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It's Sew Easy TV Show 1505: Machine Wizardry

10/21/2018

52 Comments

 
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It's showtime again on itsseweasytv.com! This week the online show is full of sewing machine tips that work on most any machine, both basic and beyond. Every single stitcher out there can use a little sewing machine wizardry to polish up their machine stitching skills. Indeed, even the most basic machine includes super sewing stitches that can make your sewing more professional.
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First up, teacher Ellen Miller demonstrates a little bobbin magic as she introduces Sashiko stitchery. In the true fashion of an educator, Ellen starts with a Sashiko history lesson and then shows multiple ways to create a design from a simple diamond shape. Be sure to Download her show notes from this segment to learn more of her special Sashiko tricks and tips.
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I met Ellen in the studio and helped set up the Brother machine with a special bobbin work bobbin case for her to use. Here you see a whole kit that Brother has available for many Brother machines. This drop-in case is colored grey so you don't confuse it with your standard case. It also features a looser tension setting designed to accommodate thick threads that are unsuitable for the needle. Essentially, bobbin work is upside down stitchery. Stitches stand up and stand out due to the thickness of the thread and can often mimic hand embroidery. Several Brother models include the bobbin case and even have built-in bobbin work embroidery designs. Check with your local Brother Dealer to check availability for your machine. I've been a bobbin work aficionado for a long time. Honestly, I could go on and on about bobbin work but I'll cut it short for today. I do have a tip sheet with additional info you can download here.

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After talking with Ellen in the TV studio and having the chance to browse through her book titled Creating Couture Embellishment you can see that she is a master of techniques that take your sewing projects to the level of high-end embellishment. I immediately bought her book as did others in the studio who were mesmerized by all the ideas and the precise photos detailing each one of her decorative methods. As Ellen tells the story it was a book that started out as a two-year project and then stretched out to almost triple that amount. You would completely understand that if you browsed the pages of the book. Ellen's publisher, Lawrence King Publishing has generously provided a copy for me to giveaway in a random drawing. Read more about this offer at the end of this blog post.
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In part two you'll see me run through a whole host of machine stitches, showing some of my "go to" stitches used in everyday sewing, along with some tips for mastering your machine with basic sewing stitches for sewing knits, overcasting seams, blind hemming stretchy fabric, stitching accurate seams allowances, and more! I suggest you take a few notes while you watch, look for these same stitches on your own personal machine, and then make some samples to fully embed the learning process. CLICK HERE to download coordinating instructions for this segment.
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Okay! Are you ready for the chance to win Ellen Miller's beautiful book? This book is big, measuring 11 1/4-inches high, 9 1/2-inches wide, and over an inch thick. It retails for $85 and aside from being what I call a classic, it is a joy to read just to look at all the gorgeous garment photos. To be eligible to win, you can leave a comment below, telling me what embellishment techniques you would like to see covered in more detail on letsgosew.com Or, you can contact me and leave your comment via email. I'll announce the winner on Saturday November 10th, 2018 through my weekly email to letsgosew.com subscribers. If you're not already on the list, you are welcome to join HERE. Winner will be notified by email and then I'll need your address to ship the book via USPS media mail. Available for USA residents only. I'll look forward to reading your comments and drawing a winner!
 
Visit www.itsseweasytv.com to watch Show 1505 until noon EST October 26. enjoy!


52 Comments
Bea Good
10/21/2018 21:21:28

I enjoy your tv show I have learned some new sewing tricks. I would like to learn more about bobin works that looks very interesting.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:16:33

Hi Bea! Thanks for watching the TV show :-) Glad to know you have learned some new tricks. P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

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Susan T
10/21/2018 21:25:02

There are several techniques I would like more details on along with your excellent instructions. One is what foot to use and how to keep the stitching straight while using decorative stitches on a machine sewn quilt binding. The other is how to use the directional stitching ability of my Dream Creator. Can that be used along with the machine loaded decorative stitches? Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge and a chance to win the book.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:20:47

Hi Susan! You asked some very good questions. I'll add your wishes to my "to do" list. If you could clarify a little on the question about using directional stitching along with machine loaded decorative stitches it would help me answer your question. What exactly do you mean by machine loaded stitches? P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

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Janis Easter
10/21/2018 22:19:49

I love your cutwork designs but I’d like some help with putting them on knit as an edging for a jacket and would love to see some tutorials on getting them to come out nicely without puckering.

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:23:58

Hi Janis! Hmmm, I don't have any designs that are technically cutwork here on this site. Do you have a link for the cutwork designs or some photos so I can see them? You can send photos to me at [email protected]. P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

Reply
Delois Campbell
10/21/2018 23:46:34

In addition to decorative stitching, I'd love to learn how to add jewel embellishments.

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:31:00

Hi Delois! Thanks for your suggestions. P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

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kate
10/22/2018 06:17:28

This is all very new to me, so I'll be just very interested in any and all the techniques. I love embellishing and the unique styling and one of a kind look which draws many to ask where I purchased a garment. When I respond, "on line" what I mean is my very own stitching lines. Nobody, therefore, can ask me to "sew" for them. Whew!

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:33:39

Hi Kate! Thanks for your comments! You made me laugh :-) It's perfectly okay to be stuck on sewing only for yourself.
P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

Reply
Judy Brown
10/22/2018 06:21:07

I continue to appreciate your work and always learn something from each segment. I would like to learn about using new or less used machine feet. (Maybe unconventional uses)

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:37:49

Hi Judy! Thank you for your kind comments. Lots of sewing feet and accessories have multiple options for use and you can really get your money's worth by making them work both conventionally and unconventionally. I appreciate your suggestions.
P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

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Sara Redner
10/22/2018 08:00:40

I tried bobbin work once years ago and wasn't satisfied with the results. I would love to learn more and try again.

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:41:49

Hi Sara! Bobbin work does require some experimentation but the end results are so satisfying. Embellishment threads are popular for handwork and many of these are great in the bobbin too. Take a look at the tip sheet I offered and stay tuned for more info on this subject in the future.
P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

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Lynne K
10/22/2018 09:51:24

Makes me want to try bobbin work and I have been fascinated with Sashiko for years. Will have to look at this book

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:44:14

Hi Lynne! Ellens' book is beautiful. You can tell it was a true labor of love.
P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

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Donna Morgan
10/22/2018 11:34:13

Learning the use of all those feet and combining stitches for a unique look.

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:45:32

Hi Donna! I appreciate you chiming in and sharing your thoughts ;-) P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

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Paula Jarvis link
10/22/2018 11:36:29

I would love to do more embellishment on garments. I am interested in placement, so it looks classy but not overdone.

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:47:51

Hi Paula! Your comment was great! Classy but not overdone is something I always strive to achieve.
P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

Reply
Karen L Roop link
10/22/2018 11:55:40

I really enjoy your segments showing how to use the specialty feet and stitches. I also have been wanting to learn more on the Sashiko machine. Love the bobbin work but so afraid to try it. I really enjoy the It's so Easy show one of my favorite.

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 13:50:08

Hi Karen! Thanks for your note! Glad to have you out there in the viewing audience and I'm happy to know to are learning from the show.
P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

Reply
Vickie Glass
10/22/2018 15:31:40

I haven’t tried bobbin work in a very long time. I need to try again

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Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 20:00:45

Hi Vickie! Thanks for writing :-) Just pull out that pretty little grey bobbin case and have a go at it!!!
P.S. Your name is now entered for the drawing.

Reply
Bonny Menkel
10/22/2018 19:45:31

How to make different types of flower embellishment, with rhinstones added would be helpful. Also using fake fur for collars and the different type of fake furs. I know some shed and some don't, and I'd like to learn the type that does not shed.
Like to be place in the drawing to win Ellen Miller's beautiful book.
Thank you!

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/22/2018 20:06:41

Hello Bonny! Those are all great "how to" requests. I haven't seen non-shedding fake fur. I'll have to look into that. I know you like to make flower accents - that would be a great tutorial or project idea for sure and I'll put it on my list. I got your comment via e-mail too so your name is now entered for the drawing.

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Lynette Wilson
10/22/2018 20:42:01

I would enjoy seeing more of your instructions on different feet and decorative stitches. It is always great to pick up new ideas on using these great stitches.

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Joanne Banko link
10/29/2018 13:54:55

Hi Lynette!
Thanks for letting me know that you're interested in accessory feet and decorative stitches. Those happen to be two of my favorite subjects! P.S. Your name in now entered into the book drawing.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/29/2018 14:17:40

Hi Lynette!
Thanks for letting me know that you're interested in accessory feet and decorative stitches. Those happen to be two of my favorite subjects! P.S. Your name is now entered into the book drawing.

Reply
Susan Sarti
10/22/2018 21:24:05

Hi Joanne. I love the show and the explanations and demonstrations really help me learn. I would love to learn how to embroider or create free standing lace that cam be applied to pillows and garments. Thanks!

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/29/2018 14:02:00

Hi Susan!
I'm happy to hear that you like the show and even better, it's great to know you are able to get some good instruction from the demonstrations. Your request for freestanding lace applied to pillows is wonderful!!! Consider it added to my list :-)
P.S. Your name is now entered in the book drawing.

Reply
Meredith Felix
10/23/2018 15:18:37

I really enjoy seeing all these machine techniques again. I learned them about 30 yrs ago when the machines did not do any of the automated embroidery designs. It's so much easier to do these days, and your show has inspired me to retry bobbin work, which was one of my favorites! You rocked our ASG meeting!

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/23/2018 23:25:26

Hi Meredith! Thanks for all your kind comments! I’m glad I inspired you to stitch some bobbin work. So glad I had the opportunity to speak to your group. It was a great pleasure to be there! P.S You are now entered in the drawing.

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Christy Pocek
10/23/2018 20:23:16

The last couple months have been rather hectic so what a treat for me to relax and read all your info which is packed with ideas. The book sounds wonderful. I would like to know if you have stitched with a double eye single needle and any tips for stitching

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/23/2018 23:33:40

I’m glad I was able to bring you some enjoyment Christy! Now, about the needle, I bought some of those at a show some time ago and did not have much success stitching with it. I think it may vary from machine to machine and the results depend on various threading mechanisms. You make me want to try again though. I’ll report back in the near future.

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Valerie Douglas
10/29/2018 05:51:32

I love all your show and I learn something every time I watch. Like everyone else I would love to learn more tips and tricks about bobbin work. I do a lot of hand embellishment but need to try bobbin work. Please add my name to the drawing for Ellen Miller’s book. Thanks!

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/29/2018 14:07:00

Hi Valerie!
Thank you for your note! It's such an encouragement to know that you are watching and learning from the It's Sew Easy TV show. I'll add another checkmark next to requests for bobbin work.
P.S. Your name is in the hopper for the book drawing.

Reply
Patty Sack
10/29/2018 09:19:49

Hi Joanne! Miss you! I would like to see more bobbin work and I always like learning about new feet and what they do.

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Joanne Banko link
10/29/2018 14:10:25

Hi Patty! Miss you too!!! I haven't been back to your area for awhile. Maybe next year ;-) Thanks for giving me your input. You always come up with great ideas and I appreciate hearing your thoughts.
P.S. You are now entered in to the drawing!

Reply
Rener Kenning link
10/29/2018 10:49:37

Live watching your show, as I have a brother machine and especially like your tips. I have you programmed to record all episodes of itseweasy.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/29/2018 14:14:27

Hi Rener!
Your comments made me smile! Thank you so much for your encouraging words. In a few weeks I'll be able to announce topics for series 1600, the next series from It's Sew Easy TV. Stay tuned!
P.S. You are now entered into the drawing!

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Karen McDonner
10/29/2018 15:43:22

Thanks Joann for always sharing your knowledge. I enjoyed meeting you several years ago at an Allbrands event in Baton Rouge. I'd love to learn more about working with faux furs and feather type materials.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/30/2018 17:29:47

Hi Karen! I'm so glad you took the time to write. Some of my best memories are the times spent there in Baton Rouge :-) I think you're the second person to vote for faux furs so I'll keep this in mind for the future.
P.S. I have entered your name into the drawing.

Reply
Carolyn Shelton
10/29/2018 21:04:05

I’m interested in embellish clothes with beads

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Joanne Banko link
10/30/2018 17:33:25

Hi Carolyn, Thanks for writing. Your idea for embellishment with beads is a good one. I know this topic is covered in Ellen Miller's beautiful book
P.S. I have entered your name into the drawing.

Reply
Joyce Hobbs
10/30/2018 00:40:35

I love getting the Let's Go Sew newsletter with all the tips, suggestions and howtos. You really give us a lot of info. Thanks! I would love suggestions regarding embellishing clothing with embroidery designs. I have trouble choosing and combining appropriate designs and just where to place them on a garment. Would like to have some tips on using small corded piping as an embellishment for a garment perhaps with built-in embroidery stitches.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/30/2018 18:06:11

Hi Joyce! Writing to my Let's Go Sew friends is a joy for me! I'm so glad to know the info is helpful for you :-) You sure gave me a lot of input in you comment! I appreciate know what your interests are. Thanks for all your suggestions!
P.S. I have entered your name into the drawing.

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Colette Herriman
10/31/2018 14:30:29

Hi Joanne, you are so full of ideas and I don't know how you do it all. I missed the last Alko class and we just got back from vacation so I hope to see you in Nov. I would love to know how to do Bobbin work...there is so much to learn on the Brother machine and there just isn't enough hours in the day to do it. Thanks for all your help. Please add my name for a chance to win that awesome book. See ya soon.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/31/2018 22:52:11

Hi Colette!
So nice to hear from you! Thanks to you I'll put another checkmark next to bobbin work. Look forward to seeing you in class soon :-)
I will put your name in with the others for a chance to win the book.

Reply
Sueann Walter
10/31/2018 19:26:01

I would love to see some ideas about creating your own trims for clothing by combining trims and using stitches, etc. Thank you for this opportunity, I really enjoyed the show and reminded several sewing friends to watch it.

Reply
Joanne Banko link
10/31/2018 22:55:19

Hi Sueann! Thanks for your input and your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the show and shared it with friends too!
Your name is now entered into the book drawing.

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Stella. Haynes
5/9/2019 12:34:15

Enjoy the show so much.have been sewing since I was 14(now 80)and still learning.Waiting 4 Woman to step on the moon.Great to see Eileen.

Reply



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