Nancy Zieman's Blog, page 135

Do Sewing Ergonomic Products Really Work?

Nancy’s Notions Guest Blog By Roxanne Nickolie

At Nancy’s Notions we pride ourselves in offering the best assortment of products for sewing enthusiasts. Since we sew ourselves, we love the challenge of finding things that make life behind the machine easier. The latest items to pique our interest are ergonomic products. Intrigued by the design and function, our creative team set out to see if ergonomic items really do soothe pain, improve efficiency, and make things generally more comfortable. Each person tested one product for a whole week while at work. Here are the findings:

Our graphic designer Micka tried out the Lum Buddy—which claims to encourage proper seating posture in a comfortable way. Before trying the product, Micka’s posture wasn’t exactly picture perfect: “I tend to have bad posture while sitting: I get restless and slide down sometimes—I’m like a four-year-old squirming in my car seat!”

After a week of using this cushion, she rated her posture as “better than average,” noting “the Lum Buddy caused me to sit up straighter without feeling uncomfortable.” She attributed that comfort to the contoured foam back. She said she would consider buying one for herself—a sentiment underlined by the pout she shot me when I asked for the product back at the end of the week.

Marilyn, another graphic designer at Nancy’s Notions, tried the Auto-Inflating Lumbar Cushion. With a valve to inflate and deflate, this portable cushion claims to provide support, reduce stress on the spine, and improve posture. Noting that she never experienced chronic back pain, Marilyn said she was curious to observe what kind of changes the Lumbar Cushion brought.

At the end of one week, Marilyn marked in her notes that she thought the Lumbar Cushion improved her posture, “it made me conscious of holding my shoulders straighter, and sitting up.” She wasn’t convinced, however, the cushion is ideal for office-type chairs because of the sturdy rectangle shape. Using the cushion on a straight-backed chair or a sewing chair might have worked better.

Our third graphic designer Aileen tried out the Gypsy Sit Upon—a Nancy’s Notions classic. The softly inflated rubber disk claims to relieve lower back pain, strengthen core muscles, and improve posture. Before beginning the trial, Aileen noted her level of posture was “worse than average” and wished her back was more comfortable while working. She also expressed interest in keeping her core muscles engaged throughout the day in an effort to strengthen her abdomen and keep her body active while sitting—even if in just a small way.

Fast forward to a week later and Aileen’s posture changed dramatically, marking it as “excellent” in her notes. Admitting the Gypsy took some getting used to (“it almost feels like sitting on an inflatable ball”), eventually she got the hang of it.  Aileen found it lived up to its name as a product that improves posture and engages your muscles, but worried that it did so at the cost of her hiney’s comfort, deciding in the end that it might be better used for something like sporadic sewing rather than all-day office work.

Our Art Director Laura took the plunge with one of our most popular ergonomic products, the Body Rite posture corrector. The three-pound counter-balance claims to prevent back, shoulder, and neck strain and encourages good posture. Before the experiment, Laura confessed her shoulder and neck experienced frequent discomfort throughout the day at her desk, and her posture while at the computer was poor.

A week later and her posture noticeably improved, “the subtle weight draws your shoulders down and definitely reminds you to straighten your spine.” She said she would recommend the product to a friend for how it improved her back discomfort and helped with her posture. She did, however add an important note for everyday use: “when sitting in a chair with a back, the Body Rite rubs against the chair back and can cause you to lean forward.” She thought it would work best when sitting in a backless chair, particularly because that is when posture seems worse.

When it came to the Hot and Cold Gel Wrist Support, it seemed a natural choice to have the Nancy’s Notion’s copywriter try it out (in case you didn’t notice, that’s yours truly—Roxanne). Writing all the catalog and web product copy, my hands and wrists are something I’m always paying attention to. This product came highly recommended from our Sewing With Nancy writer who suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome, so I was excited to see what would happen.

I can say in all honesty that this product blew me away. I thought wearing a wrap at my desk would be really distracting—it was just the opposite. It subtly kept my wrist straight and gently compressed, creating such a comforting effect, I could feel my other wrist wishing it had one on too. I microwaved the gel insert a couple of times. It got hot right away, and soothed my wrist all the more. This is a hot-ticket item around the office, and the wrap I wore for a week was quickly scouted out and borrowed by a coworker who also gave it rave reviews.

Nancy’s Notions Director of Creative Services, Donna, chose the Handeze Therapeutic Gloves for her test product. These compression gloves claim to trap your natural body heat to improve blood circulation and relieve pain: a feature that would certainly come in handy for someone who writes all Nancy’s Notions emails. Before the test, Donna noted she wished her hands were more comfortable while working, occasionally being distracted from her work by the discomfort.

One week later and Donna glowed about Handeze’s sturdy compression saying that it offered “soft but firm support.” She also praised the glove’s open-finger design, allowing her to go about her work without the distraction of full-length coverage. Being a stylish, fun-loving woman, she did add at the end, “I wish they came in different colors!”

From “can’t keep it on” to “can’t live without,” our creative team learned a lot from trying out these products. And it isn’t just an employee perk—you can try them out too! Our whole collection of ergonomic products is constantly updating with new ways to stay comfortable. And if the item you buy doesn’t dazzle your boots off, you can always send it back for a full refund, no problem. Here’s wishing you many days of comfy stitching!

Thank you Roxanne for another great blog.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

Give From the Heart on Thanksgiving Eve

Give from the heart on Wednesday—then give thanks on Thursday. This Thanksgiving Eve, Tie One On (an apron of course!) and bring joy to the life of someone in need.

Participation is easy and up lifting. Simply wrap a loaf of bread or baked goods in an apron and tuck an encouraging note or prayer into the pocket; then present your offering to a neighbor, friend, or person in your community who could benefit from your gesture of kindness. Tie One On—and put the “give” back into Thanksgiving. Note: There is also a Tie One On Day card that you can print from the website and include with your gift.

EllynAnne Geisel is the founder of Tie One On Day and has this to say about this unique approach to Thanksgiving. “Women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal, and it is within our historical linkage to share our bounty.”  

Featured Apron Patterns

You may have an apron to give away or might think of sewing a brand new version. Mary Mulari’s new apron pattern, Family Girls features three aprons in one pattern—adult, child, and doll. Sweet!

Cranberry Bread Recipe—a Thanksgiving Favorite

This is either our third or fourth year participating in Tie One On Day. Each year I give a different recipe. I can’t take credit for this year’s cranberry bread recipe because it’s from Ocean Spray. (Trivia: Did you know that Wisconsin is the largest grower of cranberries? I digress.)

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions


Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 5″ x 9″ loaf pan.
Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in a loaf pan.
Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight. Makes 1 loaf.


A Giveaway is at the Tie One On Day website

To encourage involvement and spread the word about Tie One On Day, leave a comment at their website to be included in their giveaway.

Bye for now,

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.
Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

Stitching a Sewing Community Together

Puyallup, WA, near Seattle, hosts the annual Sewing & Stitchery Expo where 30,000 sewing, quilting, and embroidery enthusiasts gather to share, learn, and enjoy. To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of this mega sewing event, the Sewing With Nancy team was invited to capture the unique camaraderie between designers, teachers, vendors, and attendees, which happens at this annual event.

Stitching a Sewing Community Together is this week’s Sewing With Nancy online video feature. Watch Sewing With Nancy online or on PBS. Here’s a preview of the show.

Learn Tips from a Pattern Designer

The episode begins with my interview with renowned sewing author, designer, and educator, Pati Palmer of Palmer/Pletsch Associates. Pati shares the process of designing patterns—she specializes in presenting ideas from our point of view.

See the Sewing World from a Pattern Company’s Perspective

Kathy Marrone, editor of Vogue Pattern magazine and also representing The McCall Pattern Company, presents a unique point of view of what a pattern company learns from attending a sewing event. Her insight might surprise you! (Notice the thumbs-up sign from Ben, our director. It must have been a good “take!”)

Ever Wonder about the Fabric Designing Process?

Tula Pink, graphic artist turned extraordinary fabric designer and quilt designer, shares how inspirations turn into fabric.

Learning—That’s What Sewing Expos are All About

I know you’ll enjoy my interview with Candice Jewett from Quality Sew & Vac in WA, an amazing serging instructor.

Just How Did this Expo Begin?

Joann Ross, Show Founder & Director, reminisces about the past while looking forward to the future.

Style Show Anyone?

Mary Collen, style show manager for the Sewing & Stitchery Expo, shares behind-the-scene activities of orchestrating approximately 14 free style shows during the 4-day event.

Meet and Greet

One of the benefits for me at a sewing or quilting event is to meet other sewing enthusiasts. After a seminar on Seams Unlikely, an enthusiastic group gathered for some chat time.

The Sewing & Stitchery Expo is held the ninth weekend of each year. If you’re lucky, you might see Mount Rainier. On the day we left, the mountain graced the sky. You can see it, ever so slightly, in the lower right hand corner of the photo. Side note: I attended the show for 10 years before I saw the majestic mountain. I was beginning to think that the much talked about mountain was photoshopped into pictures!

Watch this Episode of  Sewing With Nancy online.

Thanks to Ben, Inga, and Mike, three of the members of the Sewing With Nancy crew from Wisconsin Public TV, who recorded this event so that you can see how a sewing community is stitched together!

There are four seasons of programs to watch online, or on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone. Have you downloaded the app?

The random winner of the All Occasion Fabric Wraps book, which includes step-by-step instructions for 14 easy to sew fabric wraps, is Jennifer Fried. Jenny wrote, I really like the Aurora Wrap. I think would wear it a lot. It just has a special flare!! I always enjoy the shows with Mary!

A special thanks to the staff at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo for inviting us to be part of their 30th anniversary. Make your calendar for February 26–March 1, 2015, for the 31st event!

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks, Vol. 10 Now Available on Newsstands

I was honored to submit a quilt block for Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Vol. 10. Starting today, November 18, Vol. 10 is available on newsstands nationwide. Be sure to pick up your copy today!

I’m also pleased to be a part of the Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Blog Tour—a fun week of designers sharing their original blocks they’ve made for Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Vol. 10. Each day, Quiltmaker is showcasing a new set of participating designers on their blog. Visit quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/ everyday to see new blocks and to register daily to win a complimentary copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Vol. 10, plus a variety of other quilty treats like fabric, patterns, and my autobiography, Seams Unlikely.

For my 12-inch block I selected a landscape scene titled, Finally Spring. You’ll find my block featured on page 27 of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Vol. 10, where you’ll also find the pattern, fabric list, and assembly instructions. Remember Vol. 10 is available on newsstands nationwide today. Be sure to pick up your copy!

Quiltmaker has provided one free issue for me to give away here on my blog. For a chance to win a copy of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Vol. 10, please leave a comment below. Then, visit quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/ everyday to see new blocks and to register daily to win even more prizes.

Bye for now,

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.
Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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 Thankful

With very little effort or time, create a home décor accent with a laser-cut fusible appliqué. The be thankful laser-cut fusible appliqué is already cut out. Amazing!

Three Simple Sewing Steps

Choose fabric and back it with fusible interfacing
Remove the paper backing from the laser-cut appliqué. 

Center the appliqué on the fabric;  fuse. The appliqué is positioned!

Complete instructions for framing or stapling (yes stapling) the appliqué on a stretched-canvas frame are found in Nancy’s Fusible Appliques—Framing Instructions.

I am thankful for being able to share my love of sewing with you. Savor this special time of year with your family and friends.

Nancy Zieman Live Webcast 










Just a reminder to join me on November 22, 2014 for Nancy Zieman Live –90-minutes of easy gifts to sew in two evenings or less! Register before November 17 for $19.95/$29.95 after November 17. 

 

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

Great Ideas for Sewing Fashion-Forward Wraps

It’s easy to be fashion-forward while warding off a chill—just add a comfortable wrap! Sewing expert, Mary Mulari, joins me on Sewing With Nancy for the second episode of All Occasion Fabric Wraps to share how to transform your look in an instant. Watch online, on PBS, or DVD.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll learn
The Aurora Wrap

Choose an elegant fabric to wear when you’re out for the evening or select a knit fabric to make your next wrap to keep at your office for those days when the air conditioning is too cool. There are two ways to sew the Aurora Wrap—Mary and I show you both options.

Reading Wrap

With a book or an e-reader in your hand and this wrap around you, you’re all set for a warm and relaxing reading session. If you prefer a lighter-weight fabric, use the optional cutting line to transform the wrap front into a dressy pocket version.

On Point Wrap

Turn a large square scarf, which you haven’t been wearing anyway, into a flowing coverup to wear for an evening walk or a chill chaser over a sundress. The key to success is to add a faced neckline opening to the scarf—learn how on Sewing With Nancy. Find all the instructions in Mary’s book, plus the neckline patterns.

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Two Scarf Wrap

Sometime two identical scarves are just waiting for you to buy, take home, and sew only two seams. As Bobbie Jo can attest, the end wrap is delightful to wear!

 

Sweatshirt Wrap

This repurposing project makes use of a sweatshirt body and a necktie for a casual cover up. Check closets for sweatshirts and neckties no longer being worn and turn them into a wrap that is perfect for shopping at the Farmer’s Market.

Two-Button Wrap

Choose soft and warm fabric or recycle sweaters as shown here to create this wrap, which is a perfect extra layer. Accent the wrap with large, interesting buttons. The closure for this two-button wrap can be symmetrical or…offset. Let your mood influence your style.

The All Occasion Fabric Wraps book includes step-by-step instructions for 14 easy to sew fabric wraps! Soon I’ll be making the wrap featured on the cover, the Circle Wrap. It’s an amazing shape with great style!

Watch All Occasion Fabric Wraps Episode 2 Online

Did you watch the first episode? There are more great ideas featured on TV during the first episode of All Occasion Fabric Wraps.

For a chance to win a copy of All Occasion Fabric Wraps book, leave a comment below telling us which of this week’s featured wraps is your favorite. A winner will be announced on November 20.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

Hidden Quilt Binding Tutorial–Ideal for Art Quilts

Last week someone asked me, “Do you sew for fun?” The answer: Absolutely! I love to sew landscape quilts. Here’s my latest quilt, Sunset. When it came time to bind the quilt, I choose the leftover brown fabric from the background. After laying the binding strips around the quilt, the quilt looked constrained, closed-in. My solution? Add the binding, but make it hidden.

Hidden Quilt Binding Tutorial

We chose to make step-by-step samples of this binding technique from contrasting fabrics, using a small square of quilted fabric to represent the quilt. I must admit, the red/black/cream combo is in high contrast to the Sunset color scheme! Oops.

Measure the length of the quilt sides.
Cut binding strips 2-1/2″ wide.
Cut two binding strips the measurement of the quilt sides. (Piece the strips together, if needed, to create additional length.)

Fold the binding in half, meeting long edges and wrong sides; press.

Pin the binding to the quilt, right sides together, aligning the side edges.
Stitch with 1/4″ seam allowances.

Press the seam allowances toward the binding from the wrong side.

Fold the binding to the wrong side; pin the binding to the quilt.

Note from Nancy

Rather than placing the seam along the edge of the quilt, bring the seam ever so slightly toward the back of the quilt. (Notice the red edge along the left side, representing the quilt top.) The fabric naturally folds this way, while ensuring that the binding stays hidden from the right side. 

Hand stitch the folded edge of the binding to the wrong side, only catching the backing of the quilt in the stitching.

 

Measure the top and lower edges of the quilt.
Cut two binding strips the measurement of the top and lower edges plus 2″.
Pin the binding to the top and lower edges with 1″ of the binding extending at both ends.

Stitch the binding to the quilt with 1/4″ seam allowances.

Fold in the 1″ extensions and pin.

Fold the binding toward the back of the quilt, again allowing the seam to extend slightly to the back of the quilt.
Hand stitch.
Repeat the technique, adding the binding to the lower edge.

The binding is hidden!

Intrigued by Landscape Quilting?

Natalie Sewell and I wrote the book,  The Art of Landscape Quilting. I think you’ll enjoy the easy, creative process of landscape quilting.

More Binding Options

This is just one of several ways to bind a quilt. For additional techniques, see my book, Fearless Quilting Finishes. Or, check out this blog!  Fearless Quilting Finishes—Binding. (Note: The Hidden Quilt Binding is not included in the above book.)

Bye for now,

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.
Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

What Will Nancy Show During Her November 22 Webcast?

I admit it. I was vague in the initial blog posting announcing the November 22 Live Webcast, Easy Gifts to Sew in Two Evenings or Less! Why? Truthfully, I didn’t have all the projects, gifts, and techniques determined. But the gift ideas to sew in two evenings or less are no longer a secret.

On November 22, a Saturday, you can watch a live webcast at your computer. Choose a time that is convenient for you—there are two options listed below. I’ll be demonstrating numerous gifts and home décor items to make, plus pass along sewing tips. During the webcast, you can email questions to me; I’ll answer them right then and there! Plus you can rewatch the webcast as often as you like for the next 30-days.

What Will I Learn in Nancy’s Webcast

If you’ve been wondering that very question, here are insights into the topics and a look at some of the projects and fabrics I’ll be showing.

Learn how to serge a scarf in an hour.
Use the Dresden Quilt Template to create several decorating ideas.
Learn how specialty fabrics like clear vinyl, chalkboard fabric, quilted iron-quick, and more can be used to create handy projects for the home.
Create gifts for kids using time-saving notions.
Learn how to apply my time-saving tips to your sewing and quilting projects.

It’s Live!

If you’ve never participated in a webcast,watch the What’s a Webcast? video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB81ov92OAI

For those who register, we’ll send you a link to the webcast the day before the event (November 21). On November 22, log on 15 minutes before your scheduled time, you’ll see a slate counting down until the time of the live event.

Wondering if your Internet connection is up to the task? Test your viewing ability by clicking here. This test link is live. It may take a little time to load. If you can see a rock ledge and coastal waves, you’ll be able to watch Nancy Zieman Live. (Most of you should not have any issues watching the video.)

Save

Exclusive online specials will be available to you from Nancy’s Notions on the day of the webcast.

Early Bird Special—Save $10

One Price—Two Time Options

Register before November 18, 2014 and pay only $19.95 for the 90-minute webcast on November 22, 2014. (Price after November 18 is $29.95.)

The fee includes:

A link to watch one of the two Nancy Zieman Live webcasts (A link to the webcast will be emailed to participants on November 21.)
The ability to have your questions answered during the webcast
A link to specials offered by Nancy’s Notions
A free downloadable quilt project sheet
Ability to re-watch the recorded webcast for 30 days.

Two Time Options 
Both 90-minute webcasts will cover the same topics. Since they’re both live, each will be personalized by the questions or, hmm, my whims! The webcast will be recorded and made available to registered attendees. The link to re-watch the webcast will be emailed to registered attendees in the days following the webcast.

We’ll be broadcasting live from the Central Time Zone–near Madison, WI. Choose the time that best fits your schedule.

November 22: Times/time zone for Webcast Option One:

11:00 AM—12:30 PM (Eastern Time)
10:00 AM—11:30 AM (Central Time)
9:00 AM—10:30 AM (Mountain Time)
8:00 AM—9:30 AM (Pacific Time)
7:00 AM—8:30 AM (Alaska Daylight Time)
5:00 AM—7:30 AM (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

November 22: Times/time zone for Webcast Option Two:

2:00 PM—3:30 AM (Eastern Time)
1:00 PM—2:30 PM (Central Time)
12:00 PM—1:30 PM (Mountain Time)
11:00 AM—12:30 PM (Pacific Time)
10:00 AM—11:30 AM (Alaska Daylight Time)
8:00 AM—9:30 AM (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

(For our followers in other parts of the world, convert your time zone by clicking here. We’ll be broadcasting live from Beaver Dam, WI—not far from Madison, WI.)

Viewer Comments from Past Webcasts

“It was as though I was in a class and could see more detail than actually being there.”

“Thank you for the live webcast and do more of them! It’s refreshing, cutting edge, and very inclusive for those who can’t attend sewing and quilting events in our local neighborhoods.”

“You can see the details on the webcast so much better than being in a shop and having a demonstration. There was great interaction with e-mailing Nancy.”

Thank you to our Sponsors

Hope to see you on November 22!

If you have questions or comments, please contact us.

Bye for now,

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.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

Fabric Wraps You’ll Love to Sew and Wear

With a yard or two of fabric and a few sewing steps, you can easily sew more than 14 clever wraps. Designer and author  Mary Mulari takes a practical, yet stylish approach to sewing wraps. This week on Sewing With Nancy online you’ll learn how to sew wraps that provide a laid-back look, wraps that are perfect for formal dress, or wraps that simply keep your shoulders warm. Here’s a preview of the first episode of All Occasion Fabric Wraps.

Rita’s Wrap

With a rectangle of fabric you can create fashionable yet functional wraps. The first option begins with a simple-shaped wrap that can be paired with jeans or a little black dress, depending upon the fabric. Named the Rita wrap, this casual version is made with soft plush fabric that won’t slip from your shoulders.

 

Go-Two Wrap

Cleverly designed armhole openings give this wrap two wearing options. The first option sports a small drapable collar with a longer, graceful length.

Or, wear the wrap with the longer length above the shoulders and a shawl collar magical appears. You can see why we call this the Go-Two Wrap.

Twist Wrap

Transform a long, flat rectangle of fabric into a wrap that cascades around your shoulders and gracefully twists at the center. Use knits or woven fabrics, it doesn’t matter at all!

If the fabric has a distinctive right and wrong side, create a double twist. You get to decide!

Side note: I made this wrap to wear for a wedding, using a sequined knit fabric. I didn’t finish the edges since the fabric doesn’t ravel. The sewing and cutting time was 20 minutes!

All-Weather Wrap

On a cool or partly cloudy day, wear this wrap as another layer of comfort. When it rains, put up the hood.

For a day at the beach, the wrap adapted from a beach towel becomes a bathing suit cover up. How’s that for versatility!

Off-Center Wrap
Start with a pashmina shawl, a rectangle of microfiber plush, or luxurious silk, and in minutes you’ll be wearing an off-center wrap. Bobbie Jo is showcasing an ombré silk that is shaped with a single seam that has an added drawcord. 

One Seam Ruffle Shawl

Stretch fabrics with continuous rows of ruffles are the perfect choice for this next One Seam Ruffle Shawl. The texture of the fabric gives the focal point, while you just cut out the patterns and stitch the single seam.

The All Occasion Fabric Wraps book includes detailed step by step instructions and illustrations for 14 easy to sew fabric wraps!

Watch All Occasion Fabric Wraps Online or on Your Mobile Device.

For a chance to win a copy of the All Occasion Fabric Wraps book, leave a comment below telling us which of this week’s featured wraps is your favorite. A winner will be announced on November 20.

The random winner of Joan Hinds’ Doll Costume Dress Up book is Marie Williams who said: I have several of Joan Hinds’ books and I’ve always enjoyed making the doll clothing patterns in them. I love the fairy pattern and think that I would make it first.

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 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.

How to Create No-Sew Fabric Napkins

This past weekend, we entertained family and I decided since it was November, why not get out the Thanksgiving table linens. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, so why not celebrate all month! But there was a problem—eight napkins with nine guests! Remembering that I still had fabric leftover from my napkin making several years ago, I hurriedly created another napkin, the no-sew way.

I learned the technique from Gail Brown and Mary Mulari from their book, Simply Napkins. All you need is fabric, a pinking blade for your 45 mm rotary cutter, and 1/2″ EZ Steam II paper-backed fusible web.

Here’s how to create No-Sew Fabric Napkins

Cut the fabric 1″ larger than the finished size of the napkins. Trim the edges with the pinking blade. (Trim on a rotary cutting mat.)

Fuse the 1/2″ EZ Steam II  paper-backed fusible web to the north and south ends of each square.

Remove the paper.

Press under 1/2″.

Repeat the fusing process, adding the fusible tape to the east and west sides of the fabric square.

Ta da!

You may wonder if the fusing will hold through washings. Gail Brown made me 20 napkins years ago, using this technique. These napkins are used at least twice a year and they still are fused along the edges. Amazing!

Simply Napkins

Mary and Gail’s book is still available. You’ll be pleased to have a copy!

Bye for now,

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