Thursday, August 25, 2011

Nancy Zieman's Sewing A to Z Book Blog Tour


Good day everyone! If you're reading this, then you're probably here for another installment of Nancy Zieman's Sewing A to Z Book Blog Tour! Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on the book.

Nancy Zieman, executive producer of Sewing With Nancy and founder of Nancy's Notions is no doubt an expert in the field of sewing and quilting. In her new book, Sewing A to Z, she's compiled over 100 basic to advanced sewing and quilting methods and techniques. Relying on her 35 years experience teaching and lecturing, this book is sure to become the cornerstone of any sewist’s library, whether novice or professional.

Full of step-by-step illustrations, tips and thorough explanations, this book contains a wealth of information and will be an invaluable guide to fine-tuning sewing skills. The spiral binding allows you to follow along easily right at your machine or worktable.

Among the many topics covered in the book of interest to quilters like myself, including: applique, binding, thread, half square & quarter square triangles, machine quilting, needles, etc, I found the tutorial on mitered quilt borders to be excellent.

What a great alternative to straight borders and a simple, easy way to frame your quilt. Nancy's instructions are precise and thorough, as always. The illustrations throughout the book are well labeled and clearly drawn.



You can watch Nancy herself talking about her new book in the video here.

Need a quick answer about sewing with knits? Want to know the best way to install a zipper? The alphabetized index at the back of the book will direct you to the proper section quickly and have you back behind the sewing machine in no time. All and all, I believe this book will give me a better understanding of my quilting hobby and perhaps encourage me to expand my talents and branch out to garment sewing. We'll see!

I want to thank Nancy for allowing me to preview Sewing A to Z and hope my readers will benefit from the information contained therein.

If you're interested in winning your very own copy of Sewing A to Z, please leave a comment here on this post. I will draw a winner and announce their name here on Monday, August 29th!


Nancy has also put together an amazing grand prize package worth $450 for one lucky reader. Visit Nancy’s blog and comment on her blog tour post for another chance to win!

If you've missed any Sewing A to Z tour stops here is the complete schedule including the remaining stops. Toot toot!

15-Aug Nancy Zieman’s blog
16-Aug Whipstitch
17-Aug Sew Mama Sew
18-Aug Diary of a Quilter
20-Aug Amy’s Creative Side
22-Aug Quiltville
23-Aug Crap I’ve Made
24-Aug Eileen Roche’s blog
25-Aug I’m Just a Guy Who Quilts
26-Aug The Free Motion Quilting Project
27-Aug Sew Serendipity
29-Aug Lazy Girls Designs
30-Aug Pat Sloan Blog
31-Aug Tallgrass Prairie Studio
01-Sep True Up
02-Sep Sew News
06-Sep Off the Cuff Sewing Style
07-Sep V and Co.
08-Sep The Cottage Home
09-Sep Colette Patterns

Enjoy your day!

191 comments:

DianeY said...

I remember watching her shows years ago! I was a fairly experienced sewist at the time, but there were always new things to learn or tips for doing things easier or more efficiently. She is truly a pro!

Jen S said...

This looks like a great reference to have at the sewing table. Thanks for the chance to win!

Sally said...

What could be better than having an A-Z account of sewing tips!! if i Had this i would be set!!

Tara G said...

I'm fairly new to sewing, and not only am I attempting my first quilt, I'm also attempting to make a bridesmaids dress, so I'm sure this will give me some much needed help!

Susan said...

Good review, Ryan. I watched Sewing With Nancy when I was a young wife. Back then I did more sewing on clothes for me and my baby girl.

Kathy MacKie said...

I would really love to win this book, so much useful info. Thanks for the giveaway.

Christine M said...

The illustrations look very clear. This would be such a helpful book to have. Thanks for the chance.

Dawnica said...

I love this book. I want to teach my girls how to sew and I need to learn first! haha! Maybe this book will help.
Thanks~

Ineke Platvoet said...

This is one book I could really use to improve my sewing-skills.

Татьяна said...

Hi . I live in Russia. I'm just beginning to master the art of sewing. Your book is very useful to me at work. And your prize is a miracle. On such a gift can only dream of. I'd like to win it, but I have this bad luck.
I wish all of winning.
With love from Russia.

Elizabeth said...

Well written review! Thanks so much! Hope I win! YAY!

AlyceB said...

This book sounds amazing! Just what this self-taught quilter/sewer needs :)

Linda said...

What a neat book to have in your library. I am fairly new at machine quilting so this would be a fantastic addition to my sewing library. Thanks for sharing!!

Tabatha said...

I'd love to win that awesome prize pack but if I don't I hope that another quilting newbie does!

Sharon said...

I have watched Nacy Z for years. She has taught me so much but would love to have a book of hers to have right in front of me. Thanks for giving us more details in it and for this give-a-way..

sosarahsew said...

I have sewn and quilted for so many years, but then so has Nancy. There are bound to be plenty of new-to-me tips in this book. THanks for the opportunity to win it.

Gene Black said...

I am a big fan of Nancy Zieman. I always learn something useful from watching her show on PBS.
I am sure this book is a wealth of information that I could and would use.

kfr14819 said...

Nancy Z is awesome! It would be so great to win. Thank you so much for the chance.

Donna said...

I would love Nancy's book. I learned quite a few sewing tricks from her shows years go.

Twiga said...

My brain is a sieve, so having a reference would really help. Thank you for the chance of winning.

Paul said...

Being a self taught quilter, my sewing skills are basic. This would be useful...

Thanks for the chance to win!
Paul
www.OutnumberedQuilter.com

Mrs. Bourgeois said...

The book looks terrific, and since Nancy put it all together, I am sure it is Fab.U.Lous. Thanks for the chance!

Cassie said...

I have been looking for a good sewing reference book, I have a feeling this will be it!

Nancy Zieman said...

Ryan, thank you for the great review. I frequently read your blog and appreciate your insight! I hope our paths will cross in the near future!

Mhairi said...

I need a copy of this book if only for the binding pages.
I love to quilt but hate to put the bindings on so I normally beg a favour of my aunt who sews them on for me.

yorkie mom said...

Nancy was the one who hooked me into sewing on the TV! would love it!

Amber said...

Ah, fiddle! That should say:

ambs101 [at] hotmail [dot] com!

Sorry!

KristaKay said...

OH my gosh! I love Nancy Zieman! I taught myself to quilt using her books.
What an amazing prize package, and of course I love your blog and all you bring to us! :)

Brianne Duncan said...

What a great book to have! Not just quilting techniques but also basic sewing skills...that's what I like about Nancy...she doesn't focus just on quilting, etc. She has a great variety of knowledge to share!

Robert said...

Looks like an interesting book. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

Ray and Jeanne said...

I'd love this book! I have several of Nancy's books and they are great! Thanks for the chance to win! - Jeanne

minimisti said...

I'm a beginner at this sewing thing, this sounds perfect for me! love this!

bitty said...

Thanks for the chance to win. Love nancy and all she has to offer.

Crafty Newbie said...

How exciting! I 'sew' need this book. When I am sewing I have so many unanswered questions and I have multiple books, but nothing with everything in one place!

Kelly said...

This looks like a good reference book to have on hand! I will definitely have to check it out!

Lyanna L. said...

This book looks like a must have for my sewing library - I need to brush up on some basic sewing skills. Thanks for the chance to win! =)

Fran said...

I would love a copy of Nancy's book, as a newish quilter who hasn't done much sewing before I'd really benefit from a fantastic reference like this. Thanks for the giveaway.

pocketofsun said...

Thank you for the book review. I am a VERY beginner sewer & becoming interested in quilting. Nancy's blog book reviews have acquainted me with some great sewing/quilting websites that are now bookmarked and will help me as I grow as a sewer.
Thanks for the chance to win!

CrimsonBruin said...

I am always on the lookout for new techniques! Thanks for the giveaway!

Jenny said...

As a new sewer/quilter, I would so love to get my hands on this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

shaparrish said...

Thanks Ryan, for reminding us how to miter a border. I sure would like to win Nancy's Sewing A to Z book.

sko_G knits said...

looks like an amazing book, another one to add to the reference library!

LisaVH said...

This looks like a fantastic reference book. I would love to have it in my new sewing room!

Peggy said...

I could use a copy of this book. After years of quilting I am getting ready to make some garments and need to brush up on my sewing skills. Thanks.

Rochelle said...

Nancy is a sewing guru! Would love to win her book :)

PinkGranny said...

I have been following Nancy's career for years and she has taught me a lot! I would love this prize package.

Katie said...

This sounds like a great book! And it would be super helpful for a new sewer/quilter like myself :)

Thanks again for the chance to win something :)

Denise in NC said...

I have been watching Nancy for many, many years. I watched her when we lived in rural Illinois and had to turn the rotar for the antenna and sometimes the picture was so bad....it looked like she was sewing in a snowstorm. I bet I have been a fan of her show and catalog for over 30 years. I counted the months for her catalog to appear in the mail and then dreamed thru every page. Thank you Nancy for all your wonderful education.
Denise

Barb said...

I would love to win this book! I love Nancy Zieman! Thanks for the opportunity.

æble said...

Love your header! I'll have to spend some time browsing your blog now that I know you're here. Would love a chance of winning this book!

Annie of Blue Gables said...

Ryan, I am so excited to find your blog. This is my first visit, through Nancy's blog tour.
Her mitered corner tip is wonderful! I have been sewing quilts for years but never thought of this most simple way to make a corner! Thanks!
My favorite tip so far is gathering over the thread with a zig zag stitch. I was watching the video just now.
Thanks for your part on this tour.
~a

Catskill Quilter said...

Thank you for hosting this wonderful book giveaway! The book looks fabulous!

Beth in TN said...

I love Nancy's approach to sewing. She has great tricks that make the finished product so much less "homemade" looking.

VickiT said...

Great review on Nancy's book. This is a must have book for anyone; sewing or quilting.

heidiabc said...

Wow - how have I missed this? I am definitely going to have to take a peak at this, I am new to sewing and need all the help I can get. Thanks!

Michelle said...

Sounds like a great book to have on the sewing table. Thanks for the review.

Heather H said...

I would really love to win a copy of this book! I have been following the blog hop and am impressed with everything that has been discussed. Thanks!

juliaaah said...

Looks like a really great reference for those of us still learning.

Peggy A. said...

Nancy is full of good advice and tips. Always something new to learn.

Heather A said...

As a beginner at this quilting thing, I'll bet this book would be a useful wealth of information.

Beth said...

There is so much I could learn from Nancy Z. Thanks for the chance to enter.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

iluvmybugs said...

I enjoy watching her tutorials and would love to win her book!! Thanks for the chance.

Jane said...

Looks like an excellent reference work to have on hand. I need all the help I can get!

ritainalaska said...

no, just have to see what's going on with your day ..... but yes,of course, i'd like an opportunity to win this book! i forget things about sewing i learned 50 years ago, and need to look things up frequently. thanx!

Pat said...

What a great giveaway. I have watched Nancy Zieman for many years. She is a great sewing teacher. I would love to win her book.

Daystarsc said...

I would love to have Nancy's book! She is my absolute favorite when it comes to sewing and creating.

Anonymous said...

This book would be a fabulous addition to anyone's sewing library, especially mine! Thanks for the chance to win.

Diane said...

What a great book! I just taught a mini seminar on how to do mitered borders ... love Nancy's instructions! Thanks.

Anne said...

Wonderful graphics on the sample page you displayed. Looks like the perfect resource for sewing tasks and projects.

Marcia W. said...

We are starting to make clothing for my grandnieces so this would be a handy reference to use! Thanks for that chance.

CJG said...

One of the things my quilting friends have the most trouble with is getting the binding right, so it's great to see that this book can help with that. I'm working up the courage to try a quilt with proper piecing, machine quilting and a binding, so I can use all of the help I can get!

The Rogue Quilter said...

I am still a newie in this crazy and exciting quilting/sewing world! This would be sew handy!

Pat V. said...

This book looks like a fabulous resource; I'd love to add it to my library.

Allison C said...

I would love to win this quilt. I'm a newbie so it would be super helpful!

The Junk-It Folk said...

I am a visual learner and this book was written for me! Thanks for the give away!

quiltmom said...

This looks like a very nice book- thanks for the opportunity to win such a useful and interesting looking book.
Regards,
Anna

Anonymous said...

I have been a fan of Nancy's for a long time and would love to win anything! I am thanking you in advance.

Erma in TX

Laurie said...

looks like a great book - thanks for a chance to win - laurie

llsbaskets@comcast.net

Jodi said...

I'm enjoying finding out more about Nancy's book and I know I could use it. I like that it lies flat and since I'm a visual learner, I'm glad there are lots of pictures. Thanks for the giveaway and a chance to win.

Mouster1 said...

This looks like a great book and I could really gain a lot of information on basic sewing since I haven't done any in a number of years. Thanks for the giveaway!

Cecilia said...

This is just the sort of reference book that I need. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Quilter in the Gap said...

This book seems amazing. I sure hope I can get my hands on one eventually. Thanks for sharing.

Andrea said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win this book, it looks like an excellent resource!

Lauren said...

Great review! Would love to have this book. What a great resource!

Nikki said...

Nancy Zieman's newest book, 'Sewing A to Z, will be valued resource for all skill levels of sewing, her clear illustrations take the mystery out of sewing techniques. I would love to add this book to aid my sewing skills, thanks for the giveaway chance.

crafter1953 said...

I really need this book, I am new to sewing and could use some help. Thanks for the giveaway.

Memaw and Papa said...

I am fascinated with a guy who quilts. There don't seem to be too many men sewing but it is great to read your blog and follow your journey.
Thanks for sharing
Cindy

janice said...

I so need this book! I could brush up on my skills as well!

Amish Stories said...

Good morning folks and I'm sure some of you are watching hurricane Irene's movements especially if you live on the east coast. ............. I have a post called "Lancaster on 2 wheels" today on Amish Stories where i tour the Amish country side taking pictures and observations which I've just posted................Enjoy your weekend everyone and i hope your out of Irene's path and safe. Richard from Amish Stories.

livelover3 said...

Love your blog and love her! She never leaves a question unanswered when explaining hot to do something! This is an amazing giveaway! THANK YOU! Keri S.

jmniffer said...

This would be a great book for a beginning quilter such as myself. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Victoria said...

Found your site because of the book, but I'm looking forward to reading more.

Karen said...

I have been following Nancy for many years and would love to get this book. Thanks for the giveaway1

Jenelle said...

What a great resource. I think that having a guide that you can reference again and again is essential for any sewist.

MollyP said...

This book seems to be a must have for anyone who covers the full spectrum of sewing. So glad to see it hitting the shelves soon. I still manage to come across an episode of Nancy's every so often on the weekends. Thanks for the intro, Ryan!

ModernHomeEc said...

I'm a beginner...sounds like Nancy's book would be a great addition to my quickly growing sewing library. Thanks for the informative review!

ModernHomeEc said...

As a beginner I'm thinking this would be a great resource! Thanks for the informative review!

Sue said...

As a sewer of many years a new book is always fun to read to learn new ways of doing things because you never stop learning

Alyssa Grace said...

I love Nancy Zieman! I watch her show on public television all the time!!

MellieWo said...

I would love to win a copy but I suspect I'll just buy it cause it does look awesome! Thanks for the chance to win and love your work!

Wanda said...

Love it that you a guy who quilts. I made sure both of my boys learned to sew and they took quilt classes. Never know one of them may decide to quilt down the road. Thank you for the chance to win Nancy's book.

Michelle L. Momof11 said...

I would love to have this book. I watch Nancy's show every chance I get and there are always so many good tips. Since I sew clothing and quilts it would all be useful to me.

Giles said...

I'm just starting out quilting (just finishing my first quilt and starting my second!) and boy, could I use this book! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Giles (Touch And Sew / touchandsew.blogspot.com)

Hildy said...

Thnaks for the chance to win this great book!
Greetings from Germany
Hildy

jemfl said...

Great resource for forgotten sewing basics. My first class in 7th grade!
(Over 50 yrs ago-oh my!)Nancy's a great teacher! Thanks.

Cindy W. said...

Looks like a good book for information. Thanks for a chance to win.

Татьяна said...

Как бы я хотела выиграть эту великолепную книг!!!

KatheG said...

Thanks for showing a bit of the book - would love to put it in my sewing room.

Vicki ♥ said...

Nancys book looks terrific and your review was good reading. Thanks :)

Eileen said...

I've been a fan of Nancy for many years, and she helped me to sew professional quality clothing for myself and my family. What a wonderful book! Thanks for the chance to win it.

Inge C - Denmark said...

Great prize - a book like this is missing in my library!

Segelfliege said...

Hey,
I would so love to win this book. I am currently searching for a sewing instruction book and haven't found the right on yet.
My email: thebanana(at)web(dot)de

Lana said...

I would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Lroghair (at) aol (dot) com

Sue said...

I'm so glad that Nancy included you on her blog tour. It sure is a great combination. I know I've been pretty lucky lately but this would be the prize that brings it all together. Too many times I sew by the seat of my pants and having the benefit of Nancy's expertise in these books and tools would be a tremendous help. Thanks for the chance!

kbo said...

Nancy has always given viewers & readers a wealth of knowledge.

Donna said...

I would love to win this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win one!

Tam said...

I've been making the rounds, and the more I see and read about this book, the more I want. Fingers crossed :)

Cass said...

Looks like a fantastic book! Just what I need to help me learn to sew. :)

Unknown said...

My daughter is learning to sew and I think this would be the perfect book for her.

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

Concise and clear review. Not only do I want "Sewing A to Z", I want it.

Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

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