I’m always intrigued to learn which Sewing With Nancy TV shows, or sewing, quilting, and machine embroidered projects—featured on my blog—are your favorites. I enjoy sewing a variety of projects for my home, for gifts, and for my three grandaughters. Here’s a roundup of a few of my favorites projects:
I See Spots Quilt
Circle accents are everywhere—quilts, pillows, table runners, and handbags. Make a statement by sewing circles, spots, or dots with my no-stress appliqué technique. The sewing secret is to use fusible interfacing.
The featured quilt, I See Spots, hung on display at the Modern Quilt Guild’s QuiltCon conference in Austin, TX. The bold colors, large blocks (18″ squares), and rectangle shapes (9″ x 18″) give the quilt a modern feel. But don’t think you need to make a quilt! Just one 18″ block would make an ideal pillow. Read how you too can easily make an activity bag. Or, purchase the downloadable project sheet.
Kids’ Activity Bag
Most fabric bags or totes for kids are rather wimpy. I remember putting toys and books in fabric bags for my boys, but the parts and pieces would often get lost in the bottom of the bag. After buying adorable finger puppets for my granddaughters, I knew they needed a home in an activity bag. Read how you too can easily make an activity bag. Or, purchase the downloadable project sheet.
Topsy Turvy Table Runner
Riley Blake Designs sent me a collection of gray and white prints that really caught my eye. Teaming them with a lime-colored solid, I knew a table runner was soon to be created. The design I chose is a nontraditional Dresden wedge. No round shapes here—the wedge-shapes of the Dresden are stitched topsy-turvy—to create a linear look. This finished table runner is approximately 18″ x 86″. You can shorten it or lengthen it, depending on your table size. Read more or purchase and download the project sheet.
Sew a Makeup Bag that Makes a Difference
When asked to gather a basket of goodies for Relay for Life, I knew that something special was needed to include in the basket. An embroidered makeup bag, with a machine embroidery design that supports cancer awareness, was the focal item of the giveaway. Read more or purchase the downloadable instructions.
Dresden Melody Table Runner
Think outside the traditional patchwork world and use a multisized Dresden Template to add a modern twist to a tried ‘n true design. I call it the Dresden Melody with five half-Dresden Plate Designs that seem to flow melodically together. The finished size is 28″ x 82″. Enjoy this patchwork tutorial! Read more or purchase the downloadable instructions.
Trio of Pillows
When sewing pillows, I find that cotton fabrics always require a backing or interfacing to prevent the fabric from sagging or looking flimsy. Using a double-sided quilted fabric, which has a layer of beefy batting between the fabric layers, automatically gives the pillows a plump look. (Here’s one time when the adjective plump is a positive!) Plus, the two coordinating fabrics provide great design options. Read how to create these three pillows or purchase the downloadable instructions.
Watch Sewing With Nancy online and on any TV.
Win a free copy of one of my downloadable projects sheets above. Simply leave a comment below sharing which of the projects is your favorite. One random winner will be selected.
Bye for now,
Content in this feed is © copyright 2017 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.
The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman has provided products by other companies in the course of her business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here. Join us on Facebook, plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!
I like the pillows, and I am planning on making some pillows for our downstairs recreation room. I bought some “I Love Lucy” material that I can hardly wait to use.
Although I love each project, I am partial to quilts and with the methods used I will have to attempt this project. Thank you for the stellar educational products you make available to us, we love them all!
I really like the i see spots quilt!!! Would love to win that!!
The Dresdan Melody table runner catches my eye! I love the abstractness of the design and think it would be great on my table! Love your show.
I like all of the projects but the one that would be most current for me would be the pillows as I want to make some soon to go with our new living room furniture. Using a double sided quilted fabric makes so much sense. Now to find the right fabric.
My favorite is I see Spots Quilt as it uses a simple method but bold coloring. Simple but beautiful.
My favorite is the Dresden plate table runner. I have the Dresden plate template and I would love to have that project sheet.
Love the trio of pillows!
With three very active great-grandchildren I think I will be working on the activity bag. It is not going to bang around in quiet places. also the circle quilt . Hopefully soon.
My fave two (because I can’t pick just one) are the I See Spots quilt and the Melody Dresden table runner. Both are so fun and unique. I can see myself making both projects!
I really like the “twist” on the Dresden pattern, and the activity bags. My vote is for the Mod Dresden table runner. I’m going to experiment with some colors that I have in my stash! Thank you Nancy!
I’m going to whip up the bags for our daughter’s 14th birthday party.
Kids of any age can use a bag like this!
I love both of the table runners – they are an easy way to go from elegant to whimsical, depending on the fabric, and are the perfect size to practice free-motion quilting.
I think the kids activity bag would be my choice since I have five grandkids, and I know they would really love to have something like this. Thank you!
I love the dresden plate table runner. I would like to make a scrappy one for my kitchen table. I also plan to make a more “formal” topsy turvy one for my dining room table.
thanks for sharing your lovely projects and your knowledge with us.
I like the topsy turvey table runner for my new place
I to like to sew different projects but since retiring I have been quilting. I like the circle quilt as well as the table runners. Thank you for all of your wonderful shows.
There’s something to like for almost any occasion, but my favorite here is the Dresden Melody tablerunner. The muted shades of the extra-long runner appeal to my sense of peace and calm. Thanks for sharing your creative abilities. Charleen
I See Spots is the one I need to make; thanks!
I like the breast cancer awareness one.
The table runner is so cute!
I would enjoy making the tote for my Grandsons, and the quilt with circles. I like the look of it and am sure my daughters would like it as well.
Love the Makeup bag and Trio of pillows.
Can you direct me on how we might make a suggestion for a grandmother sewing project?
The kids activity bag is my favorite. I have twin grandsons and this would be perfect!!!
Definitely the Dresden table runner!
I loved the makeup bag , the three pillows and the kids activity bag. I can envisualize so many uses for the kids activity bag, such as a beach bag etc.
The Topsy Turvy table runner is my favorite. Love the gray and lime together. Thank you for the chance to win.
I love love the gray table runner. I want to make it for my special daughter-in-law. I will make it in the gray and then in additional color combinations to the other family members! Thank you for your years of great tips and sewing you have provided over the years!!!
I like each of them. My favorite is the topsy turvy table runner.
I love the Topsy Turvy Table Runner. Thanks!
I See Spots is my favorite project. Thanks for the giveaway.
I really like the makeup bag. Not only is it focusing on breast cancer awareness, it is a really neat bag! Thanks Nancy for the instructions.
the eyeglass pillows are adorable!
I loved the topsy-turvy table runner when I saw you make it on your show. I also loved the glasses pillows. How nice to see them listed as your favorites! Love your show, Nancy. As others have said, I’ve learned much from you and am always inspired to try new things. Thank you!
I love the Dresden Melody tablerunner. I have a twelve foot table so all tablrunners and tablecloths are custom made. The child’s activity bag is a close second but I would repurpose it as a take along project bag for my crocheting.
I love the Dresden Melody tablerunner. I have a twelve foot table so runners and tablecloths are all custom made. A close second is the child’s activity bag but I would repurpose it as a take along project bag for my crocheting.
Love the pillows so stylish and looks to be a quick project to add a lot of style to my living room. Love all of Nancy’s ideas she’s the best!!!
Love the topsy-turvy table runner…watch you Sunday mornings
on PBS.
I want to use and old 1950′s tablecloth to make the Topsy Turvy table runner.
The Kids Activity Bag!!!
I really need to make those kids activity one for each of my grandkids. Those will get started tonight and then I will work on a makeup bag for myself and my best friend. Thank you for posting such wonderful and useful patterns.
I think the Dresden Melody Table Runner would be my favorite with the I See Spots Quilt coming in as a very close second! I enjoy your blog and wish you all the best! Karen
Which one to chose!!! Love them all. If I had to pick a favorite it would be the “I see spots” quilt. Thank you again for such beautiful projects to keep us sewing.
I love the topsy turvy table runner.
I would like to make the I see dots and kids activity bag.
I like the kid’s activity bag! It’s nice to have a way to occupy kids in the car or while waiting.
Love that Circle Quilt…Thank you for the giveaway……
I like the activity bag & the Topsy Turvy runner.
I love the circle quilt. I am obsessed with circles quilted together. And the colors are my favorites
The activity bag is perfect! I have a new great nephew, almost ready to walk. This would be a great gift. Thanks!
I like the Dresden Melody table runner. I already have the templates and I think, the pattern. All I have to do is make it! thanks….
I like the cosmetic bag the most, although all are really great projects to do, very creative.
I watch your show every Saturday on our local PBS station and I have purchased several of your books on sewing and quilting. The Dresden plate table runner is one that I have delayed trying but seeing it again inspires me to do it now. Keep up the work you are doing. We benefit from your expertise.
Spots, Spots, Spots!!! I was reminded of my favorite Dr. Seuss childhood books. To this day I love anything with dots, circles, swirls. Oh how I love your beautiful quilt!!
The kid’s activity bag is a total winner. can be used in so many different ways, and perhaps Mom might like it in different fabrics for her traveling tools of the trade !
I really like the variation of the Dresden!
I really like the Kid’s Activity Bag. It looks like it could also be used as a bag to hold a knitting project.
love polka dots …hence I’d love the spots quilt pattern Can see it in bright colors.
Love all the ideas- but think the first one to make would be the kids activity bag and then the make up bag, that one could work for so many different things and sizes. Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions you give us all the time. Have a Happy Mothers Day to all
I love the Dresden table runner!
I love the Dresden medley. Any new technique for a Dresden is a great idea.
I love the Topsy Turvy Table Runner and the child’s bag. Thank you….
The Desden Melody Table Runner is one I would love to make for my large dining room table.
My favorite project is the Topsy Turvy Table Runner. It is so attractive and the fact it can be easily resized to fit my table makes it especially attractive.
I love the Topsy Turvy Table Runner – and especially cute made up on the Riley Blake fabrics.
I like the topsy turvey table runner, but also the cute toy bag. decisions, decisions!!
I love the spots quilt. I bought a circle template and have never used it because I can’t find the right project, and there it is!
I like the desden melody tablerunner. It looks like a sunburst and would be beautiful with yellow/orange sun with a sky blue background.
I absolutely have to make the Dresden Melody pattern. Would also be fabulous as a full sized quilt. I do appreciate all of your wonderful tutorials.
Nancy, there are so many of your shows that I have enjoyed. I have learned so much from you through the years. You make everything easy for all of us. I think my most favorite is Landscaping. I watched on PBS, saw it again on your blog and ordered the book and DVD. I haven’t attempted it yet but it’s on my list of things to do this year. Thank you, Nancy for all you do . You are a wonderful person and teacher to the sewing/quilting world.
All are charming, but I *love* the Dresden Melody table runner. I picture it as a sunrise or sunset… fussy cut from a fabric(s) where the color saturation changes (ombre).
It’s a tie. I love both the tops turvy and Dresden melody table runners. Love your projects. Thanks, Nancy for inspiring me.
So hard to choose from so many great options! Topsy Turvy table runner is cute but I like the toy bag too!
So many to choose. The table top & I see spots are my favorite. Thanks for the give away.
My favorite is the Dresden Melody table runner. I can see this in my house! I truly enjoy all that you do. Thanks.
My favorite project would be the kids tote with the little pockets. It’s so much fun to sew for grandchildren.
The Relay for Life pillow is another example of the wonderful community spirit your sewing also provides. Practical, emotional, colourful, challenging and so treasured by all who make it and receive it. All for a good cause. Thanks for sharing your good heart. Ellen
The Kids’ Activity Bag is such a clever idea and would be great for my great nephew.
I have several fall fabrics that would make a lovely topsy-turvy table runner. Now to find time to get it done.
I love the pillows! I am always inspired by your designs and instructions.
The little carrying bag for toys(and more) would be perfect for my two granddaughters. Such a cute idea. Thank you, Nancy, for your inspiration.
I actually love all of them. I narrowed it down to two the Kid’s Activity Bag and the makeup bag. I finally decided my most favorite and the one I would actually make first is the kid’s activity bag. I’d love to win that pattern!
Love the Dresden Plate table runner. Would love it in shades of pale blues. It would certainly dress up my dining room table. Love looking at your ptprojects.
Good ideas! Love the color combinations. Thank you for being such a sewing inspiration.
Good ideas! Love the color combinatins. Thank you for being such a sewing inspiration.
I’ve been eyeing that lovely Topsy Turvey Table Runner for some time. I’d love to make it.
They are all so pretty-my favorite is the Dresden Melody Tablerunner-love the fabric & quilting-very nice! Thank you, Susan
All of these projects intrigue me, but the one I look forward ti making is the Topsy Turvy Table Runner. I can’t wait to get started on it!
Such great ideas!! Thanks, Nancy. I am definitely using the pillow idea to dress up the guest room bed. Am thinking the pillows will have trucks and tractor embroidery designs since the guest room is primarily for the grandsons. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. Marvel
I love the pillows. So smart with the glasses frames.