Top 5 Sewing Projects from My Blog
I’m always intrigued to learn which Sewing With Nancy TV shows, sewing or quilting patterns, sewing techniques, and sewing or quilting projects, featured on my blog, are your favorites. (I gather this information through online reports.)
Top 5 Sewing Projects
My findings? I’ve listed a review of the projects and links below. If you’ve missed one or two, now’s your time to catch-up on popular sewing ideas and projects.
Also, several of you have asked for downloadable, printable instructions of these projects. For your convenience, five projects are now available to purchase as downloadable files.
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. Click here to read how you too can easily make an activity bag.
Topsy Turvy Table Runner
Riley Blake Designs sent me a collection of grey 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. Click here to read more.
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 an embroidery that supports cancer awareness, was the focal item of the giveaway. Click here to read more.
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! Click here to read more.
Trio of Pillows
When sewing pillows, I find that cotton fabrics always required 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 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. Click here to read how to create these three pillows.
Joanna
I still think the Kid’s Bag is the best. I can see it having many uses other than children’s toys, like my knitting/crochet projects. I wonder about the sweet knitted animals in your picture. Did you make them as well?
Kerri Robinson
I just completed 3 embellished dish towels for a wedding shower gift using your “Triple Ruffle Towels” tutorial. They turned out so pretty! I may have to make more of these for myself! Thank you so much for sharing your sewing knowledge, I learn so much from you!
Nancy Zieman
You’re welcome!
Mary S
I’m with Joanna, the kids bag is the best. That’s on my list to make, hopefully this year before it’s over. Thanks Nancy
Laurie Weaver
So love seeing your show over the years Nancy. You are a true example of someone doing what they love to make a huge impact on others.
Nancy Zieman
Laurie, thank you for your kind comment!
Kim M. Harrington
I love the kids bags as well! They are great, and I know that kids will love them!
Nancy Zieman
Thanks, Kim!
Sherry pell
I learn something new about sewing and new and wonderful products that can make such a difference in the finished product and only can be found on sewing with nancy.
Jackie
Thank love the kids bag.
linda wolfe
This is where I go for ideas, sewing expertise and simple, creative ideas. I have since the 70’s. If you are in America or Canada then you can reach her. She is on PBS tv stations across the country or go to her youtube site. if your machine goes forward you can make it work; backwards and forwards? great. do you have a zig zag? hallelujah please share with your friends if they live in either country and where ever you are try youtube. see you later.
I have been asked too many times “where did you get that?” Is that your idea? My answer is always Sewing with Nancy.
This time I put it on my g+ page. I connect with 47 countries, most have access to a school, church,etc that can translate to English if the instructions are in English. I have recently discovered that a lot of people connect with America and Canada. So, we can purchase the patterns and send them or if they get YouTube somebody with explain it in their language as many times as they need to so that they understand.
You still dont forget those that cant afford fancy machines or save scraps or pieces of worn out clothing. That is why it is a good idea to let them know. Many times a church has a sewing class with Singers foot pedal, no electric, but when the satellite was hooked up to their church they go to your site and start to dream and build a new life. You never gave up on us. Times have been hard for a decade but you didnt shut down and leave us. We do what we can to support you in every way. You, and your staff, are blessed by soooo many people. Go to Japan and say “Sew with Nancy?” and women and men stop, smile and its a thumbs up. Or so says Thomas, my virtual tour guide from Japan (struggling quilter } I, along with a very wide world of friends, thank you, bless you and yours. You are the unsung American Ambassador. Linda
Nancy Zieman
Wow, Linda, you truly made my day! I read your note twice, I guess I needed an uplift! Thank you for your kind words and for following along for all of these years. My best,
Nancy
linda wolfe
thanks for answering. Every word was from my heart. thank you, Linda
Cheryl
I like all of these projects and cannot choose! Maybe it’s time to retire so I have more time to sew. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing them. I did miss a couple of them.
Linda M.
Nancy, I made your Topsy Turvy table runner for a friend of mine that I had also made curtains and chair cushions for her. I used fabrics left over from both of the former projects. I think she was pleased. I certainly was. Thanks for all your ideas over the years.
Eileen
Much to my chagrin, I have been unable to watch ‘Sewing with Nancy’ for 4 years since moving to the Austin Tx area .I am so saddened about this. What a disservice to all of the sewists in the otherwise education minded city.
Nancy Zieman
Eileen, I’m sorry to hear this. I’ll pass this info along to my broadcast consultant. Keep in mind that you can watch the shows online 24/7 at http://www.nancyzieman.com. Hope that this option works for you.
Mary Walker
An idea for future projects… Baby sacks. The new trend to keep babies safe, and reduce the incidence of SIDS is baby sacks rather than baby quilts. The theory is that the baby gets the covers over their face, increasing the amount of CO2 the baby breathes, and it can cause the baby to quit breathing. With a new grandbaby, I find there’s is a deficit of baby sack patterns, and am wanting to make a quilted baby sack for this winter. Bet you and your team could come up with some really cute patterns!
Lizi
Hi Nancy,
You have been such an inspiration to me over the years from the days when my daughters were young, money tight and sewing shorts and tops for them as playwear to creating quilts and sewing now for fun!!
I have a problem, whether ready to wear, or “homesewn” seems like the neck openings are always too big and my bra straps show. What do I need to change on the patterns? I don’t have anyone else who can answer this question so hoping you have a minute or two to help me.
Thank you!!
Elizabeth
Qnique Quilter
We love reading through your blog. Love all the fun things you do with quilting. Keep it up we have joined your youtube channel and look forward to more.