marie-madeline studio

Modern Prairie Sewing Blog Hop!!

WOOHOO!!! Hooray for Abi's blog hop! Abi was SO sweet to ask me to do a project for her blog hop...especially since I'm not the world's greatest seamstress. Shame on me, I know. Of course, I can sew, but all of my sisters are a whole lot better at it than me. Anyway, this is seriously THE GREATEST book (and I'm not biased!!!). Abi did an amazing job, and every project is so beautiful. Another reason I adore this book is the photography...I was so blessed to get to be behind the scenes, and watch an amazing photographer work.  YOU REALLY NEED YOUR OWN COPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For my project, I decided to do the It's A Cinch Belt. I used an Anna Maria Drawing Room Home Dec for the main belt, and Amy Butler Hapi in cotton for the contrasting side and ties. It was SO easy, and I had it whipped up in no time flat. All of the instructions are very clear, and with illustrations if you're a visual kind of girl (like me). I am so happy with the way it turned out, and even more thrilled that Abi was so tickled!

Oh, and don't forget that Abi is giving away two copies of her book along with two made projects from the book. Go check her blog for the giveaways going on August 29th through 31st!!!

Now, check out all these awesome seamstresses blogs, and see the cute things they made from the book!!

Jenny Fish!August 20th

Pam Kitty Morning! August 21st

Jona G! August 22nd

Melissa P! August  23rd

SewCaroline! August 25th

Melissa S! August   26th

April Rhodes! August 27th

Abiah! August   28th

 

 

 

xoxo, Abiah

Seams Unlikely winner

Thanks so much to everyone who entered our Seams Unlikely giveaway!!  The winner is....

 

Melanie Kennedy

 

Congratulations, Melanie!  Please shoot us an email with your mailing address, and we'll get your book out to you as soon as possible so you can start reading!

For those of you who didn't win, please be sure to head over to Nancy's website, and pick up your own copy of the book.... you definitely want to read it!

xxxxx

Seams Unlikely Blog Tour!!

Everyone in the sewing industry has heard of Nancy Zieman, right?  Of course.  Maybe you've seen her on TV, ordered from her website, or perhaps just seen her picture. Nancy Zieman just released her autobiography, Seams Unlikely.  And, she's hosting a blog tour to celebrate!

All five of us read the book from cover to cover in a matter of days.  We couldn't put it down!  We all wanted to take a moment to give you a glimpse into what we came away with....

Kristie says-

I just LOVED Nancy’s book about her life. I think that even more than her business side, I enjoyed getting to know the little girl Nancy and the young lady Nancy. Even though some of my daughters have met Nancy I have not had that pleasure, but I did feel like I “met” her while reading this book.

 

Most of all I loved how Nancy weaves her faith and family into every part of her business and her life. The love she has for her family is just wonderful! You just have to read Seams Unlikely...especially the part about “Gotcha” Day!!

 

Apphia says-

 

All I can say is... I LOVED Nancy’s book!! I couldn’t bring myself to put it down, as a matter of fact. Reading about Nancy’s life was so inspiring. Seams Unlikely is an all-around great book. I laughed, I cried, and I now have a nice number of lines from Nancy that I like to insert into everyday conversation with my sisters! What stuck out most to me about Nancy was Nancy herself. She is a woman with remarkable abilities, strong faith in God, and true humbleness. She is just the kind of person you want to have as a friend. Reading about her struggles with health issues, balancing family and business, and staying true to herself was really an encouragement to me. As soon as I finished Nancy’s book, I mailed it to my best sewing friend so she could enjoy it too! (And she read it as fast as I did!)

 

Achaia says-

 

We were happy to hear about Nancy Zieman’s autobiography, and were even more excited at the opportunity to get a copy. But, really, I was blown away by it as soon as I started reading.... I couldn’t put the thing down. I loved reading about Nancy’s trials and triumphs, because they are such a part of our lives. It made Nancy all the more real to me. Not just as a fabulous, incredibly talented sewing icon, but also as a normal person who has had a normal life in so many ways. There were so many times I just wanted to jump into the pages and hug her! Mom and us girls talked and talked about what we’d been reading (there was a scream of “don’t tell me!” if someone talked about a part someone else hadn’t gotten to yet...), and decided that every sewist we know needs a copy!

 

Abigail says-

 

What a fascinating read! I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I cried, I felt like a close friend. What an inspiring story about a lady who puts God and family first, and knows how to work hard. At the end, I loved Nancy more. Not just for her fabulous business of notions and more that I’ve been able to enjoy, but for who she is as a person. You have to read it too!  She's beautiful inside and out!

 

Abiah says-

 

What an awesome book! My sisters couldn’t believe how I carried it around with me wherever I went! Anytime I had a few spare minutes, I’d pick it up to read a few more lines. What an amazing lady! Nancy really came alive for me in the pages of this, her autobiography. I’ve heard of her for years, and even seen her picture, but I never really knew her. Reading about her life was truly inspirational to me. She’s had so many struggles, yet trusted in God to bring her through. Nancy is sweet, kind, humble, and so funny, too!! I can’t imagine not being inspired by her life story...not just for a seamstress, but for anyone.

 

 

Nancy (she has officially just become "Nancy" after reading her book!) has some peeks into why she wrote Seams Unlikely on her blog (plus, some adorable pictures!).  And, be sure to stop by all the other wonderful blogs that are joining in the tour!

 

February 4 Nancy Zieman http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/blog-tour/seams-unlikely-book/

February 5 Eileen Roche http://dzgns.com/blog/

February 5 Pat Sloan http://patsloan.typepad.com/

February 6 Melissa Stramel http://melissaslilaclane.blogspot.com

February 6 The Long Ladies http://www.mariemadelinestudio.typepad.com/

February 6 Tori Thompson http://totallystitchin.net

February 7 Amy Barickman http://www.indygojunction.com/blog/

February 7 Melissa Mora http://mellysews.com

February 8 Shari Butler http://www.doohikeydesignstudio.com/blog/

February 8 Vicki Christensen http://www.sewinspiredblog.com/

February 9 Carolina Moore http://alwaysexpectmoore.com

February 9 Kate Mclvor https://theconfidentstitch.squarespace.com

February 10 Amy Ellis http://amyscreativeside.com/

February 10 Melissa Mortenson http://www.polkadotchair.com

February 11 Ilene Miller http://happyvalleyprimitives.blogspot.com/

February 11 Liz Hicks http://blogerisms.blogspot.com/

February 11 Rachael Pannepacker http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

February 12 Bill Gardner http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/blogs/insideqn/

February 12 Elizabeth Evans http://www.simplesimonandco.com

February 13 Amy Webb http://www.amylouwhosews.com/

February 13 Lindsay Wilkes http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com

February 14 Gertie Hirsch http://www.blogforbettersewing.com

February 14 Veronica Philips http://cloverusa.wordpress.com/

February 15 Jenny Gabriel http://www.sewvacoutletblog.com

February 15 Laura Wasilowski http://artfabrik.com

February 16 Frieda Anderson http://www.friestyle.com

February 16 Rita Farro http://ritassewfun.blogspot.com

February 17 Cindy Cloward http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/blog/

February 17 Joan Hawley http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/

February 17 Patty Young http://modkidboutique.blogspot.com

February 18 Nancy Zieman http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/

 

You all want a copy, right??!  Well, we are happy to announce that we have one copy to give away here at marie-madeline!  Just leave us a comment on this post and you'll be entered!  Be sure to go over to Nancy's blog and comment for more winning opportunities (they are giving away 20 books total!).  Of course, Seams Unlikely is also available for purchase on Nancy's website.

 

We want to leave off with a quote we just love from Nancy.  It reminds us of how WE should look at life's difficulties.

 

"Each of us faces challenges.  Some are larger than others.  But what happens to us does not define us, unless we let it." ~Nancy Zieman

 

 

 

We love you, Nancy, and are inspired by your story!

xox Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

 

gift certificate giveaway winners!

Our $50 gift certificate giveaway winners are.....

~Elizabeth (traddie)

~Elizabeth Mac

Congratulations, ladies!!  Please shoot us an email letting us know what you would like to get with your gift certificates!

After giveaways we always wish we could give something to all of you who entered.  Don't forget you can still get a great deal on fabric (through tomorrow!)... our Cyber Monday sale is still going on!!  A big thank you to all those who have already sent in orders.  We were gone 'til late last night practicing for our Church's Christmas program.  So today is cut fabric day!  By the way, we'd invite all of you to the program if you lived here.

xoxo Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

Giveaway: two $50 gift certificates!!

Who wants a giveaway???!!! 

We are giving away two $50 gift certificates to our website to 2 readers!!  Read on to find out how to enter....

~leave us a comment on this post!

~tell us in what state (or country) you'll be spending Thanksgiving

~that's it!

We'll randomly select two winners on December 1st.  The giveaway is open to US residents and all of our friends overseas (aka everyone!). 

Don't forget to check back on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for some great deals!

xoxoKristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

The Winner!

So sorry we didn't announce our winner yesterday!  We've had a pretty hectic and stressful week, so we are feeling a little bit behind on everything.  Now, onto the winner....

Congratulations, Helen!  You are now the happy owner of Nancy Zieman's Sew Knits with Confidence book + 4 awesome especially-designed-for-knit sewing patterns!  Please drop us an email with your mailing address and we'll get everything headed your way.  We're sad we can't give a copy to each and every one of you!  The book and patterns are really a wonderful addition to any lady's sewing library, and we'd heartily recommend picking up your own copy here on Nancy's website.  Your knit clothes will thank you, trust us.

Thanks so much for the enthusiasm about our rendering of the Santa Fe Dress!  It was wonderful to hear what everything thought.  Did we mention the comfort level?  As most knit items, it's a dream to wear!

Happy Thursday, all! xoxo Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

Nancy Zieman's Sew With Knits Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Hello everyone!  We had so much fun last summer when we participated in Nancy's 30-minute Doll Clothes blog tour, that we were absolutely thrilled when she invited us to be a part of Sewing With Knits.  To be perfectly honest with you, knits have always scared (some of) us just a tiny bit.  It's funny that the thing we love wearing most is also the most intimidating to sew!  But Nancy has officially changed that.  Her book, Sew Knits With Confidence, is a must-have for every seamstress!  (Stick with us, we'll be giving away a copy in a little bit...)

So without further ado, here is our own interpretation of the Santa Fe Dress!

We opted to make dress view 1, but added 16" to the length in order to get a good maxi. 

We LOVE this pattern.  The clever neckline facing makes wearing a camisole unnecessary, and the bodice goes together in a flash.  Best of all, it really looks store-bought when finished!  We chose a novelty red pique knit from JoAnn's to make our Santa Fe dress.  And then we got the idea to draw up one side in a big rose-like knot to add a fun touch!

Now are you ready to hear about the giveaway?  One winner will receive a copy of Nancy's book, Sew Knits with Confidence, along with the four beautiful patterns we showed you earlier this week!!!  Just leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address, and tell us how you feel about knit.  We will choose our winner on Wednesday (April 24th) and ship out your box of goodies the next day!

Have fun!

P.S. Don't forget to take a look at the rest of the tour!

April 21, 2013 Stitchin' Jenny's

April 22, 2013 Amy Lou Who Sews 

April 23, 2013 Sew News

April 24, 2013 Designs in Machine Embroidery  

April 25, 2013 Riley Blake Designs 

April 26, 2013 The Sewing Loft Blog 

April 27, 2013 Nancy Zieman the Blog 

Oops, the winner!

It was an oops moment for us when our Nanny informed us via phone that we had yet to announce the winner of our Liberty + trim giveaway!  So sorry 'bout that.... 

Congratulations, Garilyn!!  Please send us your mailing address and we'll get your goodies out to you as soon as possible! 

Garilyn said that one of the things she was most looking forward to about the warmer weather was the opportunity to get out the flip flops.  We can completely sympathize!  In fact, here's a quick run on what we are looking forward to this spring and summer ----

Kristie ~ Not being cold, going outside without a coat, and going home to Indiana

Apphia ~Wearing white and spending time in the water

Achaia ~ Light summer dresses, swimming, and vacation (seeing my best friend too!)

Abigail ~ Warm sunshine and swimming

Abiah ~ Swimming, Indiana vacation, and short sleeves

It's important to think that warm weather isn't that far away, especially since it's gray and rainy here.  We're working in the studio this afternoon, with plans for a spinach enchilada supper.  We've never made them before, so it will be interesting to see how they turn out.  Anyone up for spinach enchiladas?  We are serving them with restaurant rice that way if they don't taste so great we can kill the taste with rice.  Or, if they completely flop we could always just eat rice.

Congratulations again, Garilyn, and don't forget to write us!

xox Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

A giveaway & sale + new trims & buttons!

How'd you like to have some of the brand new Liberty fabrics + fun trims show up at your doorstep??  Read on to find out how!

First off, the goods --- 8 1/2 yards cuts of Liberty's newest fabric line, Stile.  Also, three 1 yard cuts of Riley Blake trim just newly added to our site!

How to enter --- Leave us a comment telling us what you're most looking forward to doing this coming spring and summer!                                                                                                                            The giveaway is open to everyone.  It's starts today (March 27th) and will be open until April 3rd.  We'll notify the winner via email.

We can't fail to mention all the lovely new buttons that are now up on our site!  All we seamstresses know how important the perfect button(s) are for projects, and these from Riley Blake make it that much more fun.  Enjoy!

And (we saved one of the best things for last)... Through Saturday you'll find all of our fabrics 30% off!!  Now's the time to get ready for some spring sewing!  We've been doing some of that ourselves, and hope to get to share them with you soon. 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!

Love from here, xo Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, and Abiah

Giveaway!

We're giving away two $25 gift certificates!!  And you can use them yourself, or pass them along to a friend this Christmas.  We will close the drawing on December 12, and announce our winners on the 13th.  Now how's that for fun?  Here's what you have to do to enter...

~Leave us a comment with your contact info.

~Tell us your favorite Christmas song or movie!

Lots of love from the studio...

P.S. New fabric alert!  Our beautiful friend Pam has done it again!  Full reveal coming soon.  After we've stopped stroking each piece lovingly and planning sewing projects for all 38+ bolts.  There's a sneak peek on our instagram page!