Five Fun Fall Sewing Projects
Dresden Sunflower Table Mat
Sew a fast and festive sunflower table topper using fabric scraps and Clover’s Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template—Dresden Collection. In as little as an afternoon, you’ll update your décor in time for the changing season. Use a variety of batik fabrics or choose traditional yellows and browns for this floral favorite. Find the complete tutorial here.From Fabric Scraps to Mug Rugs
Here’s an ideal sewing project—colorful mug rugs! Create the reversible coaster from your fabric stash; then sit down to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a friend. Make this project in fall or winter colors for fantastic handmade hostess gifts! Learn how to make them, here.
Plenty of Pillowcases
Sew a Spiral Scarf
Pillow for All Seasons
Give your living space a breath of fresh air by sewing new pillows. These boxed-cornered pillows are almost effortless to make. Make the pillow corners crisp with the wrapped technique and add a boxy edge to each of the four corners with this sewing tutorial.
Watch Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template—Dresden Collection from Clover, leave a comment below sharing what you’re stitching up this fall season!
The random winner of a copy of the book The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew is Estelle. Her comment was: “Pressing over a seam roll is a great tip. It’s amazing what a difference it makes in the outcome.”
The random winner of a copy of the book Beginning Landscape Quilting is Carol Burns. Her comment was: “I have totally fallen in love with landscape quilts. I have got to try my hand at one. I love how Nancy and Natalie walk you through every step. I would love to have the book as I really want to make one.”
Bye for now,
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Lorna
This fall I have been stitching pin cushions and I am planning how to put together the 2016 block of the month quilt.
Stacie Pinkston
Right now I am working on baby bibs, burp cloths, and a crib quilt for a baby shower. Then I will go back to working on a Dresden quilt for myself. I just started the Dresden quilt and this would definitely be used, a lot!
kathryn baumgardner
I’ve make many of Dresden quilts in my mind, but I have always been afraid to try. I’m hoping this will get me past my fear.
Donna Telley
I would love to try one of the Dresden patterns. I made my first 9 patch baby quilt and am doing a winter block of the month at Atlanta Sewing Center. Quilting is so much fun.
Linda
Love the Dresden plate table topper. I’ll save it for the future. Right now I am making a Flora and Fauna quilt by Anita Goodesign. I have about 14 blocks out of 122 done. Love your email and show.
Pam
I’m working on gifts for Christmas. Just about finished a quilt. My next project is a Christmas stocking. I did make some pumpkin mug rugs !
Donna Davies
Would love to win Nancy makes thing look so easy…
Debra
Working on Christmas presents. Not enough hours in a database! Lol
Marsha
I’m working on a quilt/spread for our guest room. The blocks have pots of flowers from a panel, surrounded by fabrics that complement the blocks. Some blocks have a white background and some have a black background. Also in the planning stage are tote bags for my grandchildren which will hold a full-size coloring book and have little pockets on the outside to hold the crayons. My novelty print stash will come in handy for the latter project!
Carol Bucher
I have made several table runners in Christmas/Winter fabrics as gifts and been taking classes from the local quilt guild that I have made in fall colors to use for a wall hanging and some table runners for me plus trying to get some quilt kits made and in my spare time trying to get some cuddle quilts made for our local quilt guild.
Susan Spiers
I am working on a Mystery quilt-with a finish next year! Great fun!
Cyndi Duffin
I’m working on some mug mats. They are a fun, quick surprise for family and friends during the holidays.
Thank you for the give-away.
Robyn
I’ve been working on some pumpkin mug rugs and a halloween table runner!
Jade
Just finished a table runner and 4 matching placements using fall themed jelly roll strips…it’s gorgeous! And I’m practicing free motion quilting on my home machine so I can finish these with a flair!
Carol Burns
I have been looking for some quick and easy gift ideas for family and friends and these will be great.
Kimberly Hubbard
I have been making fabric pumpkins, placemats and napkins. The Dresden table mat would add beautifully to my fall table.
Denise Helt
For my fall projects , I made 6 placemats using a fall leaves print and I am also making some folded star potholders and trivets using the same fabric with some solid fall colors for contrast
Christina Gingerich
When we recently visited our son and family in Kenya my husband bought me three pieces of fabric. I’m sewing those into dresses right now and then I’d like to do some Christmas gift sewing!
Christine
I just finished 4 Halloween Trick or Treat Bags!
Cindy Elia
I just finished 3 holiday table runners and am now sewing Halloween mug rugs.
Terri D'Ambrosio
I’m working on a queen size quilt for my daughter. Now that the weather has cooled off, it is a little more comfortable have a quilt this big sitting in my lap while I quilt on my home machine. After this quilt, I will start another quilt for my other daughter. I have been quilting about two years and the quilt I am doing now is the second quilt I have made.
Nancy Runnels
I would enjoy making this Dresden plate table accent. With the holidays coming, what a show stopper for our family meals. Cross my fingers and pinky hold for being the winner of this pattern!
Jeanann Montney
I’m appliqueing a table runner with leaves, gourds, pumpkins, and acorns.
Janet
Nancy,
I have fallen completely in love with the Dresden Plate pattern! I never thought about doing them in batiks – absolutely stunning! Thank you for a beautiful new way to create the beauty of the pattern!
Louise
Working on Christmas gifts, making a tote bag with plenty of pockets for my sister, Nancy~ she loves all the bags I make, always have to make two, one for her and one for me!! I love the Dresden plate table runner, that will have to be next! Just think in Christmas fabrics it would really be lovely as a gift too! Thank you for the tutorial! Appreciate it so much.
Patti
I just finished an embroidered free-standing lace pumpkin and a Log Cabin Star table topper. I have many more projects to be working on.
Pandora
I am making placemats with a beautifu batik autumn print I found on vacation.
Traci
I just finished a table runner made from Nancy’s “Change up Patchwork” program/book. I also am in the middle of a black and white quilt as you go that I am making with a friend. Love the Dresden pattern along with batiks.
Rose
I am working on some seasonal table runners.
Shaela Forbes
Just making a lap quilt using all my favourite fall fabrics. It’s a medallion style-working on the third round now
Judie
I have started making my Christmas gifts in the summer. i have made sock monkeys and teddy bears dressed in designer clothes that I have designed and also quilts. I learned to sew from Nancy a long time ago.
Patricia
I have made a table topper with a fall theme, and just finished piecing a Christmas throw. There are several other fall and Christmas projects on my to-do list.
Suzanne Ridge
Making decorated baby bibs for my April 2017 granddaughter.
Valerie Thompson
I’m starting off this fall with four Golden Books for my grand daughter. Then I’m going to finish a couple of UFO’s. Then a lap quilt for my husband.
Cindy
A ton of UFOs to do, plus some Christmas projects. Thanks for your blog, Nancy. Some great suggestions for using up my myriad of scraps!
Starla
I made a Dreden sunflower for a friend’s table, using fabrics with more yellow in them. Beautiful! I’ve also made the spiral scarf after seeing your show — what an easy technique with lovely results!
Martha
Just finished making an iPad case. Will now go back to working on a star quilt.
I’d love to try the Dresden collection.
Sandra Gromatzky
Working on my youngest grandsons quilt from when he was in the Army. Using his camo uniforms in the quilt and loving every minute of it. I love the dresden patterns and would love to make one.
Agnetta Person
I am currently working on mission sewing through our church and Project Linus blankets. Northern Minnesota Chapter of Project Linus just donated 26 blankets to classmates and two brothers of a 7 year old tragically killed boarding a school bus. Then on to table toppers for Christmas gifts.
Nancy Anderson
Just finished a rag quilt made from old blue jeans. Next up are mug rugs.
Anita Berry
I have been embroidering kitchen towels for Christmas gifts. Now I am going to start a lap throw of the dresden plates with Christmas colors.
Cheryl
I am attempting to sew a simple wardrobe for myself. Nancy’s book and videos on altering patterns has been invaluable.
CAROL L
Getting the courage to cut into these beautiful fat quarters and strips that I have been saving for a special project. I would love to try the Dresden pattern.
Robin
This fall after I hav my outside work don for winter I hope to finish up some in progress projects and make a list of things I would like to make for Christmas gifts. I am sure th Dresden Plate design will make a few of my friends and family smile.
Cyndy from the Funny Farm
I LOVE the Dresden topper! I just did a retreat where one project was a dresden wall hanging but I just finished turning it into a small quilt to donate thru my guild. It will be given to a newborn/premie in ICU at a local hospital. Also working on some simple toppers for a coworker, hand mitts & neck cozies, quilting my nephew’s graduation quilt, and learning about digitizing embroidery designs. Soon I’ll be in another quilt class at a local store which will hopefully be a Christmas gift and eventually I hope to get back to my big paper piecing project. Hmm, I guess I’m busier than I thought!
Judy
I am planning on making a baby quilt, an appliqué Bom, and finishing some Ufos. Always room for one more, like the Dresden sunflower!
Pat
I’m making a turkey table runner and matching placemats from the Nancy’s Notions pattern I got a the first Quilt Expo I attended five years ago. About time I’d say.
Brenda Ackerman
This fall I am working on finishing up a few UFO’s and starting Christmas gifts. I love making Dresden’s and will be making up a few of the Table Toppers. What a great idea! I would love to win this give away!
Venita
I have made an Attic Window fall wall hanging. I attached crystal so it looks like the sun is shinning thru the leaves.
Anna Sidwell
Am trying to finish up some ufo’s and then will start making all of my Christmas gifts.
Star Dreyer
I love this sunflower. My husband is from Kansas and this is the state flower. I need the Dresden template to make one for him for our table. He would love it. He is such an encounter to me with my sewing. Thank you Nancy, love watching your show every Saturday in our area. Star
Judy
For a charity sale, I’m making 4 inch squares with red quilt embroidered design on white with Christmas fabric backing and pinked edges. A ribbon loop makes a gift tag, coaster or tree ornament.
Paula Hedges
I love fall colors and fabrics in those colors just seem to call my name when I am shopping! I am also a big fan of Dresdens, so the table topper is taking top billing on my to do list. I need a day project right about now when I feel bogged down by more time consuming projects.
Marsha Chibitty
Making no seam potholders. They are quick and easy and a great finished product.
Linda Williams
I am making some needle cases and hanging kitchen towels for a craft bazaar. i have just finished making little monsters with my embroidery machine. when I am done with these I will start n some Christmas gifts. Would love to make a Dresden table topper as one of those gifts
Martha Hood
Trying to finish quilts for the grandchildren, then hats for the great grands- to go with baby blankets- Love the Dresden quilts that I have been looking at and loving for quite a spell- hope to get the nerve up to go ahead and do one of those- love the ideas you have put out there to try- the mugs rugs and the scarves look like good one to work on next- have a happy happy thanks again
Anita Phelps
I’m busy stitching up two 18″ doll dresses in an “Frozen – Elsa” style that I have combined three patterns for. These are for our local eighth graders fall auction of donations done to raise money for their spring trip to Washington D.C. Then it is on to some ufos and a quilt for a grandchild.
Liz Sampson
I am working on Field of Flowers, almost done, and Gardens of a King BOM, along with some Christmas exchange blocks. I have 2 retreats in the next 4 weeks, so I will hopefully wrap them up and have time to do this lovely table topper.
Vicki
I would love to try a Dresden plate and embellish with machine embroidery. I just finished an embroidered in the hoppe Elephant. But image the Dresden plate for the winter months – sparkling blues or purples and shimmering whites with scattered snowflakes/icicles, or red/white poinsettias for Christmas, Autumn leaves and pumpkins/gourds/scarecrows for fall.
Vicki
I would love to try a Dresden plate and embellish with machine embroidery. I just finished an embroidered in the hoop Elephant. But image the Dresden plate for the winter months – sparkling blues or purples and shimmering whites with scattered snowflakes/icicles, or red/white poinsettias for Christmas, Autumn leaves and pumpkins/gourds/scarecrows for fall.
Martha long
I am sewing a pair of pants an a jacket for my great grandson right now. I would really like to sew a Dresden table runner.
Nancy Taylor
I am just finishing up a QOV for my nephew. I did the quilting on it with the Edge to Edge book I bought at the Sew Expo last May at Nancy’s Notion’s. Thank you very much. It turned out really nice. I would like to win the Dresden plate book & templates please.
Nancy Taylor.
Greta Spurr
I’m embroidering a new winter snowflake shirt and Christmas ornament jacket for the holidays, but thinking that wonderful sunflower could also look nice in shades of red with a yellow center to be semi poinsettia like
Joyce W
Just finished a class at my local dealer. Making a fall wall hanging with machine embroidery. Recently saw the SWN program doing the large dresdens.
Arlene Burger
Teaching my 9 year old granddaughter how to make a simple gathered skirt. She picked out fabric with small turkey. She plans to wear at our Thanksgiving family dinner.
s.sisco
working on a I Spy for my great granddaughter Ivey
Tere Homer
I bought an antique sewing/knitting basket, the kind with a wooden frame and fabric bag. The bag was gross, so I cut it off and sewed up a new, stylish bag for it and put it on the wooden frame. It looks great and will be cherished by my daughter when she gets it for Christmas. It will be perfect for her crochet projects.
rebecca dockery
Quilt for granddaughter
Clovis
I am making bags.
jean balliro
Our quilt guild ( Hammersmith Quilters Guild) in Saugus,MA is having our quilt show the last weekend in Oct. We are finishing up the challenge wall-hanging: pull a word out of a hat and make a wall-hanging less than 36″ square with that word as your inspiration. It was fun to participate.
Bonnye
I am making purses for Christmas gifts. I just complete 5 purses.
Sue
I’m finishing a quilt I made for my granddaughter using Nancy’s quilt pattern with all the circles. I love the iron on interfacing trick she teaches for an easy method to attach the circles!
Bambi Pearson
I’m working on baby quilts, Christmas gifts and my daughter’s wedding dress
Patti
Thank you Nancy!
You are the best teacher around! I’ve learned so much from you and can’t wait to learn more! You have saved me thousands in class expenses. Because of this I buy all my notions, instruction dvds and books, etc you have to offer and still could never pay you back. I have wanted to start Dresden plate quilting but never had time. I retired and it was first on my list. Your how-to book and videos are so easy to follow! Now practice, practice! This idea is beautiful! Thanks!
Tammie
So much enjoy watching Nancy on her shows and the interviews of projects done to help numerous people around the world. For all my projects I do for people from serging to sewing I always make sure 1 to 2 are done for free to pass it on. I have been making bags from a class I took at the sewing weekend and have had so much enjoyment in putting my personal creativity to each and everyone of them. I would so much enjoy making the landscape project to use more of my creative juices. Thank you for all the information Nancy.
Connie Fullerton
I’m sewing table runners, placemats, wall hangings and stockings for Christmas gifts. One of my projects will be a Sunflower wallhanging for my daughter in Kansas. Thank you for all the tutorials..I couldn’t do all this without them.
Linda Morales
I just recently finished my mending of clothes and our American flag that flies in front of our house. I will be able to get back to my 3-d cube bedcoverlet.
Tina
I am working on some fall table toppers. Thank you Nancy!
Pamela McCandless
This fall I am using up scraps making catnip toys for cat rescue.
Lisa Lewis
I am working on table runners for Christmas gifts: tumbler and the cathedral window. I adore templates! I will have to make some of your Dresden table toppers for every season!
Mary Johnson
I am making quilts for the local life care center for babies in need. Also helping 6 year old to sew. She wants to make doll clothes but that will have to wait. She is making sandwiched quilts for her mom and dad and now for her dolls
Karen Hootman
Working on a table runner.
Michelle
I just finished a denim skirt and now am working on a fitted dress with 3/4 sleeves and a pencil skirt!
Judy
I am working on purificators for our church
Patty
I saw something similar with a free pattern on Craftsy and I decided to make one. The pattern was different because it had the petals snapping on to the center and you could take them off and use them for mug rugs or place mats. I didn’t use the pattern, but I made my own template and made it bigger so the petals could be used individually or using two in opposite direction. I used the KAM snaps and it turned out really good. So mine serves two purposes: table decoration and useful place mats.
Ilana
I’m working on a quilt for my husband, baby items for future grandchildren and fleece shrugs and slipper socks for holiday gifts.
Delaine
I have been working on a set of quilted Christmas wall hangings and a king sized flannel quilt for my bed. Thanks!
beth
I would love to try the dresden plate table topper with the template. I would love to win it.
Nila
I am working on charity quilts and toy holders for Christmas gifts that our guild gives to local charities
Bonnie
I am currently working on a log cabin quilt in warm fall colors. Love your fall project tutorials!
Penny M
I would love to win the Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template—Dresden Collection from Clover. It would be fun to use to make Christmas tree skirts & wall hangings, also, not to mention quilts. I’d like to try a modern twist with the Dresden blades, and maybe something 3D, too.
I learn so much from your show even though I have been sewing for over 55 years. 😀
Harriet Wetherell
currently i am working on wheel chair bags for my mothers nursing home friends, along with the adult bibs . Had made her tote bags to give out to those who help her and she now wants more. Sew everyday for my church quilt group and had just participated in a church bazaar to raise money for our group. I use many of your books and templates to complete my projects.
Roxanne
I am currently working on The Stitcher’s Garden block of the month with some wonderful ladies through our local quilt shop. Also, I am working on a paper pieced quilt block for our awesome guild’s fundraiser next year. God bless
Suzy Violi
I can hardly wait to try the Dresden Sunflower table topper, thank you for the idea and the instructions. Will have to order the template for myself, but this will use up all those small pieces in my stash. Thanks again.
Becky
I am wanting to make a table top covering for this fall. I was thinking tablecloth but I love the table mat!
Becky
I am wanting to make a table cover for the fall. I was thinking table cloth but I think this table mat would be awesome instead.
Becky
I am hoping to make table covering for fall but this table mat changes my mind from tablecloth to this.
Carol Betts
My life is revolving around scarves ever since I watched your video. I had to have the book too. Everyone I know will be getting a scarf for Christmas. Thank you.
Twyla
I need to finish working on a convergent wall hanging that is waiting on my design wall. My bucket list includes making a Dresden quilt, purse, and Christmas tree skirt, etc. Just need your inspiration and expertise in getting started on these projects.
Adeline
The Dresden template would make the cutting of shapes and the points sharper and more even for sure!
Donna Fecteau
i’m stitching a couple of tee shirt quilts for my grandchildren, I’d like a table runner for myself and I have a few Christmas projects in mind as well.
Pat K
I’m making some autumn leaf potholders and have begun making a table runner for my sister as her Christmas gift. Love the Dresden table topper. I remember watching your series on PBS where you made several Dresden projects.
LaDonna
This is my favorite time of year and I love all the fall colors, both outside and inside. One of my to-do projects hopefully was a Dresden plate table topper. It would be just lovely on the Thanksgiving table. Of course, new potholders and hanging towels are a must also.