Nancy Zieman's Blog, page 66

McCall’s M7871 Easy Tunic and Dress Pattern

The McCall Pattern Company and Team Nancy Zieman are delighted to bring you The Nancy Zieman Productions TM Collection of sewing patterns designed for those of us who love to sew and have limited sewing time.

We’re designing patterns to be sewn with Nancy Zieman’s innovative sewing techniques. Within each of our McCall’s patterns, we give you construction tips and specific hints how sewing notions can be used to save time. You’ll find that in a matter of hours you can sew fashion garments and make your daily style pop.

McCall’s M7871 Knit Dress and Tunic Pattern

McCall’s M7871 Knit Dress and Tunic Pattern by Team NZP! It’s multisized. Add a statement necklace, or a scarf with gold or silver accents, and you’ll sparkle at your holiday gathering.

NEW! McCall ’s M7871 Knit Tunic View A

Loose-fitting pullover tunic View A Tunic has side front and side back insets, easy welt pockets, and 3/4 sleeves with vent.

NEW! McCall ’s M7871 Knit Dress View B

This update on the classic shift dress is a loose-fitting, pullover design. View B has side front and side back insets, easy mock-welt pockets, long sleeves, and slightly longer length that the View A Tunic.

McCall’s M7871 Knit Dress and Tunic Pattern is multisized and includes sizes 6-8-10-12-14-16-18-20-22! View A and view B both include a flattering V-neckline with designer darts—easy designer details! We chose Ponte knits with lycra for style and comfort, when sewing our tunic and dress.

McCall’s has been a supportive sponsor of the “Sewing with Nancy” television show, hosted by Nancy Zieman. “Sewing with Nancy” is available on public television, Create TV, and online at nancyzieman.com. Tune in and join Nancy and friends for 30 minutes of how-to TV—emphasizing contemporary sewing techniques with Nancy Zieman’s signature timesaving techniques.

 

For a chance to win a copy of NZP’s NEW! McCall’s M7871 Knit Dress and Tunic Pattern, please leave a comment below. The McCall Pattern Company will give away one pattern to one US resident in the 48 contiguous states.

 

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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.

The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.

Learn to Use a Free-Motion Quilting Foot and More

Free-motion quilting is a technique that often is intimidating to beginning quilters. Trust us, you don’t need courage to attempt free-motion quilting, only practice! Here’s the best way to practice; the stitches are completely camouflaged by textured fabric. It’s the perfect testing ground for this specialty technique, using a quilting foot.

Watch Nancy Zieman demonstrate this technique plus others during the final episode of  Fancy Footworks 2, on The Best of Sewing With Nancy. 

A Close-up Look at the Free-Motion Quilting Foot

The Free-Motion Quilting Foot Characteristics (We’re showing the Big Foot):

A shorter shank allows the foot to ride slightly above the fabric.
The large opening in the needle area gives a clearer view of the stitching.
Big Foot, a transparent saucer-like foot, easily glides over several thickness of fabric.

 

Choose a fun cotton fabric print with spaces between the print images.
Place a layer of Stitch & Steam  behind the fabric and pin the two fabrics together. ( Stitch & Steam  shrinks up to 30%—it’s the key element in no-fear free-motion quilting!)

Set your sewing machine for a straight stitch and lower your feed dogs.
Guide fabric with your hands, stitching squiggles or shapes comparable to traditional “puzzle-pieces.” Use matching thread. (We chose contrasting thread for demonstration purposes.)

When finished, apply steam using a steam iron, and the fabric magically shrinks creating a beautiful permanent texture.

There’s more on the TV show!

Three additional presser feet are featured in Fancy Footworks 2 Part Three. Tune in and see the Bias Binding Foot—designed to assist in stitching bias tape on the edge of fabric, Sequins’ N Ribbon Foot—tames unruly trims like sequin tape, ribbon, or even rick rack, and the Buttonhole Foot.

Watch  F ancy Footworks 2   ( Part One , Part Two  and  Part Three)  on The Best of  Sewing With Nancy  online.

Now that you are acquainted with these assorted presser feet, which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments for a chance to win the Ultimate Fancy Footworks book from Nancy’s Notions.

 

Happy Sewing and Quilting,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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.

The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!

More Recycled Jeans Projects in 10-20-30 Minutes

“Who uses minutes has hours to use; who loses minutes whole years must lose.” That great quote sums up the Nancy Zieman method of sewing—10 minutes here, 20 minutes there. Nancy created this minutes-to-sew sewing principle for fashion sewing and quilting, and now for recycling jeans. In part two of the Sewing With Nancy TV mini-series, 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans and in the book by the same name, Nancy shows you how to utilize a few minutes, here and there, to recycle jeans into fun sewing projects!

Soft-Sided Bins

Store craft items, sewing supplies, toiletries, or stationery in these flexible bins. The ready-made pockets give double the storage space. Plus, the bins can be stored flat when not in use. This is recycling at it’s best! When you watch online, you’ll learn the basics of taking apart cast-off jeans and making something creative.

 

Double Duty Mat

When you need flexibility in sewing, create the Double Duty Mat to use as a sewing station and pressing mat. First the sewing station: Set the machine on the largest portion of the mat, which provides a handy area of notions to be stored directly below the mat. Or, slide the mat to a flat surface and use as a pressing area, again with storage options. Outdated jeans provide the stability and pockets for this upcycled project.

Crossbody Jeans Bag

Create a casual bag that’s just the right size to carry essentials—wallet, keys, phone, or a tablet. A recycled pair of jeans provides automatic pocket space without any extra sewing time. You’ll soon see that the crossbody bag can easily be made in a little over 2-hours.

Two-for-One Apron

Make two aprons from one pair of jeans—a recycling bonus! One apron will feature the front pockets while the other apron features the back pockets. Add binding, a ruffle, and a fabric belt for functionality and a little frill.

See more practical and fresh projects in Nancy’s book/DVD, 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans.

10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans
Restyle your worn out jeans into clever and useful accessories. Learn 30 Minutes to Sew techniques to create 13 durable projects for your home and closet. Give new life to well-loved denim by sewing bags, home organizers, kitchen essentials, and children’s projects.


Walk through denim deconstruction before jumping right in with projects you’ll love. Discover new and novel finishing techniques as you sew up a variety of gifts in minutes.


These projects are perfect for the beginning sewist, or anyone who wants to refresh their skills. This new book walks you through it all, with full-color, step-by-step instructions in an easy-to-understand manner. Build your skill set and confidence from one project to the next.


Follow along with the 50-minute DVD, as Nancy guides you from deconstruction to lovely gifts in no time flat.


Watch 10-20-20 Minutes to Recycle Jeans (Part One and Part Two) on The Best of Sewing With Nancy online.

Have you thought about your next recycled sewing project for 2019? Leave a comment in the comment section below for a chance to win the 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans book from Nancy’s Notions. 

 

The randomly selected winner of Nancy Zieman’s New! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack from the February 26 blog post is Bev Bolduc Aldridge.

Her comment is: I have been following Nancy Zieman and her projects and tips for many years. Nancy has been a testament to her love of sewing and making life easier without giving up/in. I have made many clothes and other sewn items which all turned out great using her methods. I am hoping to create a pillow for the Nancy Zieman Productions 2019 Pillow Sewing Challenge, just need to figure out what size to make.

 

 

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is today, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

 

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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.

The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!

March 2019 Block of the Month: Windmill Quilt Block

2019 Block of the Month—March: “Windmill” Quilt Block

In January, Team Nancy Zieman introduced the first of 12 blocks in the New! Summer Picnic 2019 FREE! Block of the Month Series. Find the January and February Quilt Block Tutorials under Popular Blog Posts: 2019 Block of the Month. Join the New! Summer Picnic 2019 Block of the Month Series, anytime, by viewing the supply listing in the January 5th NZP Blog Posting.

Each month, we’re featuring one quilt block design. The quilt blocks are created using Nancy Zieman’s NEW! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack* from Riley Blake Designs (*18″ x 22″ fabric rectangles) plus background, sashing, border, and binding fabrics. Follow along as we demonstrate how to create the March “Windmill” Quilt Block (below).

Keep your fabric choices sorted using this handy Fabric Planner diagram.Download the planner HERE. Make notes or pin swatches to remind you of the fabric placements.

2019 Block of the Month Afternoon Picnic March PDF

 

Choose the Fabrics

For the New! Summer Picnic 2019 FREE! Block of the Month Series, “Windmill” March Quilt Block, select the following fabrics from your Nancy Zieman’s NEW! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack from Riley Blake Designs and a Nancy Zieman’s No-Hassle Triangle Gauge by Clover.

Afternoon Picnic Black Rose, Afternoon Picnic Blue Gingham

March “Windmill” Block

Instructions: (Each block is a 12″ finished square. Finished quilt measures approximately 44-1/2″ x 57-1/2″)

1. Create the “Windmill” Quilt Block with easy modified 1/4-square blocks.

Cut Fabric for Block

Cut one 7-1/4″ square from Afternoon Picnic Black Rose.
Cut one 7-1/4″ square from Afternoon Picnic Blue Gingham.
Cut two 6-7/8″ squares from Afternoon Picnic Black Rose.

Construct The Units

All seam allowances are scant 1/4″ unless otherwise stated.

The step-by-step photos illustrate construction of the block.

Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

1. Create two 1/2-square triangle blocks.

Align 7-1/4″ squares from Afternoon Picnic Black Rose and Blue Gingham, right sides together.



Mark blocks using a No-Hassle Triangles Gauge and an erasable  gel pen.
Use a No-Hassle Triangles Gauge . The left side of the gauge is designated to create 1/2-square triangle blocks. Depress button on sliding portion of the gauge and move to size of the desired 1/2-square triangle.

Place No-Hassle Triangles Gauge on block set, corner to corner. Match corner marks of gauge with corner of block sets. Mark fabric through center of gauge with an erasable gel pen.

 

Stitch Blocks

Align presser foot along one side of center mark, stitch. Rotate block, stitch along other side of center mark.
Cut block apart along center marking with rotary cutter , ruler and mat.

Press seams to the Afternoon Picnic Black Rose side of the squares.

Create Four Modified 1/4-square Blocks

Align each 1/2-square triangle to one 6-7/8″ Afternoon Picnic Black Rose square, right sides together.

Mark as a 1/4-square using a No-Hassle Triangles Gauge and an  erasable gel pen .
Stitch squares.





The advantage of using the No-Hassle Triangle Gauge is accuracy. It’s easy to double-check that the block set fits within the confines of the gauge. If the block set extends beyond or is shorter, trim or cut another block.


Using a rotary cutter , cut squares into 1/4-triangles.
Press the seam to the Afternoon Picnic Black Rose side of the square.

2. Lay out block following diagram. Rotate squares as necessary.

3. Stitch the block together joining squares to form a block.

Place squares from top row onto bottom row, right sides together, stitch.
Place squares from first column onto second column, right sides together, stitch together to create a complete block.
Press seams open, or press seams to alternate sides.

Nancy Zieman’s No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book shows exactly how to create this block and 11 others. For best results, use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge.

 

Watch No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks (Part One and Part Two) on The Best of Sewing With Nancy online.

 

For a chance to be the random winner of a Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack fabric pack, please leave a comment below.

The randomly selected winners of a copy of Nancy Zieman the Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends, published by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC, from the March 9 blog post are:

BOOK GIVEAWAY #1—Bertie L. Stringfellow

Her comment is: I have watched Nancy from the beginning, she always gave such detailed information, so calm and assuring. I loved her inspirational stories. I made chemo caps for friends. If I had a problem with a project, I knew where to go for help.

I still have tears when I think of her…she was such an inspiration to anyone who knew her, and we all felt like she was our dear friend. I have her Seams Unlikely book, and it made me feel closer to her and her family. I will miss her for the rest of my life.

 

BOOK GIVEAWAY #2—Chris

Her Comment is: This book was a very “fast read” and a beautiful “conclusion” to a life of faith, love, hope, inspiration, dedication, commitment, hard work, vision, friendship, and so much more. Nancy’s story is far from over, though, as she continues to live in the hearts of those she touched with her TV show, books, blogs, DVDs, and Nancy’s Notions. This book was an inspirational telling of “another side” of Nancy’s life. Thank you, Richard, for your perspective.

BOOK GIVEAWAY #3—Linda Heimerl

Her comment is: I bought and read Nancy’s autobiography, Seams Unlikely, and having met Nancy briefly at the Sewing Weekends, was captivated by not only her talent but her friendliness and her “realness.” I learned from her autobiography that we shared many things in our lives, from heritage and background, to interests and even some physical problems.  

When Richard wrote The Rest of the Story I had to have it and read it.  Nancy was truly an inspiration, not only with her TV show and fun sewing techniques, but also as a woman of faith and grace.  She truly lived life to the fullest and set a beautiful example for all of us.  
My daughters have also read her autobiography and now Richard’s biography and grew up watching Sewing With Nancy. Now my granddaughter is watching Nancy’s shows and her I Sew for Fun book is becoming well worn.
Nancy’s legacy will continue to live on in the lives of all of us who had the privilege of meeting her and sharing her creative passion.
Thank you for wonderful reading!
Congratulations winners, please email your mailing address to info@ziemanproductions.com.

 

 

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is, NEXT TUESDAY, March 19, 2019.

 

 

Happy Quilting,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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.

The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!

Learn to Use the Flower Stitch Foot and More

Nancy Zieman learned to sew using two presser feet—the all-purpose sewing foot and a zipper foot. Soon she discovered that specialty presser feet could improve her sewing skills. Much later she passed this information along in a series titled, Fancy Footworks. Not all sewing machine feet were featured in that series, so you guessed it—a sequel, Fancy Footworks 2. 

A Close-up Look at the Flower Stitch Foot

What could be called the high heels of sewing machine feet, the Flower Stitch Presser Foot is a fancy-occasion presser foot. It is an ideal creative option for mid-range sewing machines.

The Flower Stitch Presser Foot Characteristics:

Rotating disk
Pattern settings: Plus to minus settings to create S—M—L flower sizes
Attachment lever that fits over the needle clamp

Attach the Flower Stitch Foot to your machine, grab a fabric scrap and a piece of stabilizer, and start experimenting with different built-in utility stitches. No fancy embroidery machine needed here.

Prepare the fabric and test

Whether testing or sewing the actual project, always back the fabric with a fusible interfacing and also a stabilizer. Nancy used Pellon Sof-Shape Interfacing and a Tear-away Hydro-stick Stabilizer.

To create the flower stitches, Nancy started with a basic zigzag stitch or satin stitch. When she found a design she liked, she wrote down her sewing machine settings and stitch number next to the flower stitchout.

When watching the The Best of Sewing With Nancy, Fancy Footworks 2, you’ll see exactly how to use this presser foot.

Our guess is that your testing sample will look a lot like Nancy’s!

When it’s time to sew on your featured fabric, be sure to add the interfacing and stabilizer mentioned above.

There’s more on the TV show!

Two additional presser feet are featured in Fancy Footworks 2, Part Two. Tune in and see the Stitch-N-Ditch Foot—for easy work of quilt binding, and the Teflon Foot—ideal for hard-to-sew fabrics.

Watch F ancy Footworks 2   ( Part One , Part Two and Part Three)  on The Best of  Sewing With Nancy online.

Now that you are acquainted with these assorted presser feet, which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments for a chance to win the Ultimate Fancy Footworks book from Nancy’s Notions.  

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

 

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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.

The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!

Take 10-20-30 Minutes for Recycled Jeans Projects

Sewing is a creative outlet and a favorite therapy for many of us. The NZP team enjoys making time for sewing each day. Some days it’s 10 minutes in the morning, or 20 minutes in the afternoon. This is how Nancy Zieman accomplished most sewing tasks, regardless of the project. If you’ve tuned in to watch Sewing With Nancy, in the past, you likely know that the “10-20-30 minutes to sew, quilt, create” method was developed by Nancy in the ’80s. Now we’ve applied this concept to recycling jeans. Curious? Learn how at the The Best of Sewing With Nancy, 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans and in the book of the same title.

60-Minute Jeans Pot Holders

In about an hour, create a pair of durable recycled jeans pot holders that are pliable and easy to use, while giving protection from the heat of hot dishes. Watch 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans to learn the basics of taking apart cast-off jeans, and making something creative.

Bunkhouse Bib

When it’s chow time at the ranch or most likely lunchtime at home, make adorable bibs for your little buckaroos. The durable yet colorful bib features parts of a cast-off pair of jeans and a bright bandana. Sewing time for this recycling project is again approximately an hour.

BBQ Placemat

Team up your casual meals with upcycled jeans placemats. These BBQ Placemats are durable, and add a down-home flair to a meal with family or friends. Two placemats can easily be made from a no longer worn pair of jeans. Plus, there will be extra “fabric” left over to use in other recycling projects.

Tailgate Casserole Carrier

Durable and eclectic in style with a novel utensil holder, this casserole carrier will become your favorite hot or cold food carrier. Combined with insulated fabrics, the carrier can be made from an adult pair of jeans in approximately two-hours of time.

The Book: 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans
Restyle your worn out jeans into clever and useful accessories. Learn 30 minutes to sew techniques to create 13 durable projects for your home and closet. Give new life to well-loved denim by sewing bags, home organizers, kitchen essentials, and kids projects.


Walk through denim deconstruction before jumping right in with projects you’ll love. Discover new and novel finishing techniques as you sew up a variety of gifts in minutes.


The 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans book is perfect for the beginning sewist, or anyone who wants to refresh their sewing skills. It walks you through a variety of techniques, with full-color, step-by-step instructions in an easy-to-understand manner. Build your skill set and confidence from one project to the next.


Follow along with the 50-minute DVD, as Nancy guides you from deconstruction to lovely gifts in no time flat.

Watch 10-20-20 Minutes to Recycle Jeans on The Best of Sewing With Nancy .

Have you thought about your next recycled sewing project for 2019? Leave a comment in the comment section below for a chance to win the 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans book from Nancy’s Notions.

 

 

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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.

The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!

Nancy Zieman – The Rest of the Story Interview with Richard Zieman and Book Giveaway

In a recent interview with the NZP Team, Richard Zieman (Nancy Zieman’s husband) shares memories, conversations with Nancy, and why he wrote his new book, Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends.

In this new biography, Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends, Richard shares an intimate look into Nancy’s life and career—focusing mainly on the five years since Nancy’s autobiography, Seams Unlikely, written in 2012.

“Prior to Nancy’s passing, in November 2017, Nancy and I talked about the positive reach of Seams Unlikely and the powerful stories shared by readers, and by Sewing With Nancy viewers, on how Nancy’s perserverance and faith deeply impacted their lives and inspired their own perserverance. Nancy and I talked several times about writing a second book—to tell the ‘rest of the story.’ My new book, Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends picks up where Seams Unlikely ended, and includes Nancy’s personal reflections on her life, career, faith, and the many blessings of family and friends—especially during her final months.”     Richard Zieman

Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends begins with a recap, from Seams Unlikely, and shares Nancy’s life story from childhood to early adulthood—when Ms. Nancy Luedtke meets Mr. Richard Zieman.

Richard included a DVD within the inside back cover of his book. This special DVD shares an exclusive visual account of Nancy’s life story in a very personal and memorable way.

From left to right, Ted Zieman, Luella Zieman, Alison Zieman, Richard Zieman, Barbara Luedkte Eckstein, Avery Zieman, Nancy Zieman, Warren Eckstein, Tom Zieman, Katelyn Zieman, and Adeline Zieman

Richard shares his thoughts in an excerpt from the book prologue in Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends:

“Nancy started her autobiography, Seams Unlikely, with the words, ‘I never intended to write an autobiography.’ In similar fashion, I never intended to write Nancy’s biography, at least not so soon, picking up where Seams Unlikely ended. But those who knew Nancy Zieman personally, as well as those who appreciated Nancy’s role in the sewing and quilting industry, form a unique community of people who care deeply and respectfully for others. I want them to know the rest of Nancy’s story.

Although she had a very public professional life, Nancy was at heart a very reserved person who shared the difficulties of her life with few people. She was quiet about her physical challenges, especially those that plagued the last few years of her life, and she always tried to look on the positive side of things.

Nancy left us on November 14, 2017, and almost immediately people began requesting the story of the final years of her life. One might expect that those five years were filled with sadness and pain—and there was a lot of that—but in those years Nancy also kept looking and planning for the future. She never stopped dreaming or creating.”

From left to right, Donna Fenske, Gail Brown, Mary Mulari, Pat Hahn, Laurie Gorman, Nancy Zieman, Natalie Sewell, and Eileen Roche.

“I wrote this book for those who came to know Nancy personally, as well as those who felt a personal relationship with Nancy as viewers of Sewing With Nancy. In the book I share an intimate look into our family life and Nancy’s career. I’ve included Nancy’s personal reflections on her life, career, faith, and the many blessings of family and friends—especially during her final months.”  

 

“Nancy’s story is the story of those she touched. And, because of that, I thank the viewers of Sewing With Nancy along with those who appreciate the sewing products she created and all those whom Nancy touched professionally in one way or another.”    Richard Zieman

 

Thank you to Richard Zieman for sharing his insights with NZP Blog readers. As we celebrate Nancy’s legacy, we remember her strength and perseverance during tough times and happy times. Nancy Zieman the Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends—A NEW! book by Nancy Zieman’s husband, Richard Zieman—is a moving and inspiring account of an unexpected journey with life’s final challenges. Richard, along with family and friends, share personal stories of the faith, family, and friendships that sustained Nancy.

BOOK GIVEAWAY #1

For a chance to win a copy of Nancy Zieman the Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends, published by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC, please leave a comment below. One random winner will be selected.

BOOK GIVEAWAY #2

If you’ve already read Nancy Zieman the Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends, please head over to the Nancy’s Notions website, and leave a Book Review. One random winner will be selected.

BOOK GIVEAWAY #3

If you’ve already read Nancy Zieman the Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends, please email your Book Review to info@ziemanproductions.com. One random winner will be selected.

The randomly selected winner of a copy of Nancy Zieman’s I Sew For Fun book with DVD from Nancy’s Notions, from the March 2 blog post, is Darell Nenonen.

The comment is: I am 72 years old and have just bought a sewing machine to begin sewing. I would love to make a quilt for each of my grandchildren and this one seems so simple for me to understand and complete. The instructions and accompanying illustrations are fantastic; makes it so much easier to comprehend!

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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. The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!

The Best of Sewing With Nancy Ultimate Fancy Footworks

Do you ever wonder how to use specialty sewing machine presser feet? You’re not alone! Many of us rarely change presser feet and subsequently never reap the creative benefits of sewing.

The goal of this three-part Sewing With Nancy, Fancy Footworks 2, series is to put your mind at ease and show you exactly how and when to use these sometimes unique-looking feet. In the first episode, get the inside scoop on an Invisible Zipper Foot, a Walking Foot, a Roller Foot, and an Edgestitching Foot.

In the next couple weeks, we will feature episodes from this three-part series of The Best of Sewing With Nancy online videos. Click here to watch the first, second, and third episodes, plus you can reference printed information in the book, Ultimate Fancy Footworks.

First, the Invisible Zipper Foot

It was designed to do one thing and do that process well, namely to use when inserting an invisible zipper. In this TV show, Nancy Zieman breaks down the process in a few simple steps.

The Roller Foot

For smooth sailing over varied thicknesses of fabric, stitching napped fabrics, and sewing on tacky surfaces, use the Roller Foot. See it in action gliding over fabric, alleviating the “pushing” on the underside of the foot as the feed dogs “bite” the fabric. The Roller Foot also works great when making Thread & Trim Pizza. Tune in to learn the recipe.

The  Walking Foot

The third featured foot makes the edges of a seam meet perfectly. Or, quilt multiple layers of fabric without shifting when using a Walking Foot. It’s a hard-working presser foot that most sewing and quilting enthusiasts shouldn’t be without.

 

The  Edgestitching Foot

When a satin edge or appliquéd edge is next on your sewing agenda, use the Edgestitching Foot. Designed with an even zigzag stitch in mind, this specialty foot provides a uniform stitch, ideal for finishing edges.

Watch F ancy Footworks 2 ( Part One , Part Two, and Part Three)  on The Best of Sewing With Nancy .

Now that you are acquainted with these assorted presser feet, which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments for a chance to win the Ultimate Fancy Footworks book from Nancy’s Notions.

The randomly selected winner of a copy of the book  Fast and Fleecy Accessories from Nancy’s Notions, from the February 21 & 28 blog posts is Lu Rae Smith.

Her Comment is: I would make the texting gloves first and then the scarf with pockets.

 

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

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Pillow Sewing Challenge Round Up

As the calendar turns to April, it’s time to start thinking spring/summer decorating. Pillows are a go-to project for any skill level, they’re quickly sewn in most any size, and they can be made in multiple styles!

Tutorials Included

Wrapped Pillow Corners
Boxed Pillow Corners
Envelope Pillow Backs
Embroidered Pillow Wraps
Recycled Button-up Shirt Pillow
Throw Pillows Made from Quilt Blocks
Pillows from Quilted Fabrics


Wrapped Pillow Corners

Pillows, collars, and cuffs are just a few of the areas where corners need to be sewn. Cast aside the traditional technique and incorporate Nancy Zieman’s “absolute easiest way” to handle sewing corners. Learn to make crisp pillow corners using this tutorial .

Boxed Pillow Corners

Give your living space a breath of fresh air by sewing new pillows. These boxed-cornered pillows are almost effortless to make. Learn how to add a nice boxy edge to each of the four corners. Learn how to make the boxed-corner pillows here .
Envelope Pillows

You can, of course, make any pillow design you wish. We thought this easy pattern might spark your creative juices. The Lattice Pillow features four machine appliquéd strips of fabric interlaced on a solid square. The pillow back is created in an envelope style and uses a hook-and-loop closure.

Embroidered Pillow Wraps


You can easily change your home décor with a little fabric and a great embroidery design with this pillow wrap project. Embroider a seasonal motif on fabric or choose an elegant fabric design to complement your décor. Then, follow these simple directions to create a pillow wrap, or two! We’ve made this pillow wrap two-sided, which will save time, fabric, and add a splash to the family room all year ’round. Find the embroidered pillow wrap tutorial here .
Recycled Button-up Shirt Pillow

Lumberjack Pillow—from a flannel shirt: We call this recycled-garment project our Lumberjack Pillow, although you could make this from a loved ones’ shirt and sew a memory pillow as well. The technique used to fit the shirt around the pillow form allows for many shirts and pillow sizes to be created easily.

Throw Pillows Made From Quilt Blocks

Along our quilting journey, we try new techniques and test interesting ideas. Sometimes these valuable lessons and attempts yield “orphan blocks” or leftover quilt blocks that don’t belong to a larger quilt. Take one or more of these treasured quilt blocks and sew them into throw pillows. It’s an easy idea that doesn’t require any additional quilting! See how easy it is to convert your quilt blocks to pillows using this tutorial.

Pillows from Quilted Fabrics

Making pillows from double-sided prequilted fabrics is easier than you think! Nancy was smitten with the quilted eyeglass frames and polka dot duo from Riley Blake, knowing that a trio of pillows were destined for this playful fabric. Learn how to work with this fabric type in the Pillow Trio Tutorial.

Pillow Size Reference Chart:

Watch Absolute Easiest Way to Sew (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on The Best of Sewing With Nancy.

    For a chance to win a copy of  The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew, available at Nancy’s Notions, please leave a comment below and let us know which room you plan to make new pillows for.

        The randomly selected winner of Nancy Zieman’s New! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack from the February 26 blog post is Leslie Marling.

Her comment is: I am seriously considering joining in this challenge. I am in between projects and this should be a quick one to do before I start another quilt. Thanks for offering such great prizes!

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

 

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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. The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!

I Sew For Fun Project Tutorial: Two-Piece Block Quilt

Celebrate March as National Quilting Month and sew a super-easy quilt, with six fun fabrics, and Nancy Zieman’s I Sew For Fun Two-Piece Quilt Block Tutorial (below). Precut your fabrics; then set a stitching date with your little sewing partner!

Two-Piece Block Quilt from the  I Sew For Fun Book, by Nancy Zieman

Approximate Finished Block Size: 8″ x 8″

Approximate Unfinished Block Size: 8½” x 8½”

Approximate Quilt Finished Size: 36″ x 44½”

Supplies Needed:

⅜ yd. Fabric A-blocks
⅜ yd. Fabric B-blocks
⅜ yd. Fabric C-blocks
⅜ yd. Fabric D-blocks
⅜ yd. Fabric E-blocks
1-3/4 yd. Fabric F—blocks and backing
36″ x 44½” batting

 

Optional: Spray-starch fabrics with a starch alternative, such as Best Press.

Instructions:

Please read all instructions before beginning. Use the width of the presser foot as the depth of the seam allowances.

1. Prepare and cut fabrics:

Press and straighten fabrics.
Using a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat:

- Cut two 4½” crosswise strips from Fabrics A–F.

 - Cut one 50″ x 41-1/2” rectangle from Fabric F, for backing with self-binding. Set aside.

2. Pair the following sets, right sides together, long edges aligned:

• Fabric A with Fabric B

• Fabric C with Fabric D

• Fabric E with Fabric F

Stitch each pair along one lengthwise seam to form strata.

Press seam flat, then toward darker fabric.

Subcut each strata into 8½” blocks.

- Cut seven A/B blocks.

- Cut six C/D blocks.

- Cut seven E/F blocks.

 3. Arrange blocks as diagrammed below.

This is a fun part of quilting! It is much easier to visualize the quilt at this stage.

 

4. Assemble quilt top:

In each row, place blocks from Column B onto Column A and Column D onto Column C, right sides together aligning cut edges.

· Chain stitch block sets.

- Stitch lengthwise edges of one pair, guiding presser foot along edge of fabric.

- Kiss a second pair to the first and continue stitching. Repeat until all pairs in each column are joined.

- Clip threads between blocks.

-Repeat steps for Column C & D

Press block seams in odd rows in one direction and even rows in opposite direction.

 Place stitched blocks from columns C/D onto stitched blocks from columns A/B, right sides together. Stitch two block units into rows.

Press seams flat, then press seams in the same direction at the block seams. Press all block seams in odd numbered rows in the same direction. Press all block seams in even numbered rows in the opposite direction.

Stitch rows, right sides together, nesting seam allow­ances to create quilt top. Press seams flat, then press seams open.

 

5. Finish quilt by following instructions for layering, quilting, and easy self-binding on pages 61–65 of Nancy Zieman’s I Sew For Fun book.

 

Watch I Sew For Fun on Sewing With Nancy online at NancyZieman.com.

For a complete listing of all I Sew For Fun companion products by Nancy Zieman, visit isewforfun.com

For a chance to win a copy of Nancy Zieman’s I Sew For Fun book with DVD from Nancy’s Notions, please leave a comment below sharing what you’re making to celebrate March as National Quilting Month.

 

 

The randomly selected winner of a copy of NZP’s NEW! McCalls M7893 Wrap Dress Pattern, from the February 23 blog post, is Lee Ann Wagner.

Her comment is: Purchased some fabric for an Easter dress, and would like to make several spring dresses. Would also love to make some flowery spring tops to wear with jeans or leggings. I love the wrap dress. Would love to make one of those.

March is National Quilting Month!

Learn and Create with FREE! Baby Lock Quilting Project Tutorials, like this quilty lunch bag, over at BabyLock.com

 

 

Be sure to join in and follow the 2019 Nancy Zieman Productions Pillow Sewing Challenge at the NZP Blog. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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.

The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC 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 and Friends today!