nancy zieman – Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Posts Tagged ‘nancy zieman’

Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes

January 13, 2016 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Embroidery Tips, Nancy Zieman, Wildcard Wednesday / 161 Comments

When you get the opportunity work with a friend, work doesn’t feel like work. My last big sewing adventure in 2015 was no exception. I had the pleasure of working with my good friend, Nancy Zieman, on our latest joint venture – Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes on Sewing with Nancy. What a fun way to end the year!

It all started last April at Nancy’s home in Wisconsin. During a social visit, we started brainstorming about a new project – an updated version of our popular Designer Necklines collection. A few sketches, a page or two of notes and we were off on a new journey. Of course, the process takes a couple of months and is all done by long distance (thanks to email and text messages!), but before you know it, we had the makings of a fun new technique – Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes.

And then of course, it was time to shop. We sampled tons of t-shirts to find the right ones for this technique. We wanted to make sure the technique would work on readily-available blanks so we designed around ladies’ shirts at Kohl’s, Target and WalMart. We figured just about everyone has access to one of those three retail stores. When I look back on the receipts, it looks like I was outfitting a softball team – I was buying t-shirts by the dozen!

But it was well worth it because this is my absolute favorite collection that I’ve ever designed. I love how wearable it is. When we photographed the samples at our studio here in Dallas, the stylists wanted to know where they could buy the embroidered shirts. I took that as a good sign. And Nancy and I had similar reactions when we presented the program on Wisconsin Public TV. Another good sign!

So what’s so different about this collection? It features classic designs that mimic ready-wear and a nifty finish that’s completed in the hoop for professional results. There are neckline, sleeve and side seam designs so you get a total package. You can watch the series on your local PBS station or online at WPBS. Just click here to view. http://wpt.org/SewingWithNancy/Video/simple-chic-t-shirt-remakes-part-one

And if you’d like to purchase the collection, just click here. http://www.shop.dzgns.com/collections/elieen-roche-nancy-zieman/products/simple-to-chic-t-shirt-remakes

Here’s your assignment this week:

Last week, Nancy asked her blog readers what t-shirt they liked best. How about if you do the same here so we can see if both sets of readers have similar taste? Just tell us what t-shirt is your favorite and we’ll pick a random comment to win a copy of Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes!

Today’s Crazy Quilting with Your Embroidery Machine

January 7, 2015 by eileenroche / Behind the Scenes, Blog Tour, Crazy Quilting, Eileen Roche, Nancy Zieman / 81 Comments

I never thought I’d write a book on crazy quilting but last spring I was inspired to explore the combination of piecing in the hoop and decorative stitches. It didn’t take much to leap into crazy quilting. After all, what’s not to love? It’s a time-honored technique coupled with today’s technology. Its ‘crazy’ moniker comes from the use of scraps and often includes whimsical embellishments. Crazy quilting has something for everyone. It appeals to quilters – the piecing part; embroiderers – the use of luscious designs in colorful threads; the thrifty – great way to use up scraps of all fiber types; and the splurger: new charms, buttons, ribbons and other tidbits are just waiting to be included in a crazy quilt block.

Technique-wise, the ‘crazier’ the block, the more tasks involved in completing the block. So in Today’s Crazy Quilting with Your Embroidery Machine you’ll find three levels of difficulty: Level 1 is piecing in the hoop with colorful fabrics; Level 2 includes the addition of accent designs to the patches and Level 3 is where the crazy kicks in with buttons, yarns, ribbons, charms and more. It’s hard to know when to stop once you reach Level 3.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

If quilt blocks aren’t your thing, then you’ll enjoy three in-the-hoop projects: a wristlet, eyeglass case and small clutch. All small canvases to display your crazy stitches. The wristlet was just the right size project for teaching on TV with my dear friend Nancy Zieman.

We taped the Today’s Crazy Quilting series on Sewing with Nancy in September and it’s live now. You can watch online here if you don’t have it on your local channel.

When you watch, look for Nancy’s crazy quilt stitched by her great grandmother, Alice Lea Larson in 1920. Nancy shares her story of this wonderful family heirloom that has been lovingly restored by Nancy.

Although it’s a fun day with Nancy at Wisconsin Public Television, my favorite part of the week is the prep at her office the day before taping. That’s when we get all of our ducks in a row. Nancy is a visionary and literally ‘sees’ the taping once she understands the technique that we’re teaching. She works out the schedule and timing of the telecast while I work on the samples. Once we have a firm outline, all hands pitch in to finish the samples. And when 5:00 rolls around, everything is done and ready for tomorrow’s early wake-up call.

To document my visit to the studio, I had a staff member take some photographs with my camera. When I reviewed the images on the plane ride home, I realized I didn’t have one ‘serious’ shot. Oh no, I had images of smiling faces both on camera and behind the camera! The true spirit of crazy quilting.

Nancy and I cracking up on set.

Cassie Kienert on camera and Leslie Fitzsimmons in her true form.

It was well, crazy! Hope you enjoy the Sewing with Nancy series, Today’s Crazy Quilting with Your Embroidery Machine. You can watch here.

Don’t just take my word for it, read Nancy’s take on the series on her blog: http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/machine-embroidery/todays-crazy-quilting-with-your-embroidery-machine/

Here’s your assignment this week:

Tell us your favorite stitch you use when crazy quilting. Once random comment will be chosen to get their very own autographed copy of Today’s Crazy Quilting with Your Embroidery Machine by Eileen Roche! Thanks for reading and good luck!

The winner of last week’s assignment:

If you had a day all to yourself to spend on a project, what would it be? Leave a comment and one lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of my latest book, Today’s Crazy Quilting with Your Embroidery Machine (to be released January 2, 2015).

And the winner is the Pam C. – “If I had an entire day to myself I would get lost in finding inspiration for my craft. I work full time and even though my kids are grown I still don’t get much alone time. So, to have a day to get lost in thought without any interruption would be a dream. Congratulations Pam!

The day elves came to play at the photography studio!

October 29, 2014 by Denise Holguin / Behind the Scenes, Guest Blog, Just for Fun / 138 Comments

August is the hottest month of the year in Dallas, Texas. It’s also the time of the year we work on the holiday issue for Christmas! For the Designs in Machine Embroidery team, it feels like we get to celebrate Christmas twice a year!

This year was especially fun, we had two very special guests with us—Elfis and Elfira. They were shipped special delivery from our friends at Embroitique.

If you have sweet little ones –whether children of your own or grandchildren—you know they can be a little rambunctious at times. These elves were no different! What an incredible amount of joy and energy they bring to a photo shoot. Imagine the happiness they’d bring to your home.

This was their first time at a photography studio— they were very excited to have their pictures taken.

Here’s a look at Elfira getting all dolled up in preparation for her photo shoot.

She brought her hat and new elf shoes to show off. She loves accessories.

Stylist, Andrea Huffman prepares the elves for their big moment in front of the camera.

Eileen takes a moment to wish the elves good luck.

While this was their first photo shoot, the elves demonstrated they are very comfortable in front of the camera. We were impressed with their work.

Andrea Huffman and Denise Holguin take a moment to get their photo taken with the soon-to-be cover model celebrities.

Eileen and Steve review the photos to be sure we have just the right shot.

After the photo shoot the elves were eager for some snacks.

Wait a minute… maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to load the elves with sugar.

Elfis is swinging around like a little monkey. Santa, I think he needs a jungle gym for Christmas!

Meanwhile, Elfira got all tangled up in ribbon. Who let her have the scissors?

It’s not a good idea to turn your back for even just a few minutes. Elfira found the Christmas lights.

Elfis decided it would be fun to play peek-a-book.

Elfira had to get into the act too.

It wasn’t all fun and games—at least not for the rest of the team. Andrea prepared the next shot—a Holiday Sparkle Place mat by Kerrin Brookes. Elfis wasn’t much help during this time.

Not to be outdone, Elfira had to climb inside the table. It feels like toddlers are on the loose at the studio!

Elfira decided to make herself ‘useful’ by ‘helping’ Andrea steam and iron the next set of projects.

Meanwhile, Steve sat down and had a talk about Elfis’s long term career goals. Maybe he should consider a professional career as a model or an actor.

I suspect little Elfis just wants to have fun at this stage of his life.

The photo shoot wasn’t just about the elves! We had some very creative projects by our talented team of writers.

Look at these stockings by Tari Intardonato! If you want to make Christmas stockings with plenty of personality, these are certainly the ones!

Don’t you love embroidered lace? Nancy Zieman and her team share some very clever techniques for creating holiday centerpieces and placemats.

It’s a winter wonderland with this beautiful “Never-ending Snowflakes” table runner by Christy Burcham. After reading this article you’ll be eager to try the techniques.

Our newest writer, Margaret Moorehead created these fun 3-D ornaments. What makes them great—(aside from being 3-D!) is your ability to choose your own color scheme – now you can have a tree that is decorated with just the right colored ornaments! Add some sparkly crystals and you’re ready to begin a new holiday tradition.

Steve makes sure the ornaments are turned just right for the photo. There’s a lot more to a photo shoot than meets the eye!

While the team was busy working on the rest of the samples, Elfis and Elfira wandered into an office and made a new friend. This was the perfect end to a fun day at the studio!

The November/December issue is packed with all this and MORE! Order a subscription, pick up a single copy online or from your local dealer – whatever you do – don’t miss this issue! Visit the Designs in Machine Embroidery website to subscribe. Or call 888-739-0555 to order.

Here’s your assignment this week:Everyone wants to know what Elfis said to Elfira to make her giggle for the cover shot. Post a comment with your best guess. One random comment will be selected to win a one year subscription to Designs in Machine Embroidery Magazine! Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

The winner of last week’s assignment is:It’s not often you get to embroider in such wonderful settings as floating in the ocean on a beautiful cruise ship. What is the most unusual place you have embroidered? One comment will be chosen to receive a $25 gift certificate to the DIME website. And the winner is: Paule-Marie “I don’t know that I have embroidered in any particularly unusual places. However, I have quilted looking out our hotel window in Bangkok and Chang Mai. Does that count?” We’d say that counts!

Nancy Zieman’s Quick Column Quilts Blog Tour

September 10, 2014 by eileenroche / Crazy Quilting, Eileen Roche, Nancy Zieman, Piecing Techniques, Quilting / 57 Comments

I always say yes to Nancy Zieman because every time I do, I learn something. So when Nancy asked me to join the Quick Column Quilt blog tour, I jumped at the chance. But quilting, hmmm, I admit I paused for a second and then thought, oh what the heck, do it! Here are my top ten tips for getting the job done.

Select the quilt pattern. Thousands of quilt patterns exist so pare it down by going to a trusted source like anything designed by Nancy Zieman. Her Quick Column Quilts is a collection of very doable – and inspired – quilts. The Carefree Column Quilt jumped right at me and I’m glad it did – it was quick and easy.
Decide on fabrics. Use everything in your power to make the right fabric selection. Pay close attention to the quilt you’re duplicating making note of the light, medium and dark fabrics. Look at other quilts for pleasing combinations or go to your quilt shop and seek their advice. Audition as many fabrics as you want; photograph the combinations, edit your choices and finally select the winning combination. Once selected, stick with your fabric choices. Don’t sway off course; second guessing can be a huge time guzzler.
Get organized. Print or copy the instructions. As you complete each step, cross it off the how-to instructions. You’ll know right where to pick up after a break in sewing.
Label everything. Even if you think you know how all the pieces go together, label them anyway. Life gets in the way and distractions are inevitable.
Designate an area or box in your sewing room where you can store the materials for the duration of the quilt-making process.
Break apart the tasks into manageable time increments. Review the instructions and estimate how long each task will take: cutting, designing, piecing the columns, adding the sashing and so on. Make notations on the pattern to use as a guideline. These are just guestimates as problems do occur and tasks often take longer than we think they will – at least that’s my problem! But having an idea of the time involved will help you stay on the project because it’s easy to tackle simple steps once they are broken down.
Group similar tasks together. Cut all the fabrics in one session, piece as much as possible at one time and then move to the ironing board. I cut all the fabrics and stacked then according to size with a label on top of the stack.
Document the process. Once the fabrics were cut, I followed Nancy’s instructions for arranging the blocks on the design wall. I took several photos of the designing progress as I auditioned the fabric pieces. I reviewed the different versions on my computer and decided on my favorite. After rearranging the fabrics according to the photo, I labeled the top piece of each column. I used the photo as a reference guide when a block or two floated out of position.
Focus during piecing. To piece a column, I removed the pieces one at a time, starting at the bottom of the column and placing the next block on top of the stack. Once I moved to the machine, I methodically pieced that row, from the top down and then pressed the seams. Once the pieced column was returned to the design wall, I progressed to the second column.
Enjoy it! Racing through the quilt making process takes all the joy out of it. Savor the fabrics as you handle them, strive for perfect ¼” seams and concentrate on how you’ll use the quilt or who will receive it. Name your quilt – after all, it’s your baby now! My quilt goes by the name of Sun Kissed.

You’ll notice my quilt isn’t quilted just yet. Oh but it will be! I have the most ingenious plan and tool for quilting Sunkissed on my embroidery machine. You’ll learn more in a future post. And be sure to visit Nancy’s blog where she will be giving away 15 grand prizes!

Blog tour stops – check out all the stops on the Quick Quilts blog tour!

09/04/14 Nancy Zieman

09/05/14 Quilt Taffy and Simple Simon & Co.

09/06/14 Diary of a Quilter and Stitchin Jenny

09/07/14 A Woman a Day and Craizee Corner

09/08/14 Jina Barney Designz, Lilac Lane Patterns, and Totally Stitchin’

09/09/14 Esch House Quilts and The Cottage Mama

09/10/14 Designs in Machine Embroidery and Pat Sloan

09/12/14 Happy Valley Primitives, Doohikey Designs, and Quilt in a Day

09/13/14 Quilt Dad and Just Arting Around

09/14/14 Lazy Girl Designs and Marie-Madeline Studio

09/15/14 Always Expect Moore and Polka Dot Chair

09/16/14 Amy Lou Who Sews and Riley Blake Designs

09/17/14 Indygo Junction and Amy’s Creative Side

Here’s your assignment this week:

Visit any or all of the stops on the blog tour listed above. Comment below about your favorite quilt or technique you saw on the tour. One comment will be selected to receive a copy of Nancy’s book Quick Column Quilts – good luck!

The winner of last week assignment:

After you’ve taken advantage of the great deal from EmbroideryArts.com leave a comment below about the three most used items in your sewing room. One blog reader will be selected to receive a $25 gift certificate for use on the DiME website. Thanks and good luck!

And the winner is Pamela B. – “Sewing machine, serger, iron, and tool box (it is full of essentials)”

A New Bag

July 23, 2014 by eileenroche / Applique, Just for Fun, Nancy Zieman, Planning Embroidery, Wearables / 181 Comments

Nothing puts a little kick in your step quite like a new handbag – especially when you make it yourself. Once or twice a year, I like to dip into my fabric stash and see what I can use to create a new bag. I gather some materials I’ve been hoarding, I mean saving, and see if they would work together.

I knew I wanted to make another grommet bag from Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs. I really like the grommets but I also like ready-made straps. It seems the best ones, (right length, width and material -microfiber) come with a ring attached at the end.

The ring doesn’t work with the grommets but I wasn’t going to let the closed ring stop me, I have a seam ripper! So I released the stitches from each end and unbraided the strap. It left me with two slits on each end. Hmmm…I placed them on my cutting table for a few days in the hope a good idea would pop into my head.

Once my materials are gathered, I take my time and work on the bag over several days (ok, maybe weeks!). This gives me time to think the process through, make some subtle design changes, overcome any challenges and enjoy the whole process.

I start by measuring the bag I’m currently favoring and decide if I want to duplicate that size or make adjustments. I’ve learned through the years, the larger my bag, the more stuff I pack in there. So reducing the space is a good idea for me, less clutter, less bulk, less weight. I decided my new bag would be a bit shorter than my current favorite. Then I cut and interface my outer fabric.

Next, I prepare my four corner appliques by hooping just the faux suede and stitching the Corner App design from Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs. Then I stash my pre-cut applique pieces in a plastic baggie to keep them safe. While I was stitching the appliques, I turned my attention to the straps.

I was concerned about trimming the straps above the slits as this would make the straps too short. So, I decided to just stitch them closed.

It looked so pretty that I stitched from end to end to make it a decorative detail. I used the triple zigzag stitch on my BERNINA 830. It’s normally a functional stitch but looks great on this strap!

On Monday, I’ll show you some speed techniques for embroidering the corners and grommets.

Here’s your assignment this week: Leave a comment below about what size bag you prefer. Small, medium, large or jumbo-jet size? One comment will be chosen to receive a copy of Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs by Eileen Roche and Nancy Zieman.

The winner of last week’s assignment :Sewing Spoolie invites you to win a Slimline box of fabulous thread along with the pre-digitized designs to make all seven of the Spoolies in Sulky’s Collection #1. These popular sewing-themed designs, from the imagination of Joyce Drexler, are as fun as they are creative. And if you’ve ever tried to keep your stabilizers organized, you’re going to love Sue Hausmann’s bonus project included with the package. The whole package is a retail value of nearly $150 including 22 – 250 yd. spools of Sulky 40 wt. Rayon Thread, a 475 yd. spool of Bobbin Thread, and a CD with the seven Spoolie designs and bonus project. If you win, it’s all yours from Sulky. Now, go Express Yourself! Leave a comment below on where you would embroider a Spoolie to be entered!

And the winner is… Karen P – “Oh my gosh!! These are so cute!!! I would stitch them onto a bunch of tote bags that I have that I use for various different things, one is my Quilt Guild bag, one is my Crochet project bag, another has hand embroidery squares that I bring with me while waiting at various appointments, and so on. Plus, how could I resist putting a few of them on a sweatshirt or two!!! Ohhh I hope I won this one!!”

Nancy Zieman Live Webcast Event

April 3, 2014 by eileenroche / Blog Tour, Guest Blog, Nancy Zieman, Sewing tips / 2 Comments

Learn—Interact—Save—Have Fun!

Live from my studio to your computer on April 26th, join me, Nancy Zieman, for a fun and interactive webcast featuring my Favorite Handbag Sewing Techniques.

If you’ve never participated in a webcast, it’s easy. The day before the event, we’ll send everyone who registered a link to the webcast. A few minutes before your scheduled time, log on. In minutes, you’ll see me live on your computer screen.

Wondering if your internet connection is up to the task? Test your viewing ability by clicking here. This test link is a live webcast from the nest of a bald eagle! It may take a little time to load, but if you can see the eagle and nest, you’ll be able to watch Nancy Zieman Live. (Most of you should not have any issues watching the video.)

Nancy Zieman Live Webcast from Nancy's Studio to Your Computer–Map

Learn

I’ll share my tried and true quick bag making methods along with many all-new never before seen designer bag making tips. You just may become a bag designer after viewing my 90 minute webcast.

Learn new strap making techniques gleaned from ready-made bags.
See how to turn ordinary fabric into laminated fabric.
Be introduced to new fabrics, ideal for bag making!
Get the inside scoop It’s what’s inside that counts! Updated tips on how to construct and what to add to the inside of your bag to make it look like a wow bag!

Interact

During the webcast, email me your questions and I’ll reply during the webcast.*

*If every question cannot be answered during the live webcast, questions will be answered post-webcast via email. Duplicate questions will not be answered.

Save!

Exclusive online specials will be available to you from Nancy’s Notions on the day of the webcast.

One Low Price–Two Time Options—Register Today!

Only $19.95!

The 90 minute webcast on April 26th is only $19.95 if you register on or before April 16, 2014. (Registration fee on or after April 17 is $29.95.) The fee includes:

A link to watch one of the two Nancy Zieman Live webcasts. (Link to webcast will be sent on April 25.)
The ability to have your question answered during the webcast.
A link to specials offered by Nancy’s Notions.
A free Nancy’s Bag Making Tips Sheet, which will be a download document.

Two Time Options

There are two webcast time options for the 90 minute webcast to accommodate North American Time Zones. Since a webcast is live, what might seem like late morning for those of you living in the Eastern Time Zone, is very early morning for our Hawaiian viewers. Both webcasts will cover the same topics. Since they’re both live, each will be personalized by the questions or, hmm, my whims! (For our followers in other parts of the world, convert your time zone by clicking here). We’ll be broadcasting live from the Central Time zone. Register for a time that best fits your schedule.

April 26: Times/time zone for Webcast Option One:

11:00 AM—12:30 PM (Eastern Time)
10:00 AM—11:30 AM (Central Time)
9:00 AM—10:30 AM (Mountain Time)
8:00 AM—9:30 AM (Pacific Time)
7:00AM—8:30 AM (Alaska Daylight Time)
5:00 AM—7:30 AM (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

April 26: Times/time zone for Webcast Option Two:

2:00 PM—3:30 AM (Eastern Time)
1:00 PM—2:30 PM (Central Time)
12:00 PM—1:30 PM (Mountain Time)
11:00 AM—12:30 PM (Pacific Time)
10:00AM—11:30 AM (Alaska Daylight Time)
8:00 AM—9:30 AM (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

Click here to select your preferred time.

Thank you to our sponsors

Hope to see you April 26th!

If you have questions or comments, please contact us.

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

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.

Meet Nancy Zieman

February 5, 2014 by eileenroche / Behind the Scenes, Blog Tour, Nancy Zieman / 55 Comments

Like it or not, your smile is your ticket through many doors. A smile is the universal symbol of happiness, contentment, encouragement and kindness. Think about how your smile has affected your life. Hasn’t it opened doors, swayed decisions, made new friends and quelled uneasy situations? What if you had half a smile? Do you think it would have made a difference? Do you think things would not have been so easy? Would you have been able to put your best foot forward and ignore the stares and faces of wonderment?

Imagine trying to accomplish what you have done in your lifetime with half a smile. Then think of what Nancy Zieman as accomplished. When you look at Nancy what do you see? Do you see the relaxed side of her face that is the number one thing that’s searched for on Google? Do you see a self-made woman? A terrific mom, a joyful grandmother, a treasured wife? Do you see an expert seamstress? Or do you see a famous television personality? At first glance, you see all of these things. But what you don’t see is the courage it has taken to get where she is. You don’t see the pain she has endured during many lonely years with countless health issues.

You don’t see the responsibility of growing a business from her basement to a chicken coop to a building complete with offices, warehouse space and a retail outlet. You don’t see the drive, determination and sheer genius of growing a business from demoing in front of small classroom into streaming 30 years of her PBS television show into the living room of millions of Americans. You don’t see the family struggles that occur when you grow a business from one part-time employee to 100+ employees while raising two young boys.

You don’t see what she has endured through the years – first having the courage to step out and follow her dream. And all that with half a smile. When I look at Nancy, I don’t’ see the relaxed side of her face. In fact, I never remember which is the ‘good side and which is the bad side’. I see her beautiful smile, the twinkle in her eyes and the sheer genius that lies behind that façade we call a face. l see a loyal friend and a mentor. I also see a shy young school girl who has beat all odds to build a life that stands above many. Read Seams Unlikely to learn how she’s done it.

And, please follow along on each stop of the Seams Unlikely book blog tour to learn even more about Nancy and show your support for her. Plus – there are giveaways! Click on the February 4th blog posting, listed below first, and comment on Nancy’s blog for your chance to win your own copy of Seams Unlikely.

February 4 Nancy Zieman
http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/blog-tour/seams-unlikely-book/

February 5 Eileen Roche http://dzgns.com/blog/

February 5 Pat Sloan http://patsloan.typepad.com/

February 6 Melissa Stramel http://melissaslilaclane.blogspot.com

February 6 The Long Ladies
http://www.mariemadelinestudio.typepad.com/

February 6 Tori Thompson http://totallystitchin.net

February 7 Amy Barickman http://www.indygojunction.com/blog/

February 7 Melissa Mora http://mellysews.com

February 8 Shari Butler http://www.doohikeydesignstudio.com/blog/

February 8 Vicki Christensen http://www.sewinspiredblog.com/

February 9 Carolina Moore http://alwaysexpectmoore.com

February 9 Kate Mclvor https://theconfidentstitch.squarespace.com

February 10 Amy Ellis http://amyscreativeside.com/

February 10 Melissa Mortenson http://www.polkadotchair.com

February 11 Ilene Miller http://happyvalleyprimitives.blogspot.com/

February 11 Liz Hicks http://blogerisms.blogspot.com/

February 11 Rachael Pannepacker http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

February 12 Bill Gardner
http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/blogs/insideqn/

February 12 Elizabeth Evans http://www.simplesimonandco.com

February 13 Amy Webb http://www.amylouwhosews.com/

February 13 Lindsay Wilkes http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com

February 14 Gertie Hirsch http://www.blogforbettersewing.com

February 14 Veronica Philips http://cloverusa.wordpress.com/

February 15 Jenny Gabriel http://www.sewvacoutletblog.com

February 15 Laura Wasilowski http://artfabrik.com

February 16 Frieda Anderson http://friestyle.blogspot.com/

February 16 Rita Farro http://ritassewfun.blogspot.com

February 17 Cindy Cloward http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/blog/

February 17 Joan Hawley http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/

February 17 Patty Young http://modkidboutique.blogspot.com

February 18 Nancy Zieman http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/

Here’s your assignment this week:

Leave a comment below about how Nancy has inspired you. One lucky comment will receive a $125 gift voucher courtesy of Bunnycup Embroidery to spend at http://www.bunnycup.com!

The winner of last week’s assignment:

Tell us the last place you found inspiration for a monogram. One comment will be chosen to receive a copy of Deborah Jones’ Beautiful Lettering Made Easy. Good luck!

And the winner is…Elaine C- “I have done mostly 3 letter monograms and prefer them. I like to do different things with them like different shapes and fonts. I like to do monograms for couples with the sir name initial larger in the center. Your single monograms are beautiful and inspire me to experiment with the colors.”

Handbags You Can Knockoff

December 4, 2013 by eileenroche / Behind the Scenes, Nancy Zieman, Wearables / 225 Comments

Nancy Zieman and I have seen so many versions of Designer Handbags (our first handbag embroidery collection and book), we decided to create a second series, Designer Knockoffs, Handbags 2. This collection focuses on trendy grommets, beautiful and functional pockets plus in-the-hoop techniques. I have to admit, I love these new bags! Let me show you my favorite details.

The grommets are highlighted by subtle embroidered details while precisely stitched cut lines are hidden underneath the grommets. This combo of function and beauty guarantees success for all embroiderers and produces extremely professional results.

I think many of you would agree that the best part of making your own bag is customizing it to your needs. Nancy shares her coveted technique for making interior pockets and I love how my personal items – cellphone, nail file, pen and more – each have a special storage spot, nestled under a monogrammed label! Love that!

If you’re a fan of exterior pockets, then you’ll enjoy a roomy exterior pocket like the Scallop lace pocket – created in the hoop. It looks complicated but I’ve added some key elements to make the continuous embroidery easy to duplicate. I share two continuous embroidery techniques in the book – applicable to any embroidery machine.

In addition to the book, Nancy invited me to teach the whole process on Sewing with Nancy. You can watch online here. Of course, what you see on television doesn’t reveal all of the prep that goes into taping or writing or book. And it always seems to start with my suitcase practically imploding in Nancy’s office. Truth be told, there’s nothing glamorous about this career. Even the airline employees shake their head when see how many bags I check for such short journeys!

But once it’s all sorted out in the conference room, we make a list and then divide and conquer.

Nancy handles the script and tricky sewing details and I man the embroidery machine.

After a bit, okay – HOURS of stitching, we’re ready to pack the van to head to the studio.

And before you know it, we’re sitting on the set of Sewing with Nancy.

And now Designer Knockoffs, Handbags 2, is available for you to watch and make your own bags. I can’t wait to see the fabrics and grommets you select. Before you get started, tell me what your favorite bag is: the red diamond bag, teal scallop pocket purse, the green starburst bag or the small clutch. Two lucky winners will get an autographed copy of Designer Knockoffs, Handbags 2.

Here’s your assignment this week:

Tell me which of the bags above is your favorite; the red diamond, teal scallop pocket purse, green starburst or the small clutch. Two lucky winners will get an autographed copy of Designer Knockoffs, Handbags 2! Good luck.

The winner of last week’s assignment:

Thanks for the help with my holiday linen update! Leave a question below that you’d like me to answer. I’ll answer one random question and award an open flat stocking you can personalize this holiday season. Good luck!

The winner is Gail M.

Q: When will “Sewing with Nancy” broadcast the Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs? It was advertised in the latest issue of your magazine that it was to be broadcast on November 24th. It was not on her show last Saturday up here in Michigan.

A: Gail you can watch the show now online, just click here. And congratulations on winning the flat stocking!

It’s Cold in Those Chemo Centers

May 22, 2013 by eileenroche / Alignment and Placement, Be The Difference, Clothing, Guest Blog, In-the-hoop, Nancy Zieman, Planning Embroidery, Quick Gifts, Stitching on Knits / 52 Comments

When you have a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer, it leaves many of us feeling helpless – what can you do to support them? Nancy Zieman and I decided to each create a bag stuffed with helpful items that we’d give to someone in treatment for cancer. The bags are a perfect way to show you care and can be used to to carry everything someone might need during their treatments which can sometimes last for hours. For our bags we used embroidery from the Embroider-a-Cure collection where all proceeds go toward the Be The Difference Foundation, an ovarian cancer research foundation founded by our friend Helen Gardner.

I decided to work with blanks and wrap a little hope and warmth around someone undergoing chemotherapy treatments with an embroidered sweatshirt, pashmina and tote bag.

I selected the Bald is Beautiful design because many patients see no need to cover their hair loss so why not make a statement and put everyone looking at you at ease? This versatile design looks great on both a sweatshirt and a pashmina.

Let’s start with the sweatshirt. Find the center front of the shirt and mark it with a pin. Print a template of the Bald is Beautiful design and place it on the center chest. It’s a large design so standard industry placement templates don’t work for a design of this size. No worries – just place the center of the design on the shirt’s center. Leave enough room at the top of the design to hoop the shirt – about 3” below the bottom of the ribbing will do it. Make sure the template is straight and place a target sticker under the template. Remove the template.

Fuse polymesh stabilizer to the wrong side of the design area. Place the hoop’s outer ring on the pointy end of an ironing board and ‘dress’ the ironing board until the target sticker is centered in the hoop. Insert the inner ring.

Attach the hoop to the machine. Retrieve the design and center the needle over the target sticker. Add film-type water soluble stabilizer over the design area. Stitch the design. Once complete, tear off as much of the soluble stabilizer as possible and spritz away the rest. Trim the polymesh on the wrong side – ready to make a statement!

Since the design is already loaded on the machine, let’s move on to the pashmina. Fold the pashmina in half, lengthwise and measure 8” above the fringe on one end. Place a target sticker in that location.

Place a piece of cloth-type water soluble stabilizer over the hoop’s outer ring; place the pashmina over the ring, centering the target sticker. Insert the inner ring; tighten the screw since the pashmina is lighter than the sweatshirt – the previous hooping. No need to over tighten, just hand tight, is fine.

Flip the hoop over and make sure the water soluble stabilizer extends beyond the hoop in all directions. If it doesn’t, rehoop. Attach the hoop to the machine and stitch the design. Trim as much of the WSS as possible and spritz away the remainder.

For the tote bag I chose the bold Survivor design in a vibrant teal color. It looks great against the black background of the tote and teal is the color of support for ovarian cancer. The bag was stitched in a jiffy on a 10-needle machine. I used Quick-Snap to hold the tote and was done in about 15 minutes! If you’re using a single-needle machine, it would take just a bit longer because it’s necessary to open the side seam to get the bag front to lay flat in the hoop. Once embroidered, just sew the seam and you’re done!

To see more on the Sew a Bag For Hope created by Nancy Zieman please visit her blog here. And, for more information on ovarian cancer and the Be The Difference Foundation please visit their website here or join them on Facebook.

Here’s your assignment this week:

Leave us your ideas for items that would be perfect to put in totes for women in chemotherapy treatment. Two readers will receive this beautiful butterfly pin created on behalf of the Brookharts family in memory of their wife and mother, Joanne. If you’d like to pick up one for yourself or a friend you can do so here.

The winner of last week’s assignment is:

Leave us a comment about your favorite In the Hoop Project from the SewAZ Embroidery Designs website. Four readers will each receive a $25 gift certificate courtesty of SewAZ Embroidery Designs to the sewazdesigns.com website.

And the lucky winner are…Patty, Colleen, Paule-Marie and Dana. Congratulations to you all!!

Nancy Zieman’s Sew Knits with Confidence Blog Tour

April 23, 2013 by eileenroche / Clothing, Contests!, Nancy Zieman, Wearables / 107 Comments

Yeah! Another blog tour – combining a few of my favorite things – knits, anything designed by Nancy Zieman and gorgeous embroidery! So what did I get when I put all those things together? A new favorite garment – my Newport Pullover Tunic, pattern designed by Nancy Zieman. It’s the perfect canvas for embroidery – the cowl necks drapes softly over the shoulders displaying feminine embroidery designs and framing the face. The nifty little asymmetrical panel hits below the hip (that’s right– BELOW the hip! – thanks, Nancy!) and adds a playful touch to the garment. It’s soooo comfortable to wear, you’ll want one too. There’s a good chance you could win the goods to make one of your own.

Here’s how I created my tunic. I selected a comfy lightweight knit in one of my fabric colors – a deep slate that pairs well with brights, black or grays. And then I set off on planning the embroidery in Perfect Placement Software – which includes a delicious assortment of fashion embroidery designs.

The Newport Pullover

Embroidery Products
Perfect Placement Software by Designs in Machine Embroidery available at your local sewing machine dealer or http://www.dzgns.com

Materials
Nancy Zieman’s Newport Pullover available at http://www.nancysnotions.com, view 2
Knit fabric per pattern requirements
Floriani Wet ‘n Gone Tacky

Step 1 – At the Computer
Open a new file in Perfect Placement Software. Select Embellishments, Eileen, Earthtones, EileenB.

Select Embellishments, Earthtones, EileenC. Rotate and move EileenC to the left of the original design and resize it to 1.70” x .98”.

Select Embellishments, Earthtones, EileenA. Connect EileenA to the left of EileenC.

Copy, paste and mirror image EileenA. Move it to the far right. Go to Embellishments, Earthtones, EileenH and place EileenH on the end of EileenA.

Save this file as CowlCenter and send it to your machine in the appropriate format.

You might find it helpful to send two smaller segments to your machine. This will be helpful to decorate the cowl once it’s pieced together. Send the EileenB and EileenC combo to the machine.

Also send EileenA and EileenH to the machine.

On lightweight jersey fabric shown in the sample, use an adhesive water soluble stabilizer such as Floriani Wet N Gone Tacky. Add a basting stitch to hold the fabric to the hooped stabilizer. Stitch most of the designs on the flat fabric, starting in the center front and working towards the center back, one side at a time. At some point, the embroidery will be stitched across the center back seam. Do as much embroidery as possible before stitching the center back seam then add the embroidery across the seam.

But hey, don’t just take my word on how great Nancy’s pattern is, take a look at what these other blog tour participants did with one of Nancy’s patterns and view upcoming dates and links for the rest of the tour.

April 16, 2013 – Nancy Zieman the Blog

April 17, 2013 – Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch

April 18, 2013 – Baby Lock

April 19, 2013 – Sew Beautiful Magazine

April 20, 2013 – Marie Madeline Studio

April 21, 2013 – Pamela Erny

April 22, 2013 – Amy Webb

April 23, 2013 – Sew News

April 24, 2013 – Eileen Roche

April 25, 2013 – Riley Blake Designs

April 26, 2013 – The Sewing Loft Blog

April 27, 2013 – Nancy Zieman the Blog

Here’s your assignment this week:

We love Nancy and know you do too! Leave us a comment on the best thing you’ve learned from Nancy over the years and we’ll pick 4 random winners to receive items from the Nancy Zieman Sew Knits with Confidence blog tour. Up for grabs; one winner will get the Sew Knits with Confidence book + Newport Pullover pattern featured in this blog, our second winner gets the Monterey Knit Collection pattern, next up for grabs is a Santa Fe Dress & Top pattern and the last, but not least, winner will get a Cape Cod Jacket pattern – all by Nancy Zieman!

The winner of last week’s assignment is:

Tell me how you get your embroidery fix, is it a daily activity or one you squeeze in when you find a free afternoon? Just leave a comment and you could win one of two Gold Memberships to Daily Embroidery. That’s a $120 value each!

Daily Embroidery’s Gold Membership program offers unlimited downloads to their massive and ever-growing design collection with two new designs added daily.

And the winners are…Leora B & Terrie Underwood! Congratulations!

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