Joanne Banko

Machine Embroidery – Western Style (Guest blog by . . . Joanne Banko)

Hello to all my Allbrands friends!

I’m beginning to feel like Louisiana is almost like home away from home for me! Soon, I’ll be in beautiful Baton Rouge and I hope to see many of you at the ALLBRANDS.COM sold out Embroidery Garden Party. I’ll be there along with Angela Wolf and Reen Wilcoxon as we join together for two days of unbelievable embroidery fun!!! I know I speak for all of us in saying that we’re excited to see you all! We’ll stitch six fabulous in-the-hoop embroidery projects, make new friends, eat great southern food, and have more fun than a cowpoke at a western rodeo!

So, what does a rodeo have to do with an Embroidery Garden party? Nothing really, but I’m also writing today to remind you to watch the online version of the popular It’s Sew Easy PBS TV show. Episode 1008, aptly titled Stepping Out will air on the It’s Sew Easy TV website from now until noon on Friday, May 20th, 2016. The show begins with my version of a Rodeo Cowgirl Jacket. Watch the show and you are sure to see that I love western style clothing!!! How about you?

This denim jacket features embroidery designs from my book Wrapped in Embroidery along with built in designs from the Brother Dream Machine. Although the theme is classy, classic western inspired clothing, this segment is all about how to accomplish perfect placement with templates and create continuous border style stitching using a combination of high tech Brother embroidery innovations.

Would perfect embroidery placement on garments be a dream come true for you? Have you ever wanted to embroider from here to the moon and create continuous embroidery designs that are perfectly matched from end to end? Both of these embroidery challenges are possible on any machine when you know the tricks for precise placement.

On the show you will see me use the Brother Dream Machine to accomplish perfect placement with templates and stitch continuous borders by using a basting box and the Droplight® laser. If you own this machine you will love the easy, accurate methods presented in this show. In fact this process will work on many different Brother models. Depending on your Brother machine model, you’ll find there are many more ways to create the same effect.

So, what if you have a machine without these high tech toots and whistles. There is a solution for that! In the second chapter of Wrapped in Embroidery I outline three methods for perfect placement and stitching continuous, endless embroidery on any machine! You are sure to find one or more methods that work for you, no matter what level of capability your current embroidery machine has.

Now, why not make yourself comfortable and CLICK HERE to watch It’s Sew Easy TV episode 1008? In this show you’ll also be treated to an accessory lesson presented by Angela Wolf.

Enjoy the show and I’ll talk to you again soon. Until then, I wish you Happy Sewing!

Joanne Banko is a freelance sewing educator and a self-proclaimed sewing cheerleader. You can see Joanne’s online teaching segments broadcast on the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy, and online at www.itsseweasytv.com. She is a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery, available at AllBrands.com.

Visit Joanne at her Sewing and Embroidery website, www.letsgosew.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/letsgosew

Express Yourself with Machine Embroidery and Say it with Stitches!

Hello to all my Allbrands friends!

Today we’re talking T-shirts! It seems almost everyone, everywhere loves to wear the quintessential Tee, from babies and children to teens, tweens, Grandmas, Grandpas, and just about everyone else on planet earth!!! Are you interested in embroidering on T-shirts? Watch It’s Sew Easy TV, Episode #910 this weekend on your local Louisiana Public Broadcasting station and you’ll see the show where I talk all about T-shirts.

You’ll find out how to create a custom design with easy to use multi format BES3 Lettering and Customization Software to make your T-shirt really special. You’ll also get tips for stabilizing knits and ideas for making sure every t-shirt embroidery design is just right before pressing the start button on your embroidery machine.

In show #910 It’s Sew Easy TV continues their trip through the decades of fashion. The theme for this episode was the disco dancing seventies. Kind of a crazy fashion era but certainly one where T-shirts became mainstream and found their way into everyone’s wardrobe. The history of t-shirts is an interesting subject. While T-Shirts were worn well before the 1970’s, in previous decades they were mostly white and still generally regarded as “undershirts.” That changed dramatically by the 1970’s. With the explosion of color and new ink products suitable for printing on garments, T-shirts became commonplace both as a fashion statement, and a form of self-expression.

Today’s T-shirts range from casual to elegant with styling options that make them one of the most popular outerwear items of all time. Modern embroidery machines along with Lettering and Customization software make it easy and fun to embellish ordinary T’s and personalize them to suit the style and taste of all ages and various interests. Embroidered lettering is attractive and durable. It’s easy to transform a T-Shirt with exciting designs, added expressions, names, and monograms. With embroidery capability you can indeed Say It with Stitches!

The featured pink Tee on the show has a very personal and special meaning. I embroidered it for my sister who is a survivor and wears the pink ribbon as reminder of the precious gift of life and the success of restored health. Perhaps you might want to embroider the pink ribbon for someone you care about. You’ll find it available as a Free download from the Brother sews website. CLICK HERE for the Brother version of this pink and powerful emblem.

As always, you can visit the itsseweasytv.com project section and find a link to instructions for this episode and many more. I hope you enjoy the show! It’s scheduled to air Saturday September 26^th at 9:30 am. Visit lpb.org for more details. CLICK HERE to search for PBS stations all over the country.

Talk to you again soon. Until then, Happy Sewing from your sewing friend,

P.S. Will I get the chance to see you in Baton Rouge? I hope so! I’ll be teaching along with Deborah Jones and Louis Carney for the big bash known as Bayou Embroidery University. CLICK HERE for more details. Looking forward to seeing you there so we can talk sewing and embroidery live and in person!

Joanne Banko is a freelance sewing educator and a self-proclaimed sewing cheerleader. You can see Joanne’s online teaching segments broadcast on the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy, and online at www.itsseweasytv.com. She is a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery. The book is available at AllBrands.com. Visit Joanne at her Sewing and Embroidery website, www.letsgosew.com.

Pretty Piping Projects, plus 1950’s fashions for today!

Hello to all my Allbrands friends!

I’m here to encourage you to set aside time to enjoy the It’s Sew Easy TV show this weekend. It’s Sew Easy TV, Episode #908 airs on your local Louisiana Public Broadcasting station Saturday September 11^th at 9:30 am. Visit lpb.org for more details. CLICK HERE to search for PBS stations all over the country.

I suggest you make yourself comfortable and watch as It’s Sew Easy TV continues to trace fashion and sewing throughout the 20^th century. The focus of this series is transforming time-honored techniques into trends for today’s lifestyle.

The title of this show is Everything Comes Back and the featured projects are modern interpretations of 1950’s styles. Watch this show and I promise you’ll learn tips and techniques to make your sewing and embroidery easier and more rewarding!

First off, Courtney McCrone shows off sweet dresses and blouses from her feminine line of fashions. She presents a fun & fast fashion show of her original garment designs. She also demonstrates some little sewing details that make perfect accents for modern day fashions and crafts.

Next up, my friend Marie Zinno dresses up a sweater with freestanding floral appliques. You’ll love her simple and straightforward instructions for creating freestanding flowers and embellishing a cardigan sweater with embroidery and hot fix pearls. Marie is a professional embroidery expert and she loves to share her knowledge of the craft.

You’ll see my short segment last. The featured technique is Pretty Piping for garments, accessories, and home décor. I had to pack a lot of information into just three and a half minutes! See how easy it is to use a Piping Foot for both pre-purchased and custom crafted piping. Learn how to use this foot for sewing piping and take your personal sewing projects from so-so to stupendous!!! The experts at ALLBRANDS.COM can help you find the right piping foot for your machine model.

Visit the itsseweasytv.com project section and find a link to instructions for the crescent shaped baby “boppie” pillow seen on the show. You’ll see a few more sample items with piped accents. Check out my list below. I’ve included links to Brothersews.com where you’ll find complete instructions for these projects.

Crescent Shaped Pillow for Baby

Notebook Cover for Home or Office

Piped Potholders

I had a lot of fun making the piped potholder set. As a bonus, the instructions for this project show you how to cut lots of piping strips from just a little bit of fabric. Which project is your favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments!

Talk to you again soon. Until then, I wish you Happy Sewing!

Joanne Banko is a freelance sewing educator and a self-proclaimed sewing cheerleader. You can see Joanne’s online teaching segments broadcast on the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy, and online at www.itsseweasytv.com. She is a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery. The book is available at AllBrands.com. Visit Joanne at her Sewing and Embroidery website, www.letsgosew.com.

It’s Sew Easy – Crazy for Couching

Hello to all my Allbrands friends!

Are you interested in watching another great sewing show this weekend on Louisiana Public Broadcasting station? It’s Sew Easy TV, Episode #907 airs on your local Louisiana Public Broadcasting station Saturday September 5th at 9:30 am. Visit lpb.org for more details. Of course many other PBS stations around the country carry this show as well. You can CLICK HERE to search for PBS stations all over the country.

The theme for this show is a Flashback to the 1950’s with tips and techniques for contemporary sewing enthusiasts. You’ll learn from Peggy Sagers how darts make a difference and flatter every figure with great fit. Next up you’ll be smitten with details found on darling little doll clothes when you see Pearl Krush make some eye catching small size poodle skirts.

Last but not least, if you’re crazy for couching I think you’ll enjoy my short segment featuring couched accents stitched with specialty accessory feet. You’ll find that couching is a technique offering lots of style with very little little effort. Chances are you have some assorted supplies for couching already in your stash. Just add an accessory foot suited for your machine to attach cords, yarn, and narrow braids with straight or decorative stitches that skip from side to side. You’ll see some examples of accessory attachments made specifically for couching below.

Your friends at www.allbrands.com can show you all the options available for your own personal sewing machine. There are many to choose from.

The proper accessory foot lets you swirl and twirl across your fabric. Sure, you can stick with straight lines too! Whatever you choose to do, these attachments allow for free form stitchery or precisely placed perpendicular lines. Take a look at how Brother Innoveye® technology assists in aligning trim as you prepare to stitch.

This is truly one of my all time favorite embellishment techniques. I used the braiding foot to add a little punch of purple to my Folkloric Fringed Wrap. Here’s a little tip for you, dental floss threaders work great for feeding trim into a braiding foot. Start with a bit of trim in and under the foot before you attach it to the machine. Smooth the tail at the back end and then make certain the trim flows freely through the guide.

I’ll warn you . . . once you get started with this type of surface embellishment it’s hard to stop. Before you know it you may have covered most of your entire fabric surface. But hey, that’s okay! Now you have an original work of art designed by YOU!

I hope you enjoy the show. If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear your sewing success stories and help you with your sewing challenges as well.

Till we talk again I wish you Happy Sewing!

Joanne Banko is a freelance sewing educator and a self-proclaimed sewing cheerleader. You can see Joanne’s online teaching segments broadcast on the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy, and online at www.itsseweasytv.com. She is a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery. The book is available at AllBrands.com.

Watch It’s Sew Easy TV and Sew Your Own Lingerie and Loungewear

Hello to all my Allbrands friends!

This is a reminder for you to watch the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy this Saturday morning on your local Louisiana Public Broadcasting station. If you are reading this and wondering where in the world your local station is located you can CLICK HERE to search for PBS stations all over the country. I’ve been informed that LPB has episode #906 scheduled to air at 9:30 a.m. on August 29th. Did you know when you visit lpb.org you can click on the schedule, find your show, and ask them to send you a reminder to watch? Very helpful indeed!

I had the opportunity to tape two segments for It’s Sew Easy episode #906, one short and one long. You’ll see all the details when it airs but I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at the lingerie projects and accessory items presented on the show. The theme for this show is 1940’s fashions and lingerie and loungewear was the focus of my main segment.

In my personal stash I admit to having quite a collection of patterns for this type of garment. Over the past decades I’ve made many PJ’s, robes, and assorted versions of luxurious lingerie and loungewear. Maybe you’re like me and this has become a much loved and highly anticipated gift item in your family circle. For several years my Mom knew she could expect a new robe as an annual gift. She ended up with many different ones in her closet and of course she never discarded a single one even if they were worn out and had seen better days. My husband still wears the now old custom robe I made bearing his monogram even though I’ve been forced to add elbow patches to the sleeves! For the featured garment on the show I used a current pattern from a company who specializes in reproducing vintage clothing and ethnic costume patterns. No worries about tricky instructions or outdated sizing, this Folkwear brand pattern is sized and styled for wearing in the 21st century.

On the show you’ll see a crepe back satin bias slip (this one hangs in my closet), that doubles as an elegant nightie. Complete directions and supplies for this project are available as a free download from itsseweasytv.com. You’ll see all the basic embroidery steps performed on the show. The friendly folks at www.allbrands.com can help you purchase these supplies so you can make your own beautiful version of this classic style. Of course you can just copy a few of the techniques you see and apply them to a variety of items using your own design ideas!

Check out the details on the garments below. The mannequins show a variety of ladies lingerie and loungewear, all embellished with machine embroidery. Pay attention to the close up details of the Brother Brand embroidery designs. Brother has contributed Free design downloads for the lace on the lingerie. That should give you a jump start for creating the lace appliques you see here.

In the second, short segment you’ll see embellishment ideas accomplished with one of my favorite accessory feet, the Pearl and Sequin Foot. It’s a foot that’s fun and easy to use for stitching craft pearls, shiny sequins and assorted round cording on garments, crafts, and home décor.

Soon it will be show time so mark your calendars or put your reminder into action so you’re sure not to miss it. I’ll be back in the near future with more updates for you. In the meantime I invite you to come and visit me at my sewing and embroidery website www.letsgosew.com.

Happy Sewing from your sewing friend,

Joanne Banko is a freelance sewing educator and a self-proclaimed sewing cheerleader. You can see Joanne’s online teaching segments broadcast on the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy, and online at www.itsseweasytv.com. She is a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery. The book is available at AllBrands.com.

It’s Sew Easy #906 – Feminine Fashions from the 1940’s.

Hello Allbrands friends!

Joanne Banko here with a reminder to watch It’s Sew Easy Series 900 on your local

PBS station. Each episode includes timely tips, tricks, and techniques that are sure to

inspire you, and help you sew and embroider beautiful garments, crafts, home

décor, and more! Whatever your personal sewing passion is, you’ll improve your

skills by watching and learning from a wide variety of instructors.

You’ll want to check your PBS local schedule for specifics, but Lousiana Public

Broadcasting has been airing the show on Saturday morning. CLICK HERE to locate

the current date and time for this Saturday’s show. This week you’ll see the full

episode of It’s Sew Easy #906 – Feminine Fashions from the 1940’s.

In the show’s introduction photos and fashions from the glamourous 1940’s are

highlighted with historical commentary. The 1940’s is by far my personal favorite

fashion era. I love the curvy lines of forties fashions, the bias cut silhouettes, and the

lacy trims that were commonly found on women’s lingerie and loungewear. On this

show you’ll see a dress I created from an original forties style pattern. To give you a

little behind the scenes info, this dress was one of my very own fashion school

projects way back when!

You’ll also see a vintage style slip I made from a modern day reproduction pattern.

The slip is decorated with machine-embroidered lace that is oh so easy to make!

Each step for making this lace is shown in detail on the show.

Next, you’ll see how easy it is to top off a pair of boots with a lacy cuff created by

expert instructor Heather Valentine. Last but not least I wrap up the show by

demonstrating some fancy footwork accomplished with Pearl and Sequin Foot.

Yes, this foot is perfect for easily stitching pearls and sequins but you can couch

cords and trims with this foot as well. This is truly a multi- purpose foot. Take a look

at some of the projects featured on the show. You’ll see a jewelry case, a candle

centerpiece, a lingerie bag, and a sequin trimmed camisole.

Throughout this entire series I had the opportunity to introduce sewing accessories

that expand your potential for embellishing with the aid of specialty presser feet.

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks in the near future. By the way, you can thank the

folks at Allbrands.com for sponsoring this top notch sewing show. Did you know

that Allbrands was named Louisiana Public Broadcasting Underwriter of the year in

2013? That’s quite and honor and a well deserved one at that. Next time you are in

one of the all brands retail locations or on the phone with an Allbrands.com

representative be sure say thank you and let them know you appreciate their effort

to keep sewing on the airwaves.

Until next time, Happy Sewing from your sewing friend,

FANCY FOOTWORK WITH THE 3 SLOT CORDING FOOT

Hello Allbrands.com friends! Are you interested in learning how to do some Fancy Footwork with your sewing machine? As many of you already know, specialty presser feet can make or break a carefully crafted sewing project. While some feet are strictly utilitarian there are many more that are designed for fancywork and fun!

During a recent short segment on It’s Sew Easy TV I showed how to use the Three Slot Cording Foot for easy embellishment techniques. You can use this foot to perk up plain garments, add accents to home décor, and much, much, more! See how I used this foot to add pretty pink trim to a sundress for a baby girl. CLICK HERE to read more on my personal blog.

I’ll talk to you again soon. Until then I wish you Happy Sewing!

It’s Sew Easy TV 900 series ( Joanne Banko)

Hello to all my Allbrands.com friends! Joanne Banko here with some news about the It’s Sew Easy TV 900 series, beginning this weekend on your local PBS Station. Can you believe this show is in it’s ninth season?!?

Once again Brother International Sewing Machine Company is sponsoring the show. That means the products and creative sewing tools you see each week can be found at Allbrands.com or your favorite allbrands.com retail stores.

Get ready to put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of your sewing space. The latest series, Timeless Techniques for Today’s Fashions will make you want to run to your sewing machines! After each and every show you are going to gain inspiring tips for creating custom clothing, accessories, and home décor. You can CLICK HERE to read more about the show on my personal blog. I’ll stay in touch with you during the next several weeks with updates and additional tips.

I’ve included a press release directly from the studio where the show is produced. Talk to you again soon . . . in the meantime, enjoy the show!

It’s Sew Easy, Series 900: Timeless Techniques for Today’s Fashions • Traditional sewing meets today’s technology

This season, It’s Sew Easy continues to trace fashion and sewing through the historical events, cultural influences and trends of the 20^th century. New attitudes, new lifestyles and new technology changed what women were doing and wearing.

Our sewing experts show how fashion fit, necklines, hemlines, accessories and embellishments all changed through times of war and economic ups and downs.

Each week, sewing and design experts, featuring Angela Wolf, show how to use time-honored techniques together with the latest sewing tools and technology to create today’s hottest fashions.

Enhance your sewing skills. Whatever our sewing skill level, enjoy sewing along with our experts as they show you why, It’s Sew Easy!

It’s Sew Easy, Series 900 is sponsored in part by:

Brother International Corp., Havel’s Sewing, Coats and Clark,

Prym Consumer USA, The Warm Company, Kaleidoscope Collections LLC,

Horn of America, Inc. and Stitch Magazine

A Message From Joanne Banko!

Hello Sewing Friends! Joanne Banko here to tell you about an inspiring and informational sewing show you can watch for FREE this week. I know that many Allbrands subscribers watch It’s Sew Easy TV on local PBS television stations, but did you know you can view some of these educational episodes online too?
I would like to invite all of my Allbrands friends to view episode 702 titled START SMALL. Tune in by simply visiting the website at It’s Sew Easy. Watch this FREE program and you’ll learn how to piece and quilt a colorful Pinwheel Patchwork Tote. Get some great tips on using machine accessories for piecing and patchwork on most any machine. You’ll learn about fabric selection, needles, threads, and more when you watch this show. Brother Sewing machine fans will be especially interested in seeing me demonstrate the featured Brother digital dual feed foot, also know as the Muvit™ foot.

This show begins airing on the site at noon on October 3rd and continues until noon on October 10. Want step-by-step instructions for making your own tote? Join the website and access the entire archive of free project downloads from It’s Sew Easy TV.
On this show will also see Paula Reid, quilter extraordinaire, demonstrate easy techniques for managing all that “fluff” when you are machine quilting. And, last but not least learn how It’s Sew Easy TV’s awesome sewing and embroidery expert, Angel Wolf, quilts faux leather and pairs it with fashionable fleece. Angela has a tremendous knack for making ordinary fabrics look sensational!

Speaking of my friend Angela, I hope you are making plans to come to our Big Bash in Baton Rouge November 14th and 15th, 2014. Angela and I are teaming up to teach sewing enthusiasts a multitude of our favorite sewing and embroidery tips and techniques. Spend two delightful days stitching something you can keep for yourself or proudly give as a custom crafted gift. Please join us at the Baton Rouge River Center this fall. CLICK HERE for more information.
I hope to see you there! Happy sewing from your sewing friend,

About the author: Joanne Banko is a freelance sewing educator and a self proclaimed sewing cheerleader. You can see Joanne’s online teaching segments broadcast on the popular PBS TV show, It’s Sew Easy, and online at www.itsseweasytv.com. She is a frequent contributor to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine and author of the book Wrapped in Embroidery. The book is available at AllBrands.com. CLICK HERE for a preview. Visit Joanne at http://www.letsgosew.com/.

2014 Be The Difference Campaign

Please check out this blog post by Joanne Banko. click here In it she provides information about the Be the Difference campaign and how you can get involved. All classes will take place July 26th in your local Allbrands classroom from 9:30 to 12:30. Please contact us for more information.