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Sewing, Serging, & Machine Embroidery Q&A With Friends Of Let's Go Sew 12-27

1/1/2022

35 Comments

 
You've got questions and I've got answers! I wrapped up  a year of monthly Let's Go Sew LIVE shows by broadcasting a show filled with questions sent in by fellow sewing enthusiasts on my email list. The questions I received included a variety of subjects. They were very insightful and I'm convinced there were many others who benefited from hearing answers to the questions they submitted. I know I had a great time visiting with everyone who joined the live show! You can watch a full replay of the 1 hr 23 minute show by clicking on the video below.
Before you read on, I'd like to tell you that I had so many questions, I'll need to schedule a Q&A part two in the near future!
Comment or ask a question on this post for a chance to win!
If you didn't get your question answered on the show, feel free to submit it in the comments section of this blog post. Any comments you leave here will be greatly appreciated. Now, how about a prize drawing for those who leave a comment or questions on this post? On January 31, 2022 I'll do a random drawing and the winner will receive a set of It's Sew Easy TV DVDs valued at $125.00. Open to USA residents only.
More info to add to the Live show!
As promised during the show, I'm adding in some extra material and resources that coordinate with questions asked. You'll also find time stamps for specific questions. When you click on the blue link with the numbered question, it will take you directly to the video section with that particular Q&A.
Question #1 - Connie from Kirkland WA asked about thread storage, which led to a discussion of threads, bobbins, and bobbin cases.
If you are changing bobbin cases for any reason, be sure to check your manual or machine manufacturer to be sure you are removing and replacing parts correctly. CLICK HERE for a tip sheet showing how to remove the bobbin case from most Brother machines. 
​Embroidery thread and bobbins mentioned in this section are from Dime. Learn more about Exquisite thread, Kingstar metallic, and the pre-wound one time use embroidery bobbins I recommend on the Dime website HERE. *Affiliate link.
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Exquisite Thread Assortment - 60pk 1000 Meter Spools Item # SKU:TWCA
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Kingstar Metallic Thread Variety Pack Item #SKU:MK001
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Steady Stitch Style A Class 15 Plastic Sidesr Prewound Bobbins Item # SKU: ST536 and Item # SKU: STS-SP536
Question #2 - Cindy in Gladwell MI wants to know more about embroidery categories. She knows about Applique embroidery and In-The-Hoop embroidery but would like me to shed some light on bobbin work, redwork, & regular embroidery designs. Video shows samples of the following:
  • Fill stitches, also known as tatami stitches. These run stitches are used to fill up large areas of an embroidery design and they can be even or created in a way to form a wide variety of patterns.
  • Satin stitches (Steil stitches) which are zig zag stitches placed close together. They’re commonly used for lettering, outlines, and some details in a design.
  • Running stitches, they are the same kind we are familiar with on the sewing side of the machine. Bobbin work embroidery designs are made up of long straight "running stitches that have no tie off. 
  • Bean Stitch, AKA a triple straight stitch. This is just a straight stitch but sewn three times on top of itself, producing a thicker, more prominent stitch. Redwork designs might be made up of a bean stitch or a regular running stitch stitched one or more times. Note: Redwork can be any color and is often referred to as redwork because designs mimic the old fashioned iron-on transfer designs that were stitched by hand in red embroidery floss.

​Learn more about Bobbin Work HERE in this video and HERE in this free tip sheet.

Learn more about Redwork in this blog post HERE.
Question #3 - ​Margo writes from Fayetteville GA asking what Osnaburg fabric is used for.

If you read my blog post on redwork you’ll see me mention one of my favorite fabrics, Osnaburg cloth. An economical fabric, it looks a little like muslin, but it is thicker, more loosely woven and has characteristic brown flecks. 100 percent cotton it has a homespun look that is great for curtains, crafts, and anything where you want and more natural or old-fashioned look. I l love using it to make table toppers, napkins, tea towels, & bread bags. It pairs beautifully with natural colored lace such as Cluny lace. As a bonus it's easy to fringe! Always pre-wash as it shrinks a bit.

Here is a link to the table runner project featured in the video: Fringed Osnaburg Table Topper
Question #4 - ​Jan in Greensboro NC  asked the following serger question, What is the cleanest way to end a serger stitch? The slide show below shows the steps.
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Question #5 - Patti W. asked about choosing and using serger stitches. Aside from tips in the video, you'll find more serger info in this blog post HERE.

Question #6 - Cindy Ball asked if I use a cover hem machine and we talked about an alternative which is to use a 4.0mm stretch twin needle. Patti W. also asked what causes skipped stitches/broken threads on a cover hem machine. 
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Watch It's Sew Easy TV show 1611 HERE and you'll see me sew a dress/swimsuit coverup with cover hem stitchery!

You'll find a PDF with more instructions HERE.

Question #7 - Lucy from Georgetown TX wanted to know the secret for sewing decorative stitches that stay straight. On the Brother Luminaire the laser gridlines can be extra helpful for stitching straight, especially with the oversized decorative stitches. Re-size the grid until it matches the right and left side marking and sew slowly, keeping the lines parallel. See image below for reference.
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Question #8 - Cyndi B. had the following question for me, “What is the most difficult sewing challenge you have ever been asked to do. I shared the story of a velvet dress and cape made from very expensive fabric, and I showed some embroidery samples that were quite a challenge, including the lapels on a ready made jacket shown below.
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Question #9 - Last but not least, Cindy from Odessa TX, wanted to know more about my design collections. Here is what she wrote: How do you come up with your Inspirations for your Design Collections? Your Jean Jacket collection is so Beautiful, as is the Wrapped in Embroidery. I didn’t know if you have an Art background that gives you the ability to create your Beautiful Collections? Would love to hear how you decide on your designs and transfer that to Embroidery.

Watch the video for my plain and simple answer. You can learn more about Wrapped in Embroidery HERE, and the Jean jacket collection HERE.
Many thanks to all everyone who sent in questions and watched the show live, or via the replay. I can't wait till next time when we talk sewing and tackle even more topics!
35 Comments
Brenda Aigner
1/2/2022 04:21:26

I thoroughly enjoyed your show with Eileen on software. My introduction to software was with a similar techie instructor in PE Design Next. I understand nothing and she went fast. It was several years later that I revisited the subject and figured a few things out. That opened all kinds of doors for me. I am slowly getting better Your tips are most helpful!

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 19:04:44

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Brenda! Good thing you persevered and kept seeking software options. Eileen and I will likely be doing more shows together in the future. Stay tuned!

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Inge Spang
1/2/2022 10:15:43

Great tips. I especially love the tips about clean finishing a serger seam.

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 19:00:20

Hello Inge! I have been operating a serger since I was 16 years old and had my first job working for a custom drapery manufacturer. Glad to know you enjoyed learning some new tips. See you next time :-)

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terry freeman
1/2/2022 12:07:20

So many good questions, Can't wait for part 2

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 18:58:25

I appreciate your kind comments Terry! Look forward to seeing you next time :-)

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betty gottl
1/2/2022 12:26:15

I try to watch a replay of your shows and enjoy them all. I was wondering if you can attach a lining to any garment and are there any special requirements?

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 18:57:32

Hi Betty! Happy to know that you are watching the videos. Thanks for being a friend of Let's Go Sew. Are you asking if you can add a lining to a pattern, OR to a ready made garment? Can you clarify your question? TIA

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Connie Winter
1/2/2022 13:21:55

I am nearly 70, been sewing for nearly 60 years. I'm still learning new tricks. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Although I've had a serger since 1988, I didn't learn about clean starts and finishes until about a year ago. And sewing off the edge of the fabric at openings to make the seam allowance turn under more neatly/easily when creating items that require turning right side out and then finishing the opening.

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 18:49:34

Hello Connie! It's always fun to learn valuable tips :-) It was great to hear from you. Thanks for leaving your comments.

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Sharon Sienaski
1/2/2022 13:39:49

I really enjoy your shows. I have sewn for decades. Now I have a single needle embroidery machine and am intimidated by it. Please suggest a few projects good for beginners. Thank you.

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 18:47:09

Hi Sharon! I'm so happy to know you enjoy the shows :-) I will be sure to add some tips for beginner embroidery in the future. In the meantime I encourage you to practice on old clothes, towels, and craft felt with cut-away stabilizer layered on the wrong side. In the meantime here is a link to a video I did for Brother a while back: https://youtu.be/dv-emDsqpIc

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Lisa H
1/2/2022 15:15:45

Joanne, Wishing you a wonderful new year!
Does Brother have a in-machine design software similar to Babylock’s IQDesigner that’s on my Destiny II sewing machine? Are both companies related? Would you be able to have a segment on making an embroidery from a drawing or perhaps scanning a fabric to machine embellish it?

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 18:39:06

Hi Lisa! Yes indeed Brother actually invented the design creation onboard software that allows you to create your own original designs. Brother manufactures the BabyLock machines so there are "twin models" in both lines of machines. Note that that Brother has the Disney license and the exclusive My Custom Stitch feature on the sewing side of the machine. Baby lock has some of their own stitches and embroidery motifs put into their machines. Currently, the Brother Luminaire & Stellaire have the design creation option known as My Design Center. The previous model Dream Machine 1&2 both have it as well. I have your request for a drawing to design tutorial on my list. Happy sewing!

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Becky Burrell
1/2/2022 16:57:27

how to keep knits from curling up while sewing

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 18:31:54

Here are a couple tips for you Becky, if you can take the time to apply spray starch to the edges and iron it dry, it will help a lot. Also in areas that would benefit from stabilizer such as shoulder seams and hems, I fuse a strip of lightweight tricot interfacing to the edge. I'll add some samples of this to my next Q&A show. Thanks for asking your question :-)

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Becky Burrell
1/2/2022 17:03:46

love your blog very very helpful

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Joanne Banko
1/2/2022 18:28:16

Hello Becky! I truly appreciate your feedback! Thanks for taking the time to write.

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Helena Celia Leach
1/2/2022 21:49:15

Thank you for the tips always learn something new after watching your show discovered I have been cleaning the race of my sewing machines in the wrong order, maybe that's why I was getting weird noises when sewing, the machine wasn't happy, all's well now happy sewing machines!

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Joanne Banko
1/3/2022 17:45:50

Hi Helena! It is so nice to hear from you! You are so right about taking care with cleaning the race. I've added a link to a tip sheet with images of this process. Your comment reminded me to add this so thanks much!

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Ginny Raun
1/3/2022 11:32:15

Hi Joanne, Another great video. And always some thing to learn. Especially the tips on keeping the decorative stitches straight. That can be tricky. I liked the tips on thread storage .I keep mine in clear boxes to keep dust off. I had not heard the triple straight stitch called a bean stitch . That stitch not mentioned in the Deco Scan when they came out in the 90's , I think I had hard time with that Scanner. Good to see the new Brother machines can do this in their newer machines. And the video I saw with Angelia looked so much easier. My question is about osnaburg. Can blouses or a jacket be made from this fabric and how much does it shrink? I started sewing in the 1940's and love these video's to keep learning. Ginny R.

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Joanne Banko
1/7/2022 18:50:36

Hi Ginny! I really enjoyed ready your comments :-) You could certainly make garments from Osnaburg. It is rather lightweight so a blouse would be fine but it does not have enough structure for a jacket. Shrinkage is listed as 2-3% by the manufacturer. Let me know if you decide to make something from Osnaburg. I'd love to hear about it!

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Joan
1/3/2022 15:38:59

I would love to learn anything generic on using software. I got my Babylock embroidery machine for my December birthday one year. I decided I needed software and asked for it for that Christmas which i realize now i really wasn't ready to decide on so soon. My husband ordered Designer's gallery basic and advanced for me which is what I had seen. No one told him it was phasing out and then the dealer quit selling machines and then went out of business. I have timidly tried things on it but am nowhere near comfortable with it. Do you know if there is any book that I could learn from or are there just too many different kinds of software?

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Joanne Banko
1/7/2022 23:31:47

Your question is a good one Joan. While software programs do share similarities they really all have their own format and flavor. I'm not personally familiar with any book that would cover a wide variety of software because you are right, there are just too many different kinds. If you really want to stick with the software you have, instead of starting fresh with something that is current, you best bet is to work your way through the manual learning and practicing one thing at a time. Another thought is when you see other software taught or demonstrated, try to pick up on the terms they are using and then locate the same term in the index of your manual. Once you understand the concept behind the term/tool it may make it easer for you to interpret it in the software you have. I did some searching for your particular software but unfortunately even the facebook page I found was no longer being updated. I'd love to be able to help you further with this but I'm afraid the advice here is the best I have to offer. If you have any more questions or thoughts please reach out to me again.

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Dee Rum
1/4/2022 16:40:47

I need help in getting the ones design of the rooster in Redwork section. I have tried a lot and only find it for purchase. Do you have suggestions%. Thanks.

Reply
Joanne Banko
1/7/2022 18:52:06

Hi Dee! I sent you an email. Were you able to read it? Let me know if you need more help, okay?

Reply
Dee
1/17/2022 18:02:11

I did not receive the email, could it be resent? I still want the information. Thank you SO much for responding.

Joanne Banko
1/17/2022 22:36:11

Hi again Dee! I sent you another email this evening (1-17-2022).

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Sunela Thomas
1/17/2022 17:57:06

I was only able to watch the replay today (1/17) and what a wealth of information. Sometimes, I get carried away and flustered with all the tips. But, this was very informational. Thank you Joanne!

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Joanne Banko
1/17/2022 22:37:09

I am so happy to know you found the info helpful Sunela!!!

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Teressa B.
1/24/2022 18:40:56

I am new to machine embroidery and I wanted to decorate my panties. I figured out that you must do small designs in order to maintain the sketchiness of the panties. It works and it is fun to do!

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Marthann Acker
1/25/2022 16:38:53

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for sharing your wealth of sewing knowledge with all of us. I just finished watching your 2nd Q&A live. After being introduced to your web site and blog with the first Q&A. I have been sewing for some time now but more recently have gotten into embroidery, applique and quilting. So much to learn and I am so grateful for programs like yours to help us figure it all out.

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Donna Kruesel
2/2/2022 20:10:01

Joanne I have really enjoyed your show. I have learn so much from you. You are an excellent teacher. Would love to win Your give away

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Carol Baker
2/2/2022 22:12:39

After sewing garments and quilts on basic machines and a serger for over 58 years I suffered from embroidery envy after seeing what is possible, especially after watching your segments on Its Sew Easy.
I have always wanted a Bernina, so I splurged on their 770 quilters edition with an embroidery module. I was looking forward to my first mastery class when the pandemic forced cancellation of all classes. When classes resumed last summer I couldn’t attend. I was required to bring my machine, which weighs over 30 pounds, and I am restricted from lifting over 8 pounds because I am recuperating from multiple surgeries.
I would love to have the support of educational videos.
For the past 2 years I have trying to learn how to use my machine’s embroidery features at home.
Frankly, it’s been overwhelming, and I could use all of the help that I can get.

Reply
Peter Davis link
6/12/2023 14:29:14

On the Brother Luminaire the laser gridlines can be extra helpful for stitching straight, especially with the oversized decorative stitches. Thank you, amazing post!

Reply



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