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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.
11/14/17
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Wisconsin Public Television is saddened by the death of Nancy Zieman, longtime host of Sewing With Nancy.
11/14/17
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.
I would love to get your thoughts, suggestions, and questions in the comments below. Thanks for sharing!
PBS Wisconsin is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Gloria Kruid
Rest in peace Nancy. Dear family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. She had a gift she shared and I followed her videos.
I pray that you may feel the comfort of the Lord in the coming days.
Gloria in Iowa
Sherry
Nancy, you will remain part of my sewing life till we meet again. Am praying for the family and friends. She taught me and so many orhers to sew and she will be missed greatly. Being handicapped, she was an inspiration to me over the years of watching her on the television and video’s. You were a very special person in my sewing walk. Thank you.
Dagmar Booth
So heart broken. I enjoyed “Sewing with Nancy” from the beginning of her t.v. program. Met her once, she was so delightful and sweet. Because of her, my sewing was elevated to a higher level. I even lined a jacket following her method. My mom was so impressed. I made most of my clothes and also my daughters. The prom dresses were a challenge with fitting, Nancy to the rescue. She will be so missed. Prayers to her family.
Joan Wojciechowski
While Nancy has left us physically, she has left a wonderful legacy. I know deep in my soul that she is at rest in the peace of the Lord.
Bernadette Harrington
So sad, but glad she is not having to endure anymore of the pains that cancer brings, I loved watching her show, so did my daughter and we learned so much from her, she was always patient and kind, a true teacher, and like stated above Nancy is a true Wisconsin Treasure…… thank you Nancy for sharing your gifts with so many of us, we will miss you so much but know your not far away…. my sympathy to her family and I pray for God to hold them close with love during this time of their loss.
Barbara Post
I am so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. I started watching Sewing With Nancy in the 1980’s when I was home with four children under the age of five. I tried to grab sewing time any way I could and Nancy inspired me to keep at it. With her tips and helpful hints, I started making pajamas, shorts and tops for my children. Over the years I have evolved into a passionate seamstress, quilter. and devoted fan. I will miss her shows and her signature “Bye for now” .
Yvonne Lin
Coming two times a year for vacation (I am from the Netherlands) in the USA I found Nancy´s show on television. Everytime we are in the USA I am still watching Nancy´s program. Love it so much and I learned so much from her. Today through Facebook I see the news that Nancy passed away. I am very sad to hear of her passing. Rest in peace Nancy and thank you for everything. For the entire family and friends my deepest sympathy.
Peggy K Martin
Nancy was such a wonderful role model for women everywhere because of her “I can do it” attitude turning her love of sewing and quilting into multiple businesses in a positive manner. For that I will forever be a fan.
Angela Utley
Thanks Nancy for all your generosity…..I have watched your program from the very beginning!! I’LL miss you! My condolences to the Zieman family. By for now.
Joyce
What a great lady that will be missed by so many. Rest in peace.