Nancy Zieman’s Sewing Project Roundup
I’m always intrigued to learn which Sewing With Nancy TV shows, or sewing, quilting, and machine embroidered projects—featured on my blog—are your favorites. I enjoy sewing a variety of projects for my home, for gifts, and for my three grandaughters. Here’s a roundup of a few of my favorites projects:
I See Spots Quilt
Circle accents are everywhere—quilts, pillows, table runners, and handbags. Make a statement by sewing circles, spots, or dots with my no-stress appliqué technique. The sewing secret is to use fusible interfacing.
The featured quilt, I See Spots, hung on display at the Modern Quilt Guild’s QuiltCon conference in Austin, TX. The bold colors, large blocks (18″ squares), and rectangle shapes (9″ x 18″) give the quilt a modern feel. But don’t think you need to make a quilt! Just one 18″ block would make an ideal pillow. Read how you too can easily make an activity bag. Or, purchase the downloadable project sheet.
Kids’ Activity Bag
Most fabric bags or totes for kids are rather wimpy. I remember putting toys and books in fabric bags for my boys, but the parts and pieces would often get lost in the bottom of the bag. After buying adorable finger puppets for my granddaughters, I knew they needed a home in an activity bag. Read how you too can easily make an activity bag. Or, purchase the downloadable project sheet.
Topsy Turvy Table Runner
Riley Blake Designs sent me a collection of gray and white prints that really caught my eye. Teaming them with a lime-colored solid, I knew a table runner was soon to be created. The design I chose is a nontraditional Dresden wedge. No round shapes here—the wedge-shapes of the Dresden are stitched topsy-turvy—to create a linear look. This finished table runner is approximately 18″ x 86″. You can shorten it or lengthen it, depending on your table size. Read more or purchase and download the project sheet.
Sew a Makeup Bag that Makes a Difference
When asked to gather a basket of goodies for Relay for Life, I knew that something special was needed to include in the basket. An embroidered makeup bag, with a machine embroidery design that supports cancer awareness, was the focal item of the giveaway. Read more or purchase the downloadable instructions.
Dresden Melody Table Runner
Think outside the traditional patchwork world and use a multisized Dresden Template to add a modern twist to a tried ‘n true design. I call it the Dresden Melody with five half-Dresden Plate Designs that seem to flow melodically together. The finished size is 28″ x 82″. Enjoy this patchwork tutorial! Read more or purchase the downloadable instructions.
Trio of Pillows
When sewing pillows, I find that cotton fabrics always require a backing or interfacing to prevent the fabric from sagging or looking flimsy. Using a double-sided quilted fabric, which has a layer of beefy batting between the fabric layers, automatically gives the pillows a plump look. (Here’s one time when the adjective plump is a positive!) Plus, the two coordinating fabrics provide great design options. Read how to create these three pillows or purchase the downloadable instructions.
Watch Sewing With Nancy online and on any TV.
Win a free copy of one of my downloadable projects sheets above. Simply leave a comment below sharing which of the projects is your favorite. One random winner will be selected.
Bye for now,
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stephanie Woodward
I love the pillows. So smart with the glasses frames.
Marvel D.
Such great ideas!! Thanks, Nancy. I am definitely using the pillow idea to dress up the guest room bed. Am thinking the pillows will have trucks and tractor embroidery designs since the guest room is primarily for the grandsons. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. Marvel
Glynn Martin
All of these projects intrigue me, but the one I look forward ti making is the Topsy Turvy Table Runner. I can’t wait to get started on it!
Susan Spiers
They are all so pretty-my favorite is the Dresden Melody Tablerunner-love the fabric & quilting-very nice! Thank you, Susan
Suzanne R
I’ve been eyeing that lovely Topsy Turvey Table Runner for some time. I’d love to make it.
cheryl mccauley
Good ideas! Love the color combinatins. Thank you for being such a sewing inspiration.
cheryl mccauley
Good ideas! Love the color combinations. Thank you for being such a sewing inspiration.
Betty L
Love the Dresden Plate table runner. Would love it in shades of pale blues. It would certainly dress up my dining room table. Love looking at your ptprojects.
Nancy Jackson
I actually love all of them. I narrowed it down to two the Kid’s Activity Bag and the makeup bag. I finally decided my most favorite and the one I would actually make first is the kid’s activity bag. I’d love to win that pattern!
Wendy
The little carrying bag for toys(and more) would be perfect for my two granddaughters. Such a cute idea. Thank you, Nancy, for your inspiration. 🙂
Erma
I love the pillows! I am always inspired by your designs and instructions.
Lois
I have several fall fabrics that would make a lovely topsy-turvy table runner. Now to find time to get it done.
Sheila
The Kids’ Activity Bag is such a clever idea and would be great for my great nephew.
Ellen Crymble
The Relay for Life pillow is another example of the wonderful community spirit your sewing also provides. Practical, emotional, colourful, challenging and so treasured by all who make it and receive it. All for a good cause. Thanks for sharing your good heart. Ellen
Patsy G
My favorite project would be the kids tote with the little pockets. It’s so much fun to sew for grandchildren.
Helen Grantham
My favorite is the Dresden Melody table runner. I can see this in my house! I truly enjoy all that you do. Thanks.
Clovis
So many to choose. The table top & I see spots are my favorite. Thanks for the give away.
Laura Melvin
So hard to choose from so many great options! Topsy Turvy table runner is cute but I like the toy bag too!
Margaret Scott
It’s a tie. I love both the tops turvy and Dresden melody table runners. Love your projects. Thanks, Nancy for inspiring me.
Gina M
All are charming, but I *love* the Dresden Melody table runner. I picture it as a sunrise or sunset… fussy cut from a fabric(s) where the color saturation changes (ombre).
Kaye Walker
Nancy, there are so many of your shows that I have enjoyed. I have learned so much from you through the years. You make everything easy for all of us. I think my most favorite is Landscaping. I watched on PBS, saw it again on your blog and ordered the book and DVD. I haven’t attempted it yet but it’s on my list of things to do this year. Thank you, Nancy for all you do . You are a wonderful person and teacher to the sewing/quilting world.
Laura
I absolutely have to make the Dresden Melody pattern. Would also be fabulous as a full sized quilt. I do appreciate all of your wonderful tutorials.
Terry
I like the desden melody tablerunner. It looks like a sunburst and would be beautiful with yellow/orange sun with a sky blue background.
Peggy
I love the spots quilt. I bought a circle template and have never used it because I can’t find the right project, and there it is!
Edna Marks
I like the topsy turvey table runner, but also the cute toy bag. decisions, decisions!!
Mickey Imhoff
I love the Topsy Turvy Table Runner – and especially cute made up on the Riley Blake fabrics.
Pat
My favorite project is the Topsy Turvy Table Runner. It is so attractive and the fact it can be easily resized to fit my table makes it especially attractive.
DebbieW
The Desden Melody Table Runner is one I would love to make for my large dining room table.
Carolyn Garrod
I love the Topsy Turvy Table Runner and the child’s bag. Thank you….
JaniceCarole Allen
I love the Dresden medley. Any new technique for a Dresden is a great idea.
Barbara R.
I love the Dresden table runner!
Martha Hood
Love all the ideas- but think the first one to make would be the kids activity bag and then the make up bag, that one could work for so many different things and sizes. Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions you give us all the time. Have a Happy Mothers Day to all
vera schmidt
love polka dots …hence I’d love the spots quilt pattern Can see it in bright colors.
Cassy L.
I really like the Kid’s Activity Bag. It looks like it could also be used as a bag to hold a knitting project.
Arlene
I really like the variation of the Dresden!
Adeline
The kid’s activity bag is a total winner. can be used in so many different ways, and perhaps Mom might like it in different fabrics for her traveling tools of the trade !
Dee J
Spots, Spots, Spots!!! I was reminded of my favorite Dr. Seuss childhood books. To this day I love anything with dots, circles, swirls. Oh how I love your beautiful quilt!!
Juanita Decquir
I watch your show every Saturday on our local PBS station and I have purchased several of your books on sewing and quilting. The Dresden plate table runner is one that I have delayed trying but seeing it again inspires me to do it now. Keep up the work you are doing. We benefit from your expertise.
camie dehollan
I like the cosmetic bag the most, although all are really great projects to do, very creative.
Arden
I like the Dresden Melody table runner. I already have the templates and I think, the pattern. All I have to do is make it! thanks….
Vicki
The activity bag is perfect! I have a new great nephew, almost ready to walk. This would be a great gift. Thanks!
Lisa Armstrong
I love the circle quilt. I am obsessed with circles quilted together. And the colors are my favorites
Deb
I like the activity bag & the Topsy Turvy runner.
Lori M.
Love that Circle Quilt…Thank you for the giveaway……
Noreen
I like the kid’s activity bag! It’s nice to have a way to occupy kids in the car or while waiting.
Florence Dupuis
I would like to make the I see dots and kids activity bag.
Starla
I love the topsy turvy table runner.
Jennifer Reinke
Which one to chose!!! Love them all. If I had to pick a favorite it would be the “I see spots” quilt. Thank you again for such beautiful projects to keep us sewing.
Karen
I think the Dresden Melody Table Runner would be my favorite with the I See Spots Quilt coming in as a very close second! I enjoy your blog and wish you all the best! Karen
Bobbie
I really need to make those kids activity one for each of my grandkids. Those will get started tonight and then I will work on a makeup bag for myself and my best friend. Thank you for posting such wonderful and useful patterns.
Kathleen Johnson
The Kids Activity Bag!!!
Marsha
I want to use and old 1950’s tablecloth to make the Topsy Turvy table runner.
Jaan Terry
Love the topsy-turvy table runner…watch you Sunday mornings
on PBS.
Pat henderson
Love the pillows so stylish and looks to be a quick project to add a lot of style to my living room. Love all of Nancy’s ideas she’s the best!!!
Virginia Anderton
I love the Dresden Melody tablerunner. I have a twelve foot table so runners and tablecloths are all custom made. A close second is the child’s activity bag but I would repurpose it as a take along project bag for my crocheting.
Virginia Anderton
I love the Dresden Melody tablerunner. I have a twelve foot table so all tablrunners and tablecloths are custom made. The child’s activity bag is a close second but I would repurpose it as a take along project bag for my crocheting.
Kathy C.
I loved the topsy-turvy table runner when I saw you make it on your show. I also loved the glasses pillows. How nice to see them listed as your favorites! Love your show, Nancy. As others have said, I’ve learned much from you and am always inspired to try new things. Thank you!
Patti
the eyeglass pillows are adorable!
S Carter
I really like the makeup bag. Not only is it focusing on breast cancer awareness, it is a really neat bag! Thanks Nancy for the instructions.
Tina
I See Spots is my favorite project. Thanks for the giveaway.
PamB
I love the Topsy Turvy Table Runner. Thanks!
Carol
I like each of them. My favorite is the topsy turvy table runner.
Jan vick
I love love the gray table runner. I want to make it for my special daughter-in-law. I will make it in the gray and then in additional color combinations to the other family members! Thank you for your years of great tips and sewing you have provided over the years!!!
Grace Niederlehner
The Topsy Turvy table runner is my favorite. Love the gray and lime together. Thank you for the chance to win.
Gail Beam
I loved the makeup bag , the three pillows and the kids activity bag. I can envisualize so many uses for the kids activity bag, such as a beach bag etc.
Ruth Henrichs
Definitely the Dresden table runner!
Cathy
The kids activity bag is my favorite. I have twin grandsons and this would be perfect!!!
Mo L
Love the Makeup bag and Trio of pillows.
Can you direct me on how we might make a suggestion for a grandmother sewing project?
Ann
I would enjoy making the tote for my Grandsons, and the quilt with circles. I like the look of it and am sure my daughters would like it as well.
Mary
The table runner is so cute!
Martha
I like the breast cancer awareness one.
Marty
I See Spots is the one I need to make; thanks!
Charleen Gangemi
There’s something to like for almost any occasion, but my favorite here is the Dresden Melody tablerunner. The muted shades of the extra-long runner appeal to my sense of peace and calm. Thanks for sharing your creative abilities. Charleen
Sandra Payne
I to like to sew different projects but since retiring I have been quilting. I like the circle quilt as well as the table runners. Thank you for all of your wonderful shows.
Mary
I like the topsy turvey table runner for my new place
Donna Fecteau
I love the dresden plate table runner. I would like to make a scrappy one for my kitchen table. I also plan to make a more “formal” topsy turvy one for my dining room table.
thanks for sharing your lovely projects and your knowledge with us.
Linda Edwards
I think the kids activity bag would be my choice since I have five grandkids, and I know they would really love to have something like this. Thank you!
Linda
I love both of the table runners – they are an easy way to go from elegant to whimsical, depending on the fabric, and are the perfect size to practice free-motion quilting.
Julie Kill
I really like the “twist” on the Dresden pattern, and the activity bags. My vote is for the Mod Dresden table runner. I’m going to experiment with some colors that I have in my stash! Thank you Nancy!
I’m going to whip up the bags for our daughter’s 14th birthday party.
Kids of any age can use a bag like this!
Cyndy from the Funny Farm
My fave two (because I can’t pick just one) are the I See Spots quilt and the Melody Dresden table runner. Both are so fun and unique. I can see myself making both projects!
Donna Bushkie
With three very active great-grandchildren I think I will be working on the activity bag. It is not going to bang around in quiet places. also the circle quilt . Hopefully soon.
Carrie McNally
Love the trio of pillows!
beth
My favorite is the Dresden plate table runner. I have the Dresden plate template and I would love to have that project sheet.
Pam
My favorite is I see Spots Quilt as it uses a simple method but bold coloring. Simple but beautiful.
Linda Holmstrom
I like all of the projects but the one that would be most current for me would be the pillows as I want to make some soon to go with our new living room furniture. Using a double sided quilted fabric makes so much sense. Now to find the right fabric.
Mary
The Dresdan Melody table runner catches my eye! I love the abstractness of the design and think it would be great on my table! Love your show.
Peggy V
I really like the i see spots quilt!!! Would love to win that!!
Karen
Although I love each project, I am partial to quilts and with the methods used I will have to attempt this project. Thank you for the stellar educational products you make available to us, we love them all!
L Watson
I like the pillows, and I am planning on making some pillows for our downstairs recreation room. I bought some “I Love Lucy” material that I can hardly wait to use.