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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

  • Janice Brewer

    Nancy Zieman will be very missed in my sewing room as I have watched her since the beginning and have many of her books. She taught me so much. I am so sad to hear of her passing.
    Janice from Southeastern WI & Will County IL

  • Rhonda Kimbrough

    So sad to hear or Nancy’s passing she was very inspirational to me.

  • Melissa Todora

    Heartfelt condolences to her family and close friends. She was and will be an inspiration to all sewers for years to come. Her book Fitting Finess changed the way I sew for myself. I will be forever grateful to her.

  • Christy

    I watched her when I was first learning to sew, so sad and prayers for her family.

  • Janet Pasinski

    So sad, Rest In Peace, Nancy, you will be greatly missed. I learned most of my sewing skills from her, even though I never met her, but felt like she was one of the family. My prayers go out to Nancy and her family. She truly is an angel.

  • Sandra Gambill

    I am so sorry to hear of Nancy’s death. I am praying for her entire family during this time of loss.

  • Dianne

    What a beautiful tribute to Nancy! She touched all these people, and so many chose comment. RIP, dear lady!

  • Shar carroll

    I too am totally heartbroken. Heaven has another angel. Condolences to her family.

  • Barbie St. Aubin

    I remember watching those first shows in the early 80’s with my mom. I had just begun my college education. My mom was now an empty nester looking for a creative outlet. Nancy showed my mom the joy of quilting through those programs. Now many quilts later and an empty nester myself have also received much inspiration from Nancy. Nancy will continue to inspire many though her example of a determined, caring, creative lady. Nancy will be held in high esteem in the hearts of her family, friends and fans all over the world. Thank you Nancy Zimman! Rest in peace.

  • Kathy from North Dakota

    I thank God for using Nancy Zieman to inspire and teach us! Thank you to her family for sharing her with us! She had a gift and used it well…it seemed as through you were right there with her in each sewing segment!

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