Have Fun Stitching Outside the Lines
Do you like to doodle? Many of us enjoy sketching or even scribbling absentmindedly, dreaming we’re budding artists! The same action can be translated to needle and thread, randomly stitching on small pieces of fabric while learning creative techniques.
Watch the new Doodle Stitching TV show (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) online now. You’ll also find details, tips, and techniques in the new Doodle Stitching book, available at Nancy’s Notions.
Clip ‘n Stitch Doodling
Let’s kick off Doodle Stitching Part Three with a Clip ‘n Stitch Doodle project. Small snippets of fabric fused to a background layer are the doodling tools. This is not a lengthy process, rather a random act of creativity!
Popsicle Garden
One of the benefits of doodle stitching is becoming comfortable with free-motion quilting. Creating a Popsicle Garden is an ideal way to learn the tricks of the trade while stitching a whimsical work of art. Circles and rectangular shapes are all that’s needed, along with a little stitching time. Watch online to see how easy it is to try free-motion quilting on this smaller scale.
Doodle Outside the Lines
Next on Doodle Stitching Part Three, a scarf in the back of my closet was the fabric I chose for the last of our creative projects. I liked the look of doubling the sheer layers to create even more subtle shades of color. Each section is roughly stitched with sketchy stitches. I liken the stitching to coloring in a book. You can’t make a mistake when you purposely Doodle Outside the Lines.
The Book: Doodle Stitching
- I’ll guide you through my fun techniques for painting with thread and scraps of fabric. Don’t worry about perfection—these techniques are made to give you beautiful results, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewist.
- My signature style of stress-free techniques and easy projects inspires and empowers. Plus, I’ll show you how to translate pencil-sketched doodles onto fabric with your sewing machine.
Doodle Stitching Book
- Full color photographs and illustrations
- Step-by-step instructions
- Double-wire binding so that pages lay flat when open—no more struggling to keep your page from turning or bending; plus it’s easier to keep your book right next to you as you work
- Soft cover, 40 page book by Nancy Zieman, Sewing With Nancy
Watch the on Sewing With Nancy online.
Where/when would you doodle in a sketchbook? Leave a comment below to be eligible to win a copy of the Doodle Stitching Book, from Nancy’s Notions.
Bye for now,
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Penny Kaspszak
I doodle on airplanes since I am a white knuckle flyer! I also doodle while waiting for others to get ready to go places! I have doodled right on my quilt which helps me get started with free motion designs on art quilts! Love it!
Sandy
Sadly most of my doodling was when I should have been taking notes; either in class or when on a lengthy work phone call…until, my cousin introduced me to zentangles at our local fiber arts group.
Patricia D
I would doodle in a sketchbook when I wanted to calm myself, for a soothing activity so that I can be better prepared to deal with what the world throws at me and to discover the strength I have in the depths of myself so that I can use it in my creative activities.
Linda weinberger
As Recently Breast Cancer surveyor, my daughter bought me a doodle coloring book called the calm coloring and puzzle book. While using it a few times, I still find sitting in my sewing room creating, more relaxing.
Pamela Martin
Just beginning to quilt and yet, the bit of appliqué I have done has been your standard method. One day I took a block and doodled all over it and I loved it. I have a block of the month quilt with scenes of snowmen and have decide this doodling would create great
dimension and texture. So glad I saw this blog. Thank you
Nancy. There are no limits or rules to what we can do these days and I love it. Let the creative juices flow.
Joyce
I tend to doodle while on hold on my phone. I’ve also been known to doodle while sitting in on a lecture.
Kim H
I think doodling is the way to build new and creative designs. I would doodle anytime and anywhere! It is a great way to kill time in the waiting room wherever you find yourself.
Louise Fredieu
i often use doodling to ease anxiety. Since i am going through a difficult time right now, i have been doodling more than usual. Stitching doodles sounds amazing.
Monica AD
On a bench around nature would allow many much creativity. FIESTA 🙂
Rebecca MIshler
Aloha, doodling a the beach waiting for husband goes fishing, and at home
Bonnie
I doodle when waiting for an appointment or when traveling. I find it very relaxing.
Carol
I’m a doodle wannabe…………………I’m thinking “fear of failure” can’t be the reason so I had better let loose and try. Thanks for the push Nancy!
DebbieW
Now that the cooler weather is here, I’ll be doodling in the sketchbook on the deck.
"Willie" Loyall
If I consider scratch paper as my sketchbook, I doodle most any time, especially when the phone rings, as I keep scratch pad and pen next to each phone in the house! (old habit from years of office desk-work) I ordered DOODLE STITCHING, and it came yesterday!!! Can’t wait to get started. Thanks, Nancy!
Carol McNab
Great video. thanks for sharing it. Would love to win the doodle stitching book. I would really like to do more of this type of quilting.
M Williams
I don’t think to doodle, my mind doesn’t work that way. I need to make time to doodle, I would probably do it at night after work, or maybe over my lunch break.
Cassy L.
I doodle when trying to decide on a free motion quilt design. I think the ideas in this book would be great to play with this winter.
Susan Spiers
I’m not an avid doodler-I do love the idea of painting with thread!
Linda Rupe
Drinking a cup of hot tea or coffee is the perfect time to doodle. I love the effect of layering light and/or sheer fabrics using doodle stitching.
Ellen
Nancy your ideas are so inspiring. Doodle time for me is late in the evening when things quiet down here after super.
My one time trip to the grand canyon will be perfect for a doodle of all the rocks, valleys, canyons and distant hills. I will try this one with thread to put in the small frame as you suggested. Thank you Nancy.
Christina Gingerich
I would love a copy of Doodle Stitching Book. It would be fun to learn it with my granddaughters! Thank you.
Lynn
Doodling is fun, sometimes automatic when I have a pen or pencil in my hand.
Judy
I am inspired to use my brain scraps and doodle a garden!
Nina
I doodle before I start to free motion quilt
Rhonda D in KY
Years ago instead of taking notes in class I would find myself doodling. Now I doodle while watching TV, talking on the phone, waiting at the doctor’s office…anywhere I find a pen or pencil in my hand and paper to write/doodle on.
ellen
I have been watching your shows since the 90s, possibly earlier, and have learned so much about sewing; thank you so very much. I’ve been trying FMQ for the past couple of years and was just about ready to declare it ‘undoable’ until today. Once again, it’s Nancy to the rescue. I have so many quilt projects that just stops short of finishing. Today, I will get my WIPs and finish them once and for all. Thank you again, and again. ellen.
Nancy Zieman
You’re welcome again and again! Thanks for following along.
Edna M
doodle when I’m on the phone also when I’m in meetings.
Tina
I try doodling before I quilt. Helps me to stay loose and relaxed.
Lori M.
I am not a doodler, but my granddaughter loves too…And after watching these little video’s I would love to make some of her doodles into fabric art. Thank you for the wonderful idea and giveaway…….
Mary
Inspiring book and projects!
Pat Kirby
I doodle to help me relax – it works!
Tammy Kazmierczak
I do not doodle on paper, but the idea of doodling on fabric with my fabric scraps is very intriguing. I will try this very soon.
Leslie B Mink
When do I stop doodling? When I’m asleep! I got into doodling as a teen. I tooksmms shorthand and found myself doodling the Gregg alphabet with my index finger, even when watching T.V. so I put a pencil in my hand, and paper under it and kept on doodling.
It helps me to relax, as well as using it as an aid to recall something I’ve temporarily forgotten.
PamB
I haven’t doodled since I was in school many years ago. But, I like the idea of fabric doodling to bring out colors in prints or add texture.
Marty
I usually jot notes and doodle after reading my Bible and having prayer time; many people, needs, things and ideas come to my mind at that time!
Nancy
I have done Zentangle …. even did it on my sewing machine.. pockets for a tote bag I made my sister. Thanks for the giveaway.
Jackie Taxter
I doodle when sitting in on long meetings.
Anne Z.
I have a sketch book and doodle in the evenings to relax.
Susan Berg
I always doodle, especially during meetings. I never thought to put doodling and quilting together in this way. Thanks for this idea. I’d love to have the book for more inspiration.
Connie Kresin Campbell
What a neat book! I love to doodle!
Cecilia Huether
I have always doodled when I am on the phone, yes I do listen to my caller, haha. It is a relaxing way to think clear, and would love this book, as I have tried machine quilting, just a little bit, but sure would love to learn how to machine quilt efficiently.
Becky Kendrick
I doodle all the time! I am a teacher teaching a fashion & design class and a fiber arts class. I also teach elementary art classes. Doodling is a way for me to “de-stress” and also capture ideas that I have during the day. I usually add to and color my ideas at night. Being visual, this helps spark my creativity! This doodling has been a habit of mine since my first encounter with grandma’s tablecloth! (I was 4)
Em Williams
I doodle, therefore I am. From abstract patterns to concrete images (what’s for lunch?!) my pencil is a constant distraction (though I may say meditation).
I recently started doodling with my sewing machine and it’s a wonderful way to let go and create. And suddenly having some vision problems has, oddly enough, given me the freedom to let go of the judgement side of my brain and just feel the color and line.
Would love to read your book and get more ideas!
Wilma Brock
I always doodled during staff meetings or long lectures. Now I zen doodle on fabric with free motion machine filler designs and black thread on white fabric. I can then colour it in with Inktense blocks.
Carol
What great way to create new quilting motifs.
Carolyn
How fun!
Spontaneity and a great way to think Outside The Box!