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.
Exquisite Thread Assortment - 60pk 1000 Meter Spools Item # SKU:TWCA
Kingstar Metallic Thread Variety Pack Item #SKU:MK001
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:
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.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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