look for a style with princess seams as these afford a bit more fit insurance. For a loose fitting dress pattern  pick a size that's close to your high bust measurement. High bust is a snug measurement just above your full bust. Unless you have a large cup size this size is usually more accurate for a garment that hangs from the neck. For additional fit insurance add 3/8-inch to the pattern tissue at the side seams, providing a generous 1-inch seam allowance. When sewing, baste the sides using the 1-inch seam allowance, fit the dress, and adjust as necessary. Remember  you can always trim away excess. This is by no means the be all and end all of fitting guidelines but unless you have a lot of specific fitting issues this should be a good start.

As usual, I suggest  making a trial garment from inexpensive fabric to work out the fitting issues. You just might end up with a winner in your trial garment but at the very least you can pin, stitch, and cut this test piece as needed to fine tune the garment. Don't feel obligated to finish it, it's okay to call it a test and be done with it. Now, transfer the changes to the pattern and proceed to shop for your final garment fabric. 

The dress you see here was a result of my desire for a summertime dress that I could wear when I wanted something just a little bit special. I turned it into somewhat of a color block dress with a semi-sheer asymmetrical overlay and added machine embroidery. This pretty in Paisley dress was featured in a past issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine.
Picture
The dress pattern is still current. New Look 6352 has a nice fit, skimming over the body at the waist and hips, and not too full at the hem. It's a good thing I made a test. I found that the neckline runs large. This would be a good candidate for size selection by the high bust measurement.  In fact, I needed two sizes smaller in the neck and shoulder on the sleeveless version. Now that my pattern is modified it will be a cinch to sew more from this pattern.
Picture
Once you are satisfied with you trial garment you are ready to sew your second, (final) dress. Try to give yourself enough time for a relaxed sewing experience (I'm speaking to myself here too). Last but not least enjoy the process and think about how good it will feel when the compliments roll in and you can say the dress designer was YOU!

To read more about It's Sew Easy episode 806 CLICK HERE to read my previous post. CLICK HERE to go watch the show. Enjoy!
0 Comments

SHEER CAPELET AND PIPING ON A GORED SKIRT: IT'S SEW EASY 805

7/24/2015

1 Comment

 
Picture
I hope you have been enjoying theses summer time online It's Sew Easy TV shows. There is still a lot more to come in the 800 series. In this show you'll see a one-of-a-kind caplet presented by Linda Shaw. As Lisa says, this fashion statement piece would look great with a little black dress. Can you imagine this special garment made in white or ivory for a beautiful bridal shawl?
Picture
Picture
In the second segment piping as an accent for a gored skirt. Piping is a versatile trim seen on everything form garments to crafts to home decor. If you are looking for an easy and economical way  to make lots of fabric strips for piping I suggest you CLICK HERE. The featured project from the Brothersews website shows how to make commonplace potholders but it includes my favorite method for making a maximum amount of piping with minimal seams.

There are more tips and ideas in my previous post from this show. CLICK HERE to read more. When you are finished you can CLICK HERE to watch show 805 NOW. Enjoy!
1 Comment

FEATHERY FRINGE AND SPARKLING SEQUINS - Its Sew Easy 804

7/17/2015

1 Comment

 
You can watch It's Sew Easy show 804 online from July 17 to July24.
Picture
This episode of It's Sew Easy highlights the Roaring 20's with fringe and sequins as the main attraction. I think it is safe to say that fringe and sequins have remained in style for many  decades. You can choose to add a little or a lot of flashy fringe or shimmering sequins to your own custom made items. This show will guide you through the steps with helpful tips for both machine and hand sewing techniques.

Picture
Details make all the difference whenever you sew a custom crafted "work of art." Sure, sometimes you want a garment that is plain so you can dress it up with your favorite jewelry or accessory items.  But sometimes the added embellishment of trim is what makes your piece really special and unique. Plus, it's just plain fun to play with different trims and see them transform garments, crafts, and home decor.
Picture
I admit I am a self confessed trim hoarder. Soutache, rick rack, ribbon, beads, braid, fringe, you name it . . . I have it! I Iove to collect buttons and lace too. Some of the lace in the photo above is "antique" from my Grandmother’s stash. Some of it is modern day machine embroidered. Can you guess which is which???

I guess I should admit this is only a sampling of my collection. There are also two larger boxes in the closet. I do hand select pieces to use now and then but sometimes after auditioning them on a project I find myself not wanting to use it because then I would lose it! So then I have to go buy new. Speaking of new, you know I am a huge fan of shopping local but if you have a hard time finding novelty trims at reasonable prices I suggest you take a look at the fringe and beaded trims offered by homesew.com. They carry chainette fringe in various widths and also sell the beautiful beaded trim seen on my favorite silver scarf below.
Picture
You are sure to get some good ideas while watching this episode. If you'd like to read my previous post on show #804 you can CLICK HERE. 

Or, just CLICK HERE to watch the show Now.
1 Comment

It's SEW EASY EPISODE 803 -   GRACEFUL LACE, CASUAL RUFFLES, & DELIGHTFUL DOLL CLOTHES

7/10/2015

0 Comments

 
You can watch It's Sew Easy show #803
online from July 10 to July 17
Picture
Picture
Dressed up headbands, casual ruffles, and darling doll dresses fill this show with timely techniques and inspiring ideas you can apply to many different projects. 

One of the great things about sewing is the ability to be an individual, creating works of "original" art with your own two hands. Just think about it, even if you follow a pattern word for word your rendition will be slightly different from anyone else, making each creation one-of-a-kind! 

Each teacher on this show has their own style and enjoys sharing their expertise in a way that is natural and down to earth. 
Picture
I encourage you to explore the possibilities presented in this show and then apply them in your own personal sewing world. Make a point to play with new ideas and make samples of techniques that are new to you. Stretching your skills fuels your creative side and affords the opportunity to make something special and unique.

CLICK HERE to read my previous (rather lengthy) post on this episode.  This show got my creative engine running and prompted me to share some sewing tips I thought you would find helpful. CLICK HERE to watch show 803 now.
0 Comments

IT'S SEW EASY EPISODE 802 - FABRIC FLOWERS AND SKIRTS WITH DRAPED DETAILS

7/3/2015

2 Comments

 
You can watch It's Sew Easy show #802 
online from July 3 to July 10 
Picture
Picture
This week you'll see how to turn your fabric scraps into simple fabric flowers. The pictures from the past will inspire you and you'll learn from Rebecca how to make your own flower accents for today. Made by hand these little beauties are fun the perfect stitch-on-the-go project. You can easily tuck a few into your purse or tote and create as you relax or create while you wait at appointments, ball games, etc.
Picture
In the second part of this show you'll see Angela fashion a variety of skirts with draped designer elements. Of course this method for draping a skirt requires a dress form that is at least close to your own personal measurements. 

If you are an avid garment sewing enthusiast you are likely to know the benefit of having your own dress form. It's especially important if you are a solo stitcher who doesn't have a sewing buddy to help with fitting. There are many commercial dress forms to choose from. Some adjust with dials and some with special pads. Spend a little time searching YouTube and you are sure to find reviews on all sorts, including the popular Uniquely You Brand that starts out with a foam base and requires a little or a lot of customizing to mimic your own shape. 
Picture
Picture
I prefer a dress form that is a true clone. Perhaps you've seen instructions for wrapping yourself in duct tape or even plaster casting. Threads magazine, a trusted source in the sewing world has an online article about the duct tape method.  While I don't personally know anyone who has made the duct tape dress form, I have made my own clone using the plaster casting method. The photos above are from a cherished memory that took place quite a few years ago with two sewing buddies. We spent several days in one friend's garage crafting our body forms. It's a rather long (and rather funny) story.  We had a few glitches, a lot of laughs, and one minor fainting spell. That was due to lack of lunch and a too tight wrapping job, (my fault on that one), but we each came away with a perfect clone. An image of our true selves both in size and posture variations. Somewhere I have yet another photo where the mannequin and I stand side by side and you can see that it does indeed look like me. My "twin" has been a great help in sewing garments over the years. I would love to know if you have a dress form that has worked for you. CLICK HERE and send me a note if you do.
Now, if you are ready to watch this week's It's Sew Easy show just CLICK HERE. If you'd like to read my previous post on episode 802 you can CLICK HERE.
2 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 2025 by Joanne Banko. All rights Reserved