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

Pretty Patio Pillow - As Seen In Designs In Machine Embroidery Magazine

5/1/2019

7 Comments

 
Picture
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. 
Picture
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.
Picture
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?
7 Comments
Kathie T Brownlee
5/5/2019 18:02:34

The koi pillow is beautiful!!! Elegant without being too flashy. I like the shape of the pillow window and the coral fabric color. Bravo!

Now I'm thinking that might be a good oroject for a friend that just bought ceramic koi for her yard.

Reply
Joanne Banko
5/5/2019 18:16:27

Hi Kathie!

Great to hear from you! I was happy with the way this came together. It's really fun to showcase a beautiful and artistic design with simple framing techniques. I'm sure your pillow idea will turn out spectacular!!!

Reply
Tricia Y
5/13/2019 15:16:53

Joanne, I really like the koi design. I have a Dream Machine but design isn't built in -- is there a way to purchase the design? Thanks

Reply
Joanne Banko
5/15/2019 16:11:29

Hi Tricia! It's my understanding that special designs are put into specific models, just like you have special designs in your Dream machine. I'm afraid it's not available currently on iBroidery. I agree that it's a beautiful design. The only other ones I know of that are the ones found on momodini.com. They are known to sell their designs at sewing shows and specialize in Asian designs. If I find any others I'll be sure to let you know. Thanks for taking the time to write a note!

Reply
CARLA WHITE link
6/4/2019 10:59:23

I just love the KOI as I just saw it last night when I took my DIME magazine out of the bag. Lovely. I just love all your work to keep us embroidering. You are such a genius when it comes to anything SEWING!!!

Reply
Carla White link
6/4/2019 11:05:11

I forgot to say something above. I'm so far behind in my emails that when I opened the email this morning about the KOI, it was perfect because I had just seen the article last night. Don't know when the magazine came but it was still in a plastic bag to open up. Too many yards to mow this year.

Reply
Joanne Banko
6/4/2019 14:15:54

So nice to hear form you Carla! Your kind comments made my day. Glad you enjoyed the fish pillow. I had fun making it and the colors put me in the mood for summer :-) I know what you mean about the mowing, everything seemed to sprout at once this year! Be sure to relax and read your magazine when you take a break from everything you have going on :-)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Author:

    Joanne Banko
    Freelance Sewing Educator

    I'd love to stay in touch with you!

    Click Here
    and Sign up for
    ​Sewing News, plus tips, tricks, and notifications about new blog posts.

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    September 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    January 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.

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

© Copyright 2025 by Joanne Banko. All rights Reserved