A blank blog page? How crazy is that? Well, it's only blank today. I'm asking my Let's Go Sew friends to send in their project pics to share here. Watch as every day this page fills up with projects and pictures shows up. This page will feature both finished and unfinished projects. I can't wait to see this page bursting with your creations! Be sure to check back for updates during the week of March 23 - 28, and maybe even longer. I'll start the ball rolling tomorrow with the first project photos.

My friend Jan O'Malley starts off this week full of show and tell with her in progress colorful quilt. Seeing the pieces and parts come together is a fun part of the process, agree?!?

Jan describes her quilt in her own words, seen in purple. My words are in black.

I'll add white columns up each side first.  Then I'll add more rows around the 4 sides before quilting.  I ordered fabric online that I'm waiting for, for the backing, border and binding. 

The baby is due soon so I'm sure Jan is busily working to finish this up. Thanks for sharing this cheerful quilt Jan! Your colors are perfectly enchanting and they seem to shout happy spring!!!

UPDATE! For those who are interested in the design collection Jan tells me it is a set from Designs by juju. Here is a direct link to the Farm Applique Set: https://bit.ly/2UdRZef

Another UPDATE! Here are a few more photos showing Jan's quilt and quilt label, plus a bonus photo with beautiful baby Cecilia on her new quilt!

Here is my friend Jan holding her fabulous finished quilt!

Highlights From My Visit to Lake Farmparks 2020 Quilt Show

Farmpark bills itself as a family-oriented science and cultural center devoted to agriculture and farming. Each year they host a beautiful quilt show, housed in the exhibit hall that includes a gift shop, theater, cafe, and more, all in a functioning barn complete with "dairy parlor" with real cows in residence. There are many activities held throughout the year on this 235-acre working farm known as Lake Metroparks Farmpark.

The Flight of the Eagles quilt you see above is just one of many masterpieces that decorated the vas space at Farmpark this year.

I try to never miss this show and I often take a class from one of the local or celebrity instructors they bring in from other areas of the country. The show this year was smaller than most, but I didn't mind that at all. I found much to make my jaw drop and left feeling good about being part of the stitching community at large.

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite picks from this awe inspiring display. I wasn't too particular about noting "winners" but you can view the entire list HERE.

This first place ribbon quilt was massive! It had some of the most incredibly detailed motifs I have ever seen! I neglected to photograph the label but this was a Hunter's Star pattern and it was machine quilted. Take a look at the close-ups in the slideshow below.

The message on this small but sweet quilt was so touching. It's obvious Ginny put a lot of love into this!

Another ribbon winner, this quilt was entered in the category of Individual Mixed Techniques. Read the label below for another sweet sewing story.

This giraffe quilt touched a soft spot in my own heart. My Mom would have loved a quilt like this! She had a big heart for all animals and somewhere along the way started collecting giraffes. I even made her a robe once that was pre-quilted fabric printed with various safari animals and included giraffes.    

I also thought the layout of this quilt was very interesting and unique. Amazing how simple squares can turn into such a work of art!

Just one word for this one . . . beautiful!!! the colors and shapes were so perfectly executed. This quilt could brighten anyone's day!

Yet another colorful quilt perfectly stitched. Batiks are my favorite quilt fabrics by far. Anyone else here a batik freak????

The photo of this quilt from the Art Images category in no way does this amazing wall hang the justice it deserves. Titled Early Morning Mist, honestly, I could not stop staring at it!

​The combination of patchwork, appliqués, painted scenery, and 3-D accents made this a mesmerizing work of art.  In particular, I thought the tiny blocks framing the piece were a stroke of genius. My "make it match" brain would have opted for something solid but I think you'll agree that the patchwork here was a very ingenious and artistic choice.

The realistic rendition of this quilted Great Blue Heron make it look like it could take flight at any moment! I think animals are some of the hardest things to represent in fabric, but this quilter was right on target in scale, size, and color in her appliquéd creation, don't you think? 

While I don't know any of the other quilt artists from all the photos featured here, this stunning work of art one was created by two dear friends of mine. Read the story behind the quilt below:

Isn't sewing something special one of the best ways to give love in a tangible way?

Yet another "display only" quilt, meaning it was not entered for judging, this masterpiece was made by a man who wanted to honor his family and their homestead. I'll let you read the story for yourself below: 

Here is a close-up with detailed family history.

What a unique way to honor his family heritage!

The last three of my favorite picks are obviously traditional. Although I appreciate every style represented in a quilt show such as this one, I'm always drawn to the warmth of these classic quilts and these are the ones I would most want to mimic for our own home.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of quilts!  to my knowledge each and every one of this was crafted by a skilled Ohio quilter. I'm already eagerly awaiting the dates for next year! In closing, I'd like to give a shout out to Farmpark Quilts organizer extraordinaire, Andrea Pasquale, who makes this show spectacular each and every year!

Now, if you have any quilting stories you'd like to share, I'd love to see them posted here!!!

Sewing has been a fulfilling part of my life for many years now! Heartfelt thanks to my Mom for encouraging my endeavors and giving me my first big break.
 
To my high school home economics teacher Miss Pierce, if you're out there, I owe you many thanks too! You never told me I "couldn't" make something. Even when it was a crazy project you never said that's too hard try something easier, you just smiled and let me muddle my way through, learning valuable lessons along the way.

Hello Sewing Friends! I recently had the chance to be a guest on the Brother sponsored Facebook show hosted by Angela Wolf. My friend Emily Thompson was there too. For an hour we had a great time chatting about all things sewing related, visiting with everyone who popped into the show, sharing ideas, and having a few laughs.
 
There's a link to this show at the end of this post but one of the topics bantered about was that of favorite sewing tools. My first thoughts were the big tools, our modern machines that make almost anything possible. But then I swung to the opposite extreme and my thoughts went to semingly insignificant tools found outside the notion’s aisle. None of these are earth shatteringly new, but they may be new to you, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

One of my "go to" tools has been in my sewing space for a few decades. I use this pair of small, smooth (non-serrated) needle nose pliers as a griping tool.

I think my Snap-On brand E 708 model might be a collectable now but I'm sure you can find something similar from a good tool supplier. Here's what I use them for most often:

• The pliers save my fingertips. The small, smooth tips allow me to grab threads tails when ripping stitches.
• They're wonderful for removing bar-tacks and other stubborn stitches while prepping for alterations.
• Perfect for pushing or pulling hand sewing needles through stubborn fabrics. Sometimes I'll put a piece of cloth between the pliers if I need to pull on something rough and I don't want to damage the smooth surface of the pliers.
• They're ideal for pulling up basting stitches sewn for gathering.

Truly, any time you need to get a grip on the tiniest of things, these come in handy. This tool takes top place top on my list, within arm's reach whenever I am sewing anything, cos we all know you rip what you sew!

P.S. If you need help in your search, ​I saw a pair of jewelry pliers that look very similar. Here is the link: 5-inch chain nose pliers.

Eyebrow trim and shape razors work as an alternative to a seam ripper on some occasions. 

Simply spread apart your seam and gently nip the stitches with the serrated blade. This technique is especially helpful for ripping seams sewn with a super short stitch length.

I love this little lambswool duster for dusting off the outer casing of my sewing machine and serger. 

I use bristle brushes made for sewing machines for cleaning out the real nitty gritty lint, but this is great for a quick polish of the outside casing. Keep in mind, the less dust there is on the outside of the machine the less will migrate to somewhere inside, like tension mechanisms. The soft nature of the wool means you won't have to worry about scratches. Again, I've had this little gem for years. I think I picked it up on a trip to Amish country but similar ones are easy to find on Amazon. From time to time I wash mine with baby shampoo to freshen it up.

My handy dandy lint roller gets used every day. I clean my rotary mat with this, use it to pick up stray threads from ripped stitches, clean up embroidery designs after final trimming, etc., etc., etc. I also like to use it on the wrong side of fabric pieces before inserting lining, so no dark or unsightly thread shows through when I'm finished. If I'm sewing something fuzzy it is essential as a clean up tool for whatever I'm wearing too!

I keep this on a clip so I can hang it on my closet rack and always know where it is at.

The last item for today is tape. Specifically, low tack painter's tape which I use for a dozen things, including marking the wrong side of fabric to avoid confusion, and then my ever-present roll of 3M™ Transpore™ medical tape for in-the-hoop embroidery projects. 

The medical tape tears easily and works well to hold fabric, zippers, and such temporarily while stitching. In most cases it is sticky enough to stay in place but removes easily. Speaking of removing, never let tape stay in one place for very long or the glue may transfer to your fabric and leave a permanent residue.

Next to sewing and craft stores, I love to browse hardware stores and office supply establishments. We all know that a tool by any other name is still a tool! Whatever it's named and wherever it came from is of no consequence. As long as it works it can go right into the notions drawer along with our other sewing must haves.

I'm sure many of you have some genius ideas for using unconventional tools as useful items in your own sewing space. Please share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd all love to learn your best kept, unconventional sewing tool secrets! If you like, you can CLICK HERE and send me a photo of your favorites. I'll do my best to update the post with your tips and your photos too.

Below, you'll find the video with all the sewing chit chat and more tips for making the most of your machines. Enjoy!

If you love to sew, chances are you're always looking for ways to make your sewing time more efficient and more enjoyable.

​Today we'll focus on preparing patterns with ten tips to help you get set for your next sewing project.

1. Multi-size patterns are wonderful for "multi-size" figures. However, it can be confusing when you are cutting them out and transitioning from one size to another. I suggest highlighting your selected size(s) multi-size with a highlighter marker. Use the marker to trace over all the lines, taking care to use a piece of protective paper underneath as you trace, as markers will bleed through thin pattern paper.

2. For patterns designed for knits, consider tracing main pattern pieces that are designed to cut on a fold, cutting a full pattern. Simply fold a piece of pattern tracing cloth in half, making sure it is large enough for your pattern piece. Place your pattern on the fold and cut. Transfer all marking, notches, etc. Having a full pattern is especially helpful when cutting prints.

3. If you find that you have to sew with designated chunks of time instead of a marathon, prepare you pattern and lay out your fabric so it can relax the day or evening before you plan to cut out. When you do get started the cutting process will seem less tedious with the pattern already prepared. 

4. When trimming pattern tissue you'll get the most accurate sizing by trimming away all of the black outline. Be sure to press pattern tissue with a warm dry iron to remove wrinkles and flatten so the pattern is true to size. Hang pieces from clip or skirt hanger.

5. If your pattern includes multiple languages, highlight your preferred language with highlighter. Then  you can concentrate on the instructions that matter and easily ignore the rest of the words on the paper.

​6. Review pattern instructions before you start. If some of the wording is unfamiliar or the instructions don't make complete sense, now is the time to get help. Reach out to a sewing friend or call the pattern company for guidance. The big three have the following help line numbers:                     

7. As you review the instructions, use paper and pen or pencil to briefly write out each step, thinking about what you can sew and press all at once. Pay attention to the order of sewing pieces as directed in the instructions but make note of anything that can be done out of order to save time and effort. For example, prepare all interfaced pieces at once. Complete small detail items such as belts, belt tabs, pockets, etc., first. That way, when you begin to construct your garment these small and possibly time-consuming pieces will be done, making the rest of the sewing process more streamlined.

8. Make notes during and after making your project and store notes with pattern to record alterations or modifications should you decide to use the pattern again.

9. Store patterns that are true "winners" in a separate location so they're easy to find when you need a quick win with a tried and true success story.​

10. Organize all supplies, pattern, fabric and necessary notions, keeping everything you need together in a box or zipper bag. Be sure to buy all the thread and notions you need at once, so colors match your fabric and you have everything you need when you're ready to start stitching. 
​
I'd love to know if you found any of these ten tips helpful. Feel free to share your own in the comments below. Happy Sewing!

The photo above shows an example of combining decorative stitches for a technique sometimes referred to as stitch stacking. Essentially, it's simply creating a mix of decorative stitches, forming a blend of decorative elements by stitching a line of combination stitches with "purposefully planned" space left in between.  

I originally showed this on It's Sew Easy TV show 1713-2. You can watch the full video on my YouTube channel HERE, and download a coordinating PDF instruction file HERE.

I used some special features in the Brother Dream Machine to ​create these particular combinations. The technique is rather straightforward as you'll see in the paragraphs below. I encourage you to explore the possibilities for this technique by experimenting with features built into your own machine.

Many computerized machines offer the opportunity to add decorative stitches together and then stitch them out either as a single element or continuously as a row. To start, program a decorative stitch followed by a series of straight stitches. Adding in the straight stitches leaves room for you to select another decorative stitch, thread with a second color, and then add single motifs on top of each area where the straight stitches were formed. 

If you don't have the opportunity to add straight spacer stitches, start by sewing a row of decorative stitches and then add additional motifs in a second color on top of or next to the first row. See stiches below for an example.

You can see that this technique gives you the opportunity for creating endless combinations of stitches. The built-in menu of decorative and the capabilites of your personal machine will vary. 

Decorative stitches are found on all but the most basic of machines. If your decorative stitch menu is limited, you can still create some great looks. Take a few minutes to review the tips below and see if they help you create mini embroidery with the capabilities of your own personal machine.

I hope these tips help you get more out of your machine and enjoy using decorative stitches for a mini embroidery effect! I'd love to hear your thoughts and read your comments below.

Over the years my trusty mail carrier Dawn, aka "Barney" in her purple snow suit, has delivered yards of fabric and various supplies to my mailbox and directly to my doorstep. UPS and FedEx also regularly, and carefully place my packages where rain and snow won't spoil them. I appreciate their delivery service and the fact that online offerings mean I can shop in my jammies :-)

Today I thought I would share some simple tips for shopping online. Here goes:

• First of all, buy local whenever you can. Online shopping is great but it’s important to support local businesses and be able to see and touch the fabric. However, there are many products stores simply don't carry and fabric selection can be limited, or non-existent locally.
• Speaking of shoppping local, I'm a big fan of the buy online and pickup in store policy at my local *Joann Fabrics. Sometimes it's easier for me to find what I need on the Joann site, order, and have it waiting for me at the store. In fact, my DH usually does the pick-up for me so I lose none of my precious sewing time at home.

Joann Fabrics has a shop online, pick up in store option. You can click the *link below to learn more.

For all online fabric shopping I recommend the following:

• Look up the return policy before you buy and make sure you can live with it.
• The ability to buy swatches is another asset when buying online. If it's really an important project, or the fabric is pricey it's worth it to play it safe and order a swatch first.
• Don't trust the colors on your computer. You may be pleasantly surprised or sorely disappointed.
• The scale of a pattern is an all important factor. Some sites have a measuring tape, coin, or some other reference so you know how big or small a pattern is in real life.
• Pay attention to fiber content. If it's 100 percent synthetic it could be beautiful, but it could also have an unnatural look that's not as pleasing as natural or blended fibers. I often buy fabric that is a blend of both synthetic and natural fibers for the best of both worlds.
• Be aware of fiber content and care instructions. 100 percent natural fibers often mean more care, possibly needing ironing each time it's washed or perhaps needing dry cleaning. Check the description carefully. Make sure it fits your lifestyle.
• Look for a description of the weight of the fabric and compare to pattern requirements. If you need fabric that drapes make sure it fits this category.
• Sales are great but don't be tempted to overbuy. It's not a bargain if it sits and never gets used.
• Before you click the buy now button check your yardage requirements carefully and be sure to buy just a bit extra, especially if the fabric is likely to shrink. There's nothing worse than not having enough and being unable to purchase more.
• Ask for discounts if you are buying in quantity or you belong to guilds. They may have a special offer for you.

Fabricdotcom, is one of my go to sources for fabric I can't find locally. Note that the link below is an *affiliate link but I will tell you that I've been very happy with the many products I purchased from them over the years. Check  out their current sales by clicking the image below:

Black Friday sale begins at 6:00PM ET on Wednesday 11-27, ends Sunday 12-1, 11:59AM

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know if this post has been helpful for you. Happy Sewing!

P.S. One more way I save online is to use shop through the *Rakuten marketplace. I've been using this for several years and have saved a lot of dollars through this site. No gimmicks, just legitimate savings. Check it out HERE if you like.

Proper pressing produces perfect results every sewing session.

Let me help you press properly with the tips in this post.

In my recent post about It's Sew Easy TV I asked viewers to share some of their favorite tips from watching the show. The topic of pressing popped up in several comments. I thought it would be a timely topic for another post and I'm eager to share some of my favorite tools for pressing.

It all starts with a good, reliable steam iron. No pun intended but I am loving my ​Reliable Velocity 200IR steam iron. Several months ago I received the iron in exchange for a product review. I like it so much I would gladly purchase one just like it.

Aside from the solid weight and smooth ironing surface, my favorite feature is the ability to press with steam even when the iron is on a lower heat setting. If I understand the design correctly, the water is actually heated inside the iron and turns into steam regardless of the temperature of the sole plate. Two steam options (low and high), and standard horizontal as well as vertical steam give me all the features I need to steam my fabric into submission. It does have auto shut off but you can de-activate it if you choose.

Since I can steam at a lower heat, I haven't had any issues with this iron scorching or causing a shine on delicate fabrics. However, if you have another kind of iron and you want to protect your fabric I highly recommend this drawstring style iron cover, aka iron shoe from Bonash. It fits virtually any iron, keeps fusible residue from sticking to your iron surface, protects the bottom of your iron,  and eliminates the need for a press cloth. This little item packs flat and goes with me on every road trip so I can use the hotel iron without fear of transferring anything ugly onto my garments.

The rest of the photos below show my favorite pressing accessories. I use each and every one of them on a regular basis. I've had some of these for so long they're practically antiques but I'll provide links for what you'll find currently available.

My Dritz sleeve roll or Seam Roll is essential for pressing seams on anything that's narrow.  With the rounded edge you are also less likely to see an indent form on the fabric from the edge of the seam. The two different fabric sides are designed to accommodate different pressing temperatures. I'm especially happy I have this tool when I need to press up hems on narrow sleeves, etc.

You'll want to use a pressing ham or Tailor's Ham for any garments with shape. Think darts, hip curves, etc. The last thing you want to do is press a dart flat. Pressing flat causes puckers and spoils the look of a custom crafted garment.

I use a pressing mitt for hard to reach areas and spots that won't lay flat on an ironing board. My Dritz model mitt really does seem to be an antique. I don't see one available any longer but there is a similar product on Amazon. You can click here if you want to research this item for yourself. Perhaps a little hunting will turn up more options.

Another must have is my high quality, ever useful "clapper" from my friend Angela Wolf. I've actually been using one of these for decades, but this USA made treasure is custom-crafted according to Angela's specifications and it truly is the best of the best. Known as a Tailor's Clapper, the magic behind this tool lies in the way the wood absorbs steam, holding it in your fabric instead of having it dissipate into the air. Simply pressing and holding the wood block over your recently steamed fabric area for several seconds (enough time to let the wood cool), flattens, creases, and pounds your fabric into submission like nothing else can. It's amazing the difference this tool can make on everything you sew and press! You can check out Angela's clapper on her website HERE.  Be sure to use discount code JOANNE for a 15% discount!

This combo point presser and clapper is handy, but I find that I only use the point part for pressing as I prefer the handling of a clapper separately. Points of collars and other narrow spots fit right over the narrow pointed tip. While I do have pads that fit over the wood I seldom find it necessary to use them. If I think I need a buffer between the wood and the fabric I simply place a fluffy washcloth over the wood and press away! A google search will lead you to a variety of vendors that offer this item. Check with your local sewing shop to see if they can order something similar for you.

Another pressing tool I use regularly is this sheet of metal marked with accurate measurements. The Dritz Ezy-Hem Gauge has curved markings on one side and straight ones on the opposite side. Simply fold fabric up to the desired line and press the specific depth you need to turn and fold. In addition to taking the place of measuring, pinning and pressing, the metal helps seal in the heat and makes a nice crease.

Dritz makes a larger size of this same tool and it comes in handy for larger garments and many types of home decor sewing, especially curtains and drapes. This one is called the Dritz Drapery Hem Gauge.

If you're looking to improve your sewing projects with better pressing habits, I encourage you to explore the options shown here. I'd love to know if any of these are already in your pressing repertoire as you seek to have Perfect Results Every Sewing Session! Be sure to share your comments below!

Here I am . . . smiling because I'm sewing! and smiling because I just finished taping five new shows at the KS Productions studio last week. I can't spill the beans and tell you what's coming just yet, but I can give you some hints. Later this year you'll see a wide variety of items in these five shows, embroidery splashed on a garment that's traditionally hard to hoop, knit separates with a special technique for tops, something cozy with a really unique embellishment, a soft and silky baby gift with tricks for four perfect corners, and several super quick trims for fun in the sun fashion. When the videos are finally released I'll have lots of photos for you to see, along with detailed instructions for you to follow for each of the five It's Sew Easy TV projects.

Spending time in the green room where we prep for the show, we had great conversations about the wonderful world of sewing, and I do mean world! Lindsey Marsh came all the way from Australia to show viewers how to sew and fit some great feminine fashions. Every other guest had something exciting to show as well! Series 1800 will be something to look forward to with garments, crafts, accessories, and costumes, plus a myriad of tips and techniques to make your sewing easier and more fun than ever before.

When we wrapped up on Friday the dress forms were wrapped till next season too!

Then the kitchen was cleaned . . . a sure sign that all the guests had gone home. The studio went quiet until the next time KS Productions invites instructors into the "make it yourself" world where these shows are made for your enjoyment, entertainment, and learning pleasure. 

Now, are you ready to enter a drawing to win a DVD set of series 1700, the current It's Sew Easy TV series? To be eligible to win all you need to do is leave a comment below, listing one or more tips, tricks, or techniques you've learned from watching the show on PBS, online at www.its seweasytv.com, or on YouTube. 

Drawing will take place on Friday August 9th, 2019. Winner will be notified by email and receive their package of DVDs in the mail. I'll look forward to reading your comments and drawing a winner! Available for USA residents only.

It was my first trip to that part of Michigan. What a picturesque place to meet with Brother staff and bond with fellow Brother bloggers from Stitching Sewcial, the official Brother blog. 

Perhaps you recognize some of the smiling faces. I'm happy to say that prior to the event several of them were already friends of mine. I'm even happier to say that after the event, sewing bound us all together as friends.

Seeking to share some of the "sewing glow" we all took home with us, I'd like to give you all the opportunity to meet these special people too, so I asked each of my "Brother Sisters" to share a bit about their own personal passion for sewing, talk about their specialties, and last but not least and share a tip or two with you! In short, I asked them what they do, how they can help you, and where you can find them for more information. Read on, I promise you'll gain insights and be inspired by each and every one of my talented friends!

​​You may have noticed I placed these in alphabetical order :-) So now I have a question for you, when's the last time you had the chance to spend quality time with like- minded stitchers? Keeping in touch with my Let's Go Sew friends online makes me feel like I always have sewing friends close by but it sure is fun to get together live an in person to swap stitch glitch stories, share our love of sewing, and experience the tie that binds us together!

I pleased to announce the debut of the newest It's Sew Easy TV series! ​ This season It’s Sew Easy is taking things step by step, helping you build skills in many areas of sewing.
Watch Angela Wolf make an on-trend tunic over the course of the season. In addition, you’ll see great gift items, like a pashmina wrap, or glasses case. There are also doll clothes, and fleece coats with strict attention to detail.
 
There’s even a special quilt feature, with starter blocks made into interesting projects outside of standard quilts.

I had the privilege of taping a total of seven segments this time around. CLICK HERE and you'll see that I put together an entire page with instructions and bonus offerings for each of these segments so they're easy for you to access. 

A mix of wearables, home decor, and great items for gift giving make up the seven shows. 

Visit www.itsseweasytv.com to see what's new for the entire series. Be sure to look at the tabs at top of the Home page. You'll find links to important information, including TV listings for your local area.

The entire collection is available in a boxed set of DVDs so you can watch whenever you wish.

Here is a summary of season 1700 and a list of all the instructors you'll see on these 13 shows.

​1701 Trends
Angela Wolf introduces a trendy top, perfect for every occasion, size and style – sew along with eight different lessons this season on a specific element of the top. Kay Whitt sews a cross body bag, and Ebony Love creates this season’s first quilt block
 
1702   Material Girls
Angela Wolf, Ellen March and Ebony Love have some great fabrics choices as they take you through three projects step by step.
 
1703 Dress Up
Joanne Banko makes an original pashmina wrap using trim and embroidery, Meg Healey turns a one-piece dress into two, and June Mellinger whips up version #1 of flying geese.
 
1704 Step Up
Angela Wolf continues the tunic sew along, Reen Wilcoxson provides a tutorial for in the hoop designs, and June Mellinger makes a tablet cover with her flying geese block.
 
1705 Top Details
Michelle Paganini creates unique patches, Caroline Critchfield has a clever sleeve technique, and Sarah Thomas makes flying geese via foundation piecing. 
 
1706 Shape Up
Angela carries tabs on the sleeves of the Sew Along top. Emily Thompson sews an easy circle skirt, and Sarah Thomas creates projects from the flying geese blocks.
 
1707 Size
Emily Thompson shows tricks for doll clothes, Michelle Paganini returns with a tutorial on how to turn an XL men’s t-shirt into a fashion shirt that fits you, and June Mellinger is back with a new block.
 
1708 The Eyes Have It!
Angela adds a cuff trim, Joanne Banko makes a glasses case for guys, and Kay Whitt adds a sunglass pocket to a tote.
 
1709 Decorative Details
Joanne Banko shares trim ideas and more for pillows, Jennifer Stern talks top-stitching, and June Mellinger makes a fabric tray.
 
1710 Step by Step Garments
Angela Wolf shows and alternate neckline and Joanne Banko tailors a trendy fleece jacket.
 
1711 Quilt Along
Angela Wolf adding the hem to the top, Joanne Banko has coasters form the sewing and embroidery side of the machine, and Ebony Love has her version of the flying geese.
 
1712 More Quilting
Joanne Banko uses the serger for a fast and easy quilt as you go technique, Emily Thompson shows paper piecing the easy way, and Caroline Critchfield has a binding technique for any size quilt.
 
1713 Lace Details
Angela Wolf adds lace to the top, Joanne Banko demonstrates stitch stacking, and Rebecca Kemp Brent shows a different way to add lace to a sleeve.

I hope you enjoy each and every segment! I'd love to know where you watch It's Sew Easy and what day and time you see the show. Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

I wanted to share my latest published piece, give you a little bit of background on the article, and share a few of my favorite pillow making tips.

It all started when Denise Holguin, managing Editor of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine, asked me to contribute to their "For the Love of Embroidery issue." Basically, the idea was to showcase a project that would answer the "Why do you embroider" question. In other words, if you had to answer that question in a flash, what would you say or show as a shining example?

My initial verbal response is a short, sweet statement of why I sew, embroider, and craft at all. The fun and satisfaction of making something and exploring your creative side is exhilarating! In essence, "When you sew, you can have WHAT you want, exactly WHEN you want it, and have it HOW you want it too!" This statement applies not only to embroidery but to any category of sewing. 

With this in mind, I set about to design a project worthy of the pages that fill my favorite magazine. My enthusiasm was huge but my time slot was short. You see, my sewing space was full of projects to be completed for the next series of It's Sew Easy TV. To say that I was swimming in a sea of unfinished projects was an understatement. I opted for the featured pillow project for two main reasons. First, it was do-able in the time allowed and second, it really did answer the What, When, and How in my previous exclamation. Something as basic as a pillow is in fact a shining example of an embroidered object that is unique and beautiful. Finding a perfectly sized pillow with the right design, for the right price, in the perfect color in the world of ready-mades would be virtually impossible. I could think of many other projects that represent why I love machine embroidery but a pillow it would be! 

Let me give you a few more details about the pillow itself, along with some Pillow Pointers you may enjoy. Well suited for use on a patio, to find this fabric you can click on the Fabric.com *affiliate link below and type Richloom Solarium Outdoor fabric.

The color is called Rave Coral. I found this fabric to be very impressive! It was easy to sew and almost had the look of heavy linen. Designed to withstand sunlight and resist water, it's perfect for decks, patios, pools, etc., but just as nice indoors too. The Koi fish is embroidered on plain white duck cloth which of course is not water resistant. That could be remedied by treating the completed embroidery with a waterproofing spray, or a spray like Fabric Guard 303® which is recommended by Sunbrella® for waterproof restoration.

Fabric aside, the idea for framing the fish is yet another way to use one of my favorite Brother features, the built-in frame pattern option. 

Over the years, I've used this feature in enough different ways to fill a book! ​Size will vary with the available hoop size and the decorative stitch patterns vary slightly too, but this is an option built-in to all Brother machines from entry level to the top of the line. You could consider tracing a shape of your own if you don't possess this feature. 

The article details each step you need to follow to make the pillow from start to finish. My embroidery was stitched on the Brother 6 needle PR670E using the 8" X 12" hoop and a design built into the machine.

In keeping with the outdoor theme the pillow features a simple closure at the back with bright colored KAM Snaps. I hope this project inspires you to make a pillow using your own design ideas. this easy framing technique can showcase any design you choose. Are you ready for a few pillow pointers? CLICK HERE for a free Pillow Pointers Tip Sheet.

​As always, I'd love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions :-) And please . . . let me hear your answer to the ​answer the "Why do you embroider" question. If you had to answer that question in a flash, what would you say or show as a shining example?

Here's a little bit of stitch entertainment to start this blog post!

Earlier this month I contributed a tea towel project posted on Stitching Sewcial, the official Brother blog. It featured the redwork design you see above. My version of farmhouse chic, it's stitched on a hemstitched blank towel from Dunroven House, combined with color matched decorative stitches and a strip of fabric. Be sure to check out the entire project HERE, and don't forget to download the Free design courtesy of Brother. You'll find additional redwork designs available for purchase on Brother's digital download site, iBroidery.com.

Chances are good that your local sewing machine dealer also has multiple design collections with a redwork theme. Dakota Collectables has produced some of my own personal favorites.

Machine made Redwork embroidery is a quick way to dress up plain lightweight fabrics such as linen, muslin, and Osnaburg cloth. Most often, designs are just one single color, stitched with a straight stitch traveling more than once in the same spot. Typically low in density and therefore lightweight, for most fabrics you'll still need stabilizer to support stitches during embroidery. Light weight tear-away works well for many projects. Just be careful to gently remove stabilizer at the end, and avoid distorting the stitches. 
 
Wash away mesh is another option, simply cut away excess when finished and then wash out the remainder. 

You can certainly use these designs on heavier fabrics but avoid any fabric with nap or the stitches will get lost in the fibers. No matter the fabric, the best hooping method is to layer the two stabilizers together. Secure between the inner and outer ring of the hoop with fabric and stabilizer taught in the hoop.

Liquid designed to stiffen fabric temporarily and then wash out is one more way to beef up the fabric for this light weight style of stitching. CLICK HERE for a Free Let's Go Sew tip sheet on using liquid stabilizers.

If your fabric needs a more permanent stabilizer consider cut-away, or if it's suitable for your project a medium weight fusible interfacing works well.

Days of the week kitties from the book titled Redwork from the Workbasket by Rebecca Kemp Brendt. 

My friend Rebecca Kemp Brendt authored a book on the topic of redwork. Titled Redwork from The Workbasket, her book includes 100 designs from The WORKBASKET®, a classic magazine with a 60-year crafting tradition. 

​In the book you’ll find lots of inspirational projects accented with redwork designs. 

​All 100 designs have been digitized for use with an embroidery machine! Each of the designs is available in multi formats for machines, plus .jpg and .pdf files, making this collection as appealing to hand stitchers as it is to machine embroidery enthusiasts! 

Note: I'm the proud owner of an autographed copy of this book. I just recently learned that it's in short supply. If you can't snag a copy online contact Rebecca directly through her Facebook page. I believe she has a few copies available.

​As you may well know, there’s a resurgence of hand stitchery out there.  Many of us came to machine embroidery by way of a hand sewing background. Personally, I’m more machine oriented these days, but I value the time-honored techniques and the portability hand stitchery affords.

Redwork designs are as American as apple pie. Becoming popular in the mid 1800’s, the “red” in the redwork is part of the history of this homespun look.  Research into production methods for creating the historic “Turkey red” thread could consume an afternoon but suffice it to say that in this bygone era American stitchers were happy to finally have embroidery floss that wouldn’t bleed into their fabric. Colorfast red thread allowed for embroidery motifs to be transferred onto fabric and stitched into pretty little pictures with simple outline stitching. These motifs proved to be popular for quilt blocks, tea towels, pillow covers and other common household linens.
 
In the 1870’s iron on transfers were developed. This eventually led to the availability of Penny Squares commercially produced and sold for a penny. Popular for quilt making, they were also perfect for teaching children how to handle a needle and thread. I can just imagine how much fun it was to stitch over those line drawings, seeing them come to life and turn into pretty little pictures.
 
Amazingly, we still see these in online needlework catalogs, available from online sites such as Colonial Patterns Inc., craft stores, and even in your local Walmart fabric department. somewhere in my stash I have a package of Aunt Martha's transfer designs similar to the days of the week kitties seen above. Who knows! Perhaps this summer I'll spend a few leisurely hours returning to my hand embellishment roots, relax with some hand embroidery, and wind down by stem stitching a few embroidered redwork blocks. It’s likely that I’ll add some trim finishes by machine. After all, I can’t stay away from pushing that machine embroidery start button for very long! How about you? Have you converted totally to embroidery by machine or do you still dabble in had worked techniques from time to time? I’d love to see your answers in the comments below.

​This bi-monthly live show is sponsored by Brother International Sewing Machine Company. It originally aired on Tuesday February 26th.

​In this 47 minute show the three of us talk sewing and share ideas designed to help you master your craft and create beautiful things in your own sewing space. You can watch the replay on my Facebook page.

UPDATE! Watch the show on YouTube by clicking on the image below:

Prior to this show I spent a lot of time thinking about a recent blog post where many of you contributed to a lively conversation about the search for sewing resources. Your participation in the survey included with the post, along with interesting and sincere comments, made this an enlightening experience. It seems we all enjoy a regular dose of solid sewing motivation and education to fuel our passion and progress in this creative endeavor.

​Prior to the show I prepared some slides designed to help Brother owners and interested parties discover fun projects, click their way through inspiring photos and blogs, and dig for answers to questions about machines and accessories. I thought perhaps the information from these slides would be helpful, so I've included most of them here, along with a few extra tidbits of information for you to explore at your leisure.

​Clicking on many of the individual photos will take you directly to the websites referenced in the show. I hope you enjoy the show and the slides. Please reach out if any of this information prompts further questions. I'm happy to help in any way I can!

Searching for sewing inspiration, ideas, and information?

 blog.brothersews.com 

AND
brothersews.com are the perfect places to start your search!

Let's start by talking about what you'll find on the Brother blog. Each month I post a quick tip to help you make the most of your machines. Below is an example of my the February Quick Tip. It shows how to search through the information on the blog to find projects, videos, and more! You can search using the search box, tags, or even the name of one of the Sewing Specialists who contribute to the blog. Click on the image below to learn more.

More about the Brother blog!

Each and every month you'll find a Free embroidery design from Brother and a featured accessory or presser foot. Both the Free Design of the Month, and the Foot of the Month projects include step-by-step instructions that you can view or print for yourself.

New posts are added regularly from a variety of Brother brand ambassadors.

Now, what about the Brother website?

The main Brother website has an incredible amount of information on machines, accessories, and a wide range of products.

Did you know that there are also tons of projects and tutorials archived on the site? An easy way to sort through the menu of all that is available is to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the home page where you'll find the all important site map. Click on the image below and it will take you directly to the site map.

Once you're there, scroll to the bottom of the page and locate the Inspiration Category. this is a great place to look for projects from the past and the present. The image below shows an example of the many things you'll find in this category.

In each category you'll find valuable information, with pages and pages of pictures and projects to scroll through. Archived Foot of the Month projects, Free Embroidery designs, ScanNCut projects, and more! See some examples below:

I hope you'll set aside some time to explore the possibilities presented here. You'll find a wealth of information no further than your fingertips. Happy searching & happy sewing!

Hello Sewing Friends!
 
As a sewing educator I’m on a continual quest to help fellow sewing enthusiasts fill their world with pretty stitches! It’s my ultimate goal to help you make the most of your sewing machines each and every time you have the opportunity to sew!

It's amazing how many sewing sites, online magazines, and DIY YouTube channels are out there! They're all filled with colorful pictures and promises to fulfill your wildest sewing dreams and expectations. To be sure, we live in a time when sewing is not only considered a valuable skill, but an artistic endeavor we can enjoy while sewing solo or as part of a group. Thanks to the Internet, creativity is just a click away. Without a doubt, there has never been so much information available to us by simply tapping on a screen or typing on a keyboard. With all that’s out there, it can be easy to get lost in this maze of information.

So, where do you go when you need a little boost of creativity and inspiration? While I often fly solo when working and play in my sewing space, I find myself greatly inspired by the enthusiastic sewing people I meet, students who attend my classes and events, and folks like you that I have the privilege of interacting with on a regular basis online! I love hearing from you, whether it’s a comment at the end of a blog post, an email, Facebook post, an in-person event, etc., etc., etc.! Of course, some of you are local and we regularly get to have that precious face to face time together. Whether I get to see you often in person or connect via the internet airwaves, I want you to know that your comments and questions keep me energized, spur me on to new sewing explorations and keep me on the hunt for new discoveries to share with all of you, my near and far away sewing friends.
 
Thinking about where and how we gain sewing knowledge and inspiration these days, I have a few questions for you to ponder. Question one is this, what avenues do you explore when you’re searching for sewing inspiration? Second, where do you find yourself searching for sewing solutions when you are stumped on a particular project or sewing task? Last but not least, what kind of sewing instructions do you prefer to purchase and have on hand for future reference? Today I’m asking you to participate in a short survey and inviting you to share your answers to these pressing questions. Thanks for playing along! 

Are you ready for this short survey? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Let’s get started!

Answering all three questions for this survey should only take a few minutes. When you're finished, click SUBMIT at the bottom of the page so I can view your answers. All results are anonymous :-) I'd love to read your comments in the comment section too!

It's a wrap! Take a look at all these happy faces on Friday inside the It's Sew Easy TV studio at KS Productions. Here I am with the majority of the wonderful crew as they finished a great week taping the new series.

Here you see the set all quiet and serene after the last guest instructor packed up her fabric pieces and headed for a well deserved lunch break. Believe it or not, we taped a full seven segments on Friday and ended at mid-day.

Did someone say lunch? A Mexican feast was ready to be devoured after expending lots of energy in the studio. 

This is the "green room" where guests prep for each segment. Normally a buzz of activity and full of fabric pieces and projects, this is a typical Friday scene where everything, and I mean everything, is packed up and put away, leaving the room ready for whatever comes next at KS Productions. Numerous creative shows are produced here all year long. One day I plan to write more about each one and give you and even bigger behind the scenes view.

This photo of part of the control room gives you a teeny glimpse into the heart of the studio. It's a small room compared to the grander parts of the studio. This all-important tech center is where Executive Producer Katherine Stull, and Director Mike Murphy can be found while the show is taped. Kara White would normally be "assistant directing" at Mike's side but she had slipped away before I got to snap this photo. I've been inside this room just once while the action took place on set. To say that the orchestration that occurs in this room is fast paced would be an understatement! It seemed more to me like they are working to corral lightning and thunder all at once while directing multiple cameras and guiding the presenter through the timing of their individual segments. It's an amazing feat that happens time and time again, bringing you the sewing information you are used to enjoying as you watch It's Sew Easy TV.

It took me two days to complete the seven segments I was scheduled for this time around. On Thursday I had great fun with my friend Reen Wilcoxson. Here we are in the make-up room after getting our show faces painted on. Reen was there for her debut taping and I got to watch from the green room as she glided through her segments like she had a million under her belt. Many of you are familiar with Reen's in-the-hoop creations at embroiderygarden.com. Just wait till you get the chance to see her stitch on TV!  

I was also thrilled to see my special friend Michelle on Thursday. Michelle's up-cycled inventions are always a joy to behold and the stories behind her fashions are quite mesmerizing. Coincidentally, we've been at the studio three times together.

Sarah Thomas and I met for the first time. Full of smiles, with a great teaching style, you'll see her quilt themed segments when the series comes out this summer.

Since I had some time before my own taping, I helped Michelle set up for some free motion stitching during one of hers. Take a look at the new Brother ​Dream Carousel Cabinet paired with the BQ2450. It's something new you'll see this season. This special cabinet has quite an appeal for quilting enthusiasts and those who love free motion stitchery of any kind. 

We did have an "unexpected guest" show up in the entryway, but he/she never made it past the front door since it was obvious this guest had no sewing experience and therefore no business being at the It's Sew Easy studio LOL!

On Friday I got acquainted with  Ebony Love from lovebugstudios.com. I got to watch her zip through several segments all in a row. I can't tell you what she made on set, but I can tell you that you are going to LOVE what she presented. 

Ebony packed up her gear faster than me but by early afternoon we were all heading home. I left energized from having the opportunity to share the love of sewing in anticipation of sharing it with It's Sew Easy viewers like you!

Early this summer I'll be able to reveal all, so stay tuned and get ready for more sewing fun when series 1700 debuts!

Ready for some sweet February projects? 

​As you can see, this list covers a lot! If you pop over to Brothersews.com you can check out their current offering for a Free Trial Download of SABESLET4. You'll need to scroll all the way to the bottom of their web page to see the offering.

Next, you'll find a post featuring the most famous mouse couple of all! This Disney Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse pillow is made from a sweatshirt and closed up in the back with a shoe lace! Click on the pillow picture to view and download instructions.

About the only thing I can think of to make this more cute would be to have their tails intertwined! This is just one design in an adorable collection called Disney Mickey and Minnie in Love. Check it out on the Brother design download site, iBroidery.com.

The final heart themed item for February is a framed piece stitched with decorative frames built-in to Brother machines, built-in lettering fonts, and a free antique key design. Click on the photo to view the project and you'll find a link to download the Free .pes embroidery design. I made this with two dear friends in mind. This special couple will know who they are when they land on this post :-)

I had so much fun creating each and every one of these! I must say that I never tire of stitching hearts, not just this month but all year long! I hope your February is filled with lots love and lots of pretty stitches!

Questions? Comments? I'd love to hear form you. 

Click on the video below to watch a replay of this one hour Sewing News Live show, recorded January 15th, 2019. This bi-monthly Facebook Live show is hosted by Angela Wolf and sponsored by Brother International Sewing machine Company. Angela and I are both Brother brand ambassadors. In this fun, fast paced show we shared tips for everything from twin needles to buttonholes, and more! You'll find additional resources for various items mentioned in the show below this video. Enjoy!

Resources for items we talked about on the show:

CLICK HERE​ for the Sew and Serge a Knit Dress project published on the Brother blog. This dress is made from stretch panne velvet purchased at my local Joann Fabrics store.

CLICK HERE for the Brother Foot of the Month project​, a pillow designed to celebrate story time! Along with special large size lettering from BES4, this project features the closed toe clear foot combined with the serpentine stitch and a 2mm twin needle. Note: The BES4 lettering and customization program is a great midline software that allows you to save designs in most home formats. There's a free trial currently available on the Brother site. Do your self a favor and check it out.

Instructions show how to make a pocket on the back to hold a book!

Looking for a pretty wrap when you're relaxing or reading? The wrap you see me wearing here has a pocket that's sized perfectly for a pair of glasses and this project includes a free design from Brother.

CLICK HERE to see instructions for this Cozy Wrap made from polar type fleece. If you'd like some additional tips for sewing and embroidering fleece, CLICK HERE for a free Let's Go Sew tip sheet.

Buttonholes were one of the topics on this week's show and and Angela talked about the new style of buttonholes currently available on the Brother Luminaire. You can check out Angela's Luminaire buttonhole tutorial HERE.

Last but not least we talked about prepping for the 1700 series of It's Sew Easy TV. In fact I'm heading back to the machine now to get more done for our taping early in February. Bye for now and Happy Sewing until I see you all again!

Series 1600 began airing on PBS stations across the country on December 20th, 2018. The photo collage above shows my contributions for this particular series. You can watch all five of these segments for free HERE on letsgosew.com.

​Watch for more details about each of these projects in future posts. For now, I'd like to give you a glance at the whole 1600 series line-up. At the end of this post you'll find a fabulous & fun give-away!

 #1610 Table Top Glamour
Your table is the star!

• Rebecca Kemp Brent creates beautiful accents for a table setting and Joanne Hillestad shows off a beautiful table runner. Finally, Angela is back with a lacy tank variation.

 #1611 Poolside Glamour
Glamorous garments for the beach or pool!

• Joanne Banko sews a knit cover-up that's enhanced with specialty stitching and Meg Healy takes the fear out of bathing suit season.