Lighthearted Kid-Friendly Sewing
Team Nancy Zieman is honored to carry on Nancy Zieman’s dream by continuing to share her love of sewing with you—Nancy’s dedicated viewers and readers. It is our honor to introduce you to Nancy Zieman’s I Sew For Fun program. Nancy and the Nancy Zieman Team worked nearly three years developing this unique sewing experience for adults and youth.
Nancy sewed for fun with her granddaughters, Avery and Luella. Her guess was that there are youth in your life that will enjoy the sewing experience, too. Learn to take a lighthearted approach to introducing youth to sewing. Nancy disregards lots of rules and adds a big dose of fun. Watch the one-part series, I Sew For Fun on Sewing With Nancy.
In this TV show, Nancy parallels introducing youth to the experience of sewing the same way many of us initially work with kids in the kitchen—you work together as a team. Nancy began baking chocolate chip cookies with her granddaughters. She didn’t expect them to understand the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon, rather she let them enjoy the activity of measuring while she guided their little hands every step of the way. The chocolate chip cookie experience lead Nancy to think about introducing her grandaughters to sewing in the same manner.
In the one-part series, I Sew For Fun on Sewing With Nancy, Nancy shares her modern approach to sewing with youth. Prepare to throw perfection out the window and just have fun. Watch Nancy and her granddaughters enjoying her team sewing-for-fun experience. Nancy shares tips for the big sewing partner, and numerous insights for involving a little sewing partner—all while making simple, easy to sew kid-friendly projects.
In the I Sew For Fun book, that accompanies this program, Nancy shares her step-by-step directions for 20 super-easy sewing projects. Give a little partner a few project and fabric options. Then, let them choose their favorite project to complete, with your guidance! You’ll plant the seeds of love for sewing that blooms with each new project. Here’s a sneak peek at the One-Button Projects (super-easy projects) included in the book:
1. Stuffed Animal Sleeping Bag
2. Reversible Headband
3. Hot Pad
4 Infinity Scarf
5 and 6 Quillows
7. Patchwork Quilt
Check out the kid-friendly I Sew For Fun Sewing Notions by Nancy Zieman.
Watch I Sew For Fun on Sewing With Nancy online at NancyZieman.com.
For chance to win a copy of Nancy Zieman’s I Sew For Fun book and DVD from Nancy’s Notions, please leave a comment below.
The randomly selected winner of Nancy’s McCalls M7331 Knit Collection Pattern from the July 28 post is Diane Lackey.
Her comment is: I love view ABC. Great for work and travel!
I’ve used a lot of these techniques, as I LOVE to sew garments with knits. Would be useful to have a quality source on line for ponte knits… 🙂
Happy Sewing,Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
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Patricia Phaiah
I enjoy sewing with my grandchildren. I have purchased sewing machines for my older grandchildren and they enjoy sewing. The older grandchildren make stuffed animals as gifts for their younger cousins. I am grateful for all the help and inspiration that Nancy has given me.
Jen in Oz
I was quite surprised to see the last prize give -away. I’ve had this pattern in my stash for some time but only recently got it out to use. I’m wearing the skirt right now!
diane c
I look forward to sewing with my grandchildren when they are old enough to start
Max
What a great way to spend quality time with the children.
Listening, learning and sharing.
Ann West
Passing sewing skills on to the younger generation is such a worthwhile endeavor. I am looking forward to doing just that with my grandchildren.
Linda Kernodle
My grandchildren love taking my scrap boxes and making pot holders and miniature quilts.
Helen Coletti
What an amazing legacy Nancy left for her family and her viewers. I know her system would be a great way to start teaching kids to sew. I look forward to teaching my grandchildren to sew.
Mary Green
Granddaughter #1 is old enough to start using my machine. It would be so fun to use these tools and projects with her.
Clovis
Nancy’s grandchildren will always treasure the time they had with their grandmother.
Ann Reagan
What a joy to be able to connect with my grandaughter and share my love of sewing with her. I love to continuing helping develop her sewing interest into a life long hobby.
Brenda Wallgren
I love this idea! I am teaching my 8yr old to sew and she loves it! Thank you for the giveaway! And I’m so glad that Sewing With Nancy is still active! I miss her so much and I never even had a chance to meet her in person! Thank you so much to the Nancy Zieman team!
Pam
I have sewn with 4 of my 8 Grands and look forward to sewing with the other 4 when they get a little older. I’m sure this book will give me many tips.
MaryLou W
I have enjoyed sharing my love of sewing/quilting with my daughter ,2 granddaughters ,my great granddaughter and and my God Daughter-it is so wonderful to be able to keep alive the art of sewing. I agree whole heartily that Nancy’s Granddaughters will always cherish those moments with their Grammy!
Becky G
Love these ideas for sewing with kids.
Cindy K
I have 2 five year old granddaughters who I’ve made quilts with. They both started sewing with me and their mothers when they were 4. After seeing their quilts, my 9 year old grandson started a quilt too. The I Sew For Fun book would be perfect for them. Then they could pick out their own projects.
Janet K Magee
I’ve learned alot from Nancy. I hope her grandchildren will keep her legacy alive.
Rose
I’m starting my 4 year old granddaughter at the sewing machine by sitting her on my lap and I guide her hands to feed the fabric. I just purchased a safety presser foot from Clover to give her a little more freedom but keep her little fingers away from the needle.
Anna Nencescue
Teaching kids to sew is so rewarding on so many levels. I have shared it with my daughter’s when they were young and now with my granddaughters. It is such a good skill to have.
Susie Furgason
I would love to teach my grands to sew. This book will give me ideas. Thank you Team Nancy
Chris
What a resourceful book and enjoyable way to pass on the love of sewing to the younger generation! Creating something is not only about the finished product, but also teaches focus, patience, accomplishment, pride, and confidence, that is reinforced every time you look at what you have made. What wonderful lessons to pass on to our youth!
Karen R.
Thank you for giving us a chance to start our Granddaughters out right, Sewing the “Nancy Zieman” Way. She was such a great and dedicated lady and I learned so much from her. Would love to have her book so my Granddaughters will learn to love sewing as much as I do. Thank you
Linda C in TN
It looks like Sew for one is perfect to teach my young one to sew. Thanks for a chance to win.
Bonnye
Grandchildren are great. I have been teaching the girls and boys how to sew. So much fun. The book ok would be great to have.
MoeWest
Kids don’t learn to sew in school like I did, so it’s important to pass on the skills and love of sewing to them.
Carol Nolan
Thank you for your generous opportunity to win this great book. I’m working with a group of young ladies teaching them to sew. I’ll get a lot of use out of this book as the projects are tried and true. This will be a great resource for inspiration – not only for me but for my students as well! Thank you for your generosity!
Janice Sponder
I Sew For Fun is sooo much better than the beginning projects we had in our sewing class back in the ‘60s!
Carolyn
I’m about to teach a child from my church family. It’s the 1xt time it isn’t one not my granddaughters. I’m excited to start with her. I’ll be using this book as my reference.
Marion Hall
This is such a great idea. I also sew with my grandson who will soon be three. He loves helping and snuggling on the quilts we make.
Judy Flanagan
I remember that little magical trick to mark darts. I well remember those early garments like the turquoise bodice of a dress or the cream and floral blouse. Sometimes my early attempts at aiming the darts didn’t work perfectly to end at the fullest part of the bust, but I tried.
Susan Kessler
I love this idea. My granddaughter will be 5 in December and has already expressed an interest in sewing. She loves to help me when I sew and I enjoy passing on my love of sewing to her. Hearing her say “Grammie, I love everything you make! “ made my day! Nancy’s ideas and tools will be a great addition to our “sewing lessons”. Nancy continues to be an inspiration to me.
Debby Curran
I’m still learning myself. I’d love to be able to teach my 6 year old granddaughter. We cab learn together.
Diane M Kaufmann
What a wonderful way to teach kids to sew. Fun and easy projects
Sandra M Saunders
This looks like so much fun! My girls want to try sewing and this looks like a great way to get us all going.
Sandra
Love the idea of teaching both girls and boys to sew. Loved the show where Nancy sewed with her granddaughters. She is such a giving person and taught me so much and I thank team Nancy for keeping her work on going. Would love to win this book!
Susan L.
I’m starting to teach my 7 & 9 year old granddaughters to sew. This book looks like it has some great beginner projects to do with them.
Marilyn Charging
Teaching children to sew is such a rewarding experience. I would love to explore the projects with a group of young people who want to learn to sew. Basic projects are needed or they will lose patience.
Judith Huber
I purchased the I sew for fun book. I can’t wait to use it! I have 4 Granddaughters. I am hoping they enjoy it!
Janet johnson
i think it’s important to teach kids the basics in sewing (and cooking, cleaning, etc) when they are young. Not just the girls – the boys, too.
Kama Webster
I learned to see in a similar way. My mom showed me the basics of how small pattern pieces fit together, how to thread the machine, etc. Me + my “I’ll do it MYSELF!” attitude made her step back and let me try. Manly mistakes and some really funny looking Barbie doll clothes later, I was bitten by the Stitching Bug! I do new construction and lots of alterations as a small income supplement but my favorite is all the young ones that i have given lessons over the years. I have taught many a 4-H student!
Lynda A
I love these cute and simple projects to teach children or anyone wanting to sew with on a machine. I have taught a few young girls to sew, and it always amazes me when the “light goes on in their heads” and they understand the process. I am always looking for simple and fun projects to teach and make myself! So glad for this new book!
Eleanor Smith
With so many quilt stores and sewing classes not taught in schools now this is great from a 91 year old grandmother
Mary Andrus
I have been working with my granddaughter and grandson on a few simple projects. And now their little sister has joined in. I love this
special time that we share.
Joyce
I earned to sew in home economics at school. My mother’s machine was off limits. Later I paid $5.00 for my first machine. It had a chain drive but it put together baby clothes just fine. I inherited my other-law’s machine and the love of sewing grew.
Nmany years ago I used one of Nancy’s books to teach my granddaughters and I really got to know them. One of the girls still has her copy of the book and brought it out for my funtime with my greatgranddaughter. She is a gem and keeps my thinking younger.
I wouldn’t change the time spent with them for anything. It has given me a wealth of love.
The fun projects in this new book are fantastic. Every child will not be really interested at this age but these projects will teach them the basics should they ever become serious about enjoying the experience.
I would love to have a copy of this book to share with greargranddaughter and maybe with her brother.
CAROL
This book would be a great help in showing young children
how fun it is to sew. I would be pleased to own this book.
My mom showed me how to sew on a treadle machine when
I was very young. That was my start in sewing, and to this I
contribute my love of sewing.
Eileen Tant
This sounds like the perfect thing to help my granddaughter learn to see. She has a favorite bunny that seam decided to come apart. So together we tackled sewing the bunny up. She got frustrated at first it wasn’t looking right, but she managed to get it sewed and turned out fine with a little bit of tips from me. I have enjoyed watching you in tv show and your emails. Thank you so much.
Terrie Grove
I think the program is GREAT! Children need to be exposed to sewing and quilting at an early age so they can have a past-time that they can use later in life. So many schools are getting rid of the sewing part of home economics/family life programs. Nancy’s program is so easy to do with little ones to embrace the love of sewing!
Joanie
I would love to get this book as I am teaching my granddaughters how to sew. They live with us and I have a lot of fabric that they can use and having this book with the great projects would make sewing more fun.
Katie
What a wonderful tradition. I learned to sew from my mom and in 4-H. I can’t wait to share sewing fun with children
Torry
As a teacher, I have taught many to do a lot of things…multiplying fractions? Yes, I can teach that. But, while I have taught adults to sew, teaching children seems harder. I’d love to win the book and learn how to teach children!
Maria Heckman
My granddaughter is beginning to learn to sew. I would love to share I Sew For Fun with her!
Colleen Chermak
I am looking forward to sewing with my twin grandchildren.
Pam
My granddaughter is fascinated by sewing. She already loves sitting in my lap and pressing some of the buttons on my machine, like going into reverse or back straight, putting the presser foot up or down. It would be wonderful to have this book made for her to do some sewing projects together. Thanks for coming up with this great book to help us pass on this love of sewing to the younger generation.
Carla Lindblom
It touches me to see the pictures of Nancy with her darling grandchildren. The memories she gave them reminds me that time can be short. I have 14 granddaughters under 13. I have done a little sewing with 3 of them. I can’t wait to spend time making sewing memories with them. My 14 year old grandson would like to repair some camping things that are torn.
I have followed Nancy for decades. Thank you for carrying on her traditions.
juditz
I too, like many others am a great grand mother.
My little 7 yr old just made her first lined bag for her mom and she is so proud. This after just three basic lessons.
She now wants to teach her 4 yr old cousin to sew.
Who knows we may have a future Nancy to teach others.
Not enough of them around any more.
Judith BIBER
I’d love to sew these projects with my grandchildren!
Sandy Morris
I have followed Nancy for years on PBS and have learned so much, every show had a least one great tip I didn’t know about to make sewing easier therefore more enjoyable.
I have just had my old sewing machine tuned up for my Granddaughter so I can pass on my sewing passion to her. The book would be perfect as she is also an avid reader and could choose the project that would be special to her.
Just spending the time together is most important to me but getting to sew with her too is the best.
Rhonda Atkinso
I have been sewing with my oldest granddaughter since she was 3. I let her pick the fabric and pattern and let her sew the straght stiches. I bought the book and let her look through it. She is ready to sew every project! I let my 7 year old grandson decide if he wanted to stand and use the foot pedal or sit and put his hand on the foot pedal when he sewed his shorts. He was excited to stand and sew.
Rosie
I love sewing with my four granddaughters. They enjoy making things with me too. This book would be perfect for us to use together. Thanks for another great give away.
Gail Krecklow
My granddaughters adked me teach them to sew. We’ve worked on a few projects, but I’m running out of ideas for fun, simple projects. This book looks ideal.
Marisa
Cute ideas for kids.
lj
Love having the 5 yr old in my house by my side sewing. The program from Nancy would be a great tool to use in teaching her to sew. Would also be useful in teaching the individuals with intellectual disabilities that I serve in a grp home setting to learn to sew. Thanks!
Rose Malone
I have three granddaughters and the oldest granddaughter have shown interest in sewing so far. She made a telephone wristlet pouch for her first project and she was very excited about it. I look forward to using the I sew For Fun book for more project ideas to share with my granddaughter. I have been a fan of Nancy sewing for many years. This book is a great start in teaching sewing with fun ideas.
Cecilia Ayers
This would be wonderful to use as a teaching tool for my 11 yr old granddaughter!
Helen
I started to share sewing with my 10 yr old grandson and 9 yr old granddaughter. There are 5 more waiting their turn (after they get a little older) and another soon-to-be-born. I would love this book to guide me in teaching them the joys, and practicality, of sewing.
Doreen Linehan
I would love to teach my granddaughter to sew.
jo Wray
My mother and my grandmother taught me to sew by example as well as direct instruction. I was given a kids singer as a 2 year old. I think that they probably took out the needle though.
Tammie Kielpinski
Just a month ago . I had a conversation with my oldest daughter. She is Mom to 2 of my beautiful granddaughters. I mentioned I wanted to purchase Zoey a sewing machine for Christmas this year . I expected her to talk me out of it . To my delight, she said that would be a great idea . Winning this prize would be so awesome.
Sue
As I know I will never have the honor of teaching children to sew I have been buying small yardage’s of fabric and am in hopes of teaching children in my neighbor tocsew after school and on saturdays. i have watched nancy since her shows came yobpublic television in Topeka Ks my mom started me at age 10.close to 60 yrs ago my 3 sister’s have never understood my passion for it. fabriccstores are like a candy shop to me
Trish Mears
I have had concern for many years that due to the nature of women’s lives in our current environment, busy working and taking care of families, we might be “missing the boat” when it comes to teaching our girls (and boys…) the art of sewing for fun, stress relief, and sheer joy… not to mention a certain degree of necessity. I hope that mothers, grandmothers, aunts and even neighbors will find time to teach the next generations to sew, as it seems to be a dying art form in the climate of busy, busy ladies and youngsters who cease to be able to “make the time” to keep our creativity and skills honed. Wouldn’t it be great to do this by teaching our children to sew. If you don’t have youngsters of your own, help someone else teach theirs. I don’t think they’ll mind… do you?
Joyce Johnson
My 11 year old granddaughter wants to learn to sew so this will be great to help me reach her how to sew. I loved sewing as a child so I’m glad she wants to learn.
Mary Nasvik
My 10 year old granddaughter got a simple sewing machine for Christmas and LOVES sewing things. My 21 year old granddaughter bought a Singer and has made a few things. Both would benefit from the book. I have a machine and have been sewing for years! I mostly make garments but I’ve made a few quilts.
Judy
I would love to win this book. My great-granddaughter just informed me that she would like a sewing machine for her birthday (8th) next month. She thinks she is ready to sew with me.
Gail Beam
I would love to have this book to teach my granddaughters some of Nancy’s sewing techniques and easy to make projects.
Rosie Warner
Admittedly, I’m not the great seamstress, like my real sister Nancy and TV Nancy, however I love to sew little projects and love to teach even more. As a retired educator in Special Education, I can appreciate the value of the ‘step-by step’ approach. I’ve been a Girl Scout Leader, event planner, Service Unit Director and Day Camp Director for many of my 37 years in Girl Scouts. My passion is building confidence, character and courage in girls. I find sewing encourages and yes, inspires these attributes! As a grandmother of 10 granddaughters and great grandmother of 2 little girlies, I still have many years to personally hone my sewing teaching techniques. This Friday, my daughter and I, along with 4 granddaughters, who are all in Girl Scouts, were returning from a book store, butterfly house adventure. Somehow, the discussion topic arrived on sewing, so I asked who would like to learn, three girls responded with a “me”! Aliza, age 7, piped up “I already know how to sew because Grammy taught me when I was sick, so I’ll be a teacher too.” Guess what Aliza and I will be doing next week? Teaching sewing to Addie, Lydia and Addison! Thanks to the Nancy on TV and my real life Nancy for being patient with me as I learned to sew! We’ll be teaching Girl Scouts the tradition of sewing and let confidence, character and courage bloom!
Melanie Olson
This book an excellent book for my 8 and 9 year-olds who are learning to sew. They are both working so hard a learning and some kid friendly projects are something they need.
Anne-Marie Zmek
My granddaughter is 5 and I just started to teach her some basic sewing tips. She is eager to learn more and I’m eager to show her. I enjoy the craft and know she will also.
Connie F
I have 2 Granddaughters in 4-H sewing, the youngest is in mini. She loves sewing and takes to it naturally. This book would be “sew” fun for all of us!
Sharlet Matak
I’ve started teaching my granddaughter the basics of sewing and it’s so much fun! I love the projects Nancy has on this site. I look forward to future posts.
Mary
I have just started hand sewing with my granddaughter. This book would be great for moving into machine sewing,
Patricia McCrindle
What a wonderful legacy Nancy has left for us. I was just thinking this past weekend I think my great niece is ready to try to start learning to see for fun.
Kate
I sew for fun looks great – I’ve been trying to think of how I could teach my daughter to sew when I only have basic skills myself. Now we can both learn together!
Becky Kuhn
I love this book. I want it so bad. I have 3 grand daughters and the oldest one turns 6 today. She has her own sewing machine and all. In fact this is her 3rd one and she is my quilting buddy. She loves doing shop hops and looking at all the awesome fabric. I pray my other 2 girls love. Sewing as much as she does! Love seeing the show where Nancy had her grand daughters there. You sure could tell she loved them and they loved her.
Roselyn simchick
My 7 yr old is very interested in sewing . He has sewn all the holes that were in their stuffed toys .Hes looking for more to sew . I would love to have this book I think he’s ready to move on and this book is just the book I need my grandfather was a tailor. Maybe he will too!
Carole H Higgins
I have a granddaughter who is very interested in sewing. She will likely be the first of several. As my mom got me started, I’d love to share this art with her. I’ll be looking for this book.
Dorothy Mullins
I loved Nancy’s shows and watch them every week. I craft with my grandkids and have introduced them to sewing. I use tips seen on her show. I am glad she developed a way to teach the little ones how to see. It is not taught in school as it was when I was young. I feel kids need to be encouraged to be creative.
Bridget
I think I sew for fun is a great book to introduce kids to sewing!
Kristina Feaster
I am so excited about this project and happy to see Nancy’s legacy move forward. I know that this will help the younger generations as well.
Eleanor Archuleta
These are the types of tips and projects my Grandmother taught me (on a Singer treadle machine) and they are some of my happiest memories. I would like to teach my Greatgranddaughters with this resource.
Laura
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to sew with my daughter.
Carol
Sewing is a wonderful skill to teach children. This book would be so beneficial for my granddaughters.
Becka Loach
I would love to use this book from Nancy to teach my five little grand daughters the joy of sewing as they become old enough.
Judy Abney
I would love touse this book to teach my 11 year granddaughter how to sew. She wants to learn so bad. She can look at this book to help her when we are not together.
Maritza Farr
I would eventually like to start free classes where kids can come and learn to sew. Not all children have family members who can teach them or have the resources to pay for classes. This book would provide me with valuable information.
Ruth Hoerr
My nine-year-old granddaughter has her own sewing machine and is eager to learn to sew. This book would give us wonderful tips and projects to begin with. I’m looking forward to spending lots of time sewing with her, beginning soon as I recuperate from surgery.
Debi
My grand daughter just turned 3 and I would eventually like to teach her how to sew. She’s pretty advanced for her age so it wouldn’t be to difficult to teach her the basics. I think this book could really be a great help in doing this.
Thank you
Patty
I have three granddaughters and would love for them to enjoy sewing as much as I do.
Angela W
I loved watching this segment the first time it was on. Now I have a great nephew the correct age to stzrt exploring again, and this would be an excellent jumping board. Thanks!!
Kathleen McCarthy
As grandparents, we have the opportunity to pass on the art of needlecrafts. The time spent enriches everyone. Over this summer, I was blessed with sharing and guiding 4 young ladies (ages 7, 7, 8 and 9) in varying stages of knowledge on the machine and making skirts. Watching Nancy Zieman’s teaching style throughout the years, enabled me to keep an open mind and maintain my patience and composure. The girls came up with wanting to make matching purses with the leftover fabric as a spontaneous extra project. We had a blast! We all had a positive experience and the young ladies were seeking their next projects before the time was over. Thank God for Nancy’s gifts passed on to an army of Grandparents ready to spread the wealth!
Donna Morris
Having enjoyed & learned from “Sewing With Nancy” on our local educational TV station WUSF CH 16 in Tamoa Bay, for decades, I felt confident to assume responsibility for Hillside Community Baptist Church’s sewing & crafts fellowship when our previous leader moved away. There are several home-schoolers consistently attending, ages 6 – 13 (so far). Nancy’s book for kids would be an awesome addition to our church library.
Melissa Burnette
I have learned so much from watching Nancy over the years. How fitting that she would also help me teach my stepdaughter to sew!! It would be so nice to have this book to help her develop a love of sewing. Thanks for the opportunity!!
Patricia Johnson
I have two young grandchildren (boy and a girl) that are so eager to learn and want to trying sewing. I’m not a very advanced sewer so I haven’t been sure where to start with them. This book and DVD would be perfect!
Susan
Have a granddaughter who is getting into being crafty. This book would provide great ideas for the two of us to do. What a fitting way to introduce her to the fabulous world of sewing!
Mary Jo
My grand-daughter has practiced sewing a straight line and connecting fabric squares for a little quilt. She would enjoy having other projects to work on using her sewing machine.
Sharon Melville
My Grandaughter loves to sew, this book would be a nice treat for her.
L Watson
What a great book this would be to have. Lots of fun and easy sewing projects!
Mary Weigel
I look forward to sharing the experience of sewing with my grandchildren in a couple years. This book has great project ideas to get them started.
Gail Haesche
My 8 year old granddaughter is interested in learning how to sew. We’ve made a doll blanket and she now wants to make an apron for her Mom who has been ill. I am looking forward to getting a copy of Nancy’s book to give me tips for teaching her.