nancy zieman – Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Posts Tagged ‘nancy zieman’

Behind the Scenes: Volume 106 Sept/Oct

September 13, 2017 by Denise Holguin / Behind the Scenes, Current Posts, Just for Fun, Wildcard Wednesday / 4 Comments

A Piece of Pie!

The latest issue is shipping to stores and mailboxes across the globe and it’s packed with inspiration that we hope you’ll enjoy. I’m a crazy detail person— it’s the small details that add up to something great in the bigger picture. Literally speaking it’s why we selected Katherine Artines’ sunflower for the cover – all those chunky stitches, tiny beads and tufts of tulle are a winning combination.

For today’s blog, I thought I’d share some of the wacky details you might not otherwise notice or think about. It also gives you a glimpse of the day in the life of the Designs magazine team and contributing writers. We are grateful for everyone who makes the magazine possible.

High-Tech Meets Handcrafted by Nancy Zieman

Take a look at that beautiful photo put together by our photography team. Is that pumpkin pie real? It’s too perfect to be real. Maybe the whipped cream is shaving cream? It surely isn’t homemade….

It is, in fact, real! Editor, Eileen Roche made the pie the night before just for this photo! Of course, once the photo shoot was complete, we each enjoyed a slice of that delicious pie. We definitely need to do more food related projects.

Connection Perfection and a Dress Fit for a Princess! By Joanne Banko

Like all of Joanne’s clothing projects, it’s difficult to part with them. The garments she makes usually fit me and what fun it is to twirl around in this dress! But it is customary to return all projects to the designers. (some exceptions do happen!)

If you haven’t visited Joanne’s blog, you need to visit. She has tip sheets and additional information related to the project, in this case, the dress. I’m always so impressed with her endless energy and willingness to share her skills with readers. Be sure to check out her other blog posts with expanded coverage of her projects.

Stylish + Organized by Reen Wilcoxson

If you haven’t seen the article, it’s a must read. Reen has solved an age-old problem we all have: getting tangled in cords. And she’s solved it with such style, creativity and even with cork! I love our contributing writers – they go above and beyond for our readers and they have fun doing it. Reen also generously donated the free Cord Wrap designs. You’ll find them on her website. The samples below show just how much fun you can have personalizing them. Glittery vinyl, bright happy colors, monograms and motifs make them unique. My favorite is the cork set that just happens to have my name on it. 😉

Headrest Covers by Colleen Bell

Join me in wishing a warm welcome to one of our newest contributing writers! Although I’ve never met Colleen in person, she’s one of the most thoughtful people I’ve had the opportunity to interact with. Not only that, she’s very talented. You’ll see what I mean with the headrest covers in the latest issue.

Here’s the behind the scenes look at setting up the shots for the headrest covers. Creative Director, Samuel Solomon is seen holding a test card for color balancing.

We had a great selection of photos to choose from for all three headrest samples (Texas longhorn, monogram and a mermaid).

What theme would you stitch on your headrest covers? Choose favorite sports team colors, school colors or go with a new one for every season.

This is just a small preview of the creativity in the latest issue that is shipping now. If you have a subscription you can access the digital version online.

Sewing Friends are the Best Friends

April 12, 2017 by eileenroche / Blue Hair Girl, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Nancy Zieman, Seminars and Conventions / 17 Comments

I’ve met so many wonderful women who share my passion for sewing and machine embroidery. Often, strong friendships develop because of this common bond. All it takes is a mutual love of creating with fabric and thread and everything else falls in place. Age, race, sex, politics, religion or geographical location don’t matter because the connection is through a love of fiber. If we’re really lucky, we learn about each other’s lives outside of sewing. For instance, my good friend, Nancy Zieman, danced at my wedding and I played bocce ball in her backyard! Great memories!

One of my favorite sewing friends

Sewing and embroidery are solitary endeavors so when you do meet someone who shares this passion, make the extra effort to find out more about them. Start with the common bond you already share. Does the encounter occur in class? Perfect, start the conversation there. Ask how long they’ve been coming there, what other classes have they taken, and would they recommend another class. People are always flattered when asked for their opinion or recommendation.

If you work in the industry, a new friend may just be an email or two away. In today’s digital world, many of us never meet, yet, we connect via email. We have deadlines to meet, criteria to fulfill and materials to send back and forth. We learn that we share the bond of creating. It’s happened to me and I’ve watched this happen to others. Take for instance, Denise Holguin and Joanne Banko; two talented ladies who met through their connection at Designs in Machine Embroidery, DIME. Through the years, they’ve learned and laughed together. Take a look for yourself, Joanne is the chief needle threader at her blog, Let’s Go Sew, and a regular contributor to DIME.

Joanne Banko on the set of It’s Sewing Easy TV show

Denise, Blue Hair Girl, is the managing editor here at DIME.

Click here to read Denise’s behind the scenes journey at DIME: http://www.letsgosew.com/joanne-bankos-blog

How about you, have you been blessed with sewing friends? How have they changed your sewing experience? Share your thoughts – we’d love to know how you’ve enhanced your life with sewing friends.

Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons

January 25, 2017 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Embroidery Tips, Nancy Zieman, Organization, Planning Embroidery, Quilting, Sewing tips, Thread, Wildcard Wednesday / 272 Comments

I’m excited to announce (and give away a copy to one lucky reader) my new book: Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons. This book has been the culmination of over 20 years of quilting with an embroidery machine. I’ve done everything from embroidered quilt tops to quilt as you as go to quilting king size quilts on an embroidery machine. I’ve learned an awful lot on this journey and I’m happy to share it with you on Sewing with Nancy. You can watch it online at http://wpt.org/SewingWithNancy/ or check your local TV listings to watch on PBS.

This book teaches you several different methods for quilting with an embroidery machine: quilting and appliqueing in one step; custom quilting and allover quilting. Quilting and appliqueing in one step is a patented process that I designed in 2008. Since then, I’ve created 16 Stipple Collections, and in this book you’ll find two projects that incorporate that revolutionary technique.

Custom quilting is no doubt the type of quilting that makes your jaw drop at quilt show competitions. The quilting is designed to specifically enhance and fill a shape (block), applique or area. To be honest, custom quilting is probably best achieved through expert free motion quilting. When custom quilting is done on an embroidery machine, you do not have the ‘freedom’ to move the needle as you do in free motion quilting so the results are not as ‘customized.’ However, custom quilting is how many of us want to finish our tops. I show you how to do it in the Patriotic Pillow and Diamond table runner.

Allover quilting is often the result you get when you ‘quilt by check’. Quilt by check mean you pay someone else to quilt your quilt. When you send your quilt to a longarmer, they select an allover pattern that complements your quilt top unless you have specifically requested (and agreed to pay for) custom quilting. There are two types of allover quilting: nesting and linking. You’ll learn the difference between the methods with two projects.

You’ll discover three different ways to handle the quilt during the stitching process: furniture you have on hand, the shortE and the Weightless Quilter. My goal for this book is to help you expand your embroidery skills into the world of quilting and get more out of your machine. I hope you find quilting with an embroidery machine as rewarding as I do.

Want to win a copy of Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons? Just leave a comment and tell me if have any quilt tops that need to be quilted. Do you have one, two, three or more? One lucky winner will be selected to win the book and the accompanying collection of 20 embroidery designs.

Want to order your copy now? This week you’ll find free shipping on all autographed copies of Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons. Click here to order.

Necklines to Hemlines, T-shirt Remakes

December 7, 2016 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Wildcard Wednesday / 126 Comments

Doesn’t it make you so proud when you finish an embroidery project and are amazed at the results? That’s how I feel every time I remake a t-shirt with the designs Nancy Zieman and I have created for any our neckline collections. I’ve made dozens of these shirts over the years – and taught hundreds of embroiderers how to do it. So many Designs in Machine Embroidery customers, blog readers and Sewing with Nancy viewers have asked for more neckline fashions that allow them to transform their wardrobe the way they want. So Nancy and I listened! We just released another collection, Necklines to Hemlines, T-shirt Remakes.

This collection is a bit different than the previous ones because we’ve included designs for hemlines and the center back neck. With the popularity of free-flowing tunics in ready-wear, we felt the time was right to offer designs to decorate the whole garment – not just the neckline. Necklines to Hemlines features larger designs split into two 5” x 7” hoopings or one hooping in a 6” x 10” hoop. The larger designs are scaled for women of all sizes.

Two of the groupings, the Rita and Lilly have eyelets while the Zoe is just a slit opening at the neckline. You’ll still find sleeve (for right and left placement) and side seam designs..

The Rita

The Lilly

The Zoe

Of course, the designs come with complete instructions – 18 pages of instructions on how to stabilize, hoop, stitch and finish the garment. You’ll find everything you need to be successful with remaking a simple tunic or t-shirt.

Here’s a question for you: If you won a copy of Necklines to Hemlines what shirt would you stitch first, the Rita, Zoe or Lilly? Leave a comment and we’ll pick a random winner to recive Necklines to Hemlines free of charge. You never know, it could be your lucky day!

Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes

January 13, 2016 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Embroidery Tips, Nancy Zieman, Wildcard Wednesday / 168 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 / 84 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 / 139 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

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