The world of sewing and quilting mourned when Nancy Zieman, a beloved icon of the craft, announced her retirement. For decades, Nancy graced television screens and homes, becoming a trusted friend and mentor to millions through her show, Sewing With Nancy. Her departure, marked by a personal and poignant note, wasn’t just a career change; it was a deeply personal farewell shaped by her courageous battle with cancer.
In September 2017, Nancy shared a heartfelt message with her loyal audience, revealing the difficult circumstances leading to her retirement. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in March 2015, and then breast cancer just four months later, Nancy had faced a relentless health battle. She underwent extensive treatments, including surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, bravely navigating these challenges while continuing to create and inspire. Her dedication was unwavering, as she and her team managed to produce new Sewing With Nancy episodes and books even amidst her health struggles.
Life took an unexpected turn when, after celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary, a scan revealed that one of the cancers had metastasized. The news was devastating, signaling the end of her career as she knew it and the beginning of a new chapter focused on cherishing her remaining time. Nancy’s message wasn’t filled with sorrow, but with grace and reflection. She spoke of meaningful conversations with loved ones, the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye, and the practical steps she was taking to reorganize her business, Nancy Zieman Productions, after having sold Nancy’s Notions years prior. Her commitment to her partnerships, particularly with Wisconsin Public Television and the Quilt Expo, remained strong, ensuring her legacy would continue.
Even in the face of her diagnosis, Nancy’s passion for sewing remained undiminished. She continued recording new Sewing With Nancy episodes right up until her diagnosis, leaving behind 15 new shows for her devoted viewers. Her hope was that Sewing With Nancy would continue to inspire for years to come, a testament to her enduring impact on the sewing community. The final episode she recorded, I Sew For Fun, a heartwarming show featuring children discovering the joy of sewing, became particularly poignant, showcasing her granddaughters and the continuation of her creative spirit through future generations.
In her farewell note, Nancy shared a deeply personal message of faith, acknowledging that her beliefs might not be universally shared but were central to her strength during this challenging time. She quoted Proverbs 3:5–6, emphasizing trust in faith and finding direction in acknowledging a higher power.
With humility and gratitude, Nancy expressed thanks for the years of support, viewership, and friendship she had received. Her career, spanning from the launch of Nancy’s Notions in 1979 and Sewing With Nancy in 1982, was remarkable. Over 36 seasons and 910 episodes of Sewing With Nancy, she touched countless lives, sharing her expertise and passion for sewing. Her farewell was a testament to her strength, grace, and enduring legacy as a sewing icon. While the circumstances were unexpected and difficult, Nancy Zieman faced them with courage and used her platform to share a message of hope, gratitude, and faith, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her viewers and the world of sewing.
