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Alignment and Placement Wearables

Designer Handbags by Nancy Zieman and Eileen Roche

Designer Handbags by Nancy Zieman and Eileen Roche

Designer Handbags with Nancy Zieman and Eileen Roche

If your sewing skills are holding you back from tackling complex projects, you might be interested in seeing how an embroidery machine can simplify complicated sewing tasks. How? The tough/challenging/persnickety steps are handled by digital files completely eliminating the need for top-notch sewing skills. You’ll be amazed to see how easy it is to duplicate four corner accents; how the embroidery machine ensures both straps are attached at the same location and how two fabric rectangles are all you need to make a great-looking handbag.

Did I get your attention? Nancy Zieman and I are happy to share the steps with you. In fact, you can watch on your computer by clicking here, www.nancyzieman.com. Click on the EMBROIDERY link. On Dec. 4, 2011 you’ll see the latest episode of Sewing with Nancy, featuring this hot new technique. Nancy and I joined forces to simplify one of our favorite sewing projects – making handbags. Next week, on Dec. 11, 2011, you can watch the second episode of the two-part series. Of course, feel free to check your local PBS channel listing for the airing of Sewing with Nancy.

Ever wonder how these television shows happen? Well, usually it starts with a phone call from Nancy, followed by an enthusiastic YES! by me. Then after the glow fades, it’s time to get to work, to define the tasks, buy the fabrics, make the samples, dissect the steps, make more samples, throw out some samples, make more samples and regret you threw anything out! Of course, all of this happens with 1100 miles separating us.

We depend on email, telephone calls and some unsophisticated photography to relay visions back and forth. Here’s an early shot of the results of one of my early fabric buying trips.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Then it’s time for me to head to Beaver Dam, WI, home of the sewing world’s top television star, Nancy Zieman. What do I do when I arrive? Basically, I implode in the conference room.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

After careful screening and organizing, Nancy gets me back on track. It’s quite clear why she’s been so successful all these years. Organization is her forte!

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

We pack for the next day’s taping.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

And before you know it – it’s over! And I can’t wait to do it again!

Eileen Roche and Nancy Zieman, on the set for Designer Handbags

Here’s your assignment this week:

Want to win a copy of Designer Handbags? Just post a comment to tell me which of the fabric choices, Group A, B, C or D, shown above, did Nancy select for the taping and you could be the winner. The winner will be announced December 7, 2011

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Here’s a limited time special offer for Eileen’s blog readers:


Order Designer Handbags between Dec 2-15, 2011
& enjoy $10 dollars off the regular price!
Regular price: $49.99.
Exclusive Special on Eileen’s Machine Embroidery Blog: $39.99
Order Now

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82 COMMENTS

  • Becky

    I’m going to guess group C. That’s looks like a pleasing color choice for TV.

  • Denise Cornell

    Group C

  • Clem

    i love group A. I think the green is a great “pop” accent.

    • Zoe

      Group D is my choice

  • Rachel

    I’m guessing Group B. Something just tells me.

  • Mai-Britt Trasborg

    Group c

  • kris kopsell

    my guess group A

  • Patricia

    My choice would be “group A”!

  • Carol Seavitt

    Group C is my choice; can’t wait to see the show!

  • Sandi Rice

    Group C

  • Joanne

    Have to go with C!

  • Darlene Jacolik

    I’m going to guess Group C. Can’t wait to see the show.

  • Kathy

    I think it was group C

  • MJE

    Tricky question! I see some of Group C peeking out of the “organized” photo, but there is definately some of the cute green check from Group A in the tote getting ready for filming. And where did that adorable little blue print in the tote come from??

    Definately looking forward to seeing the show!

  • Dolores Hollen

    I think it was group A

    • Froma sommers

      Group “C”.

    • Joan C Johnson

      I WOULD SAY GROUP A

  • Shirley Privette

    Group D

  • Judy Carter

    Group C

  • Norma

    Group C

  • Bettie Papajohn

    My guess is Choice D.

  • Shirley R

    Group C.

  • Sue

    I think Nancy choice A

  • Dyane Frig

    I am going with Group D.

  • Kandy Lewis

    I think A only becasue of the green material. I’ve looked at this set and really wanted it so I’m keeping my finger crossed. Looking forward to seeing this series.

  • Evelyn Gonzalez

    Group A. Nice pinks and a great pop of green.

  • Donna G.

    I’ll go along with Group C, although I could wait to watch the show tomorrow then “guess”! Regardless, I love this concept and can’t wait to see it!

  • Gail Beam

    I am going to go with group C.

  • Stella Penalver

    I think she will use group A.

  • Rosa Smith

    I think group C because I see the print in the packed up group. But I really liked the B group too. I would love to win this set.

  • Greta

    I’m going to go with C based on the stash in the plastic box… whichever she chooses, am sure it will be a winner 😀

    Greta

  • Rosie Zickefoose

    I am German And I realy dont know what tabing means I awsom its the inside of the bag I say Group A

  • Joyce

    I really like group C. I don’t know about Nancy, but it seems to be calling my name. But my daughter never likes my color choices until it’s made up and then it’s hers.

  • Elaine Tabor

    I’m going with Group C.Love the colors.I look forward to watching the show every Monday. For me, it’s a reward after a long day at work.

  • Sara Ruth

    Im going to guess group C

  • Anne Marie Reilly

    I’m guessing group A.

  • Nancy Rosetto

    I like group B so that is the one I hope she has chosen

  • Carol Morrow

    I’m going to guess group C.

  • Judy Zumbahlen

    I like group C. I look forward to the show!

  • Alice M

    I think group A.

  • Diana M

    I am going with group C. Can not wait for the show

  • Barbara

    My guess is Group C, but I’d love to see what happens with Group B! (or any of the others, for that matter!)

  • Irene Clark

    I am going to guess A

  • Vonee

    I am think group B. I watch her show religiously and I think the black would be Nancy’s choice.

  • Sue Duisenberg

    I like group c, very wearable

  • Tricia Kemp

    My guess is group B. It is sophisticated and would go with everything.

  • Ann Rogers Zentz

    I choose Group B, so classy for the holidays and this time of year.

  • Laurie

    Wow! They all so nice. But I think A. I can see a bag made out of these fabrics. I think these fabrics say Nancy! Thanks to both of you for all you do to help keep sewing alive!

  • Helen Dyckson

    I think it was group A. It seems like something Nancy would choose.

  • Marge Jansonius

    My guess is group D, hope I’m right.
    Marge

  • Beth Shelton

    It looks like it could be group A because the purse already made in another picture is close to that material grouping. However, I would like to see group B made as it would be for a more “evening” use.

  • Betsy

    I think Group C would be the best choice for the show.

  • Lila W Smith

    I like Group B. This fabric would go well with dressy or casual clothes. Guess that I like the less colorful best. Wish I had a couple of yards now of the “basket weave”. Lila

  • Chyrel Holshoe

    I choose color Group A it looks like the perfect colors for the Holidays!

  • Kathy Schmidt

    She might have picked them all, but if only one….
    Group B

  • Jackie

    I chose group C as I love the colours, bright and cheerful.

  • Robin (RsIslandCrafts)

    I think group C.

  • Lillian Moser

    I believe she went with Group D.

  • Joan Davidson

    I am going to go with Group A. All the fabrics are great, though.

  • Claudia Wade

    I am guessing Group C.

  • Wynell

    I like Group B. It seems more sofisticated.

  • Mary

    I think it will be Group A.

  • JoAnn Shipp

    I love group C

  • Janet Kirby

    I choose Group A. I think this group would show up best for TV.

  • Sandra Sanders

    I think Group C is the fabric choice for the program. All of the fabrics are pretty.

  • Jean

    I will go with Group C

  • Beth R

    Group C fabric. But every group would look great!

  • Whitney H

    I’m gonna go with Group D because no one else is, and because I actually think it could make a decent neutral bag.

  • Mitzi

    I think it’s C – figure that although the show was taped now, it will be shown in the spring.

  • Chloe Fisher

    Wish I could say all of the above, every group seems to be a winner, but I think C is the awnser. Can’t wait till the shows airs. I know I will be making a lot of handbags in the near future thanks to this new in the hoop technique.

  • Denice

    I am guessing that C is the one chosen. I like the retro look to the prints.

  • Pat Sheldon

    Group C would be Nancy’s choice. What a great idea to use the embroidery machine.

  • Sherry

    Group C is what I thought she would choose…love all of them but think those colors would show up best to demonstrate….

  • Jacque

    Group C

  • Bonita

    I believe it is Group C that Nancy picked.

  • marilyn buschini [the nut on the hill

    goup D

  • JUDY

    That would be group C!

  • Judy

    It would be group C!

  • Eileen O.

    It was group c, but I just now saw the episode. Fun. I must order this set.

  • Clara

    I think group A, because there are 3 or more different colors to chose from and to make stunning bags

  • Linda

    I think group A.

  • Noel Spies

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