A Tribute To Nancy Zieman

Nancy served as an icon, a leader and a visionary in the sewing world. She paved the way for many other women to become entrepreneurs and business owners. In 1979, she founded Nancy’s Notions, based in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. After a long battle with cancer, Nancy passed away at home surrounded by family on November 14, 2017.
Nancy also founded the Public Television show Sewing with Nancy in 1982 - now the longest-running sewing and quilting program on North American television. She authored multiple sewing how-to books and inspired countless sewing enthusiasts across the U.S. and throughout the world.
“This is a profound loss,” said Mike Schuster, general manager of Nancy’s Notions. "Nancy Zieman was more than an educator and entrepreneur. She was our friend. She served as an inspiration, and her spirit will always be at the core of what we do. Nancy influenced so many lives with her compassion and grace. Our thoughts are with her family and all those she touched on her journey.”
"Nancy Zieman was a genuinely kind and generous person," said Kathy Gittus, vice president of digital and print production. "She inspired the people she worked with and the millions who watched her public television show. We will miss her.”
We will all miss her so much. We encourage you to join the sewing community and share your memories of Nancy by commenting on this video, on the Nancy’s Notions Facebook page or Nancy’s blog (nancyzieman.com/blog).
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[@nitabaker9851]

As a child I wanted to be a fashion designer. I never learned to read until my mid twenties and barely even then I struggled decades longer, too ashamed to tell anyone. But I became a visual learner. I wanted to learn to sew more than what my Home Economic teacher taught me. It was watching Nancy i studied sewing. I became a Fashion Designer, designing wedding gowns and formals in my own shop, even working in a Christian film as a costume cordinator. During that job I had an assistant seamstress who said to me "I never met a Designer who could sew." Thanks to Nancy my dream was fulfilled and I praise God.

[@Lola-yw8ki]

ON NO! I saw this and said it can't be! I'm so so sad! I've learned so much from watching her shows! THANK YOU NANCY for all the wonderful lessons and memories! Thank you Nancy's Notions for the beautiful tribute. May God be with all who are feeling the loss of such a beautiful woman. My He provide comfort and strength to those who miss her. Rest in paradise now Nancy! I hope to meet you one day!

[@1234circle]

May God Bless you Nancy, you will be missed. I am now 60 years young and started watching you on tv when I was in my early 20's, each weekend I couldn't wait to see what you were going to show us. You taught me so much about sewing and sewing tips that I became a very good sewer thanks to you. You will always be with me in my thoughts every time I press the foot peddle on my sewing machine.

[@kathyandnigel]

Nancy will be sadly missed. She was and always will be an inspiration. God bless you Nancy, rest in peace

[@maryauen2153]

Nancy embraced all aspects of sewing: making garments , quilting, embroidery, repairs, repurposing, using various feet--and it was always fascinating. I fantasized coming up with some unique sewn item so that I could be a guest on the show ! So wonderful that all these great episodes are preserved, and so sorry Nancy couldn't stay with us another 30 years.

[@dkphoenix5]

Nancy has been in my life for so many years. Her show, her books, her patterns, her videos. I feel like I knew her personally. I will miss her. She was a great lady.

[@linnerlu]

I have watched Nancy for so many years that I feel like I know her. What a loss to our community and our world. What a classy lady and inspiration to us all. I will miss her so much.

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

She will be missed! I have always really enjoyed her show AND her! She's such a precious lady! RIP Nancy!

[@susanharless8141]

(tears) Nancy is the one who inspired me to start sewing again after I had my stroke and only one arm to sew with... I'll miss you Nancy ...Father Bless you ABUNDUNTLY my Dear Sweet Friend

[@redragonfly3040]

God Bless Nancy!What an inspiration!!!!!

[@lisathompson3093]

Such an amazing inspiration! I started with Nancy's PBS show and found online classes to learn to sew because I couldn't afford to take classes. I became a professional seamstress with the knowledge I acquired for free! I tell others everyday that there is no reason you can't learn something new in this day and age. So much education available at no cost. Thank you Nancy for everything you taught me. You were a wonderful teacher!

[@deel2167]

There will never be another quite like Nancy, and she will be dearly missed. Thank you Nancy, and thank you to those left behind who will continue to share her talent and wisdom with the world.

[@shannonmistrot1944]

Will truly miss Nancy. I tuned into her sewing show when I could on PBS, and I always learned so much. She will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on. RIP Nancy Zieman.

[@MargaretMcGee1]

Loved watching Sewing with Nancy, it was soon a favorite sewing program on the air. She touched many lives; as a tribute to her I will continue to cherish the many things made as a result of her inspirations, from the homemade buttons as demonstrated by , guest artists, shades for the windows, vests, scarves and clothing. RIP Ms. Nancy we all love you. As others have commented, it's like losing a friend. Prayers for her family and network of friends and associations. We most dearly will be missed.

[@empressnoel1661]

She is a gift of Grace and love, will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

[@catherinemelnyk1194]

Although I live in Canada and I have never seen her shows, I have ordered things from her and after reading this tribute, she will certainly be missed. I am almost 64 years old myself and she was far too young to be taken. God bless.

[@Patsysmatsy]

Nancy Zieman will be remembered for many, many years to come.The gifts she has given us by sharing her exquisite knowledge will be passed on to other generations to come. She will be missed....alot!!

[@paulastephenson1862]

We all grew up watching her. She was such an excellent teacher. RIP Nancy. She's sewing angel robes, I'm sure!!

[@Marny5580]

Shocked! I just now (2:02 AM 29Nov2017) found out that this dear lady passed. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. Gentle as you go ...

[@sandragriffin8285]

Deepest sympathies to all of Nancy's friends and family. So sorry for your loss.

[@deboraheagles7120]

This dear lady made our world a better place one stitch at a time. She was a tireless teacher who made our education her priority. Thank you dear lady for your time and caring manner.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@rbtrittel]

Nancy was such an inspiration - you could just tell she was a nice person, inside and out. Rest in Peace, Nancy.

[@debramurri3725]

Nancy will be greatly missed. She left a legacy of grace, faith, and knowledge with all of us.

[@teremel81]

She made a little girl in East Los Angeles grow up to be someone that has the confidence to make anything with her sewing machine if she just put her mind to it. May she rest in peace and may The Lord give her family strength in this somber time. Thank you Nancy for sharing your knowledge and for being a great human being 💚

[@readwisetoo5207]

I watched Nancy religiously for several years, deliberately setting my Saturday mornings aside for her show. She taught and inspired me and I am so very sad to hear that she was taken by the same terrible diseases that took my mother. I hate cancer! I will miss you Nancy. Thank you so much. I pray your family is comforted.

[@tweety.2023]

I am from Germany and I love the way she supportes me getting better and better. All the best for her family and team.

[@avon5028]

I was so shocked, it is like losing a good friend. I watched her for sometime now and learned so much, she will be missed.

[@JudyAnn17]

I bought many of her books. I have just heard of her passing today. You are right, she will be missed. A spot no one will ever fill. May God watch over her grave until the coming of Jesus's voice to call us home.

[@martadrummond7673]

avon 50 I

[@favsforme5770]

Will be missed. She was an inspiration to those of us who still sew. Godspeed Nancy.

[@cynthiacummins2925]

May God bless Nancy's family and friends. She was a very special lady and her eloquent and patiently given instructions were greatly appreciated. She inspired me to sew. Thank you, Nancy. I will miss you.

[@susanhamilton1822]

I spent many happy hours watching Nancy on public tv. My sincere sympathy to her friends and family.

[@Shari331]

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. Thank you Nancy...you will truly be missed!

[@bruceoleyar432]

Nancy was an ICON in our industry, she will be missed!

[@normasterbenz4058]

Rest In Peace, Nancy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love of sewing with us. You will be missed.

[@ArtemisPen]

I already miss her. I admired Nancy so very much. She was an accomplished woman and came across as completely sincere and honest. I learned so much from her. This is such a great loss. Goodnight, my friend. Love, Nancy B.

[@angeliwas46]

R.I.P. Nancy Zieman you will be forever missed. 💖👼

[@CherrylMaree]

A lovely tribute. I feel like I have lost a member of my extended family. I will hear her voice encouraging me every time I am in my sewing room. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy's family at this very sad time.

[@storybookfibers]

Nancy was an inspiration to so many people . . . and not just for sewing. She will continue to inspire and encourage with her grace and fortitude remembered.

[@brendagray3220]

She marched on soooooo proudly in life. I followed her for years....I will miss you Nancy.

[@thomasorndorff2844]

Nancy is the reason I sew today. She was a reason to sew for children & hats for cancer patients. I am very SAD today! May she Rest in PEACE. I will have her in prayers every day. To her family and staff, I am so sorry for your lost.

[@britsuelamphere9531]

RIP Nancy. A truly great lady and an inspiration to women everywhere.

[@emilycrocetto819]

I will truly miss this wonderful and talented woman who has given so much of herself to all in the sewing world.

[@9094nancyj]

Great, talented woman. She will be greatly missed. Godspeed, Nancy

[@3horsefan]

I have been so inspired by Nancy. Thank you Nancy, you will be terrifically missed..

[@brandysamuels7864]

There is something about Nancy that you just are drawn to, whether you know her nor not. I was so shocked when I found out today that she passed. I am going to miss her so much. I hope her family knows how much she is loved by women who sew. She has left such a mark on the sewing industry. When I look at a sewing machine I think Nancy. Life well lived, and much loved by all, and a good teacher.

[@buzoff4642]

"There is something about Nancy" She is rare teacher who, over and over took so much pressure off, giving permission to not be so exacting. And still doing so, in PBS airings. Nice legacy.

[@MileyonDisney]

What a wonderful woman she was. I always enjoyed watching her show. She helped so many people, including myself. She will be sadly missed.

[@dbrunner999]

I watched her for so many years, she felt like a friend. God's peace to the family who cherished her.

[@sematalay2551]

Dear Nancy, I live in Turkey thousands of miles away! I found you on youtube coincidently while I was looking for ways of learning quilting. Since then, I watched your every video on youtube. I learned a lot from you. I was shocked this morning when I saw announcement that we lost you. Thank you for everything you taught me. Rest in peace dear Nancy, I will miss your programmes ❤️.

[@chelitajimenez8738]

Adiós a una gran mujer y ejemplo de fortaleza. Descansa en paz Nancy

[@iloveshowbiz]

I sure will miss Nancy. She was a true artist. Rest in peace and thank you Nancy : )

[@jennyhebditch6424]

She will be sadly missed gave me lots of insperation .

[@patriciamesa8150]

What! She's gone! Oh my god, my condolences to the family she was a great teacher I have watched her from day one.

[@rhondaforde8070]

RIP Nancy I love watching your videos everyday you gave me confidence I love you I feel I have a beautiful friend

[@kathrynjackson3007]

R.I.P. Dear Lady who has brought me countless hours of education and inspiration. Thank you for all you've given me. You are missed.

[@tomn5880]

Nancy has been and will remain an inspiration to many. So long friend.

[@mindfulgratitude3041]

I've been without a TV for many years but when I watched I wanted never to miss her show. I'm saddened today as I only just found she fled to heaven. God Bless Her family and all those she worked with. God rest her soul. Nancy... you are missed and will forever be loved. Thank you

[@kanizkhan3614]

I was watching Nancy's TV shows for almost 24 years.She will be terribly missed.

[@MsSherrydarling]

A great loss to the sewing world. I watched her from the beginning of her show and have some of her books as well. My condolences to her friends and family. She will be missed.

[@annes2601]

I always loved watching Nancy on PBS.. Saturday mornings. No matter where, I lived. At the time.. Nancy "Was ALWAYS THERE!!"

[@NWHomesteader]

I’ve watched “sewing with Nancy” for most of my life. Her presence will be greatly missed. 💕

[@Devoteddi]

She was a wonderful friend. I watched her for years. I have all her books. She inspired me along with millions of others. Her teaching was he BEST because she cared. Rest in peace and God bless her family during this time.

[@audreywilliams6533]

Mrs.Nancy,I will miss you!! 💓

[@pjd2709]

A very special Lady, and a great program that I've been watching ever since I came to the USA., back in 1992, incredible TV programs, thank you so much, you precious Lady Nancy Zieman, you are a star! My condolences to family and friends, on this very sad occasion! Nancy will be missed!

[@krcates1]

I have watched Nancy most of my life. I will miss her so much. My heart breaks. She will be at a very special seat next to God.

[@Anne--Marie]

She was an excellent teacher. Nancy always asked her guests the right questions so that the audience would understand how to make the project. She was amazing.

[@SashaMoniqueTalks]

I am so heartbroken, I started watching Nancy in my late teens and I even have some of her books and videos. She had a great way of teaching you how to sew and she made it look so easy, she was a class act. I am still not that great at sewing but I can always pull out her books and videos to learn certain steps that I missed. She helped me through some difficult times in my life as I escaped through sewing and watching her on TV. I hope her program will continue to teach others how to sew and I think that sewing skills and homemaking should continue to be taught in schools because a lot of schools no longer have those courses. It is not only for girls but boys need to learn how to take care of themselves too and sewing is really an essential Art. Rest in peace, Nancy.

[@ellengill514]

Loved Nancy Zieman. She was a true Pioneer and a Wonderful Person.

[@michealholder9112]

She will be missed, she taught me a lot about not only sewing but her wit . She was an inspiration to the sewing community as well as others. Rest in Peace Ms. Nancy

[@TheresaPowers]

What a gentle woman. I am sorry for her family;'s loss.

[@dianef108]

God bless!!! Watched Nancy for years and learned sooo much. She will be greatly missed❤️

[@craftymetooo]

Thank you Nancy! We have loved learning from You! You will dearly be missed.

[@joycemorin5834]

Prayer for Nancy's family and friends. On her website she shared so much. The most important was her faith. We share a favorite Bible quote, Proverbs 3:5-6. Bye for now, Nancy.

[@carolyncoppola974]

As I just got in to sewing, I’m just learning about her. So sorry for the loss - she was a teacher I could follow. Her family, friends and co-workers are in my prayers! RIP Nancy. Thank you for teaching me pattern alterations. 🙏

[@claudialautenslager6858]

I have watched Nancy for years. I am writing this in tears. God bless you Nancy, you are now one of his angels.Claudia LautenslagerTracy, Calif.

[@DaisyAnnabelle65]

I’m sorry! She was very talented and very pretty! May she rest in eternal peace❤️

[@mrsharris3772]

Shes gonna be missed. Loved her. Watched her all the time. 😥😥😥😥😥

[@patkennedy8071]

I watched Nancy for years. I admired her skills so much. She was such a graceful and elegant teacher. My heart is sad for your loss, not just Nancy’s Family, but all the Staff at Nancy’s Notions as well. I will miss her too. Sincerely.

[@kitemed5194]

Nancy will truly be missed. I have learned so much about sewing from Nancy. May her soul rest in peace.

[@ethiopianabesha]

....when I came to America (as a child), my Dad wanted us to not only learn how to speak English, but with no accent so he would have us watch programs on PBS. When Nancy came on, I would listen so tentatively, wanting to pronounce my words just like her. My Dad would even purchase VHS tapes and tape her shows because that's just how much I wanted to speak clearly. Little did I know that I was also learning how to sew and craft at the same time---lol! Now, not only do I speak English clearly and with no accent, but I hold an Undergraduate Degree in Communications (besides earning a Graduate Degree and a Professional Studies Degree).....thank you Nancy for being apart of my early and humble beginnings. I know you heard, "Well Done" from our Heavenly Father.

[@zulemasarinana9218]

Sad news!! She will always be remembered and will be in our hearts! Rest In Peace Nancy!

[@leadmetopeacejeanie]

What a blessing this woman was to me. God bless you.

[@KPiam]

Oh I will miss her! God be with her family and friends as they grieve.

[@SaucyTreasures]

Nancy, thank you for sharing your wealth of experience and I love watching your PBS shows. You will be missed. RIP.

[@dawnd.5290]

She was so talented. May she rest in peace.

[@joycheek6756]

R.I.P. Nancy! Thank you for everything that you taught me over the years and for giving so many of us inspiration to try to create our projects. You will be truly missed.

[@janetteaguirre-terry2986]

Oh my GOSH!!! Nancy! I will miss you!!!😭

[@HoopMarvel]

I am sorry to hear Nancy has died. Thanks to her family for sharing her with us.

[@paulettecouncil1382]

I watched the show many times. She was so nice & polite. May God keep His loving arms around you all.

[@lorischroeder6935]

She will be missed. My sympathy to her family. I never met her in person but feel like I have known her after the decades of watching. We lost one of the greats .

[@omommo73]

She was a very good teacher. I watched her regularly when I was sewing clothes for my babies. And was thankful for her online store that introduced me to so many important tools. Rest in Peace Nancy Z.

[@maryhjerpe3804]

What a lovely talented lady! Nancy shared her gifts with everyone who watched her program. She will be missed in nody but her spirit of creativity will live on!

[@larriettausa]

Awe RIP, thank you for your hours of teaching and giving of your self. So many talents yes you will be remembered ans missed

[@violetpaintcan5492]

My deepest condolences to Nancy's family, co-workers, friends, and millions of fans. I was just watching her last week, and thinking how lucky we all are to have terrific resources like her show. I'll treasure each of those 910 episodes.

[@ebriggs3498]

Still miss her SO much! Such a beautiful lady. So glad she knows the Lord! “Now she sees face to face.”

[@ruthranieri1241]

Nancy inspired me to sew clothes for my children. She gave me the gift of loving to sew. See her in heaven.

[@pattyb325]

You will be truly missed, Nancy. We love you. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. all these years. Bye for now.

[@persephonelove2298]

Thank you so much Nancy, for all your years of helping people to create beautiful things. You will never stop inspiring me. My heart goes out to your family, you are cherished, and you will be missed!!!

[@VickiLeeBagsbyLynne]

Thanks Nancy for all that you have given us....

[@jackieM88890]

Sad to hear that this beautiful, talented lady who shared her knowledge freely is gone from this world. RIP, Nancy. You will be missed.

[@theap.1833]

You will be missed nancy! I remember watching you as a child and I was so excited to find years ago that you were on KZbin! You were such a talented and beautiful spirit!

[@judyberends4586]

Nancy was a very interesting person. I enjoyed watching her . Rest in peace ....God bless her family .

[@Marimarr59]

Awww so sorry! My deepest condolences to her friends and family...she will be missed...