Nancy Zieman's Blog, page 118

Three Great Quilt Designs From a Simple 4-Patch Block

A 4-patch block—a simple,  yet elegant patchwork design—has such potential! Start with the basics, then make a few simple modifications, to change what was traditional into modern! Presto,  you’re a quilt designer, creating one-of-a-kind designs. Welcome to Sewing With Nancy’s first episode of the 3-part series, Change-Up Patchwork.

A 3-color 4-patch serves as the basis for this blog and corresponding TV show.

Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt

Begin your change-up patchwork journey with a traditional 4-patch. Mix up the line-up using three different sizes of 4-patches for 4″, 8″, and 16″ finished quilt blocks. The various sizes of 4-patch blocks are cleverly combined with solid blocks to create a modern small–to-large block theme. It’s a can-do quilt!

Learn how to create rows of 4-patch blocks and squares. The different sizes of the 4-patch blocks nest together!

Lay out the quilt rows and watch the Can-Do 4-patch Quilt take shape. (We laid out the rows on our studio floor. Can you spot some of our “spike” marks that we use for lighting?)

Spinning 4-Patch

The beauty of this quilt is its simplicity! Tweak the sizes of the 4-patch strips and the patchwork design gives the illusion of movement when four blocks are combined. Use bold, bright batik fabrics or your fabric print/solid combination. Remember, you’re the quilt designer.

TV show and book detail how to change the sizes of the strips. Featured is a 4-patch design, an uneven 4-patch. The block by itself doesn’t look like much

 . . .but arrange four of the same blocks together—presto, a Spinning 4-Patch!

High-Low 4-Patch
A block that is usually symmetrical takes on a totally different feel when what was balanced becomes uneven. Don’t change the sewing steps, only the strip sizes. Can you see the strata sections? Watch the show online and you’ll get all the details!

It’s an ideal block for a table runner.

Watch Change-Up Patchwork  on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app. 

Book Features Nine Great Quilts

Find these easy 4-patch quilts, and six additional quilts, in the new Change-Up Patchwork Book and DVD or in the Change-Up Patchwork Starter Set. 

Nancy’s Notions is giving away one copy of the new book, Change-Up Patchwork. Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway, telling us which of these designs you’d like to make.

Thanks for leaving comments regarding the last two week’s blogs titled, Cabin Fever Quilts, Amazingly Easy Quilt Designs. and Cabin Fever Quilts—20 Modern Log Cabin Quilts. The random winner of the book, Cabin Fever Quilts is Susan K. She shared: I like the stretched log cabin block as something unusual and with a modern twist. I also like the downtown cabins quilt for its bold look—I could see it in almost any fabric style from traditional, to batik, to modern. Lovely quilts!

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.

Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here. Join us on Facebook, plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!

Second Annual Stocking Challenge – Winners Announced

The Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge was so much fun to host. I enjoyed seeing all the entries and the talent showcased in the event. You can still view the virtual stocking show online in this post. As may know, voting came to a close over the weekend, and it is now time to announce the winners. Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you to all the friends, family, and sewing enthusiasts who voted!

If your stocking is featured here, you will receive an email from my team requesting contact information. Congratulations!

The Winners are:

Victorian Lady’s Boot
White Poinsettia
Victorian Men’s Boot
Reindeer Swirl
Cardinal Christmas Stocking
Christmas Kitty
Oh Holy Night!
A Very, Merry Christmas
Have a Harley Christmas

 And the winners are:



First Place: F+W Media Sewing and Quilting Book Bundle, a $159 value

Second Place: Nancy’s Notions DVD Bundle, a $149 value

Third Place: Indygo Junction product bundle, a $120 value

Fourth Place: Riley Blake Church Ladies Apron Fabric, a $110 value

Fifth Place: Pellon Bundle Package, a $110 value

Sixth Place: Bundle of Nancy Zieman Products and Notions from Clover, a $102 value

Seventh Place: Quilting Creations International Pattern Bundle, a $94 value

Eighth Place: Quilter’s Package from June Tailor, a $90 value

Ninth Place: Book and Fabric Bundle from Amy’s Creative Side, a $71 value

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -

Congratulations to Amanda who wins the Sew Mama Sew Give Away Day event. She wins a prize Tablet Keeper Template Bundle from Clover.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing.  Sign up here . Join us on  Facebook , plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!

Quilt and Embroider with a Flurry of Snowflakes!

Novice or expert, quilting is always an exciting adventure. With so many techniques and styles to choose from, it can be tricky to master precision piecing, until now. Let your embroidery machine do the work for you! By using the software in the new Flurry of Snowflakes embroidery bundle, you can easily create quilt blocks and finish the design with outline quilting motifs. I’ll show you the process step-by-step on Stress Free Quilting with Machine Embroidery on Sewing With Nancy.

Introducing Flurry of Snowflakes! Don’t run for your winter coat and mittens; run for your embroidery machine! This new snowflake-themed package includes three blocks in four sizes and coordinating outline/quilting embroidery. I’m showcasing the outline designs as the machine quilting; however, you can add the beautiful soft scrolling outlines to any project.

Supplies:

Flurry of Snowflakes















Batik fabrics in white, blue and pale purple
Batting
Fusible Mesh Cut-Away Stabilizer
Coordinating all-purpose thread, such as  Madeira Aerofil
50 Weight Quilting Thread
Mini iron
Sewer’s Fix-It Tape

Note from Nancy: The specific supplies list for this table runner is included in the software package. Sizes and amounts will vary depending on which size blocks you stitch.

Precision Piece Blocks
Prepare:

Determine the block size. Choose the block size according to the finished size of the project you’d like to create, and hoop size available for your embroidery machine. This collection works with 8″, 6″, 5″, or 4″ hoops.
Print a template of each Flurry of Snowflakes blocks using an embroidery software program such as Amazing Designs® Edit Express™.












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Select and prepare fabrics by applying June Tailor’s Quilter’s Starch to stabilize the fabrics.
Cut the fabrics as described for the sizes you’ve chosen. 

Note from Nancy: I am making my table runner using the 6″ block size for this project demonstration. My table runner will finish at 18″ x 54″.
Center Blocks:

Section 1: light blue fabric—cut three 4″ squares
Section 2: white fabric—cut three 2-1/4″ x 4″ rectangles
Section 3 and 5: white fabric—cut six 2-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ rectangles
Section 4, 6, 8 , and 9: dark blue fabric—cut six 3″ squares, subcut diagonally
Section 7: white fabric—cut three 2-1/4″ x 7″ rectangles











Diamond Blocks:

Section 1: lavender fabric—cut twelve 3″ squares
Section 2: light blue fabric—cut twelve 2″ x 3″ rectangles
Section 3 and 4: light blue fabric—cut twenty four 2″ x 4″ rectangles
Section 5: light blue fabric—cut twelve 2″ x 5″ rectangles
Section 6–9: dark blue fabric—cut two 4″ squares, subcut diagonally











Corner Blocks:

Section 1: dark blue fabric—cut twelve 3″ squares
Section 2 and 3: lavender fabric—cut twelve 4″ squares, subcut diagonally
Section 4 and 5: dark blue fabric—cut twelve 4″ squares, subcut diagonally
Section 6: light blue fabric—cut twelve 2″ x 9″ rectangles
Section 7: white fabric—cut six 5-1/2″ squares, subcut diagonally











Sashing Strips:

Dark blue fabric—cut two  2-1/2″ x 23″ rectangles

Build the Block

Hoop a  Fusible Mesh Cut-Away Stabilizer , fusible side up.
Set up the sewing machine with the embroidery unit and appropriate foot.
Import and select the embroidery design for the block.
Select all-purpose poly or poly/cotton thread; wind the bobbin with the same thread as used in the needle. A slightly contrasting thread color works best. (Now this is different! Rayon thread is usually used for embroidery but we’re piecing quilt blocks!)
Stitch the first thread color directly on the stabilizer. Use a thread dark enough that the lines are visible.
Notice the different sections of blocks and numbers within. These numbers indicate the piecing sequence of each block.

Place Section 1 fabric square over section one stitched on the stabilizer base, right side up. The fabric must cover the stitching lines and extend almost equally along all sides.
Fuse the fabric to the stabilizer with a mini iron.

.













Thread Color 2 will baste the square in place.













Trim away excess fabric past the basting line.















Align Section 2 fabric strip along the fabric edge, right sides together. Make certain that the fabric is extending equally beyond the outline on the stabilizer at opposite ends.















Thread Color 3 will create the seam.














Fold fabric Section 2 over stabilizer.
Press from the folded edge, working to the outer edge to eliminate wrinkles.














Thread Color 4 will baste pressed section to stabilizer.















Trim away excess fabric past basting line.













Continue in numerical order until all pieces are added.
There is no need to trim away any excess fabric along the previous stitched basting lines around the perimeter of the block.













Before stitching Color 19, tape the seam edges with Sewer’s Fix-It Tape.














Thread Color 19 will baste the entire block and provides a trimming guideline.
Remove tape to reuse on additional blocks.


















Align ruler 1/8″ past the outer stitched line.














Trim with a rotary cutter.












Stitch the Table Runner



All seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise noted.
Set up sewing/embroidery machine with a 1/4″ piecing foot or standard food.
Arrange the blocks in three rows of nine blocks as shown below.













Match right sides together and begin to join pairs of blocks.













Create three single blocks consisting of nine patches, each.














Add sashing strips to each block, matching right sides.















Quilt the Table Runner

Layer the table runner by creating a quilt sandwich. This is a delicious term to describe the layers:


Table runner backing—wrong side up
Quilt batting
Pieced table runner—right side up



Use curved pins to baste the three layers together.










Place a Walking Foot on your sewing/embroidery machine.
Switch to quilting thread  in a coordinating color.
Start with the middle block, stitching in the ditch to secure the three layers.
Choose one of the snowflake outline designs to quilt. Print using the Amazing Designs® Edit Express software.
Position a printed outline design template; tape it to the table runner at the desired location, aligning centers with center marks on the hoop.













Use the positioning sticker to align the embroidery.
Remove the paper template.
Stitch.













Repeat these quilting steps as often as you like on the table runner.












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Finish the Table Runner

Finish the quilt with your favorite binding method. You can find my  absolute easiest binding tutorial here.












For more information on creating wonderful quilted projects pieced precisely with an embroidery machine, watch Stress Free Quilting with Machine Embroidery Part Two on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing.  Sign up here . Join us on  Facebook , plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!

Cabin Fever Quilts—20 Modern Log Cabin Quilts

You might think that Log Cabin quilt blocks are very predictable—red center block with dark fabric strips added to one side, and light strips added to the other. Not necessarily! This week we welcome back Natalia Bonner, author and modern quilt designer, who takes an unconventional approach to traditional Log Cabin block design. Tune in and watch part two of this new Sewing With Nancy series titled, Cabin Fever Quilts.

In Cabin Fever Quilts  part two, we’ll start by creating Natalia’s Dappled Quilt. Natalia’s intricate design of intersecting squares starts with a very simple Log Cabin Quarter-log block on point. Watch as we show you the tricks of modern quilting and soon, you too, will have Cabin Fever. 

Next Natalia shows how to make the Cabin Keys block similar to the Dappled quilt block (above). With her slight strip variations, you’ll have an entirely different quilt!

Next up in Cabin Fever Quilts part two, we’ll break down Natalia’s Nonchalant Quilt—an easy one-block quilt made in just two colors plus white.

Once you’ve given yourself permission to change the traditional, there’s no stopping the creative options.  In this quilt, Peaches and Cream, Natalia starts with the Quarter-log block and adds Snowball block corners. Intrigued? Watch Cabin Fever Quilts part two.

Watch Cabin Fever Quilts, Part Two on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

 

Then, check out the book, Cabin Fever Quilts—20 Modern Log Cabin Quilts by Natalia Bonner and Kathleen Whiting. Natalia and Kathleen have included twenty modern Log Cabin quilt designs along with bonus instructions for coordinating pillows.

Thank you, Natalia, for being my guest on this new two part Sewing With Nancy series, Cabin Fever Quilts.

C&T Publishing is providing one giveaway copy of the book, Cabin Fever Quilts—20 Modern Log Cabin Quilts by Natalia Bonner and Kathleen Whiting. If the winner lives abroad, an ebook will be sent digitally. For a chance to win a copy of the book, please leave a comment below sharing your favorite quilt from Cabin Fever Quilts, Part Two.

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite holiday stocking in my Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge! The deadline to vote is is SUNDAY, December 13, 2015. Click here to cast your vote. Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here.

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite holiday stocking in my Stocking Challenge! Voting closes on December 13, 2015. Winners will be announced on December 15. Click here to see how to vote. Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing.  Sign up here . Join us on  Facebook , plus a host of other social media channels.  Connect With Nancy  today!

Sew Mama Sew Give Away Day

Welcome to the Nancy Zieman blog! If you’ve found your way here from the Sew Mama Sew Give Away Day, I’m glad you could join us!

At my production studio and in my office, we’re mindful of giving all year ’round. From giving free patterns and tutorials to giving to the community through coordinated outreach sewing efforts, our hearts are always filled with kindness.

This year, as part of the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway, I’m offering a collection of Clover templates, products, notions and tools, a $62 value.

Tablet Keeper Template
Tablet Keeper Shapers (multi-size)

Voting Begins—Second Annual Stocking Challenge

It’s time to cast your votes in the 2015 Annual Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge. There are over 110 stocking entries to review and admire. You’ll be inspired by the creativity!

Each participant was asked to sew a Christmas Stocking, with a maximum of four projects per person. Prize winners will be selected based on YOUR votes. Good news—you can cast up to five votes during your voting selection process.

If you are a challenge contestant, ask your friends to vote.

Good luck to all participants!

Nancy Zieman’s Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge

Voting opens today, December 8.
Cast up to five votes during your selection process.
Share this link (by copy and pasting) http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/?p=35751
Encourage friends to vote.
Voting closes Saturday, December 13, 2015.
Winners announced on Tuesday, December 15.

Tech Tip from Nancy: If the images are small on your computer screen, use Ctrl + to increase the images on the screen. Use Ctrl – to reduce the size when finished.

 

An InLinkz Link-up

 Over $1000 in prize packages from our generous sponsors:




First Place: F+W Media Sewing and Quilting Book Bundle, a $159 value

 

Second Place: Nancy’s Notions DVD Bundle, a $149 value

 

Third Place: Indygo Junction product bundle, a $120 value

 

Fourth Place: Riley Blake Church Ladies Apron Fabric, a $110 value

 

Fifth Place: Pellon Bundle Package, a $110 value

 

Sixth Place: Bundle of Nancy Zieman Products and Notions from Clover, a $102 value

 

Seventh Place: Quilting Creations International Pattern Bundle, a $94 value

 

Eighth Place: Quilter’s Package from June Tailor, a $90 value

 

Ninth Place: Book and Fabric Bundle from Amy’s Creative Side, a $71 value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The random winner of a copy of  Sensational Scarves from last week’s blog is Carol. She said: You can never have too many scarves. They dress up any outfit and make you feel a little more glamorous. Thanks Nancy!

 

 

Good Luck!

Email challenge questions to info@ziemanproductions.com. Challenge not open to sponsors, employees, and immediate family members. Photos and techniques may be featured in future promotions, blog posts, videos, and/or TV shows.
Nancy Zieman—author, pattern designer, businesswoman, producer, and national sewing authority—is the host of the popular show Sewing With Nancy®, which appears exclusively on public television stations across the United States and Canada. Follow Nancy’s blog at NancyZieman.com/blog and sign up to receive Nancy’s E-News for the latest news in Sewing, Quilting, Creating, and Block of the Month updates.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.

Enter the Stocking Challenge Today

Today is the last day to enter my annual Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge. Use one of the free sewing patterns below, or any stocking pattern, and sew a Christmas stocking for yourself, a family member, or as a gift. Then, enter our Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge. It’s easy!

Here’s a listing of free stocking patterns:

Novelty Christmas Stocking from Nancy’s Notions

I {Heart} Pellon Stocking from Pellon Projects

Christmas Stocking Tutorial from Amy’s Creative Side

Fancy Fleece Stockings from June Tailor

Christmas Stocking Projects from Baby Lock, enter keyword “stocking”

Elf Stocking by Nancy Zieman

Tumbler Christmas Stocking by Nancy Zieman

 

Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge Guidelines

Select or create your design. All sewing, quilting, serging, machine embroidery, and embellishment techniques are eligible. Stocking must be made within the last year and may not have been entered into the 2014 NZ Stocking Challenge.
Grab our Stocking Sewing Challenge blog badge to let your friends know about this exciting sewing challenge.
Share your progress and projects on your social media sites using the hashtag: #NZStockingChallenge
Upload your photo(s) by December 7, 2015 (TODAY!).

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Voting will open tomorrow and continue through December 13, 2015.

 Over $1000 in prize packages from our generous sponsors:



First Place: F+W Media Sewing and Quilting Book Bundle, a $159 value

 

Second Place: Nancy’s Notions DVD Bundle, a $149 value

 

 

Third Place: Indygo Junction product bundle, a $120 value

 

 

Fourth Place: Riley Blake Church Ladies Apron Fabric, a $110 value

 

 

Fifth Place: Pellon Bundle Package, a $110 value

 

Sixth Place: Bundle of Nancy Zieman Products and Notions from Clover, a $102 value

 

Seventh Place: Quilting Creations International Pattern Bundle, a $94 value

 

 

Eighth Place: Quilter’s Package from June Tailor, a $90 value

 

Ninth Place: Book and Fabric Bundle from Amy’s Creative Side, a $71 value

Enter the Stocking Sewing Challenge by adding a photo or photos in the link listed above. It’s easy! Use the above link tool and click the “add link” button. Your entry will appear directly in the gallery. (Once button is clicked—it may appear as a workable link). Plus share your comments below about the Stocking Sewing Challenge!

 

The random winner of my three-season knit jacket pattern M7290 from McCalls is Becky Corcoran. She said: This longer length jacket will be a great addition to my wardrobe, it pulls together a classic wardrobe with a current look. Can’t wait to make it!

 

Get Stitching!

Email challenge questions to info@ziemanproductions.com. Challenge not open to sponsors, employees, and immediate family members. Photos and techniques may be featured in future promotions, blog posts, videos, and/or TV shows.
Nancy Zieman—author, pattern designer, businesswoman, producer, and national sewing authority—is the host of the popular show Sewing With Nancy®, which appears exclusively on public television stations across the United States and Canada. Follow Nancy’s blog at NancyZieman.com/blog and sign up to receive Nancy’s E-News for the latest news in Sewing, Quilting, Creating, and Block of the Month updates.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.

Sew To Give–Sewing & Quilting Outreach Opportunities

Sew To Give™ is the name I’ve given to sewing, quilting, and volunteering outreach programs. Over the years, I’ve interviewed guests with amazing charitable goals during Sewing With Nancy’s Nancy’s Corner segments. Listed below is a grouping of many of the organizations that I’m aware of, giving you options to sew and quilt for others. As I often say on Sewing With Nancy, The gift is in the giving! 

Submit a Sew to Give Outreach Opportunity

Sew To Give—Sewing & Quilting Outreach Opportunities
Alzheimer’s Activity Mats

Visit their website: http://alzactivityaids.blogspot.com/

About: Activity mats are designed to safely stimulate and soothe people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, ADD, head trauma, or persons recovering from strokes. Activity mats are made by volunteers and donated to care facilities and caregivers.

Read more information at: http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/sewing-2/sew-an-alzheimers-activity-mat/

How to help:  Click Here

 

Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative

Visit their website: http://alzquilt.org

About: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) Quilt to Remember pays tribute to all those who have passed or are living with dementia, and their families, so that others can recognize the reality and enormity of this disease, and acknowledge that we stand united for optimal care and a cure.

How to help:  http://www.alzquilt.org/creating_panels.shtml

 

Aprons4Alzheimers

Visit their website: http://alzheimerhumor.blogspot.com

About: Aprons4Alzheimers is a non-profit organization that provides funds for Alzheimer’s respite care. Gwen O’Leary raises funds through the sale of her book “When Life Hands You Alzheimer’s, Make Aprons! A Daughter’s Journal of Her Mother’s Last Months” and the sales of handsewn aprons by the author and volunteers.

How to help:  http://alzheimerhumor.blogspot.com/p/aprons4alzheimers-mission-statement.html

 

Binky Patrol

Visit their website: http://binkypatrol.org

About: A binky is a homemade blanket that can be sewn, knitted, crocheted, or quilted.  They range in size from 3 feet square up to twin bed size.

How to help:  http://www.binkypatrol.org/article.cfm?id=19

 

Case For Smiles

Visit their website: http://caseforsmiles.org/

About: Helping kids feel better to heal better with a bright, cheery pillowcase.

How to help:  http://caseforsmiles.org/getinvolved/#sew

 

Camo Quilt Project

Visit their website: http://camoquiltproject.blogspot.com

About: Crafting camouflage, packable quilts for our troops.

How to help:  http://camoquiltproject.blogspot.com/search/label/Basic%20Info

 

Chica Nica Doll Dresses

Visit their website: http://chicanica.org/

About: The Chica Nica Doll Dresses program allows women to stay in their community, learn a skill, earn an income, and live with dignity. Women from the Learning Centers in Nicaragua are sewing beautiful dresses designed to fit 18″ dolls.

How to help: purchase doll dresses at http://chicanica.org/dresses

 

Coffee Creek Correctional Quilters

Visit their website: http://coffeecreekquilters.org/

About:  Coffee Creek Quilters teaches quilting classes to women incarcerated at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. Since 2002, we have provided a positive, hands-on program that gives our students an opportunity to learn and practice many life-enhancing skills.

How to help: http://coffeecreekquilters.org/volunteer/

 

Comfort Doll Project

Visit their website: http://comfortdollproject.blogspot.com/

About: The Comfort Doll Project is a group of artists who create and donate their beautiful dolls to be delivered specifically to women in domestic abuse shelters to let them know that they are unique, worthy, beautiful, and deserve all good things in life.

How to help: http://comfortdollproject.blogspot.com/p/comfort-doll-specs.html

 

Comfort Quilt Project – Roads to Life Tanzania

Visit their website: http://roadstolifetanzania.org/

About: Building More Than Roads. . . Building Better Lives

How to help: http://roadstolifetanzania.org/get-involved/

 

Enchanted Makeovers

Visit their website: http://enchantedmakeovers.org

About: Enchanted Makeovers’ mission is to create environments for women and children living in shelters that educate, empower, open a path for creativity and self-expression. Enchanted Makeovers’ mission is to transform homeless shelters for women and children into places that inspire behavioral and psychological change. Through our various projects, mentoring programs and makeovers of the physical space, women and children are introduced to a way of thinking that helps to shift their outlook about their lives and possibilities for the future. The shelter is transformed into a “beacon of hope”. Mentoring programs such as the“Sacred Sewing Room”, “Stepping into the Dream”and “Capes for Kids” develop important life and coping skills.

How to help: Click Here

 

Little Dresses for Africa

Visit their website: http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/

About: Our mission is to provide relief to children of Africa, by distributing dresses to little girls, primarily in African villages, but also other countries in crisis.  Because of the widespread AIDS pandemic, little girls are often left to be the primary care givers of their young siblings. It is our hope that in delivering dresses to these young girls, that a seed will be planted in their hearts, in the name of Jesus, that they are worthy.

How to help: http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/making-a-difference/

 

MADACC (Cage Comforters)

Visit their website:  http://www.madacc.org/cage%20comforter%20program.htm

About: The MADACC Cage Comforter Program enlists volunteer sewers to make small comforters and toys for the kittens, cats, and small dogs in our care. Our animals love their comforters! The comforters not only ease the stress of our homeless animals, they also help to ease the transition when the animals are transferred, because they take their comforters with them to our animal placement partner organizations.

Cage comforters can be made from any type of material except looped fabric like chenille or terry cloth that might get snagged in the animal’s nails. They should be a finished size of:

Dog Blankets: 24″ x 34″
Cat Blankets: 10-3/4″ x 15″
Cat Front Lobby Condos
Sleeping Area: 10″ x 24-1/2″
Play Area: 28-1/4″ x 24-1/2″

How to help: http://madacc.org/donatevolunteer/

 

Mongolian Outreach

Visit their website: http://dragonflyquilts.com

About: Piecing together a better future for Mongolian women

How to help: Purchase Mongolian products

 

One Million Pillowcase Challenge

Visit their website: http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/

About: American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging quilters, sewers, and crafters to help us reach our goal of donating one million pillowcases to local charities.  Many charities can benefit from the donation of a pillowcase and the challenge gives you the opportunity to donate and make a difference in your community.

How to help: Free pillowcase patterns. http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/freepatterns/index.html  We want you to make a difference in your community. Suggested list of charities to contact in your local area. http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/wheretodonate/index.html

 

More Than Warmth

Visit their website: http://morethanwarmth.org

About: The project was designed to teach children about different cultures and give them a chance to reach out to children in another country. Students create a tangible group project through social studies, art, and literature. A quilt and booklet of letters connects with children across geographical and political boundaries.

How to help: http://morethanwarmth.org/contact.html

 

Ovarian Cancer Quilt Project

Visit their website: http://www.ovarianquilt.org

About: The Ovarian Cancer Quilt Project was established to educate the public about the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer through the artistry of quilting. The Online Quilt Auction benefits research. This program aims to develop effective screening methods and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.

How to help: http://www.mdanderson.org/how-you-can-help/other-ways-to-help/ovarian-quilt-project/make-a-quilt/index.html

 

Parkinson’s Comfort Project

Visit their website: http://parkinsonscomfort.org/

About: The mission of the Parkinson’s Comfort Project is to comfort, support, and empower caregivers and people with Parkinson’s through education, networking and outreach programs.

How to help: http://parkinsonscomfort.org/quilters/

 

Patient Pouch T&B Foundation

Visit their website: http://www.tandbfoundation.org/

About: Inspired by Tyler Barnett and Brayden Bateman, T&B Foundation is here to fight childhood cancer and brighten the day of childhood cancer patients everywhere! The mission of T&B Foundation, Inc. is to encourage and support families with minor children battling cancer. We do this by providing Patient Pouches to the children with activities and diversions while awaiting and undergoing cancer treatment.

How to help:  https://www.facebook.com/TandBFoundation

 

Point Hope

Visit their website: http://pointhope.org

About: A voice for forgotten children. Their mission is to raise awareness and champion the cause for forgotten children so that:

Every child has a loving and nurturing environment
Every child has the basic essentials to live a healthy life
Local communities are equipped to deal with the challenges facing children
Government, business, education, and religious communities are encouraged to partner for the welfare of children

How to help: http://www.pointhope.org/ways-to-give.html

 

Pretty Pockets

Visit their website: http://www.creativeblossoms.com/pretty-pockets

About: Pretty Pockets are handsewn covers for drain bulbs used by post-surgery breast cancer patients. Spread JOY through CREATIVE GIVING.

How to help: Click Here

 

Project Linus

Visit their website: http://www.projectlinus.org

About: Project Linus provides homemade blankets to children in need.  Our mission:

FIRST: Provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
SECOND: Provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

How to help: http://projectlinus.org/

 

Quilts for Kids

Visit their website: http://www.quiltsforkids.org/

About:  Volunteer quilters transform fabrics into patchwork quilts that comfort children in need.

How to help:  http://www.quiltsforkids.org/volunteer/

 

Quilts of Valor 

Visit their website: http://www.qovf.org

About: Quilting to honor & comfort those touched by war; The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

How to help:  http://www.qovf.org/content/basic-qov-requirements.html

 

Quilt to Give

Visit their website: http://www.quilttogive.com

About: Tornadoes, floods, and fires have recently devastated thousands of homes. We’ve all seen video on TV and online of the unbelievable destruction. Monetary donations are greatly needed—and I’m sure many of us have been able to contribute. In addition, making and giving needed bed quilts is another way of showing support and encouragement. Follow the step-by-step sewing directions to create quilts with your sewing/quilting groups.

How to help:  http://www.quilttogive.com

 

Rethreaded

Visit their website: rethreaded.com

About:  Rethreaded is a social entrepreneurship that is breaking the cycle of the sex trade by offering viable and creative work to those affected by the sex trade i.e. prostitution, drug addiction, and human trafficking. Rethreaded offers the oppressed a chance to grow into the fullness of who they are. Rethreaded provides a four-month holistic job training program for women in the Jacksonville, Florida area who are coming out of lives of addiction, violence, human trafficking, and prostitution.

How to help: http://www.rethreaded.com/pages/get-involved

 

Sew For HOPE

Visit their website: http://www.sewforhopenow.com/

About: Sew For Hope is a community-based group affiliated with Big Bend Homeless Coalition in Tallahassee, FL. Our group makes and gives away quilts and afghans for homeless and impoverished children from newborn to 21 years of age.

How to help:  http://sewforhopenow.com/?page_id=1547

 

Sew Much Comfort

Visit their website: www.sewmuchcomfort.org/

About: Sew Much Comfort provides custom-made adaptive (Velcro closures) clothing, free of charge, to all wounded service members from current conflicts and from all branches of the military and National Guard. We wish to aide in their recovery, provide a tangible reminder of our gratitude for their sacrifice, and give them an added measure of comfort, dignity, and freedom as they recover from their injuries and return to everyday life. Adaptive clothing accommodates their medical devices and situations, provides ease of use, increases personal independence, and minimizes the visual impact of their injuries.

How to help: Donate or volunteer at http://www.sewmuchcomfort.org/

 

Southeast Asia Project

Visit their website: http://www.mnvetsforprogress.com/projects-sewing-center

About: Create jobs, help orphanages, provide education, and give the gift of clean water to rural Cambodians. Minnesota Veterans for Progress is currently involved in the following four humanitarian projects in South East Asia:

Installing water wells in rural Cambodia for land mine victims.
Supporting two ethnic schools located in the poorest district in Vietnam.
Building a sewing center in the Siem Reap Province of Cambodia to empower rural women and help reduce sex trafficking of girls.
Supporting two orphanages for abandoned children in Hanoi, Vietnam,and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

How to help:  http://www.mnvetsforprogress.com/

 

STITCH (Sewing Together in The Caring Highlands)

Visit their website: http://www.hpclouisville.org/2015/05/stitch/

About: STITCH teaches sewing to Kentucky Refugee Ministries women. They have come from Somalia, Sudan, Nepal, Cuba, Kenya, Iraq, and Congo, to name but a few. They have sewn tote bags, aprons, skirts, tops, dresses, caftans, tablecloths, bedspreads, and pillowcases.

How to help: They need sewing machines; sewing notions, such as thread, scissors, marking tools, etc.; gift cards for JoAnn Fabrics and Hancock’s so that they can replenish supplies; and fabrics that are washable, since dry cleaning is out of the question for their students. Two to three yard pieces of fabrics are preferred. If you would like to contribute to the STITCH program, please write to:

Janet Raderer at traderer@bellsouth.net or Anna Gray Slagle at agslagle@twc.com

 

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.

Visit their website: http://suerockoriginals.blogspot.com

About: Healing domestic violence survivors with textiles—One Stitch at a Time! Our mission is to train women in the textile arts—teaching lessons of self-empowerment.

How to help: https://suerock.wordpress.com/donations/

 

Tender Loving Care Ministries

Visit their website: http://www.tlcministries.info

About: Clothing the underprivileged children of  the Appalachian Mountains—Southern Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, Southwestern Virginia, and West Virginia.

How to help: http://www.tlcministries.info/tlc/How%20You%20Can%20Help/

 

The Makers Coalition

Visit their website: http://www.themakerscoalition.org

About: We are a coalition of businesses, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and service providers coming together to build a trained cut and sew industry in America.  Therefore, we want to ensure the businesses that need high quality cut and sewing industrial craftsmen have the talent they need to grow. Join the movement to restore and build the industrial sewing heritage of America. We are working together to find, train, and employ a proud, creative, and skilled workforce for today and future generations.

How to help: http://www.themakerscoalition.org/donate.html We welcome your donations to help fund scholarships and programs, marketing, and other activities to grow The Makers Coalition.

 

The Sewing Machine Project

Visit their website: http://www.thesewingmachineproject.org

About: The Sewing Machine Project, Inc. (SMP), a qualified s.501(c)(3) organization, was formed in 2005 for the purpose of  collecting and distributing sewing machines to groups committed to using the machines to provide opportunities to create, learn new skills, build self-confidence, and contribute to their own livelihoods and the well-being of their families and communities. Since 2005 we have distributed over 1800 sewing machines, helping people become self-sustaining through sewing.  We work locally, nationally and internationally.

How to help: http://www.thesewingmachineproject.org

 

Threads of Love

Visit their website: threadsoflove.org

About: Threads of Love, through the effort and support of many participants in chapters across the country, provides clothing, blankets, and other handmade articles for tiny, premature and sick infants. Includes a crocheted or knitted cap, day gown, blanket, lovie doll, and a prayer for healing.

How to help: threadsoflove.org

 

Tiny Stitches

Visit their website: http://www.tinystitches.org/

About: Mission is to provide basic clothing for newborns in North Georgia whose families are not able to provide for them. Distributed through social workers and nurses.

How to help: http://www.tinystitches.org/

 

Remember, The gift is in the giving!

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing.  Sign up here . Join us on  Facebook , plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!

Cabin Fever Quilts, Amazingly Easy Quilt Designs

Just as architecture has changed from the original log cabin homes to our modern 21st century homes, quilting has made the same transition. Traditional Log Cabin quilt blocks can easily be made modern with the help of our guest in the new Sewing With Nancy series titled, Cabin Fever Quilts. I’m pleased to welcome Natalia Bonner, a self-proclaimed quilting addict, to her first appearance on Sewing With Nancy.

Natalia’s spin on the Log Cabin block is to use dramatic colors and sleek lines. The first quilt in Cabin Fever Quilts, Part One is the Downtown Cabins Quilt, a great quilt for a beginner. Start with your favorite colors, cut strips, and begin sewing. Using large pieces makes the quilt easy to assemble.

Learn how to cut fabric pieces for a block, then assemble. Here’s an alternate colorway option:

Remember the last time you had your eyes dilated for an eye exam? The pupils of your eyes went from small to large in seconds. That experience caused Natalia to create 12″ blocks with three strip sizes, gradating from small to large. This may look tricky to stitch, yet it’s a great pattern for even a beginning quilt maker. In Cabin Fever Quilts, Part One Natalia explains the concept and process of changing log sizes which creates the gradation in the quilt design. 

Pull out your favorite scraps or use an interesting fat quarter bundle to make this fabulous quilt. Fabric choice is key; be sure there is a lot of contrast between the dark and light fabrics to really make this pattern pop!

These elongated, framed rectangles look like a stretched Log Cabin quilt block, but they’re really made from two identical 12″-square blocks. The two-color palette really emphasizes the graphic nature of the blocks, but you could easily introduce a wider strip of color for even greater quilt drama. Watch Cabin Fever Quilts, Part One to see the easy block breakdown.

Thanks, Natalia, for being my guest on Sewing With Nancy and for sharing your fun and easy quilting techniques with us.

Watch Cabin Fever Quilts, Part One  on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

C&T Publishing is providing one giveaway copy of the book, 

Log Cabin Quilts—20 Modern Log Cabin Quilts by Natalia Bonner and Kathleen Whiting. If the winner lives abroad, an ebook will be sent digitally. For a chance to win a copy of the book, please leave a comment below sharing your favorite quilt from Cabin Fever Quilts, Part One.

The random winner of a Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle DVD, from Nancy’s Notions, is Jan H who shared: Sewing clothes that fit was always a mystery. With these techniques, I’ll be willing to try again and get stellar results!

Don’t forget to submit your holiday stocking in my Stocking Challenge! The deadline to enter is MONDAY, December 7, 2015. Click here to see how to enter. Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing.  Sign up here . Join us on  Facebook , plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!

Easy Sewing Tutorial—Faux Fur Infinity Scarf

Faux fur scarves recently made the top 10 gift list in an upscale magazine. Not wanting to pay the over the top price for this latest fashion trend, we decided to share our easy sewing tutorial.

The fake fur scarves are most attractive made as an infinity scarf. In my book, Sensational Scarves, follow all the details, only substitute fake fur for the fabric. Or scroll down, to find the complete tutorial. Click here to watch this episode of Sewing With Nancy to see how the twist design element is created when stitching this must-have, or should I say must-sew, accessory.

Supplies

90/14 Stretch Needle
Cuddle Fur Fabric Kit
Chaco Marking Pen
Sensational Scarves  book by Nancy Zieman

Cutting


Measure a rectangle 24″ x 40″.
Fold the fur fabric matching right sides.
Mark a cutting line with a non-permanent pen (on fabric wrong side).














Cut along the marked line, cutting only the fabric backing—not the fur. 

Note from Nancy: Cut on the marked line with the tip of the scissors, cutting only the knitted backing, not the fur. Cutting the fabric in the traditional manner leaves you with a complete mess of fur! If you happen to cut the fur, I have a solution for you—vacuum!

Faux Fur Scarf Sewing Tips

Measure a 4″–6″ distance along the long edge. This area will remain unstitched.













Switch your sewing machine to a 90/14 Stretch Needle.
Match right sides, pin and sew along the 40″ length.
Use a 1/4″ seam allowance and do not sew the 4″–6″ marked opening.



.









A nip marking along the fold is needed at each short end.

Make a small snip at each marked location.













Turn the tube right side out.













Give the scarf a twist while folding the tube onto itself, matching right sides of the short ends.
Align opposing seams and snips at the end to maintain the twist.



.










Use a 1/4″ seam allowance to sew the scarf ends together.



.









Turn the faux fur right side out through the opening.

Use a hand sewing needle and thread to close the opening.













Presto—a terrific scarf!

Find 13 more inspirational scarf ideas in my Sensational Scarves book. See how I create the simple twist in the scarf design in this episode of Sewing With Nancy, Sensational Scarves Part One.

Watch Sew Sensational Scarves (Part One and Part Two)  on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

Leave a comment below to be eligible to win a copy of  Sensational Scarves.

Don’t forget to submit your holiday stocking in my Stocking Challenge! The deadline to enter is MONDAY, December 7, 2015. Click here to see how to enter. Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing.  Sign up here . Join us on  Facebook , plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!