Inspiration

Remembering Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Tribute

It was with a heavy heart that I read the news of Nancy Zieman’s passing this morning. She was such an important and strong influence on my sewing life. I tried so many new things, techniques, and even machines (she gave me the courage to try using a serger) after watching her on TV. The sewing world will not be the same without her.

For fans and friends wanting to share memories, condolences, and how Nancy impacted theirs lives, please head over to the Nancy Zieman blog. There is also information on suggested memorial gifts, Nancy’s biography, and lots of great Nancy Zieman resources.

UPDATE

A new documentary, coming this fall to PBS Wisconsin, tells the story of Nancy’s life through her own words and the insight of those she inspired across a lifetime of family, faith and creativity. Contact your local PBS station to inquire about air dates and times.

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21 Comments

  • Elizabeth Enholm

    Thank you for this entry. I, too, will feel a loss for Nancy’s steady influence in the sewing community.

  • Dinah L Halopka

    Thank you for letting us know. She touched many lives by her willingness to share. Always the gracious lady!

  • Elaine

    I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy when she came to Cleveland, Oh for a show. She was such a nice and funny person. She will be missed

  • Dona Lamoureux

    Thank you so much for letting the sewing community know of this sad news. I too will miss her. She has been my sewing guru since I was a young woman. A sad day for the world of art.

  • Joan Shriver

    Nancy Zieman was there for us sewers when no one else was. I can’t believe she’s gone. Rest well, Nancy. We’ll miss you so much!

  • Paula M. Van Dyke

    Thank you for sharing the sad news of Nancys passing. I counted on her Sewing with Nancy for the support I needed in being brave when it came to swing a new project. I have many of her spiral bound books, great help in my sewing studio
    Paula M. Van Dyke

  • Melissa You g

    This is such a huge loss for her followers. I have watched her for as long as I can remember and hope they will continue to run her shows.

  • shonnalikens

    Prayers to all her Family and Friends. She touched so many in the sewing world all around the world. May she rest in peace and keep an eye on all of us doing the things she taught us !!!!!!

  • Dorothy R Martin

    Nancy Zieman was friendly and full of techniques which she shared with joy. Hr enthusiasm was contagious. I met her when her catalog was yellow mimeographed paper….of course her company grew to one with a lovely, inviting catalog full of useful items. She charged into new things, such as quilting, fearlessly, and did it with style. Her warmth and knowledge was an amazing. combination. I was fortunate to know and love her; all who picked up a needle can say that. To the end she showed us the way forward.

  • Helen

    Deepest sympathy to Nancy Zieman’s family and friends. She introduced me to so much quilting, sewing .. will miss you terribly.

  • martie in CA

    She was surely my favorite. I started watching her on PBS in the early 80’s. She taught me so much of garment making at first, then crafts, serging next. I was so pleased when she came to our town with “Love of Sewing”. She is interesting, talented and not one to let any challenge get in her way. I will miss her mightily
    Martie in CA

  • Margaret Milner

    She was a great inspiration to me and although I’s not a great Quilter I learnt a great deal from her.

  • Sara

    Really sad of her passing, but she was incredible person with a love of sewing & inspiration to us when we didn’t have a way to purchase less to learn. If you had a question she read the letters on PBS & gave us the answers, we will really miss her, but never forgotten. RIP such a great lady!

  • Charlotte

    Oh my so very sad to hear this news. She will be sorely miss by so many. I still enjoy her shows . Who will or can replace her
    . Prayers for her and family.

  • Carla

    Nancy did such good in the world, she was an angel here on earth. Now she’s in Sew heaven! What a legacy! Prayers for all who loved her??

  • Barbara

    The sewing world has lost a wonderful person. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Nancy will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers for as long as there
    are people who sew.

  • Toni Smith

    I had the pleasure and privilege to meet Nancy several times in person. She was always a charming, interested, and kind personality. She shall be sorely missed by the entire industry. For me she changed my whole life with just a simple show about something so simple – sewing.

  • Gaila Van Dee

    I feel so sad knowing she had to go because of “Cancer”. Condolences to her family, co-workers and to us, as viewers, as well, for our loss of her….. She will be missed.

  • Liz Layman

    I just retired, and have been looking forward to more of her shows and was looking forward to being more creative with her ideas. I loved the way she explained things and was so organized. I am sorry she lost her battle with cancer. My condolences to family, friends and co-workers. She was a great influence on so many !!