Travel in Style: It's Sew Easy TV Show 1306

The series continues with tips for short trips, long trips, or trips close to home. Traveling any distance often means temperature changes both indoors and out. Having stylish garments you can easily slip on and off make travel more comfortable and more pleasant. In the first segment you'll see a fashion-forward sweater designed by Angela Wolf so you can be comfortable at home or away.

Next, learn how to embellish all of your gear with colorful embroidered patches. Embroidery expert Eileen Roche shows you how.

Now that you have your casual wear covered it's time to add something fancy for a special night out. In this episode I'll show you how to stitch a concealed zipper so you can create an elegant evening bag. It packs flat and coordinates with a special embroidered dress made from matching silk dupioni fabric. Read more about all these projects below.

First, Angela designs a coverup with a partial circle collar, peep sleeves, and lettuce edging on the hem, all from a basic T-shirt pattern.

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To finish the edges she takes advantage of the super stretch of the fabric and stitches a ruffled, lettuce edge hem. This is a unique and decorative way to make narrow hems on stretchy knits.

I have a slightly different recipe for accomplishing this popular edge finish. Here's what you'll need:

• Size 11 Stretch Needle
• Matching or contrasting good quality poly sewing thread
• Standard zigzag presser foot

Here are the  steps:
Begin by selecting a zig zag stitch set for 2.0 width and 2.0 length. Line up the raw edge of the fabric with the center making on the foot. Zigzag over the raw edge, having the right hand swing of the zig zag catch the raw edge and stretching as you go. Next, set zig zag stitch for width 2.5 and length 1.0. Stitch over previous zig zag stitching. 

This results in a more satin style stitch. Make sure to test first for suitability on your particular knit.

In the next segment, Eileen Roche makes a batch of "Sew Happy" patches.

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You'll love all the special items Eileen decorated with patches! These snappy little patches work as an accent for everything from bags to hats to boat shoes! Watch as Eileen presents great tips for fusing these appliqués onto awkward surfaces.  These are  easy to attach to so many different things.  They're sure to put a smile on someone's face if you make them for gifts too!

If you're looking for more fun patches you may want to explore the Blue Hair Girl collection. CLICK HERE to read my past post about the designer, Denise Holguin. You'll learn more about her creative style and see examples of the patches she invented.

In last short segment of the show you'll see me insert a concealed zipper with a special foot designed for the task.

The featured sample is a clutch purse previously published as a Brother blog post. CLICK HERE to view and download the original instructions. You'll find specific steps outlined and illustrated with photos so you can effortlessly stitch this style of  zipper again and again.

This silk dupioni clutch purse is an elegant accessory for a special occasion or anytime you want something a bit fancier than your everyday handbag.

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The inside zippered pocket is sleek and secure. Imagine making this purse in many different fabrics for dressy or casual days!

Need a gorgeous dress to pair with your purse? There are instructions for that too! They're also available on the official Brother Stitching Sewcial blog. You'll only catch a glimpse of this dress on the show but if you CLICK HERE you can see how I made this dress, from designing the layout to embroidering the front panel of this figure flattering dress.

Ready to go and watch the show? Show 1306 will air until noon EST on February 2nd. CLICK HERE to go watch the show. Enjoy!

I'd love to know if you would like to make your own version of any of the items you saw this week. Please let me know in the comments below.