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Wisconsin Public Television Remembers Nancy Zieman

Wisconsin Public Television is saddened by the death of Nancy Zieman, longtime host of Sewing With Nancy.

Erik Ernst

11/14/17

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Wisconsin Public Television is saddened by the death of Nancy Zieman, longtime host of Sewing With Nancy.

Zieman passed away at her home in Beaver Dam Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer.

An educator, author, pattern maker, television producer, entrepreneur and innovator, Zieman inspired millions of sewing and quilting enthusiasts throughout her career. She hosted Sewing With Nancy, the longest-running sewing series on television, since 1982. The program continues to air on public television stations across the United States.

A careful, kind and generous presence, Zieman presented each of her programs in an engaging how-to format that empowered people of all skill levels to explore their own talents.

In addition to her TV program, Zieman was the founder of Nancy’s Notions, a Tacony Corporation company. Grown from her own kitchen table into a nationwide name trusted by sewers and quilters, the company offers thousands of products including sewing books, notions, videos and DVDs, fabrics and quilting products and embroidery designs through its website, retail store and Nancy’s Notions catalog.

In 2005, Zieman helped develop Quilt Expo with WPT in Madison. The event is a vibrant example of Zieman’s inspiration, now drawing more than 20,000 people from across the United States to celebrate the art and craft of quilting.

Zieman is survived by her husband, Richard, their two sons, Ted and Tom, and her beloved grandchildren.

“Nancy was an entrepreneur, a talented television host, a dear friend to so many people at Wisconsin Public Television, and a true Wisconsin treasure,” WPT’s Director of Television Jon Miskowski said. “During the time that she produced her series Sewing With Nancy with WPT, she made hundreds of hours of programs sharing her love of sewing and quilting – work that reflects the essence of Nancy’s legacy in passing the love of sewing, a passion she held very dear, on to the next generation. It was an honor for WPT to be a part of her story. We will all miss Nancy and share our condolences with her family and friends as we remember a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.”

“I am proud to have worked with Nancy on Sewing With Nancy for more than 25 years,” Laurie Gorman, WPT’s producer of Sewing With Nancy, said. “She had the rare ability to take her passion – the love of sewing – and share it with a national audience through the medium of television. Nancy was a savvy entrepreneur, talented colleague, and dear friend. She will be greatly missed by the staff at WPT and her many viewers and fans across the country.”

Zieman’s work on Sewing With Nancy lives on in the hundreds of hours of television that she created, much of which is available online at wpt.org/SewingWithNancy as a lasting resource that is still used by sewing and quilting enthusiasts around the world.

A private funeral service will be held. Fans and friends hoping to share their memories of Nancy’s life and inspiration are welcome to leave comments at NancyZieman.com/blog. If friends, fans and viewers desire, information about suggested memorial gifts is also available at that website.

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Erik Ernst

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199 Comments

  • Sherry from B.C. , Canada

    Well said Susan, I am so saddened at the loss of Nancy. May she rest in peace. My sympathies to her family.

  • Mary Peacon

    I am truly saddened to hear of Nancy Zieman’s passing. I started my lifetime love of sewing because of her. She will be missed by millions, but her talent will live on for forever in all that followed her.

  • Paula

    I am not a sewer, but I record “Sewing with Nancy” on a regular basis and enjoy each show I watch. Her knowledge, passion, and creativity are the reason I watch. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

  • Kathie Pelow

    I am so moved by the passing of a wonderful teacher. May God hold you in the palms of his hands.

  • Jo Ann Eznack

    My heart is at a loss for words with her passing…like so many others, we will greatly miss her and her knowledge she so graciously shared. God Bless.

  • Vivian Wike

    Sadness fills my heart. Nancy will always be in my fondest memories, she taught me how to sew, quilt, and how to use my imagination for my fabric and thread creations. Her shows were that important to me. May her memory carry on for many generations to come!

  • Claudia Helgemo

    I have great memories of Nancy Zieman and her programs on public television in Milwaukee, WI when I was a young mom making clothes for my children and me. I bought some of her books and used them often, referring to them even now as a grandma and quilter/clothing alterations and repairs. I ordered from and visited her store. I am so thankful for her place in advancing fiber arts to those of us that needed more education after home economics. Public television gave us a place to learn when we could not afford to take classes in a retail store. THANK YOU, NANCY. God bless your family and friends left behind.

  • Sylvia Summers

    Yes, I agree totally with all y’all’s sentiments ? Missing you Nancy & praying for your family. Thank you for your beautiful & encouraging, informative teaching legacy. ❤️Sylvia from Texas

  • Lisa

    So very sorry, I am sadden with the lost of Nancy.
    GOD BLESS !

  • Susan Ferro

    I was so sad to learn that Nancy had passed away she has touched millions of people and shared her knowledge and love of sewing her show has been part of my weekend for years I will miss her and I will pray for her family.

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