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The Kitchen Table Sewing Quilting

Nancy Zieman.

Rose Pekelnicky

3 months ago

I just finished reading the book Seams Unlikely by Nancy Zieman. It's the story of her life. I've always been a fan of her shows. She had a lot of physical challenges, but still managed to grow a very successful business.

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Donna Ransdell

2 months ago

Her husband, Richard, has written a book about Nancy's life in the years between Seams Unlikely, and her death in 2017. The book is called Nancy Zieman The Rest of the Story, was published in 2018 and is available at Amazon along with many other places.

I have the PBS app, and they have about 10 years worth of episodes of Sewing With Nancy on it, thanks to PBS Wisconsin.

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Comments (8)

nicole___
3 months ago
last modified: 3 months ago
I've watched her sewing show. (1953-2017) I didn't know she was deceased. (cancer) So sorry to hear that.

Did you enjoy her book?
Rose Pekelnicky thanked nicole___
rob333 (zone 7a)
3 months ago
last modified: 3 months ago
I have always admired her work. I see that book is a couple of years before her death. Bet it's full of wisdom. Death gives you a perspective no one else can understand.
Rose Pekelnicky thanked rob333 (zone 7a)
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I hear that! I took out a pattern for a costume, and the pieces I needed were on three different sheets - - right in the middle of each one! So folding each up again was a nightmare. BTW, I love Nancy Zieman's 10-20-30 Minutes to Sew book. It helped me to see sewing as little steps that can be squeezed in here and there. One day, go up and set the machines with the correct thread. The next day, cut out the pattern pieces (or trace them and cut them). The next time, lay and cut the fabric. Then start sewing, one step at a time. That way an outfit can be sewn over a period of time instead of devoting all day Saturday to it. Donna
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I read what seems like a bazillion books this last year since I wanted to learn how to sew. The very best is "Sew With Confidence A beginner's guide to basic sewing" by Nancy Zieman. This is an incredible book, and I wish I would have found it at the beginning of my journey. I would also give her another Zieman book: "Sewing with Nancy 10 20 30 Minutes to Sew for your Home" This book has lots of projects with good illustrations and excellent instructions.
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Yes it is true there are very few sewing shows on TV. They have been few and far between at any time that I know of. Any that would be on are usually carried on PBS. While watching a show on TV may be interesting how much of that knowledge will you keep in your head. It is in the doing that you learn. Find some good books and read, and then practice what you read. The books will be there for referral when you need to know. Most of us older, long time sewers learned from family or friends, books or trial and error. The downturn in the economy isn't going to make any more people sewers than in good times. If you are out of work, you are not about to shell out money for a sewing machine when you can shop at thrift shops, the Salvation Army and Walmart. People on this forum can only answer questions that are asked. If you want to know and learn. Pick a project and ask questions, when you don't understand--you will get answers. You may even get walked through your entire project.
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Annie Deighnaugh
3 months ago
She certainly was talented and never let her handicap stand in the way of her work. I learned a lot from watching her shows over the years.
Rose Pekelnicky thanked Annie Deighnaugh
Uptown Gal
2 months ago
I still watch her shows on PBS when I am home. I always enjoyed them, and listening

how she explained things so thoroughly. She always made you think that anyone

could do it just as easily. ;)
Rose Pekelnicky thanked Uptown Gal
morz8 - Washington Coast
2 months ago
I used to watch her show sometimes, back when I did more sewing for my house. Pillows, curtains, duvet covers....

A woman I'm related to by marriage was somewhat regularly on her show, G. Brown. Another so talented I couldn't begin to tackle her projects ;)

My mother could just about hold her own with Nancy. The only thing I ever had to wear that she didn't make/design/quilt was a winter coat when I was growing up. Winter coats she would buy. Before she could afford a machine, she would rent one once a year and make all my sister and I needed, sewing almost round the clock.

I have some of the sewing books (instructional) by both Nancy and Gail but I haven't read Ms. Zieman's life story.
Rose Pekelnicky thanked morz8 - Washington Coast
Donna Ransdell
2 months ago
Gail Brown...she was also wonderful.

Nancy had commented on her show, and in her book, that Sewing With Nancy should actually be titled Sewing with Nancy, and named all of her staff members that she relied on. (Donna, Deanna, are two names that I remember). Those ladies have taken it upon themselves to keep up the Sewing with Nancy page. Alas, some of the books/booklets that are named at the end of each show are not being kept in print or for sale, though occasionally you can find one on eBay, Abebooks, or a local thrift store.

I highly recommend the life story and Richard's follow-up. Such a courageous woman, Nancy Zieman!

Donna
Rose Pekelnicky thanked Donna Ransdell
Char
2 months ago
I had the opportunity to take a landscape quilting class with Nancy years back at the annual AQS show in Paducah, KY. Having never attempted any kind of landscape quilting, I felt like I was stumbling through the technique. Nancy was so incredibly kind and encouraging, assuring me that I was on the right track and I was doing well. I left that class with a great deal more confidence in the technique, and myself. I will always remember her fondly.
Rose Pekelnicky thanked Char

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