Sewing in this Century is nothing short of amazing! Modern technology and state of the art tools make creativity and design options effortless and abundant! You'll see some interesting options in show 1113. This episode of It's Sew Easy explores camera like technology built in to the Brother Dream Machine, plus interesting printable designs from software options available to anyone with a common computer.

The show begins with Eileen Roche demonstrating machine embroidered design options with simple skirts as her basic canvas. I know of no one better to explain the art of combining machine-embroidered designs with proper placement for a flattering, finished look.

Eileen walks you through the process of building big embroidery using a standard size  (5-inch X 7-inch Hoop). Her technique for this from of successful stitchery involves using a template to visualize and align the design just as it will look when stitched. Standard computer paper works just fine for templates but the folks at Dime produce a unique and practical Print and Stick Paper product that is ideal for designing single or multiple design layouts. After completing the skirt demonstration Eileen returns with another quick segment  showing tips and tricks for attractive embroidery placement, again using templates to make things foolproof.

I love using templates and often use the very same method Eileen shows here. I recently produced a dress project currently featured on the official Brother blog. I used templates along with Brother Innove-InnovEye® Technology and a scanning feature built in to select Brother models to precisely position a connected strip of designs for the center front of the dress.

Click on the image to read more on the Stitching Sewcial blog and see the completed dress.

No camera? No problem . . . if you don't have camera like technology in your machine there are other options. Even if you have a standard machine you can still get perfect placement. In my Wrapped in Embroidery book I've included three different embroidery placement methods. One or more of these easy methods are guaranteed to work for most embroidery enthusiasts, even if your machine is not high tech.

​In addition, there is a tutorial on Brothersews that shows you how to properly make use of the template grid included with hoops that come standard with machines. CLICK HERE to read this informative set of instructions.

To wrap up the show, my friend Kim Montagnese makes a memory last with a stuffed journal pillow made with Kaleidoscope prints and circles stitched to form a cube. 

I've known Kim for some time now and everything she creates is nothing short of spectacular! She is a master at seeing art in just about everything around her and knows how to translate this vision to create fiber related masterpieces. Kim has made many items with this Kaleidoscope design software and knows it through and through. You are sure to enjoy watching her demonstrate the possibilities.

Are you ready to go watch the show?
CLICK HERE.

Here is the offical description for the segments you'll see in episode 1112:

​Cosplay enthusiast Cheryl Sleboda creates authentic-looking Steampunk accessories with contemporary fabrics.  Designer Gretchen Hirsch shares a style tip for making miles of ruffles in a snap. Couture designer Angela Wolf redesigns an out-of-style jacket to create an on-trend vest.

Cheryl Sleboda, costume designer and comic character expert shows you how to sew with PUL. Use PUL fabric anywhere you need a waterproof, soft, breathable moisture barrier PUL is a pliable and attractive fabric.​ This fabric is also popular for sewing baby items such as diaper covers, proving that knowledge of something in sewing can always be applied to something else!

​Unless you want to sandwich all your seams on the top and bottom with paper, you will definitely want to sew PUL with a non-stick foot. This handy foot is on my top ten accessory list. It’s a foot you will definitely reach for again and again. For Brother machines you will find two types, a flat foot and a style that rolls. 

UPDATE! I posted a new video lesson showing this foot in action. CLICK HERE to watch this short video.

Speaking of feet, in the next segment you'll see how to ruffle up a ten-yard strip of fabric using the seemingly ancient but ever helpful Ruffler Attachment.

Learn how to re-style jackets into trendy vests in no time at all. Angela walks you through trimming the armholes with binding and trim. In the last part of the show you’ll see how to alter a straight leg pattern for a high waist style that would coordinate really well with a vest.

Are you ready to watch It's Sew Easy episode 1112? CLICK HERE and enjoy!

You'll see Angela show three options for hemming this type of knit. Very valuable information if you make the dress or if you ever have to re-hem a ready made garment constructed from ITY.

In part two you'll see my short style segment featuring adorable clothes for little girls. In the free instruction download you'll get all the details for the outfits shown in the photo above. CLICK HERE for a direct link to these instructions.

Although it is not part of this show, I made a ruffled and personalized drawstring pajama bag to coordinate with this little outfit. CLICK HERE for a link to these instructions.

Once again, you'll see the serger in action, making quick work of garment construction.
Be sure to visit the project section of the it's Sew Easy TV website for Heather's detailed instructions for making this skirt.

CLICK HERE if you are ready to watch the show. Enjoy!