Nancy Zieman's Blog, page 69

Nancy’s Absolute Easiest Sewing Techniques

We generally think of two or three different ways to stitch most techniques, yet we generally use just one method. Which one? The absolute easiest way, of course!

This week’s featured online Sewing With Nancy program is the first of a three-part series on The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew.

Use just a few pins for pattern layout.

Starting with pattern layout, cutting, and marking, learn ways to streamline and improve your sewing skills.

Do sewing darts have you in a dither?

Learn how to use an index card or sticky notes as the sewing guide for effortless dart stitching, It’s the next Absolute Easiest technique.

One size does not fit all when it comes to sewing gathers!

The type of fabric, the width of the seam allowances, and the project dictate the absolute easiest way to add gathers to fabrics. Nancy show’s you four options during this TV episode, plus there are more in the book,  The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew.

Changing the rules is part of the sewing game.

When adding elastic to knits, you’ll find this, by far, the simplest way to a sew casing. You’ll be stitching less and enjoying it more.

There’s a secret trick when sewing a casing in sportswear.

You’ll think to yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that!” ( Watch online for the trick.)

All of Nancy’s favorite sewing tips are in one book.


The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew chapters include:


Sewing Notions
Sewing Machine Confidence
Serger Spotlight
Patterns
Fabric Facts
Sewing Basics
Beyond the Basics

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

For your chance to win a copy of The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment sharing your most common sewing challenge.

The randomly selected winner of a copy of the No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book, is Kathy Hartwell.

Her comment is: The first thing I would make is the sampler quilt. I love the colors in this one and would try to find the same fabrics. Then, I would try any number of patterns to make quilts for the people going through chemo that don’t have a quilt to snuggle into. Thank you for this opportunity.

 

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 Sweatshirt Makeovers

We are kicking off this Sewing With Nancy season with The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers. For many of us, sweatshirts are a wardrobe basic. Decorated sweatshirts have played a starring role during many seasons. Looking back at all the styles created, we decided to feature the 2-part series with guest Mary Mulari, a self-proclaimed goddess of embellished sweatshirts. You’ll find sweatshirt favorites recorded over several years of programming. This series features some of our favorite makeovers.

Transform A Pullover to a Cardigan

The most frequently requested upcycled sweatshirt style is to change a pullover to a cardigan. Learn the quick and easy transformation techniques along with appliqué tips and techniques.

Across the Front Appliqués

Appliqués can be subtle or dramatic. Mary’s striking decorated sweatshirt is the perfect choice to wear while strolling through the farmer’s market! The impressive appliqué cascades across the front of the cardigan with artful flair, yet it requires a minimum of creative time. Watch The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers Part One for Mary’s tips on adding appliqués across the front.

Clever Closures

Mary and Nancy break the rules in this episode! See how to change up the button placement with irregularly spaced buttons for a clever closure. In The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers book, you’ll find directions for Mary’s famous elastic button closure, pictured above.

Sweatshirt Makeovers for Kids

Now it’s time to feature a few all-time favorite sweatshirt makeovers for kids. Pulling a sweatshirt on or off a little guy can be a challenge. This Construction Zone Sweatshirt with Mary’s signature easy-to-apply zipper not only makes this an easy sweatshirt to wear, but also gives a point of interest to the pullover. Add an appliqué to ensure that this will be your little guy’s “go-to” shirt on a cool day.

Don’t stop there. You can place a zipper at the raglan sleeve for even more visual interest and style.

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Ruffles and Frills for Little Girls

When choosing our favorite sweatshirt makeovers for this series, the goals were simple: Make certain the sweatshirts have a focal point and that the sewing is easy. The Ruffles and Frills Sweatshirt options certainly fits the criteria! The ruffled detail of satin stitching on the ribbing is a special effect that is enjoyable to sew while adding subtle frills.

A Collection of Five Books in One— The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers book

Add plackets, zippers, simple appliqués, and so much more. This collection of five books in one boasts 56 sweatshirt transformations for adults and kids. As an added bonus, the book also features a Sweatshirt Gallery with over a dozen designs chock-full of even more fresh ideas! Full-color photos and illustrations accompany step-by-step instructions and full-size pattern pieces. Soft cover, 116 pages. Only $19.99.

Watch   The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers on Sewing With Nancy  online.

Tell us your favorite sweatshirt makeover featured in this blog for a chance to win a copy of The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers book.

The randomly selected winner of a copy of Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons book is Daniel.

The comment is: When I was around 12 years old back in the 80s, I remember seeing Nancy’s show for the first time. I was fascinated by how easy she made everything look and by her confidence at the machine. I grew up watching my grandmother, grandfather, and my mother sew, and then I started learning. Nancy and her guests were a big part of my education, and the piecing and quilting fascinated me. I likened the process to artists creating paintings, but they were creating art with fabric. 35 years later, I still refer to Nancy’s episodes when I need a refresher. I’m just learning to quilt with my embroidery machine, and this looks like a great resource.

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!

January Sew Organized Round Up

Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) is not only a sensible way to sew, but most projects in the book help keep your household organized. Everything from fabric bins to carry-on luggage, these simple designs stitch up quickly and aid in your New Year’s organizing resolution.

As you may already know, Nancy Zieman loved to streamline and simplify the sewing process. Making projects faster and more efficient frees up valuable time, and everyone could use more time! One of her most popular Sewing With Nancy three-part series, Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three), addresses streamlining the sewing process. Change the way you think about projects and patterns. Everything demonstrated is simply cut from rectangles and squares!

Fabric Bins

Don’t settle for basic boring bins for your shelf, customize fabric bins to accent your home décor by selecting coordinating fabrics. Made from, you guessed it, rectangle and square fabric pieces! The sewing is enjoyable and the end result is as fresh in appearance as it is useful. Grommets serve as both handles and a focal point.

Wall Pockets

What’s good for the shelf is good for the wall! With a little tweaking of the instructions, fabric bins turn into wall pockets that provide organization and style to any home or work office. Watch how these come together on Sewing With Nancy.

The Travel Trio

During this first episode, learn how to create a weekender tote, cosmetic bag, and luggage saddlebag. This travel trio is made using comparable sewing steps, straight stitching, and double-sided quilted fabrics.

Cosmetic Bag

Even if you’ve never sewn before, you can stitch this bag! On Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares we’ll review the construction steps together, and making this bag will be a breeze.

Weekender Tote

After making a simple cosmetic bag, apply many of the same sewing steps to create a Weekender Tote. It’s a super-sized bag with the addition of sturdy straps and double pockets.

Mix up the fabric selection for a fun coordinated look. Or use all the fabrics you’d like—for a scrappy Weekender Tote bag.

Luggage Saddle Bag

For ease of travel, make a saddlebag for your carry-on luggage or rolling case. Two sizes of bags are attached with connector straps.

When not using this handy accessory on your luggage, zip the bags together and it’s a handy shoulder tote.

Sewing With Nancy Trivia—This photo was quickly taken on the Sewing With Nancy set. Notice the tape on the floor? Those are the positioning marks for my chair in the Nancy’s Corner area. We had to move the chair in order to take the photo. Now you see how we keep all our props and furniture in the right place!

Hold-it Sacks

The Hold-it Sacks are the first sew-simple projects in Part Two of Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares. Prop up your cell phone or electronic tablet in the cradle area of a Hold-it Sack. Made from laminated fabric, they’re ideal to use throughout your home or office. The unique finished shapes appear as if they were made from complicated patterns, but not these gadget holders. They’re all made from rectangular shapes.

Mini Fabric Sacks

Toss them in a game or use them to hold down pattern pieces, these Mini Fabric Sacks can be both fun and functional. You can easily make three mini sacks in an hour or less.

 Jewelry Caddy/Notions Caddy

Incorporating specialty fabrics, such as clear vinyl, can add functionality when sewing gifts and projects. This unique and widely available fabric is the star of the Sewing With Nancy program, Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares, Part Three. Watch online by clicking here.

If you are planning to attend sewing retreats, sew-ins, or simply heading out on a family vacation, create a Jewelry Caddy, which nicely doubles as a Notions Caddy and is featured in  Sewing With Nancy online.

12 Complete Projects in  Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares

All the projects featured in the three-part series, plus a bonus, are included in the book, Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares.

The book includes complete instructions for 12 projects using easy sewing with a basic straight stitch. Make an easy zippered cosmetic bag, or consider popular storage bins, or even a luggage saddle bag and a portable ironing pad for your next trip.
Discover Nancy’s fresh approach for sewing projects with techniques that build off of each other.
Learn to simplify the sewing process with no fear zipper, pocket, grommet, and strap techniques.
Find helpful tips and streamlined techniques for sewing specialty fabrics that save time and frustration, including double-sided quilted, vinyl, and canvas fabrics.

Watch Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on  Sewing With Nancy .

For a chance to win a copy of the book Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment telling us what area of the home you’d most use Fabric Bins?

The randomly selected winner of a Nancy Zieman’s New! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack is Christie.

Her comment is: Oooh. Looks like summer. Can’t wait to be inspired by yummy colors to start off in this cold wintry month.

Love blocks of the month. Nancy was and continues to give me great inspiration!

 

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!

Easily Sew 1/4-Square Triangle Quilt Blocks

Triangular shapes can be sticklers to piece! Quilt patterns with 1/2-square and 1/4-square triangles are found in many traditional quilt pattern designs. Here’s how to take the hassle out of creating triangles, in particular 1/4-square triangles. For more details watch the second episode of No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks online.

The Sampler Quilt

This 12-block quilt features both 1/2- and 1/4-square blocks. In a previous blog, Nancy Zieman featured six of the 1/2-square triangle blocks. Now learn how to combine the two block styles to create amazing quilt designs. Note: The instructions to create this quilt are found in No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book.

1/4-Square Dance 

Some quilt block names have a long history; others are simply made up on the fly! We’ll let you decide the authenticity of this block named the 1/4-Square Dance! Regardless of what it’s called, it’s the perfect block to begin our no-hassle quilt block journey.

Boy’s Nonsense (1898)

This quilt block named, Boy’s Nonsense, was officially recorded and appears in print in 1898. The block appears to include rectangular strips. Not so, the design is a combination of 1/2- and 1/4-square triangles plus a plain center square.

Silent Star

It might be difficult to comprehend, but the next block, Silent Star, is almost identical to the last block, Boy’s Nonsense. The main difference in construction is the center block—all the other blocks are the same. This is the case where fabric choices totally change the design!

Ohio Star

Simple in design, yet elegant, the Ohio Star quilt block has been in use since the early 1800s, with a spike in popularity in the 1930s. See how this 9-patch block can be made the no-hassle way in the 21st century.

Star of Hope (1980)

Now for your master’s degree in 1/4-square triangles! The Star of Hope combines a 1/2- and 1/4-square triangle; Nancy called it a modified 1/4-square. Notice the three-color block of aqua, ivory, and teal. Success comes by thinking this through and following the directions!

Card Trick (1979)

The Card Trick Quilt Block, like most magic, seems impossible to reproduce. What appears as sleight of hand, is a very logical block to create once you see the elements. The Card Trick—we know you will not be fooled by the design!

How to Make 1/4-Square Triangles

There are several ways to make triangles; our preference is to use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. Reference the left side of the gauge for 1/2-square triangles and the right side for 1/4-square triangles.

Depress and slide the guide to the size triangle you’d like to make. The guide will lock in place.

Cut strips the size printed on the gauge. Then cut strips into squares. In this example, cut 6-1/4″ strips, then cut strips into 6-1/4″ squares.

Stack two blocks.
Mark center diagonal line through the die-cut openings on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge.

Stitch a scant 1/4″ from each side of center.

Cut along center; press.

Stack two 1/2-square triangles, meeting opposite colors.

Slide the gauge to the 1/2-square triangle marking on the left side. Double check that the block fits within the gauge perimeters.
Mark center diagonal line through die cut openings.

Cut along center marking; press.

This time, you’ll have two accurate 1/4-square triangles! Using the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge guarantees that the sizes of the 1/2-square and 1/4-square triangles are compatible in a quilt design!

Make This Sampler Quilt at Home

The No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book shows exactly how to make the 12-block sampler quilt. For best results, use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. 

Watch  No-Hassle Triangles  (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy  online.

 

 

For a chance to win a copy of the No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book, tell us which of the 1/4-square or 1/2-square blocks you would like to make.

 

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!

More Easy Lessons for Quilting with an Embroidery Machine

If you own an embroidery machine, most likely you’ve added monograms to towels or a cute design to baby clothes. But, did you ever think that your embroidery machine’s hidden talent was to quilt layers of fabric with remarkable finesse? Welcome back embroidery and quilting expert Eileen Roche, who will show you how to double the use of your embroidery machine.

Watch as Eileen shares the magic in quilting on part two of Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons on Sewing With Nancy. If you missed part one, last week, you can always watch it online at NancyZieman.com.

Quilted Shapes

Embroidery isn’t limited to a design created by thread-dense stitches. Swirls or geometric shapes can also be embroidered. For example, the squares, circles, and hexagons as featured in Eileen’s sampler pillow, can easily be quilted with an embroidery machine. The end result is the appearance of stitching that was done by hand or with a long-arm quilting machine.

Use the DIME (Designs in Machine Embroidery) template to align shapes under the embroidery machine. See how on today’s featured episode of Sewing With Nancy.

Select a design to fit the shape and let your embroidery machine do the work of a computerized longarm. You’ll be amazed with the simplicity and thrilled with the results.

All-Over Quilting Designs

If you’ve pieced a quilt top but have never taken the time to quilt all the layers together, Eileen’s all-over quilting with an embroidery machine technique is for you. The quilt sandwich is hooped section by section. Templates are used for perfect placement and then the stitching begins with the touch of a button.

Start by drawing a grid over the quilt top using a water-soluble pen. Eileen and Nancy demonstrate how easy it is to quilt in-the-hoop: one shape at a time, one row at a time. We then nestle the subsequent row, stitch, and finish. Watch all the steps to finishing this quilt on Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons—Part Two.

 

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Continuous Line Quilting

If you’re a quilter first, embroiderer second, you no-doubt appreciate the look of quilts that have been stitched with a continuous design. If your machine has an embroidery unit, you can accomplish the same look that is generally reserved for long-arm quilters. It’s rather magical.

Use templates to determine placement within the hoop. Eileen shares how on today’s Sewing With Nancy episode.

. .

The result is a stunning quilting line that appears continuous.

Eileen and Nancy showcase how this continuous line quilting design can work on a variety of different sized projects.

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Easily learn the machine embroidery quilting process. There’s no reason to be intimidated. This easy process is presented from a beginner’s perspective and is broken down into eight easy lessons, including many useful tips and techniques for professional results, which are all included in the Nancy’s Notions machine embroidery starter kit.

The kit includes:

Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons book
Quilt with an Embroidery Machine DVD
Wonder Under
Quilting Needles 80/12 and 90/14
Print & Stick Target Paper

Watch  Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons (Part One and Part Two)  on Sewing With Nancy  online.

 

 

For a chance to win a copy of Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons book, please leave a comment below.

 

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!

2019 NZP Block of the Month Kick Off – Gather Your Supplies

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC’s FREE block of the month program is a great way to finish a quilt in manageable monthly installments. One block at a time is an easy approach to creating a larger quilt. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned quilter, a block of the month is a great opportunity to get stitching. In 2019, Team Nancy Zieman is please to be offering this fun mystery quilt! Unfortunately, we cannot show you the finished design just quite yet. We’re keeping it a mystery!

After a few months of wrangling with the perfect theme for the 2019 Mystery Quilt, Team Nancy Zieman designed a quilt titled, Summer Picnic. Today we’ll introduce you to the 2019 NZP Block of the Month and let you know what supplies you’ll need to gather for creating this quilt in 2019.

Though we won’t be sharing the blocks today, we will be posting a new quilt block tutorial starting in two weeks, on January 19! On the third Saturday of each month in 2019, Team NZP will share a free block tutorial to create one block each month— made with Nancy Zieman’s NEW! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack  (nineteen 18″ x 21″ fabric rectangles) plus border fabrics.

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

So how do you get ready? Here are the simple steps:

First—Gather Fabric

All 12 blocks will feature Nancy Zieman’s NEW! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack You’ll need:

One Afternoon Picnic Fa t Quarter Bundle
3 yd. background, border, and binding fabric. (Team Nancy Zieman is using 3 yards Cream Tonal from the Afternoon Picnic Fabric Collection. )
1 yd. sashing fabric. (Team Nancy Zieman is using 1 yard Blue Rose from the Afternoon Picnic Fabric Collection. )
2-2/3 yd. backing fabric
1-1/3 yd. 90″ wide batting or one 60″ x 60″ throw-size batt
Matching all-purpose sewing thread

 
Afternoon Picnic

Dreamy thoughts of warm summer afternoons are the inspiration for Nancy Zieman’s gorgeous NEW! fabric collection. Pretty pale prints honor delicate blooming flowers that arrive only in the warm sunny days of summer. A sprinkling of flower petals adorns soft floral coordinates. Tonal prints read as solids yet showcase floral elegance. Subtle placement of a few white dots brings playfulness while black floral prints add drama. The addition of gingham prints are the perfect compliment and add a playfulness to this sweet floral collection. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon picnic on a warm sunny day while surrounded by the beauty and splendor of summer’s delicate blooms.

Get ready for the 2019 Summer Picnic Block of the Month!

The new 2019 NZP Summer Picnic Block of the Month program will feature Nancy Zieman’s NEW! Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Collection Riley Blake Fabrics. Here’s the inside scoop:

2019 NZP Summer Picnic Block of the Month kicks off on January 19, 2019.
As always, there’s no cost to join and no need to formally sign up.
One block will be stitched in two or more colors each month.
2019 NZP Summer Picnic Block of the Month is fat quarter friendly.
2019 NZP Summer Picnic Block of the Month project lasts 12 months.

Second—Sharpen Your Tools

Well, not really, but do make certain that you have a sharp blade in your rotary cutter. Gather your cutting mat, ruler, and pressing notions. The other main notion is Nancy Zieman’s No-Hassle Triangle Gauge by Clover. You guessed it! The 2019 NZP Summer Picnic blocks will have a few triangles here and there. Best news yet, they’re easy to create with the No-Hassle Triangle Gauge.

Basic Supplies for the entire 12-month mystery:

Cutting Mat
Rotary Cutting Tools
Rotary Cutting Ruler
8″ Dressmaker Scissors
No-Hassle Triangle Gauge
Quilters Spray Starch


Tailor’s Clapper

Other Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC Quilt Block of the Month Projects

Did you follow along in 2015, 2016, 2017, or 2018 for our Block of the Month projects? If you finished part of all of the quilt blocks or the entire project, please share photos. We’d love to see and share them! Post your pictures to the Nancy Zieman Productions LLC Facebook Page or email them to info@ziemanproductions.com.

 

Watch No-Hassle Triangles ( Part One and Part Two ) on Sewing With Nancy online.

For a chance to win a Nancy Zieman’s Afternoon Picnic Fat Quarter Pack please leave a comment below letting us know if you’ll be joining the 2019 NZP Summer Picnic Block of the Month!

 

The randomly selected winner of a copy of 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans book from Nancy’s Notions is Teri.

Her comment is: We have a bunch of old jeans and work pants that we’ve been hoping to find projects to use them in. This book looks great.

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2018 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!

No-Hassle 1/2-Square Triangle Quilt Blocks

One of the easiest places to start quilting is with a 1/2-square triangle. Nancy Zieman shows how to create this traditional quilting staple without fussing around with bias-cut edges. Make the block unit easily, “Nancy’s no-hassle way”, with this episode of Sewing With Nancy, which features blocks from Nancy’s book, No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks.

During the first episode on Sewing With Nancy, learn to create six different blocks, all made with 1/2-square triangles. During the second episode—next week’s feature—learn about 1/4-square triangles. Watch this Sewing With Nancy episode!

The Box Quilt (1898)

One of the more streamline quilt blocks to create from 1/2-square triangles is the Box Quilt. First illustrated in print in 1898, it’s created with eight 1/2-square triangle blocks and a square. The design has great movement, reminiscent of a pinwheel.

Shadow Play

Instead of making all the 1/2-square triangles from the same fabrics, stitch together three different color combos. This block is called Shadow Play, where the fabric choices create the impact.

Godey Design

Godey’s Lady’s Book was a monthly magazine published in Philadelphia between 1830 and 1876. Before the Civil War, it was the most widely circulated magazine in the United States. Sarah Josepha Hall was the editor of the magazine from 1837 to 1877; she also wrote Mary Had a Little Lamb. One of the designs featured in the magazine in 1858 was simply called, Godey Design.

Square in a Square

When researching quilt block names, Nancy found literally dozens of quilt blocks named Square in a Square. With seemingly limitless geometric options with squares, no wonder it’s a common name. Regardless, it’s an attractive block all designed with 1/2-square triangles.

May Basket

May Basket is another frequently used name for a quilt block. This block is also named, Cactus Flower. Your fabric choice will dictate the name. This version combines two sizes of finished triangles: 3-1/2″ and 6-1/2″, giving the block a center focal point.

Nancy’s Spool

This block may or may not be an original arrangement of 1/2-square triangles. Our guess is that it has been created before, but since Nancy couldn’t find it in print, she named it Nancy’s Spool.

How to Make 1/2-Square Triangles

During the TV episode, Nancy shares how to easily make the above blocks as well as basic 2-1/2″, 3-1/2″, 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″ and 6-1/2″ half-square triangles. (Learn 1/4-square triangle tips in the next episode!) There’s no hassle and no need to cut a single triangle! The measurements are printed on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge that Nancy designed for Clover.

Reference the left side of the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge  to select a half-square block size.

Cut crosswise strips of two fabrics—the size is printed on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. Cut strips into squares.

Lay the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge onto squares to double-check the block size. If the block set is larger or smaller than the confines of the gauge, recut the blocks.

Mark a center diagonal line through No-Hassle Triangles Gauge die cut openings.

Stitch a scant 1/4″ from each side of the center marking.

Cut along the center diagonal line.

Presto, there are now two accurate 1/2-square triangles!

Just click and watch No-Hassle Triangle Quilts Part One online! You’ll see step-by-step details for creating these six precision-made quilt blocks.

Make This Sampler Quilt at Home

The No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book shows exactly how to make the 12-block sampler quilt. Hint: the remaining six blocks will be featured in part two of No-Hassle Triangles Quilts. For best results, use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. 

Watch  No-Hassle Triangles  (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy  online.

 

 

 

For a chance to win a copy of the No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book, tell us which of the 1/2-square blocks you would like to make.

The randomly selected winner of a copy of Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares Book and DVD is Tiffany.

Her comment is: I love all of the projects, but I’m definitely going to create the CLOSET ORGANIZER first. Though I must admit I have a different use for the organizer. And I have a creative twist to add on to personalize the organizer for gifts!

 

 

Happy Quilting,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

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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.
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Begin to Quilt With Your Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons

The art of quilting often combines techniques. Traditional quilts are frequently appliquéd, then pieced, and finally all the layers are quilted. If you have an embroidery machine, you can streamline the processes with the touch of a button—the brainchild of Nancy’s guest Eileen Roche. The quilting technique is practically hands free! Watch as Eileen shares the magic in quilting on part-one of Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons on this Sewing With Nancy series.

Easily learn the machine embroidery quilting process. There’s no reason to be intimidated. This easy process is presented from a beginner’s perspective and is broken down into eight easy lessons, including many useful tips and techniques for professional results, which are all included in this machine embroidery starter kit.

The kit includes:

Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons book
Quilt with an Embroidery Machine DVD
Wonder Under
Quilting Needles 80/12 and 90/14
Print & Stick Target Paper

A machine that’s commonly used to create embroidery designs, is equally a quilting machine. Let’s start with a simple table topper, which features what at first glance is a complicated appliqué. You’ll soon see that the process is perfect for the novice quilter.

Prepare Quilt Sandwich

Like any method of quilting, we first must prepare a quilt sandwich. The quilt sandwich refers to the top, batting, and backing layers of the project. Eileen will show us how easy it is to prepare your sandwich for in-the-hoop quilting on this episode.

Embroidered Appliqué Designs

In the traditional appliquéd quilt process, you’ll create your project using these steps (in order):

Appliqué
Piece
Quilt


In this  Sewing With Nancy featured program, Eileen shares the embroidered appliqué quilt process and explains how the steps are similar to traditional quilting, yet are executed quite differently. It’s easy once you watch Eileen’s methods on Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons Part One .

Size and Variety

On the design CD included in the new Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons book, you’ll have the option to create projects in a variety of sizes including 6″, 7″, or 8″ quilt blocks. Choose a size that best suits your project dimensions.

Piecing Techniques

The next step is to join the quilted blocks. Eileen walks us through this process with ease! Here’s a sneak preview. See the complete piecing demonstration on Sewing With Nancy.

 

Give it a try and join us next week for part two of Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons!

Watch Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.

 

Tell us which size design (6″, 7″, or 8″ quilt blocks) would best suit your project dimensions, for a chance to win the Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons book.

The randomly selected winner of the Fashion Sewing: Plain to Fabulous DVD and Two Patterns from Nancy’s Notions, is Kaye Mattson.

Her comment is: The diagonal seaming on Views 1 and 2 on this pattern are so figure flattering! Its a wonderful design and I like the idea of coloring blocking the front panels of the jacket.

Happy Quilting with Embroidery,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2018 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.
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10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans, Part One

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, 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 in the new Sewing With Nancy TV mini-series, 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 online 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 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 10-20-30 Minutes to Recycle Jeans book from Nancy’s Notions.

The randomly selected winner of the NEW! I Sew For Fun Spring Tape Measure from Clover is Rita.

Her comment is: When my daughter was 12 we both began learning to quilt. She had started sewing when she was about 8 and learned to sew pajama pants. For her 4H project when she was 13 she made a quilt using triangles which was a learning project for both of us and earned her a purple ribbon award!

The randomly selected winner of the NEW! Clip ’n Glide Bodkin from Clover is Pat Roediger.

Her comment is: My granddaughter has been sewing with me since she was five years old using my sewing machine. Like many of those addicted to sewing and quilting, I owned more than one sewing machine, including two I had inherited from my mother. I recently gifted Savannah who is now eight years old with one of them. She immediately came up with her own designs for everyone in the family for polar fleece pillows for Christmas. She has made eight pillows including one for a classmate for a gift exchange. The gifts for the exchange were to be homemade. She did such a great job that some of her classmates thought she bought it instead of making it. I am so proud of her. She is going to pass me up with her design skills in no time.

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2018 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!

Sew Simple Specialty Fabric Projects with Rectangles & Squares

Incorporating specialty fabrics can add functionality when sewing gifts and projects. For example, try clear vinyl. This unique fabric is the star of the Sewing With Nancy program, Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares—the third episode. Watch online by clicking here.  Here’s a preview of the projects that you’ll see demonstrated during the show.

Jewelry Caddies

Nancy began this episode with a Jewelry Caddy duo, which fits all of the standards set for this show. The caddies use two sizes of fabric rectangles, specialty fabric (clear vinyl with a ribbon accent trim), and all the sewing is done with straight stitches. Best of all, the projects are attractive and very practical!

Portable Ironing Blanket

Use the same dimensions as the jewelry caddies plus Quilted Iron Quick fabric to make a portable mini-ironing blanket. Use it next to your sewing machine for quick presses. Or, create a larger ironing blanket, any size of your choice, with the same transportability. It could easily be used as an ironing board substitute or for travel. Either way, you can custom-make these projects easily with Nancy’s sew simple techniques.

Closet Organizer

How about adding extra storage to your home without assembling knock-down furniture or remodeling a closet? Create portable, compact closet organizers with double-sided quilted fabric, clear vinyl, and ribbon trim. It’s another straight-stitched project that can hang in full sight or hidden behind a closet door.

Watch Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on  Sewing With Nancy .

12 Complete Projects are featured in  Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares

Fabrics by Riley Blake Designs

A special thank you to Riley Blake Designs for providing the fabrics for this program. Look for fabrics by Riley Blake Designs at your favorite retailer.

What’s your favorite project from this series? A random winner will receive a copy of Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares Book and DVD from Nancy’s Notions.

 

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Content in this feed is © copyright 2018 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!