Easy Quilt Designs That Get Rave Reviews!
It’s time for our second Sewing With Nancy TV episode of Quilt Column Quilts. If you missed the first episode, watch online by clicking here. During this show, see two quilt concepts that cast aside traditional quilting methods, while receiving rave reviews!
Tumbling Tumblers Quilt
The first quilt of this episode is called Tumbling Tumblers. Generally, tumbler shapes are sewn in rows. Not this time! Rotate the shapes 90 degrees to create columns, not rows. Turn what was a traditional quilt pattern into a modern design.
- The tumbler template from the Trace ‘n Create Grandmother’s One Patch Template is used to create this quilt design. There are four sizes of tumbler shapes—4″, 6″, 8″, and 10″ in one template. All four sizes are traced on the fabric and then cut, using a ruler, rotary cutter, and mat.
- The tumbler shapes are stitched together using traditional quilting techniques.
- Multiple background colored tumbler shapes are sewn together to add negative space to the design. Negative space is the new buzz word in quilting, and it references the space around the quilt design, not the design itself, which forms an interesting or artistic look.
You can see how the rest of the quilt is created while watching the TV show or see all the dimensions detailed in the book, Quick Column Quilts.
Hit and Miss Table Runner
At first glance, hexagon shapes cause many quilters to think, Oh no, the dreaded Y-seam! Not so with this speedy column quilt design. The hexagon shapes are created with two halves, eliminating the intersection of three seams, otherwise known as Y-seams. With this technique, faux hexagon halves are stitched in columns with relative speed and ease. Plus, the results are dramatic.
- The second template in the Grandmother’s One-Patch Template set, the faux hexagon, is used for this project.
- Only the 4″ shape is traced and cut from the fabric, including the end pieces. (Watch me demo this online, it’s a lot easier to show in action than to write about!)
- Four fabrics are traced and cut from the faux hexagons, plus the background fabric, which again creates the negative space design element. This photo was taken during my design process. Notice my design sketch—elementary!
- The faux hexagons are sewn together with straight seams. No Y-seams in this column quilt project.
- Columns are created.
- Then, the columns are sewn together. That’s it—all straight seaming.
Full details, including the yardage, are in Quick Column Quilts.
Blog Tour Hosts
To showcase my new book, Quick Column Quilts, and the companion TV series, you’ll be able to take a tour through the book via a Blog Tour. I’m pleased to announce that 27 bloggers have featured various projects or techniques. Please follow along!
Blog Tour Stops
To showcase my new book, Quick Column Quilts, and the companion TV series, you’ll be able to take a tour through the book via a Blog Tour. I’m pleased to announce that 27 bloggers have featured various projects or techniques. Please follow along!
- Nancy Zieman
- Quilt Taffy
- Simple Simon & Co.
- Diary of a Quilter
- Stitchin Jenny
- A Woman a Day
- Jina Barney Designz
- Lilac Lane Patterns
- Totally Stitchin’
- Esch House Quilts
- The Cottage Mama
- Designs in Machine Embroidery
- Pat Sloan
- Happy Valley Primitive
- Doohikey Designs
- Quilt in a Day
- Quilt Dad
- Just Arting Around
- Lazy Girl Designs
- Marie-Madeline Studio
- Always Expect Moore
- Polka Dot Chair
- Amy Lou Who Sews
- Riley Blake Designs
- Indygo Junction
- Amy’s Creative Side
Watch Quick Column Quilts (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on Sewing With Nancy online.
Sewing With Nancy on Public TV
We have the great fortune of having Sewing With Nancy air on 93% of all Public TV markets. Your local PBS programmer determines when the new season will begin. Often, the new programming begins later on TV. Check your local Public TV and/or Create TV listing for the new season, which begins with Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares.
Bye for now,
Nancy Zieman—author, pattern designer, businesswoman, producer, and national sewing authority—is the host of the popular show Sewing With Nancy®, which appears exclusively on public television stations across the United States and Canada. Follow Nancy’s blog at nancyzieman.com/blog and sign up to receive Nancy’s E-News for the latest news in sewing, quilting, & creating.
Content in this feed is © copyright 2014 by Nancy Zieman 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.
Mary Anne Chambers
I am not a quilter, though I have made 2 small quilts. One was a memory quilt to celebrate my grand daughters 1st birthday, and the 2nd was a memory quilt to celebrate my parents Golden Wedding anniversary. Technically they are not very good as I had no real clue what I was doing, but the pleasure I had making them was immense, and this has been equalled by the joy that my family had in receiving them. My mother in particular has loved showing it off to everyone who enters her house lol! I am mostly a garment sewer, but these 2 small quilts have brought such joy it is something I would like to do again someday……properly!!!
Gloria Jackett
I’m still a fairly new quilter. I really enjoy it. I am currently getting ready to start a quilt with jelly rolls. Can’t wait to see it done! And I love getting inspiration from you!
Judy Pierce
I am a quilter somewhere between beginning and intermediate. I find piecing quilts relaxing because of the straight line sewing, the fun (and sometimes the frustration) of choosing colors and patterns , but most importantly I can work on my quilt at my leisure, not bound by time restraints imposed when making clothing or gifts.
Amy Jo
I’m learning to quilt to make a baby quilt for a friend. Its a whole different world than garment sewing!
AS
I started quilting several years ago and really enjoy seeing the pieces come together to make the pattern.
Diane
Love the look and the ease of sewing this beautiful quilt.
Have to give this a try.
Carol Pollock
I have been quilting for quite some time. I love it! It is my favorite thing to do. The feel of the fabric in your hand, the colors to play with. Hours fly by. Most of my quilts are given as gifts.
Melissa
I quilt to satisfy a need to create things.
Jill
After five years in school I am getting back into quilting. So excited! Batiks are my favorite, and I look forward to piecing some easy quilts to warm up. Then I’ll take a stab at a landscape quilt. Thank you, Nancy, for your inspiration!
Susan
I love the faux hexagon table runner and would love to quilt that. I can imagine making a different one for each of the seasons.
Janet G
I love the mod look of these quilts.
Robin eshelman
I quilt, therefore, I am
Marilyn Ritchie
I admit that I have never made a quilt —YET but you make it look so simple that I see one in the near future! Your methods and tools make a complicated looking project easy to accomplish and what an attractive result! And thank you and your staff for all the many techniques you have brought to the community of us sewers!
Janice
All my stuff is old and out of date, all those goodies would be wonderful to have.
Kris
Now these column quilts look like a quilt I could actually make and finish!
Robyn
I just attemded my first quilting class/seminar and I really enjoyed it! I had always said “no” to quilting thinking it was not for me. It was so much fun! Picking out my fabrics and leaning some of the basics about quilting was a real treat!! will certainly try quilting again!
Marylin Land
I am not a well seasoned quilter; but, I certainly enjoy putting the pieces together. At this time, I have 3 quilt tops to quilt. My husbands grandmothers’ quilting frames are in my position and I look forward to using them. I have retired and should have the time to do this. Grandma entered her quilts in the Marshall County fair and always won a ribbon.
Helen Stewart
I have been quilting for several years as it gives me great pleasure and I always have something to show for my efforts. The color in the new quilts are amazing and I would like to make more of them.
Barbara Karlon
These look like they would be fun to make.
Edith Howland
I have only been Quilting for a little over a year and i really love it, all the people with there ideas.I just have old machines but they work good.
Karin
I would love to learn some handy tip, tricks & timesavers. So far, everything I’ve learned has come from blogs & YouTube, so the process has been difficult, for sure. I love to sew, so I keep at it, but it would be nice to have someone guide me along and tell me BEFORE I mess up!
I love the idea that quilts are a hug, and I’ve just completed one for my first grandaughter. Now I have another grandaughter and two grandsons to go. I’m afraid by the time I finish those 3, I’ll have some GREAT-grands to sew for!
Mo L
I love the quickness I am going to make smaller hexies for a “granddaughter” quilt. pink with small flowers.
MO
Violet ODell
I consider myself an experienced quilter but I never lose sight of the fact that I can always learn from someone else, and I attend as many classes that I can a learn something from each one.
Kay Strong
I am fairly new to quilting and still have much to learn. I am involved in a couple of online block of the month groups and a monthly club at my local quilt shop. I love choosing the fabrics for the blocks. I hope to learn how to quilt them on my domestic sewing machine in the future.
Diane Wyte
I am a quilter and sewing enthusiast for most of my life – say 60 years! I so enjoy Sewing With Nancy – and have loved getting tips and techniques – especially re watching episodes on the web site. Thank you for all you do!!
Sonja Schario
I love hex’s and this quilt is awesome. Kudos to you and really want to see the book. Keep those inspirations coming!
Sue
I started quilting 3 years ago after watching Nancy make it look so easy. I retired a year ago and cannot stop quilting. While I am working on one I am planning the next one. I’m still a beginner and love learning in my old age.
Thank you Nancy!
Brenda Rosenbaum
I love to quilt because it is exciting to put all the colors and shapes together and then have a colorful way to stay warm at my kids soccer and softball games!
Pat
As a very new quilter these quick column quilts are a wonderful opportunity to develop my skills. Quilt design and creation are a woman’s art; pure creativity but with a practical application. I am grateful for all the ideas and tips this blog provides.
Susie B
I quilt because it is relaxing. It let’s my creativity flow at the same time I get to to something for a good cause, such as working on a QOV quilt or a Quilt for Kids or other charity. I enjoy being able to make Christmas stocking and Halloween bags for for those that might not otherwise have one. These are donated to a food pantry for their needing children.
Debora Nipper
These column quilts sound like just what I need to get started on quilting projects. I’m new to quilting and its intimidating. So easy is good!
Fonda Baus
I have been sewing for many years.. Spent many hours learning from Nancy.. In fact I still am learning from Nancy and her guests. I have made several quilts. They all have gone to family members. From my 92 year old Mother to the newest Great Grand Daughter. And all in between. Have also made some for charity. I love the feeling of giving. I think that it warms my heart soul..
Linda Erickson
These are real interesting looking quilts that would be great for our guild ladies to work on! You have such interesting rulers too!!
thanks
Paula Howard
Sewing is a creative outlet for me. I enjoy giving handmade gifts to friends and family. Your column quilts intrigue me and I am anxious to give them a try.
Mary Hintzman
I love the way quilts warm you many times over: THewarm fuzzy any sewist gets while shopping/looking for fabric to make the perfect quilt. the warm fuzzy feeling you get while constructing a quilt for yourself or someone else; the warmth from being covered with your quilt; the warm fuzzy you get when each recipient thanks you and praises your work. Quilts make me warm all over.
Mary
DonnaG
I am now retired and getting back into sewing, first with some home dec projects, which are more “need to do” than fun. I LOVE fabric and playing with color and have begun collecting fabric and patterns for quilting. I have made a set of placemats, but my goal is to make quilts for myself and family.
Geraldine Huebner
As usual your directions are easy to understand and the beauty of the finished quilt makes all so us want to get started on our own creation.
Kim M. Harrington
I think one of the things that appeals to me is the challenge to make something beautiful out of scraps of fabric. I like the piecing more than the quilting. I try and try to get better at quilting, but it is often a last thought.
Shirlet McCamish
Thanks for all the great programs and quilting tips.
Glenola Maxwell
Quilting is my creative outlet. I love trying different methods to create beautiful gifts for my family.
Dell
I like to quilt because it provides something unique you can share with friends, family and future generations.
Pat D
I love guilting because it makes my amagination run free and they become useful. I have made many quilts for my family and thanks to Nancys shows and help have turned out many beautiful quilts. I thank Nancy again for all she has done for me and put a big hobby in my hands to make my life very fulfilling.
Janet E.
I love to sew and mainly sewed clothing – till the quilting bug hit about 12 years ago. Couldn’t think of sleeping without a warm comfy quilt to cover us in the winter or a lighter one for the summer heat. Am even making pet beds for the local shelters and even quilting them so stuffing doesn’t shift.
Now I am finishing up all the UFO’s that I had hidden – LOL – 10 so far and a couple more to go before I start a new quilt or two.
Pam
I am a new quilter and never ventured beyond squares because it would take me too long and I knew I would never finish. I watched 2 of the videos in this series and you made it look so easy that I am ready to ventured outside of the “square” realm. Can’t wait to order the book and templates so I can get started.
Arlene Drier
I love to quilt for many reasons-to satisfy my creative urges, to play with fabric, to be with friends who also love to quilt, to share ideas, to make gifts to give, and on and on—
Amy D
I am a beginner quilter and have only dabbled. I have collected a huge pile of I-spy squares and want to tackle 2 twins size quilts. 🙂
Gina Horst
I quilt/sew because I’m just to creative to do anything else. lol
Starla
I would like to add these column quilt ideas to my small, but growing, repertoire. I’m loving learning about sewing and quilting — after a year and a half of learning, I feel like I CAN do some things, but still have so much farther to go — and I love that! I learn something with each project, and I’m sure I always will.
Jan
I quilt because I love the feeling of satisfaction of cutting up fabric and sewing it together to make a beautiful quilt. It’s also a great stress reliever.
marina sharts
I have been quilting since the 1980’s and now I mostly quilt baby quilts for a local charity. It’s fun to be the old time quilter who has hand quilted and appliqued for years and to teach new quilters the tips I have learned. The Internet has dramatically changed quilting in the information is always at your finger tips. No need to go to the library or beg patterns from others as our grandmothers did.
Granny
I quilt everyday. Since I retired four years ago I have been quilting daily. This is my relaxation. I have always wanted a baby lock machine. I would love to win this one. Believe me it would be put to good use.
Linda Satkowski
Quilting is calming, creative, fun. I’ve met many wonderful people thru quilting, enjoyed joining the guild in whatever area we have lived in. My favorites are the old traditional quilts, maybe using untraditional fabrics and colors, but I always go back to the more traditional colors after experimenting with others! Have the first quilt I made and still like it–that was back in 1976. Just love everything about the craft.
Kathi Pedersen
Have learned to use a sewing machine when I was a preteen, still at the age of a grand parent I so enjoy sewing the many, many patterns, even making up my own. It has given me great pleasure to give my children and grand children something so warm and beautiful to enjoy!
Lynn P
I love to learn new techniques when I quilt!
Helen
I love the creativity that quilting offers. Though I have been quilting a long time there is always a new technique or idea to learn.
maryann moyer
Recently retired from 30 years of public school teaching, I want to further my quilting skills which are minimal. These column quilts look ideal for projects for my children, granddaughters, and friends.
Lindagk23
I love to sew and love to quilt, although I am self taught and only have made a few quilts as gifts. I love the column quilts, they are so pretty and look fairly easy to make, and will definitely have to give this a try.
Carol N
Using special shapes would be a definite challenge for me. I would have to work really hard to be accurate. This would be a great project for me to improve in my cutting and piecing.
Irene Johnsen
I have been learning to quilt these past two years and simply have fallen in love with this wonderful craft. For the past 7 years I have been teaching a group of individuals with developmental disabilities to sew. Last year they sewed 18 quilts from fabrics that were mostly donated. They each got to take home a quilt that they had mostly sewn themselves. (my co-worker and I quilted and did the binding for them) The look of joy and pride on the faces of the participants when they saw their creation finished was just amazing. We also made 2 other quilts to donate to the Women’s Center to pay back into the community.
Diana
I quilt because it is relaxing and satisfying at the same time.
Diana
Wonderful videos of the Quick Column quilts. Ordering my book today!
Carol Keeler
AM JUST BEGINNING MY QUILTING ADVENTURE. I’M NOW READY TO FINISH MY FIRST QUILTED APPLIQUE LARGE WALL HANGING AND FOR THE FIRST TIME USING METALLIC THREAD.
IT HAS BEEN A FUN PROJECT. NOW I NEED TO LEARN MORE!
Susan Schultz
It’s cheaper than a psychiatrist! The entire creative process is therapeutic. A day without sewing is not a happy day.
Samina
I’m new to quilting & I’m really enjoying myself. I’m almost done with the binding on my first quilt & I’ve learned so much along the way. I’d like to make a quilt for my bed, but my son has made it clear that his quilt comes before any other does!
Carol Sevcik
I have been making quits for more than 20 years, and I love it; I always get new ideas from watching your shows and going to quilt shows, and playing around with fabrics I already have. Keep doing what you do so well.
Diane S.
I’m anxious to try this quilt. I just completed a small project with straight line quilting and am getting closer to trying free motion.
Diane S.
Quilting and sewing helps to give me a sense of pride in myself.
Gata Hudson
As usual, Nancy has come up with some wonderful ideas!
Brenda Sutton
I am eager to start another quit. I have only done one small one. I retired 2 weeks ago and once I get moved I plan to start another. Thanks for the giveaway.
Laura
I quilt because what I make is uniquely me. It’s how I feel and what I see. It let’s me be free in my own space. It’s my voice without restrictions. It is also a wonderful way to get rid of STRESS. It’s a brilliant way to prevent fabric from waste and make beautiful things. It would be nice to have a new machine.
Phyllis Rettke
I really like scrappy quilts. It gives me the feeling that I am making something from nothing.
One of my issues is that my quilts are never “square”, one side is always longer than the other.
Christina Gonzalez
I want to quilt my own bedding.
Geraldine Gilbert
I hope to quilt someday. The columns quilt might just give me the courage. I want to quilt because I love the colors. It’s like surrounding myself in beautiful flowers that never fade away.
sheri gleichauf
I love all of your patterns and ideas for quilts, so much inspiration.
Cathy Brady
I LOVE to quilt and sew. Since I found Sewing with Nancy, I have gained a world of knowledge. Being disabled I have to sit a lot and being able to learn with Nancy is a life saver. I just had a knee replacement and watching her videos and reading her blogs sure helps get my mind off pain and help to pass the time. Thank you so much Cathy
Gale Betterly
So many ideas, so few hours in a day! I can’t wait to try some of these neat ideas. Thank you, Nancy!
Theresa Brooks
I love to make gifts for my family! I don’t work on many big things anymore, but placemats and lap quilts always make welcome gifts!
Linda Pink
I love to quilt because I find it very relaxing and like to create new things. I love to make quilts for kids and for my family. Thank you for all you do to help!!!
June Magnusson
I quilt because it is way to relax and and it makes a great usable gift. It is the best way to say “I love you!”
Kathe Mayer
Quilting and bags (with quilting techniques) are helping me to work down my stash and to make gifts that seem to appeal to my friends and family. I did a lot of garment sewing when my kids were little but then for about 20 years did very little until I got hooked on quilting.
Kristi
I am an experienced sewer and receive such pleasure at the sewing machine. This is especially pleasing when I am creating my own patterns or designs. I have limited experience in quilting but have always been eager to learn more and improve my quilting skills. (That’s why watching “Sewing With Nancy” is so important to me on my days off from teaching preschool!) I recently joined a local quilting group called Quilts for Kids that makes and donates quilts to hospitalized children. I am hoping that with my experience sewing and some quilting guidance, I will be able to bring joy and comfort to a special group of children.
Deanna Evers
I enjoy learning a new pattern for a quilt to give it away.
Joyce Mitchell
I consider myself somewhere between experienced-beginner quilter and still-learning-intermediate quilter. I enjoy the creativity it brings to my life. Thanks.
Marg Hodgins
Great way to use up all those left over pieces we all have, just add a solid for the background blocks and it would make a great baby quilt for a gift!
Diane Embry
Quilting is so addictive! Love your quilting methods!
Judy Rosenthal
I quilt because it lets me be creative without stress. I can learn new techniques at my own pace and am only doing something the pleases me.
Ann B.
Quilting is a craft I have seen my mother and grandmother do. They quilted entirely by hand. I enjoy watching Nancy make beautiful items and it is time I learned too.
Shelley
I AM AN ADVENT SEWER/EMBROIDER/BEGINNER QUILTER AND LOVE NEW DESIGNS,PATTERNS AND ADVENTURERS.
Becky M
I want to learn to quilt because it looks relaxing and peaceful. It looks like something I can work on for short periods of time, not feeling I have to finish in a day, and best of all, it doesn’t have to fit my body.
Charlene Kukla
I”m a real novice at quilting, but I enjoying melding machine embroidery with quilting. Just finished a baby quilt made of denim and flannel which is personalized and practical.
GJ Straatsma Pijper
Ik heb weleens wat gequilt nu niet meer maar wie weet via Nancy Zieman krijg ik misschien wel weer de inspiratie om er weer wat mee te gaan doen.
Bedankt Nancy Zieman
Teriesa
I am new to quilting and would like to know more about how to use my hoop for quilting my projects.
Donna G.
Love these designs! The idea of column quilts is very appealing; it seems to give more options.
S. Croinex
Love the column quilts. I plan to introduce them to my grandkids. They will be able to make gifts for family and friends. Hand and eye coordination, plus the joy of making something pretty. Wow!
Anne Blohm
Nice job…modern quilts are not my thing, but certainly deserves credit. The quilting on them is simply over the top bueatiful! Any chance of focusing more on that? Maybe an idea for another book? Hmmmmmm….
Nancy Zieman
Anne, later on in the season you’ll see a mini series on “Free Motion Quilting For Beginners.” My guest really knows how to teach the free-motion quilting. I learned a lot producing the series—I hope you’ll enjoy seeing it later this year.
Ana Alves Geronimo
Cara Nancy. Faço quilting a apenas um ano, sou apaixonada por essa maravilhosa arte. Aprendo muito com o que você nos ensina. Muito obrigada pelo seu carinho conosco. Felicidades. Ana
Jeanniebella
Quilting has been something that many generations of my family have done. So it’s part of who I am. I have quilt squares that were made my my great grandmother in the late 1800s, a couple of quilts made by my grandmother, a quilt constructed by my mother and hand quilted by her and my grandmother, and now the tradition continues on with me and with my 26 year old daughter who has made three quilts of her own. Quilts offer so much to everyone through the process as well as the product!
Ella Liddle
I’m a beginner quilter, even though I’ve bought fabric and supplies for several years. I get so far on one quilt then I start on another. I have to take out so many mistakes, I guess that’s why I put off trying to finishing one. It won’t be long before the weather turns cold and I’m planning on finishing what I’ve started, mistakes and all. Thank you for sharing all of your sewing projects and quilts with us. We all love watching your show : )
Victoria
I made my first quilt a year ago for a new granddaughter, and I got bitten by the quilting bug! I’m entering my first wall hanging in the state fair this year.
kay bowen
Started quilting this year – at age 59. Plan to keep trying different quilts. Have never sewn before so have self taught with aides of blogs such as this one – also a lot of trial and error! Love it!!!!!
Bev. Murray
I grew up learning how to sew, knit ect. You learned to make your own clothes, to knit your own sweaters. My grandmother taught me how to crochet. Now it’s time to learn how to make quilts. My sister makes quilts, and they are stitched by hand and beautiful. She made both my children quilts when they were young and they still treasure them. At one point she tried to teach me how to quilt, oh what a disaster that was :). It’s time to learn how to quilt, by machine, it’s been established that I’m not good at hand quilting.
Lynda Adair
I have been blessed to learn sewing at a young age, being surrounded by many relatives and neighbors who sewed. I have sewn many projects, garments, crafts, and gifts, but I’ve yet to sew a quilt. I love the simple patterns, stars, log cabin, and blocks. I would like to start and finish a quilt for my bed in the near future!
Beth Matsuyama
My quilts are workhorses to be used for years by my sons and other family members I gift them to. I don’t want any seam coming apart. I sew each seam 3 times, 2 straight and one zig zag. I don’t piece the backings. I just use a flat bed sheet. I buy the highest thread count I can afford that matches my color scheme and the size of the quilt I am making. Usually it’s for a bed. I might even spring for a sheet set and then the bottom fitted sheet and pillowcases match. I also wash and dry all fabric 2 times each so I don’t have to worry about shrinking or color bleed. If I really crave a nice crisp fabric I use spray starch when I iron. I always iron before I cut. Just some thoughts! 🙂
LindaLu
I decided I had to make quilts for my grown kids because when I saw the flag quilt on Nancy’s blog, I knew I had to make it. I have the top nearly finished and am starting on the next quilt. (An easier one.) Kind of glad there are only 4 of them. I’m learning as I go. I am doing this because I want my kids to know I love them. I don’t get to see them very often, because they all live in Wisconsin.
neecee crisp
tatting, knitting and quilting are my world. they are mostly “give aways”. any new ideals are always helpful.
allen king
I hate picking out fabrics and once I have them I’m afraid to put them together. I’m usually not happy with my combinations and blocks as I’m sewing them. But after I sandwich them and quilt them in my embroidery hoop I’m amazed at what I end up with! I end up surprising myself and amazing my friends and family with the gifts that none of us thought possible.
Sharon D
I quilt because now, after retirement on July 11, I can!!
I am a beginner, but have already turned into a fabricaholic!
Debbie V
I was in Jr. High many years ago when I made my first quilt. I planned to make it my summer project. Well… A few days later it was done and later became a baby gift for my older sister. I love to see others use gifts that I made for them, and love that making quilts are are great way to express ourselves.
Charlotte
I quilt to keep my mind sharp and to prove to myself that I can do any thing I set out to do. Quilting has not been easy but I have been pleased with my finished projects. I am working on my first Christmas project.
Patty J
I also began quilting upon retirement. I am still learning (aren’t we all?), but love it. I can’t help myself in the quilt stores. I have to touch the fabrics. Slowly, I am building my stash. In my quilt class we refer to quilting as “cheap therapy.”
Janet Duff
I quilt because I enjoy the sense of accomplishment it gives me. My grandmother and great-grandmother quilted too. I am privileged to carry on the tradition.
Diana Grindel
I quilt to honor my Mom & Grandmother.. they were the ones who taught me how to sew, craft. quilt. I am passing this knowledge onto my granddaughters so they can carry it forward for their future generations of children to show them. To make clothing to call their own design, to quilt something someone thinks is impossible, to craft something that makes another smile.
The granddaughters all love a newly made quilt each Christmas and look forward to their new quilts ….
janet trimble
I enjoy making lap quilts to give to seniors in the hospital that do not have the means of receiving something nice because of no family left. My designs can be outrageous sometimes, but all come together when the quilting on the tie dye pieces are tied into the rest of the patterns. I owe my insperations to you Nancy because of the keen ability that you create week after week, Thanks.
carolyn durham
I started sewing with my grandmother around 6 years old. We would gather silk ribbons and sew them in strips to make quilts, pillow shams.
Barbara Read
My two sisters and I have a Quilt of Valor almost ready to be sent to the longarmer. This has been a wonderful project for us to work on as a team in honor of our dad who was a Navy corpsman attached to a Marine unit in the South Pacific in WWII. This will be the first ever quilt that I have seen to completion!
Linda
I am a quilting instructor and seem to always learn new techniques while working with my students. It is an incredible journey and any of these items would be a welcome addition to my classroom.
Janet H
I remember as a small child watching my grandmother take such care to make a “blanket” from tiny pieces of material. It is only now as I think of retiring and have been consumed by the process of quilting myself that I can truly appreciate what she was able to do with basically nothing but a bag of tiny scraps. I hope to be able to wrap my grandchildren in my own creations of love soon.
Becky Payne
I learned to sew on my grandmother’s Singer treadle sewing machine when I was around 12 years old. My mother took me to Sears when I was 13 and I bought my first sewing machine with my own money. I made all my clothes all through high school because I loved sewing so much. Now I prefer quilting!! I work full time and time is precious. I love the ease of the templates and precuts. Having your new book would be awesome!! Thanks Nancy for your professionalism, love of sewing, and sharing your knowledge with all of us 🙂
KathyinMN
The hexi quilt is very awesome. I quilt because .. well it makes me feel artistic and crafty. I love finishing a quilt because Billy Crystal had it right in City Slickers when he said ‘there is nothing like bringing in the herd’. There is nothing like finishing a quilt either. Its my one thing that he talks about (everyone has to go find their one thing). This is mine.
Nancy Matheson
I quilt for sanity.
Lydia
Why I quilt ? The process inspires me.
Robin
I am learning to quilt. It is something in my younger years I never thought I would want to do, but attending a quilt show with friend changed my mind. When I saw the artistry and colors in the quilts on display, I knew I had to learn! Quilting is both creative and challenging…just what I need and want in my life!
Lori Pearson
I quilt because I want to see the skill passed on to future generations and the art to not be lost in our automated world. I find solace in creating color quilts that hopefully will be cherished in 100 years.
Lynda Nollau
I’ve been studying old type quilts using 1930’s retro fabric. That’s what I want to try, something like my Grandma made.
Suzanne Lockwood
A newbie to quilting & loving learning new things.
Quilting is a double pleasure that of making something and giving it to someone else for their pleasure. Warms the heart. Thanks Nancy for your show and all the tips, please keep them coming…
Karol
Now I’m mainly making donation quilts for the local family services. Have made baby quilts for children born to servicemen while they are deployed away from home. Some Quilts of Valor.
I Love quilting!
Sue Cullifer
Love making quilts. It is relaxing and very satisfying.
Deb Slater
I’m just learning to quilt. I love the feeling of satisfaction I get as I complete each quilt element. Hopefully, I’ll leave something my family can enjoy for many years and they’ll think of me!! Thanks for all your wonderful tips and instruction!!
Deb Slater
I think it is relaxing and very gratifying!!
Kirsten Ross-Pedersen
I learned to quilt as a child but haven’t done it in years. I love all of the tools available now that save time and let you spend more time on the creative side.
Cathy Brown
There is always something new to try and that can challenge me in so many ways: patterns, degree of difficulty, color selections, new ways to do something from the past.
JoD
Why do I love quilting? Because EVerY quilt is a Mystery Quilt. You can see the pattern. You can buy your favorite fabric. But it’s still a mystery how it will turn out and what yours will look like. Some of my mysteries are fantastic. 🙂
KayZee
I’ve enjoyed Nancy Z. on T.V. for MANY years, and am excited to learn some easy quilting techniques from her. I produce at least 3 quilts a month for Quilts For Kids, Inc. and can always use a new, quick project. Thanks.
Jerene K. Daniels
Nancy you are great at keeping sewing alive & so interesting. I’ve been teaching basic sewing to newbies for several years. Now children 8-18 years are so excited to sew. The quilt camp is jelly roll quilts make in four 2-hr sessions by 8-14 yr olds. Recently I’ve had some moms of little boys ask if there are “boy” sewing projects. A quilt that boys would love & be able to complete easily could be jelly roll race. What design of a column quilt would be easy & “boy”able?
I’ve been sewing since age 10 with mom & 4-H. I didn’t start quilting until I’d read every book. Finally when I was almost 50 years young I started with a pieced, quilted, & bound placemat. Well, the rest of the story is beautiful pieced artwear, wall hangings, quilts, etc. LOVE, LOVE, all things sewing. Jerene
Eliana Fleming
I like quilting because it is challenging and fun(:(; I am 11 and I have made 2 quilts one for me and one for my dad.
Lori Martell
I want to thank you for all the years of inspiration and instruction for all the areas in sewing creativity and also in giving to our communities. I am sewing on my Singer Featherweight and completed my first quilt with it–definately not perfect. I learned quickly how the tools and instruction make the process a challange or a joy. I am greatful for my Singer but am borrowing a Pfaff at this point from my best friend. My room is filled with projects for clothes alteration to quilts for church and the hospital I work in.
Thank you to the whole team,
Lori E. Martell
Georgia V. Swann
I started to quilt by watching your show. I have followed you for many years, and you just inspire me to try new and differing projects. Imhave enjoyed you and will continue to do so. Thanks
Georgia V. Swann
I started to quilt by watching your show. I have followed you for many years, and you just inspire me to try new and differing projects. I have enjoyed you and will continue to do so. Thanks
Ali
I quilt to slow down, keep my creativity flowing, and to make gifts for friends and family to show them I am thinking of them. I have been quilting seriously for a few years, and with each quilt I try to expand my skills, either in designing my own quilt top or in trying a new technique. Seeing bits of my favorite fabric become beautiful quilts is always a thrill.
Paige Murray
I have tried quilting an easy pattern before, but as an inexperienced quilter I did need quite a bit of help from my mom (she ended up finishing it for me and it came out beautifully!) Now, as a nineteen year old in college though I feel more up to the task of learning how to quilt. Overall, though I really quilt to have a closer bond with my mom and grandmother (and to pick up on all their tips!).
Shirley Clark
Nancy, you always make everything look so easy including when you showed us how to make landscape quilts when you were in Shreveport in 2013.
I save all of your tutorials on Pinterest.
Karen
I quilt because I love being creative, from the choosing of the pattern and fabrics to the last stitch of the binding. I enjoy every minute of it! How many things can we truly say that about?
claudia corbett
I love to quilt because I get to use my creative sewing talents, although small but fun to tinkle with. My mom gave me this side of her, I wish I had a child to instill this interest. I am enjoying each of my family member a quilt or two, hope they will gain a love for quilting someday.
shannon whitten
I am a long time sewer who recently took up Quilting. I did this so I could make beautiful baby quilts to give as shower gifts to my many grandchildren and others in my family. At first I used a pattern but quickly moved on to designing my own. It is the most rewarding, fulfilling activity I have ever tried the more I do the more I want to do. The people who have received a quilt made by me all say the will save it for their child for when they are grown.
Donna Tidler
Three years ago, I joined a wonderful group of ladies at my church. We are known as “Piecemakers” and sew charity quilts for the less fortunate. Most are baby quilts which we donate to various hospitals and organizations. We also sew larger quilts which are given to homeless veterans. Our monthly sewing sessions are so much fun and I continue to learn new tips and quilting tricks from this delightful group of ladies.
Mary S
I love the kits one sees for making fabulous quilts.
Jeanne
I love quilting as anytime at my sewing machine is relaxing….and quilts fit me so much better than the garments I make!!!
Sue Proffitt
Quilting is what my Grandma did, until I took my first quilting class. I was Hooked!. It has been a fantastic learning and sharing with friends experience. Now it is time to teach my granddaughters to quilt.
Dianna Ward
I have been sewing since I was 12 at that birthday my mother bought me a sewing machine and I have been sewing ever since but I am new to quilting I have made two small quilts for my grand daughters and now I want to tackle a large one. I am watching videos and trying to learn as good techniques as possible. Thanks Nancy for the help..
Pam
Nancy, I have enjoyed your show since 1976. I bought a sewing machine 5 years ago and telling everyone the day I retired that I am going to quilt. Well….I finally decided to turn on the machine for the very first time and now I feel so intimidated that I don’t know where to begin. So, I will try to get over this feeling learn how to use the new machine and watch your beginner quilting shows and get started. Thanks for all the enjoyable hours of your show.
Ruth Guidroz
At the lost of my mother I received her fabric stash from the estate. What could I do but learn to quilt. I started slow doing every thing by hand. Things began to pick up when I retired. Of course I kept building my fabric stash. Now it is really time to get things moving. Last year I started a quilting group in my little town here. We are only about 10 to 12 persons in the group but really enjoy getting together and sharing. In just one year, we have made 3 QOVs and we are working on other projects. I found the love of my life at a late age. It is QUILTING.
S Rakel
I have been sewing for over 40 years and have moved from clothing to home dec to quilting. I have the great fortune to work for a fabric designer, so I have a built-in supply of fabric and source of inspiration. The only problem is, too many ideas & not enough time to tackle all of them!
Joyce L
I love quilting and wish I had more time to do it. It’s so wonderful to focus on each portion of the process and to finish with a work of art reflecting your own unique creativity.
Laura
Although I’ve already sent in a comment, I just want to add a few words. I love reading the remarks and thoughts that others make. Many are very touching. I think this is such a wonderful way to share thoughts and feelings freely and have no concern of condemnation or critics. It’s so great that even those from other countries are able to participate also. It’s absolutely marvelous Nancy! What a blessing
Enid
I am a beginner. I am working on my third quilt. I think not having to match seams would be great.
Lauren
My mom started me quilting when I was 8 and made a quilt for my American Girl Doll. Quilts are precious in our home!