Sew . . . Tell Me interview with Rhonda Pierce

3/5/2022

The February edition of the Let's Go Sew with Joanne Banko LIVE show (held on 4th Monday of the month), was full of information, fun conversation, and lots of friends sharing thoughts and asking questions in the chat. We had a live give-away too and at the end this post you'll see how you can enter to win another give-away right here.

This time around, the show turned into a virtual learning session on sewing machine needles, as we learned from industry expert, Rhonda Pierce. Rhonda gave us all insight into everything it takes to understand the dynamics of sewing machine needles and gave guidance as to how to select the right needle for the sewing task at hand.

Have you ever been confused about what needle to use? Wonder what all those numbers mean on the needle package? Questioned whether changing the needle before it breaks is really important? And really, why are there so many choices?

Click on the arrow above to watch the full replay of this show. You'll get answers to all of these perplexing questions and come away with more knowledge about needles than you ever thought possible!

Rhonda's personality is the perfect fit for her role as she teaches about the most important 2” piece of steel in the sewing machine – the SCHMETZ needle.

Let me tell you a little more about Rhonda:

Rhonda Pierce has a dream job! As VP, Marketing Director of Euro-notions, and Spokesperson for SCHMETZneedles.com North America.

She is THE expert when it comes to needles! You may have seen her with her favorite prop, the SCHMETZ 17-inch “Super” Needle with all of the features and parts a real "true live size" needle has. She publishes the Constant Contact eight year All Star Winner SCHMETZ newsletter and inspirational e-zine, SCHMETZ Inspired to SEW. Rhonda is a certificated FitNice System Instructor and earned a Brendon Burchard High Performance Certificate. Her quilt, Color Splash, was displayed at three International Quilt Festivals.

Rhonda’s personal blog documenting sewing & quilt projects is www.SewMoreStitches.com. Let's take a peek at some of her inspiring blog posts!

A true blue sewing enthusiast and extraordinarily creative sewing artist, Rhonda has made many beautiful creations! In the above photo she's wearing her latest garment creation. Read all about Tunic Tease on her blog here:
NZP Tunic (sewmorestitches.com)

Here you see Rhonda wearing her favorite Citrus Berry Sweatshirt Jacket. Check out the details on this project here: 2018 SEW Retreat (sewmorestitches.com)

She's a Quilter Too!

Rhonda Finishes a 15 Year Old UFO!

An accomplished quilter, Here you see Rhonda with her 1000 Half Square Triangle quilt. This was her first completed Pandemic Project, Thangles Christmas Salad Quilt. Read all about it here in this blog post: Stay-At-Home, IX (sewmorestitches.com)

During the show, Rhonda shared so many resources with us. Helping us to select the right needle for now and in the future, and keeping us all inspired to sew, embroider, quilt, and craft! Check out the following links:

The website:www.SCHMETZneedles.com

SCHMETZ bundles:https://schmetzneedles.com/bundles
SCHMETZ Color Code Chart: https://schmetzneedles.com/sewing-machine-needle-color-code-chart
Rhonda's personal blog:www.SewMoreStitches.com
Link to Rhonda's monthly FaceBook live show, the first Wednesday of the month an noon Central time: https://www.facebook.com/schmetzneedles

Leave a question or comment here and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a nifty Schmetz MY Pad needle keeper. Give-away only for USA residents, but if you're elsewhere, we'd still love to hear our comments and questions. Simply tell us where you're from. Random drawing will be held March 19th, 2022, with the winner announced in my weekly email. Not on the Let's Go Sew with Joanne Banko list? I invite you to sign up HERE.

UPDATE! Announcing the winner of the Schmetz My Pad Needle Keeper, PLUS four runner up winners!

Click on the arrow to watch the wheel spin and see the random selection of winners!

First Prize winner of the Schmetz My Pad Needle Keeper is MaryAnn S!

Four runner up prize winners will receive a Schmetz Luggage Tag Color code Chart and ABC Pocket guide:
Winner #1 - Lucy D.
Winner #1 - Marjorie S.
Winner #3 - Connie M.
Winner #4 - Phyllis B.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment on this post and congratulations to the winners. You'll be notified by email.

Now that you have your head full of needle knowledge, head to your sewing space and enjoy some happy sewing time!

P.S. Save the date! the next Sew . . . Tell me LIVE show will air on my YouTube channel on March 28th. I have yet another great guest lined up for you!

72 Comments

Lucy DeGroot link

3/6/2022 06:30:24

The Schmentz needle show was terrific and gave me new information.! Thank you so much!

Joanne Banko

3/7/2022 14:04:31

Hello Lucy! I'm thrilled to know you enjoyed the show!!! I've entered your name into the drawing :-)

Margot Beebe

3/6/2022 06:49:25

I enjoyed Episode 249! The needle training was excellent. I was waiting for a reference (joke or pun?) about Rhonda's last name since "pierce" is a needle's job!

Joanne Banko

3/8/2022 13:06:16

Hello Margot! You are too funny :-) Why didn't I think of that?!? So glad you enjoyed the show. You are now entered into the drawing.

Rhonda Pierce link

3/9/2022 09:57:12

Lol... Yes, I was 'pierced'! Thanks for joining us!

Lynn Hopper

3/6/2022 08:30:20

I really enjoyed Rhonda’s presentation. She provides an enormous amount of information about sewing machine needles.

Joanne Banko

3/7/2022 16:06:32

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment Lynn! Rhonda was a joy to visit with and she is most certainly a wealth of knowledge. I've entered you into the drawing.

Marjorie Smith

3/6/2022 11:01:39

This show was so informative, Joanne. After watching, I immediately went to my needle storage box, looked closely at the tips of my used needles with a magnifying lens, and threw out all but 2 of them. Plus, downloading the SCHMETZ app will make my needle selections much easier in the future. Thank you for this informative show!

Joanne Banko

3/8/2022 13:00:01

Hi Marjorie! Nice to know you liked the show!!! Checking your needles with a magnifier was a smart move. that little needle so small but so important. I appreciate having you in the audience :-) Your name is entered into the drawing.

Betty Gottl

3/6/2022 12:38:40

I loved watching Rhonda and all the information she gave. She is very knowledgeable and we are lucky to be able to learn from her.

Joanne Banko

3/8/2022 13:07:37

Hi Betty! I agree with everything you said. I was very happy to be able to have Rhonda on the show. Thanks for leaving your comments! Your name is entered into the drawing.

Paula A. Groher

3/7/2022 11:30:52

I was able to see the replay! What is the difference between the chrome needle and the regular needle?
Thank you, Paula Groher

Joanne Banko

3/8/2022 13:11:03

Hi Paula! Thanks for your question. It's a good one. I'll ask Rhonda to respond. Your name is now entered into the drawing.

Rhonda Pierce link

3/9/2022 09:53:52

Hi Paula:
Thanks for watching! Chrome is a high performance plating that resists heat & wear. A chrome needle will penetrate fabric with less resistance and thread will pass through the eye with less stress. Chrome needles make a difference! So much that last year all "regular" SCHMETZ needles transitioned from a nickel finish to chrome. If you purchased SCHMETZ "regular" needles in the last 8 months or so, the needles most likely were chrome plated. Thanks for being a SCHMETZ fan!

Rhonda Pierce link

3/15/2022 12:07:35

Hi Paula:
Thanks for watching Joanne's program. Chrome resists heat & wear. TSCHMETZ Chrome had become so successful, that last year all SCHMETZ home sewing needles transitioned from a nickel finish to chrome plating. If you bought SCHMETZ needles in the last 6 to 8 months, they most likely are chrome. Sew SCHMETZ!

Susan M Thompson

3/8/2022 20:30:36

Joanne, The info on needles was great! I have used topstitch needles for metallic thread for quite a while and found it interesting they are the same as the metallic needles! Was glad to hear the explanation of difference in ball point and stretch needles too!

Joanne Banko

3/8/2022 22:10:39

Thanks for chiming in with your comments Susan! I always keep topstitch needles on hand and have used them for fussy threads in the past. I've also used smaller sizes for embroidery on dense fabrics. I didn't know they were the same as metallic so that was very interesting news. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed the show :-) I've entered your name in the drawing!

Sheryl Umsted

3/11/2022 12:37:35

I have decorative stitches on my machine. I use them when quilting. What size needle and thread should I use for decorative stitches?

Joanne Banko

3/11/2022 21:04:38

Hi Sheryl! You asked a great question! Personally, I try to use an embroidery needle or a topstitch needle whenever I use decorative threads. The larger eye on these needles is most appropriate for the embroidery thread. Size wise, I would usually stick with an 11 or 12. Possible sizing up to a 14 if necessary for thicker layers. This is based on my personal experience. Let me get in touch with Rhonda and see what advice she has to offer. I'm sure there are more options. By the way, I've entered your name in the drawing.

Rhonda Pierce link

3/15/2022 12:09:55

Joanne is right on with her reply. Keep in mind if your thread is breaking or shredding you need to move up a needle size. Sew SCHMETZ!

MonicaAD

3/13/2022 03:20:50

Does commercial sewing shops use all different types of sewing machine needles such as many home sewers?

Rhonda Pierce link

3/15/2022 12:12:52

99% of all home sewing machines use needle system 130/705 H. That's a flat shank needle with a scarf. Commercial machines use many different needle systems, so the user must consult with the machine owner's manual or dealer. Thanks for watching! Sew SCHMETZ!

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:20:53

Good question Monica! I'm glad Rhonda had an answer for you. Having worked with industrial machines, I know that there are indeed many different system numbers. The right needle is of the utmost importance. I've got you entered into our drawing :-)

Sally Murray

3/13/2022 08:44:03

Thanks for having the program about all the different Schmetz needles. I use Schmetz needles in my embroidery machine and in my serger. I would ❤ to win thr My Pad needles storage keeper. Thanks for all your programs!! Enjoy watching from Ohio!

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:23:40

Hello Sally! So nice to know you are out there watching, learning, and enjoying the programs. It was great to have Rhonda on the show to share her wealth of knowledge. I've entered your name in the drawing!

Carol Thomas

3/13/2022 09:13:53

Enjoyed the replay with Rhonda. I am a big fan of Schmetz needles, but every time I watch Rhonda I learn something new. Also a big fan of Joanne Banko! Thanks for the informative presentations. Live from Chicago, IL.

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:28:41

Your kind comments made my day Carol! Thank you for following and for watching. It was such a joy to have Rhonda on as a guest. Your name is now entered into the drawing :-)

Joyce Kirkpatrick

3/13/2022 09:39:00

Love Schmetz needles and use them for all my sewing and embroidery needs. Thanks for such an informative video.

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:33:47

Glad you were able to watch the video Joyce! I've been using Schmetz needles for a long time and always keep a wide variety of sizes and types on hand. I've entered your name into the drawing.

Theresa Freeman

3/13/2022 10:04:54

OMG, I need that needle minder, with these old eyes, I cannot see the sizes stamped. My Schmetz needles are not the new color coded ones. It would be wonderful to have a nice big needle saver. Hope it covers embroidery, serging and sewing needles!

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:40:53

Thanks for your comment Theresa! Yes, the MyPad from Schmetz has all the Schmetz needle types included. I've entered your name into the drawing :-)

DIANE MYERS

3/13/2022 10:11:55

What a great informative show. I have been sewing over 50 years and still learned from Rhonda. Thank you.

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:42:59

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Diane! Rhonda shared a lot of information in the short time we were together. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed the show. I've entered your name into the drawing :-)

Theresa Casteel

3/13/2022 10:44:33

Sometimes I think I know most all there is about a subject, but I find I learn something new every time! Schmetz has always been my go to needle brand.
Thank you.

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:45:23

I know what you mean Theresa! That's part of what make sewing so much fun. Always learning and trying new things. Hope this helped you get the most out of your Schmetz needles. I've entered your name into the drawing :-)

Cat Paulus

3/13/2022 11:16:25

Being a beginner to sewing, I found Rhonda's information invaluable. Thank you to both of you.

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:48:24

Happy to have you with us Cat! Rhonda gave us all a good needle primer to follow. Stay tuned for more shows that will help you on your sewing journey. I've entered your name into the drawing

Inge Spang

3/13/2022 11:44:26

this was excellent information. Thank you Ronda. Wonderful job as always Joanne!

Joanne Banko

3/15/2022 12:50:26

I truly appreciate your comments here Inge! Hope to see you on the next show. I've entered your name into the drawing :-)

Catherine Hazelip link

3/13/2022 11:57:26

Enjoyed the program as I can see so many others did. I like that giant needle that Rhonda is holding in one picture. I have a pair of scissors, rather large size, I purchase 10 or 12 years old for the wall in my sewing room. Now I have to hunt for a large needle like Rhoda has. I have seen the large buttons, on my sister's sewing room wall, just need to locate those as well, I think it helps to set the mood for my sewing. Looking forward to the program scheduled for March 28th on the You Tube Channel.

Rhonda Pierce link

3/15/2022 12:16:30

I too love the SCHMETZ Super Demo needle! It's 17" tall and 11 times the size of a regular needle. You too can get this Super needle. It's pricey, but you only need one. Here's the link: https://schmetzneedles.com/promotional/schmetz-super-demo-needle-sch-n-group Sew SCHMETZ!

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:14:37

Hi Catherine! I'm very happy to know you enjoyed the show :-) Sounds like you are going to have fun finding pieces to decorate your sewing space. I'll look forward to having you join us for the March 28th show. Your name is now entered into the drawing.

Shirley Nehring

3/13/2022 12:35:56

I'm excited to watch the replay. I have embroidered for over 25 years and sewed for over 60+ years! I'm sure I will learn lots!

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:19:24

Hi Shirley! I hope you've had a chance to watch the replay. It was loaded with good info. Your name is now entered into the drawing!

Lois J Erdmann

3/13/2022 13:13:52

I was happy to get the Schmitz chart for the needle top colors with the defined purpose. I can’t tell you how often I sit at my machine trying to recall just what I was working on last. I always ended up digging through all my needles looking for a match. But then what to do with it when I take It out!!! Ahhh, the needle keeper!! Yes!!

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:21:24

Hello Lois! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. anything and everything to help keep organized in the sewing space is a good thing for sure!!! That needle keeper is invaluable! I've entered your name into the drawing.

Clovis Perkins

3/13/2022 13:14:17

I loved the show with Rhonda. I was taking notes. Sometimes, I don't know which needle to use for my projects. Also, I like Rhonda's tunic. I made the same one for Viewer's choice 2022 for NZP.

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:28:13

Hi Clovis! Thanks for checking in! Glad to know you liked the show. Would love to see what your tunic looked like and hear more about the challenge you entered. I bet your top was beautiful! I've entered you name into the drawing :-)

Clovis Perkins

3/20/2022 09:34:16

Thanks Joanne. I will send you a pictue.

Forest Godsey

3/13/2022 14:18:25

I have been sewing for 50 years and working in a sewing machine shop as an educator for about 13 but I was amazed at how many new things I learned from Rhonda on the show. I had it replaying on the big screen TV in our shop several times after.

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:34:59

Hi Forest! good to hear from you. We learn something new everyday, don't we?!? That's part of what makes sewing fun and interesting :-) So glad you shared the video with others. Sewing info is meant to be shared!!! I've entered your name into the drawing.

MaryAnn Steele

3/13/2022 19:39:00

I have long been a SCHMETZ needle fan. Now I am more informed about their proper use. Thanks Rhonda!
Watching from Ft. Mitchell, KY :)

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:36:27

Hi MaryAnn! Glad you were able to get good information from the show. Thanks so much for watching. Your name is now entered into the drawing.

Connie Milota

3/13/2022 20:23:15

I enjoyed the SCHMETZ needle with Rhonda, but I still get confused when I’m embroidering on my embroidery machine. Do I use a embroidery needle 11/12 or do I use a sharp, ballpoint, or topstitch needle? Do I go to fabric to determine needle to use?

Rhonda Pierce link

3/15/2022 12:21:59

For embroidery, start with an embroidery needle which has an enlarged eye. If you don't like the stitches, try a Topstitch or Super NonStick. With SCHMETZ you have options! With so many varieties in thread, fabric and stitches, your favorite needle may work on one project but another needle type may be more suitable for another embroidery project. You must test. Thanks for watching!
Sew SCHMETZ!

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:48:02

Hi Connie! Rhonda had some great advice for you! I'll add just a few thoughts here: In my experience, the size 11 embroidery needle is my "go to" needle for most projects on most fabrics. All of the needles Rhonda mentioned have a larger eye. The size of the eye is one of the most important elements for embroidery because embroidery thread flows through the larger eye more easily. Embroidery needles have a tip that is gentle on both woven and knitted fabrics. However, sharp needles are sometimes helpful to penetrate woven fabric. I would add that you never want to use a sharp needle on knits as it could pierce the loops and cause runs or holes in the fabric. Last but not least, yes, it is always best to test! I've entered your name into the drawing :-)

Joanne Backhaus

3/13/2022 21:06:45

Thank you so much for hosting this very informative session with Rhonda Pierce. I learned so much about the Schmetz needles. I took a lot of notes to refer to in the future. Such valuable information.

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:50:03

Thanks for watching Joanne! I enjoyed sharing Rhonda with everyone on the Let's Go Sew channel. She shared so much valuable information :-) I've entered your name into the drawing.

Julie Ann Crookston

3/13/2022 21:42:42

Loved the show. I learned so much about needles that I never knew.

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:51:04

Hello Julie Ann! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts here :-) I've entered your name into the drawing.

Nancy

3/13/2022 21:42:49

Gosh, I didn't know how much I didn't know about needles! Thanks!

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:52:11

It was like a full course on needles, wasn't it Nancy? So glad you enjoyed the show. I've entered your name into the drawing.

Sandra CUNNINGHAM

3/14/2022 09:37:33

There's never too much information on needles! Schmetz has been my fav brand for decades. I would love a business card sized chart on IDing my needles and that MyPad would really do the trick. Right now I tape them to the front of my machine with the size, but I have many stuck in pincushions. Time to toss them all and start over!

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:53:35

You are so right about never having too much information Sandra! I've entered your name into the drawing :-)

Michele Hall link

3/14/2022 19:56:55

I learned so much from your show. Great to listen to someone who know what they are talking about. Thanks you

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:55:55

It was great to hear from you Michelle! Rhonda is the ultimate expert and I was so pleased to have her share the information with all my Let's Go Sew friends. It's good to know you enjoyed the show :-) I've entered your name into the drawing.

Linda Kelley

3/16/2022 17:10:09

Watched the replay since your viewing time conflicts with a class I have, and I don't Facebook. I really enjoy the sewing information you provide and this guest program of Schmetz needles was especially informative. You're never too old to learn new things or techniques. We've come a long way in the last few decades and how much more fun sewing is now! Thanks Joanne and Rhonda.

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 14:59:58

Nice to know you were able to catch the replay Linda! I so appreciate hearing from you and knowing that you benefit form the information shared on the channel. I know the replay with Rhonda's excellent information will help lots of fellow stitchers. You are so right about sewing being more fun than ever before!!! I've entered your name into the drawing.

Phyllis Bonner

3/17/2022 09:51:42

I really enjoyed your show with Rhonda. She seems like a fun lady who be a good friend. I’ve printed out the needle chart and now I just need their needle minder since I have a bunch of pieces of paper with used needles stuck in it and the size (hopefully) of needle written!

Joanne Banko

3/19/2022 15:06:08

Glad you enjoyed the show Phyllis! Rhonda is delightful, isn't she?!? Thanks for taking the time to write. Great idea to print out the needle chart. I've entered your name into the drawing.

carolyn link

3/22/2022 18:24:09

when is the next lets get creative meeting
thank you

Joanne Banko

3/22/2022 23:09:39

Hi Carolyn! I sent out an email notice on our march meeting last weekend. That session is full. We'll be announcing the April date very soon so watch your email for news. Hope you can join in on the fun :-)

Sew . . . Tell Me interview with Rhonda Pierce

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