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Seams Unlikely: The Inspiring True Life Story of Nancy Zieman
Seams Unlikely( The Inspiring True Life Story of Nancy Zieman) <> Paperback <> NancyZieman <> GlassRoadMedia
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2014
57 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Zieman
164 books21 followersNancy Zieman—author, designer, businesswomen, producer, blogger and national sewing authority—was the host of the popular show "Sewing With Nancy" which appeared on Public TV and online. Nancy was also the founder of Nancy's Notions, a direct marketing company, featuring sewing and quilting products.
Nancy wrote numerous books on sewing and quilting, including her autobiography, "Seams Unlikely," which was co-authored by Marjorie L. Russell.
Nancy wrote numerous books on sewing and quilting, including her autobiography, "Seams Unlikely," which was co-authored by Marjorie L. Russell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 23, 2014
16% through the book and I feel like it downloaded wrong.( I didn't) I am reading paragraphs and having deja vu, (Didn't I just read about that??)
Subject matter jumps around too much. For example 4-H is a big topic. She talks about 4-H, skips to something else, back to 4-H, jump to the present time, back to being 10 years old. This book reads as if she is sitting in front of you talking. I think it would be more enjoyable for me if someone else wrote about her life.
Maybe this will change in the upcoming chapters?
Nope.
I love her, and watching her show etc, but this book was hard for me to get through.
Subject matter jumps around too much. For example 4-H is a big topic. She talks about 4-H, skips to something else, back to 4-H, jump to the present time, back to being 10 years old. This book reads as if she is sitting in front of you talking. I think it would be more enjoyable for me if someone else wrote about her life.
Maybe this will change in the upcoming chapters?
Nope.
I love her, and watching her show etc, but this book was hard for me to get through.
March 18, 2014
Nancy Zieman is a familiar face to many from her show "Sewing With Nancy." Not many know her story. On the surface it may seem rather simple, but Nancy started a business at a time when women just did not do that sort of thing. She also started her own television show at a time when women just were not doing that sort of thing. Both her business and her television show have become huge successes. And these were done with her husband and they are still married after all these years. In today's society any one of these feats is an unusual success story, but add to Nancy's story all of her physical challenges that she has faced and her's is an amazing success story. Seams Unlikely is a great read. Readers will not only enjoy learning more of Nancy Zieman, but they will also be encouraged by her successes. If Nancy could accomplish all that she did with Bell's Palsy, broken bones, numerous surgeries and at a time when it was not widely accepted for women to succeed in business, then I can certainly accomplish a few things in my ordinary life with the ordinary obstacles I face! Thank you to Nancy Zieman for sharing her marvelous story!
August 14, 2014
I enjoyed reading about Nancy and how she developed her business, however, I thought the flow of the book was rather awkward. There were jarring transitions between paragraphs and some of the stories were not in chronological order or were repeated unnecessarily. Aside from that, I'm very impressed with what she has accomplished in her life and the book was still worth reading.
July 17, 2014
Aside from the "starting a huge business" piece, this is how my life story would read: go to work, do some trainings, give presentations, go home and have dinner with the family.
I really enjoyed hearing about her life, especially because I think our life experiences lead us to where we end up. This reminded me that everyone has an interesting story even if there are no violent deaths or car chases.
I think the book needed editing. There was a lot of repetition, which could have been tightened up.
I really enjoyed hearing about her life, especially because I think our life experiences lead us to where we end up. This reminded me that everyone has an interesting story even if there are no violent deaths or car chases.
I think the book needed editing. There was a lot of repetition, which could have been tightened up.
August 15, 2014
The story behind someone I admire greatly. Well written - or at least not at all clunky or awkward. I enjoyed the stories and the personality.
July 27, 2019
Other than a failed assignment in sixth grade Living Skills class, and a Sunday School project when I was very young, I have zero experience with sewing, knitting, and such. Issues with my hand/eye coordination make anything involving the manipulation of small objects--even ones popular with my friends, such as Legos--rather difficult; unless I have to do something like that, I avoid it.
Still, I grew up seeing Nancy Zieman on television; my mom, an ardent "sewist," used to watch her on PBS for as far back as I can remember. My mother also wanted a serger for a long time before she got one; someone bought her a Singer sewing machine, saying, "They're all the same!"...but, he quickly found out they weren't. As you'd expect, my mom was very dismayed at the news of Mrs. Zieman's death.
I've said before I love to read biographies of Christians, especially those in the entertainment industry; Sewing with Nancy may fall more into the educational category, but, it still qualifies as a television show. Prior to reading this, I didn't know of her faith; I'm glad to see that she was a follower of the Way. Her early years were heartbreaking; between the effects of her Bell's palsy and her later surgeries, life was tough. However, as any fan of Nancy knows, she triumphed despite dire circumstances and made her mark on the world.
Whether or not you're into sewing, Nancy's story is worth reading because of her inspirational attitude; no matter what happened, she didn't let it get her down...which is an attitude we all should have.
Still, I grew up seeing Nancy Zieman on television; my mom, an ardent "sewist," used to watch her on PBS for as far back as I can remember. My mother also wanted a serger for a long time before she got one; someone bought her a Singer sewing machine, saying, "They're all the same!"...but, he quickly found out they weren't. As you'd expect, my mom was very dismayed at the news of Mrs. Zieman's death.
I've said before I love to read biographies of Christians, especially those in the entertainment industry; Sewing with Nancy may fall more into the educational category, but, it still qualifies as a television show. Prior to reading this, I didn't know of her faith; I'm glad to see that she was a follower of the Way. Her early years were heartbreaking; between the effects of her Bell's palsy and her later surgeries, life was tough. However, as any fan of Nancy knows, she triumphed despite dire circumstances and made her mark on the world.
Whether or not you're into sewing, Nancy's story is worth reading because of her inspirational attitude; no matter what happened, she didn't let it get her down...which is an attitude we all should have.
July 27, 2015
A story that even as a "non-sewist" I found interesting, partly b/c it involved a location I was familiar with (Southeastern WI) and partly b/c it involved some behind-the-scenes information about public television. For instance, I didn't know that they had to pay to have their shows on PBS, unlike in the regular tv and cable area where the hosts get paid to be on the show.
I enjoyed Nancy's "don't quit--find a solution" sort of attitude that helped her get through many health problems (like Bell's Palsy) and making a way for herself in some unchartered feminine waters (like producing her own show). She has many admirable skills, for sure.
Her writing style was at times repetitive, which could be helpful when a person is mentioned on page 12 and then not mentioned again until 82 pages later. However, I didn't need to be reminded over and over about the various moves and their street locations that Nancy's Notions made over the years (and those details in one form or another, I believe, appeared no less than 3x). Some of it seemed more like a journal to be read by her kids, insofar as there were lots of cumbersome details that the average reader probably didn't need to know (like how half of the old chicken coop warehouse was removed and half remained after the highway expanded on her in-laws' farm from 2 to 4 lanes) or exactly when so and so was hired into the company. Those are things that the people closest to Nancy might find valuable, but I did not.
Overall, I'm glad I read the book even though I've never watched an episode of "Sewing with Nancy" and I am proud she's a fellow Cheesehead (even if her football/sewing analogy felt a bit strange at times--she did put a lot of effort into it, I can tell!). Certainly sewists and followers of Nancy show will get even more out of the book. Definitely a good read.
I enjoyed Nancy's "don't quit--find a solution" sort of attitude that helped her get through many health problems (like Bell's Palsy) and making a way for herself in some unchartered feminine waters (like producing her own show). She has many admirable skills, for sure.
Her writing style was at times repetitive, which could be helpful when a person is mentioned on page 12 and then not mentioned again until 82 pages later. However, I didn't need to be reminded over and over about the various moves and their street locations that Nancy's Notions made over the years (and those details in one form or another, I believe, appeared no less than 3x). Some of it seemed more like a journal to be read by her kids, insofar as there were lots of cumbersome details that the average reader probably didn't need to know (like how half of the old chicken coop warehouse was removed and half remained after the highway expanded on her in-laws' farm from 2 to 4 lanes) or exactly when so and so was hired into the company. Those are things that the people closest to Nancy might find valuable, but I did not.
Overall, I'm glad I read the book even though I've never watched an episode of "Sewing with Nancy" and I am proud she's a fellow Cheesehead (even if her football/sewing analogy felt a bit strange at times--she did put a lot of effort into it, I can tell!). Certainly sewists and followers of Nancy show will get even more out of the book. Definitely a good read.
August 25, 2015
This book really needed an editor. The content repeated itself multiple times throughout the book leaving me to wonder if they were trying to stretch the number of pages to fill a book. I found the quotes by family members and friends annoying as they interrupted the story. However, her story is unusual and it was interesting to see the adjustments that they had to make as computers, cable and VHS tapes became popular and as the company grew. I felt sad that it seemed she didn't make an effort to balance her family and work life. Hiring a nanny and a maid seemed to be taking a step backwards in time. I was quite surprised that she adopted a second child as there seemed to be no prior angst in the story about her lack of more children. The story of her life seemed to feel a bit emotionally disconnected although filled with details of her friends and inner workings of the company.
September 13, 2014
If you're not a fan of sewing with Nancy, this book is likely to be very tedious. The book is more about the building of Nancy's notions and the sewing with Nancy Empire, than about Nancy herself. The also has loads of repeated parts and would have benefitted from some editing. I found transitions in many places to not make sense, leaving me wondering if I had skipped a page. For that reason I gave it 2 stars. The book is a bit reserved and is more of a chronological list of events. It is however, a story of overcoming obstacles and achieving the American dream. Nancy has obviously been a pioneer in many areas of business.
February 6, 2014
I received this book from Glass Road Media and Management for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
In an age when hard-working women don't know if we should lean in, lean out, or lean on someone, Nancy Zieman's voice of calm, experienced authority is welcome. The lessons she shares are ones every businesswoman should take to heart.
In Seams Unlikely, Nancy:
Shares her life story for the first time
Gives details of the onset of Bell's Palsy and how it played a part during school
Reveals the intricate involvement of 4-H in her development
Tells, step-by-step, how she grew Nancy's Notions from a basement in her home into a multi-million dollar business
Includes behind-the-scenes information on the growth of Sewing with Nancy from filming in her living room to a long-term partnership with Wisconsin Public Television
Shows pictures of the people, buildings, and places that played key roles along the path of her life
Reading of the growth of Nancy's family (she is a married
mother of two, one son by birth, one by adoption) alongside the growth of her show and business is both familiar and instructive to working moms. Nancy created solutions in both the workplace and at home, to carve a niche uniquely suited to her situation and talents. It's a goal to which many of us aspire. And Nancy Zieman's story gives us key insight.
My Thoughts:
Seams Unlikely is the story of Nancy Zieman's personal and professional life. Sewing With Nancy has been on since September 1982. This book gives a very candid look into Nancy's life including her Bell's Palsy diagnosis, starting and growing her business Nancy's Notions, and how her show started in her living room to grow to what it has become. This book shows the ups and downs that Nancy went through to get her where she is.
I thoroughly enjoyed Nancy Zieman's book, Seams Unlikely. As a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, I have run into Nancy's show quite a few times over the years on public television and knew I needed to read it. Nancy Zieman gives readers a very candid look at her life and how she got to where she is. No part of her life was left out. I enjoyed her matter of fact writing style and her willingness to be so open about how she got her business started and continued success of it. Nancy has also written many,many books on sewing and quilting. Nancy Zieman is an inspiration to all women. I found a connection because of my own disability and inability to "work" outside of my home. Seeing what Nancy, with her family alongside of her, built really makes it seem possible. I could not put this book down once I started reading it! I found myself laughing out loud in places, and crying in others. This is truly a beautiful story. I highly recommend this book to anyone woman, this book is for you! I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book. I give this book 5 STARS.
Book Description:
In an age when hard-working women don't know if we should lean in, lean out, or lean on someone, Nancy Zieman's voice of calm, experienced authority is welcome. The lessons she shares are ones every businesswoman should take to heart.
In Seams Unlikely, Nancy:
Shares her life story for the first time
Gives details of the onset of Bell's Palsy and how it played a part during school
Reveals the intricate involvement of 4-H in her development
Tells, step-by-step, how she grew Nancy's Notions from a basement in her home into a multi-million dollar business
Includes behind-the-scenes information on the growth of Sewing with Nancy from filming in her living room to a long-term partnership with Wisconsin Public Television
Shows pictures of the people, buildings, and places that played key roles along the path of her life
Reading of the growth of Nancy's family (she is a married
mother of two, one son by birth, one by adoption) alongside the growth of her show and business is both familiar and instructive to working moms. Nancy created solutions in both the workplace and at home, to carve a niche uniquely suited to her situation and talents. It's a goal to which many of us aspire. And Nancy Zieman's story gives us key insight.
My Thoughts:
Seams Unlikely is the story of Nancy Zieman's personal and professional life. Sewing With Nancy has been on since September 1982. This book gives a very candid look into Nancy's life including her Bell's Palsy diagnosis, starting and growing her business Nancy's Notions, and how her show started in her living room to grow to what it has become. This book shows the ups and downs that Nancy went through to get her where she is.
I thoroughly enjoyed Nancy Zieman's book, Seams Unlikely. As a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, I have run into Nancy's show quite a few times over the years on public television and knew I needed to read it. Nancy Zieman gives readers a very candid look at her life and how she got to where she is. No part of her life was left out. I enjoyed her matter of fact writing style and her willingness to be so open about how she got her business started and continued success of it. Nancy has also written many,many books on sewing and quilting. Nancy Zieman is an inspiration to all women. I found a connection because of my own disability and inability to "work" outside of my home. Seeing what Nancy, with her family alongside of her, built really makes it seem possible. I could not put this book down once I started reading it! I found myself laughing out loud in places, and crying in others. This is truly a beautiful story. I highly recommend this book to anyone woman, this book is for you! I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book. I give this book 5 STARS.
May 12, 2016
I have watched Sewing With Nancy for a long time, and I taught sewing lessons to girls 8-12 years old. I saw that Nancy Zieman had written a book, and I wanted to learn more about her. The book tells how Nancy grew up. Nancy had Bells Palsy when she was a young child, and she never regained the use of her facial muscles. I liked reading about where and how she grew up in a rural area with good moral standards. I kept thinking of my teaching companion, when Nancy wrote about her experiences with 4H. I cried when I read the part about Nancy and her husband meeting their adopted son at the airport.
The book has personal parts, which I loved the most. A good deal of the book was about Nancy and her husband building up Nancy's Notions. I thought the business part was interesting, but the personal things were much more touching to me.
I enjoyed reading a biography that wasn't full of love affairs, drugs, and alcohol addictions.
The book has personal parts, which I loved the most. A good deal of the book was about Nancy and her husband building up Nancy's Notions. I thought the business part was interesting, but the personal things were much more touching to me.
I enjoyed reading a biography that wasn't full of love affairs, drugs, and alcohol addictions.
November 28, 2015
I admit I'm one of the people who googled "Nancy Zieman face", and so was interested to read her life story. I'm familiar with the TV show "Sewing with Nancy" - I especially liked her "Mail Bag" segments and the care she took explaining each step of sewing - and those who aren't may not get as much out of this memoir. The tone is like a combination of her teaching style while at the same time sitting on a front porch reminiscing with old friends you've never met.
The title is fitting, as someone who has facial paralysis and shyness becoming a well-known TV personality is not something you'd expect. But Nancy is both "adorkable" (which makes her so relatable) and an incredibly savvy businesswoman. I really appreciated this in-depth and well-explained look at her career path.
The title is fitting, as someone who has facial paralysis and shyness becoming a well-known TV personality is not something you'd expect. But Nancy is both "adorkable" (which makes her so relatable) and an incredibly savvy businesswoman. I really appreciated this in-depth and well-explained look at her career path.
May 5, 2015
Fascinating. I live near where this woman's life was lived. So interesting to read about her small town upbringing on a farm. For that tale alone, this book earns its shelf space. But there's much more here. She battled health problems, forged a career in the 70s when women were suddenly supposed to do that, but paths were not blazed.
Also of high interest is the story of how her successful business started, her feelings along the way, and the tale of selling her company. Very transparent, very true-to-life. The beginning and ending chapters brought tears to my eyes, and the middle was very good, too.
Also of high interest is the story of how her successful business started, her feelings along the way, and the tale of selling her company. Very transparent, very true-to-life. The beginning and ending chapters brought tears to my eyes, and the middle was very good, too.
August 16, 2016
You do not have to be a "sewist" to appreciate the story of the amazing woman who created the television series, "Sewing with Nancy." Despite many health issues, she creates a thriving business, raises a family, teaches and makes friends with countless viewers. Her energy and creativity show through everything. She feels drawn to teaching and proves that it is her forte. She receives unbounded support from family--husband, in-laws, siblings, but in the long run it is is Nancy who brings it all to life. Her story is well written and very readable. It might help to know something about sewing, quilting or embroidery to appreciate this story, but it certainly is not necessary.
November 8, 2018
This is a totally biased review. I re-read the book today after 3 years.
I connect too much with her. Same age, health struggles, raised to sew my clothes, sewed for my kids, raised strict Lutheran, high acheiver, etc.
Many differences as well. Nancy, whatever she represents, helped me to come to grips with my outlook on life. I am grateful for what I have. Her death felt like a personal loss, never met her in person but she befriended me in so many ways.
This is an appealing story of one women fighting to find her way in our generation. We struggled and succeeded in transforming a man's business world into accepting women. Faith is her key to success.
I connect too much with her. Same age, health struggles, raised to sew my clothes, sewed for my kids, raised strict Lutheran, high acheiver, etc.
Many differences as well. Nancy, whatever she represents, helped me to come to grips with my outlook on life. I am grateful for what I have. Her death felt like a personal loss, never met her in person but she befriended me in so many ways.
This is an appealing story of one women fighting to find her way in our generation. We struggled and succeeded in transforming a man's business world into accepting women. Faith is her key to success.
December 17, 2015
I admire Nancy Zieman and I continue to admire her. However, this book does not do her justice. It was filled with redundancies. It was an extremely dry read. With that said, I did learn a few things such as Nancy (her company) footed the bill for the creation of the shows.
I would not recommend this book unless you are a huge fan.
I would not recommend this book unless you are a huge fan.
March 7, 2015
It is an interesting book since I have watch "Sewing With Nancy" for years and own several of her sewing books. This book needed an good editor. There are many, many repetitions of anecdotes. It's as if it were a TV serial and Nancy felt she needed to review information from previous chapters.
May 19, 2014
Not well written but the tale of entrepreneurship is inspirational. And she seems to have a close family and fulfilling longterm friendships to boot. She did it all.
April 15, 2018
very interesting story about her life - what a talented woman - seems surreal to read it now after her death
January 25, 2025
I found this book to be very informative. Not only about Nancy Zieman and how to started; but i also learned quite a bit about printing / publishing and video / television production.
It was also endearing, both to Nancy and her immediate family; but also to others that she came into contact with, and ultimately shaped both her life and her businesses.
She is the ultimate case of “if one door closes, another one opens”. You come to realize her life!s aspirations and her frustrations. She truly is an example of adapting & overcoming. She pivoted every time hitting a dead end or an insurmountable obstacle.
I have a better understanding of, and more respect for Nancy Zieman having read this book. The only problem is that, I now want to know about the years following this book, until her unfortunate death.
It is very clear, that she will definitely be missed; and the world is better for having known her. And, I am a better person for having read this book.
I would include it among the “must read” books I would recommend.
It was also endearing, both to Nancy and her immediate family; but also to others that she came into contact with, and ultimately shaped both her life and her businesses.
She is the ultimate case of “if one door closes, another one opens”. You come to realize her life!s aspirations and her frustrations. She truly is an example of adapting & overcoming. She pivoted every time hitting a dead end or an insurmountable obstacle.
I have a better understanding of, and more respect for Nancy Zieman having read this book. The only problem is that, I now want to know about the years following this book, until her unfortunate death.
It is very clear, that she will definitely be missed; and the world is better for having known her. And, I am a better person for having read this book.
I would include it among the “must read” books I would recommend.
July 13, 2015
I’m so thankful for the review copy of a book that allowed me the opportunity to read about Nancy Zeeman’s incredible life. I was hooked from the first paragraph. It starts out on Father’s day June 21, 1953. She states, “My mother, Barbara Larson Luedtke was ten months married, eight months pregnant, six months past her twenty first birthday and looking forward to a whole day away from the farm with my father Ralph Luedtke.”
It is written in first person and the writing style had a Forest Gump sort of feel to it. I felt as if I were sitting down with Nancy Zieman and she was sharing a scrap book of her life with me. It’s up-close, personal and inspirational. I loved that.
When my Aunt Rita and I decided we wanted to learn how to quilt we watched Sewing with Nancy, shows. We both liked how she taught. She was calm and patient and took things step by step. She made you feel like you could sew along with her and make the project she demonstrated. I’m glad Marjorie L. Russell; previous editor and freelance writer for the American Quilter magazine, was willing to work with Nancy and encouraged her to write a book about her experiences in sewing, life and her adventures in Believe me this is a book you won’t soon forget.
Nancy said this about her struggles, “my smile is crooked and I speak carefully in order to speak clearly. But beyond the physical effects, one of the major effects of Bells Palsy is its assault on an individual’s confidence my life is quite normal; I just happen to have a public job.”
It was interesting to read about her 4 H experience and how that group helped change her life. She found her passion and gifting there. 4-H gave her training shed use the rest of her life. 4H members learned by doing she said. My mom pushed me. Nancy, you need to do demonstrations. She knew I could put demonstrations owe her a tremendous amount of gratitude.
Nancy said, “I didn’t expect much of my face was the main reason. Even though I had made huge strides in confidence since my teen years.” I was still aware that my face was flawed she said, "opportunities shouldn't be dismissed on the basis of kept reminding myself that I was a sewing teacher; appearing on would merely mean that I was teaching in front of several hundred people instead of thirty to sixty seminar were also advantages of having a T. V. program I could promote Nancy’s Notions ....Even though I didn't have specific answers to my questions, I agreed to be on with Nancy was born.
I liked how this writing team brought in different people to make comments, say encouraging things or write about how they viewed a time period or situation they were talking about. For example, Dean Luedtke Nancys brother said, Growing up on a farm fosters a work ethic. If you don’t do something you’re responsible for doing it wont get done; and if you do a lousy job, you’re the one who pays. You see the trials and tribulations, but you also get to see the glory of God in how plants grown and calves are born, and how things fit together in this world.
I was captivated by this inspiring, incredible journey though heartaches and triumphs, personal struggles with chronic pain, surgeries and life's surprises that didn't seem possible. It also was a walk through history of the sewing industry, a time before the World Wide Web came on the scene.
Nancy had a few more challenges to overcome than most. Her up-bringing on the farm and her time in the out-doors helped her have a fun and adventurous childhood. I like and respect Nancy Zieman even more since I’ve read her testimony. She’s captured a special place in my heart. I have a new found admiration for her and how she treats the people God puts in Nancy's life. I enjoyed reading about the tasks He laid before her, and how she took on challenges in prayer. Also liked learning about her family and her faith.
Nancy states, I've said this before, I was just the choir director other people sang the music that got us recognition. Good employees are a company’s greatest asset. There are things I feel strongly about, but I’m not a forceful in-your-face kind of person. I would much rather accomplish things quietly, diligently proving my point with kindness. Kindness goes a long way.
Mike Schuster Colleague says, ..”Nancy took risks to see what would happen and it was all done so humbly and with caring.”
I gleaned this all the way through my reading, about the challenges that came her way and how she didn't let fear stop her from facing them head on. She is a women of faith and walked out her passion humbly and with gratitude. God provided the people, tools and creativity for her to bloom and grow. It was encouraging to read.
I highly recommend this book to book clubs. There is so much to discuss. You can also bring in so many things to enhance your book club meetings with youtube videos to watch and places you could go on the web like Nancy’s Notions and/or a field trip to quilt stores etc. to create a great book club experience. Thanks Nancy for sharing your heart, your experiences and your passion. I’m forever grateful that you walked in a path that was uncomfortable but rewarding for so many.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD sponsored
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
It is written in first person and the writing style had a Forest Gump sort of feel to it. I felt as if I were sitting down with Nancy Zieman and she was sharing a scrap book of her life with me. It’s up-close, personal and inspirational. I loved that.
When my Aunt Rita and I decided we wanted to learn how to quilt we watched Sewing with Nancy, shows. We both liked how she taught. She was calm and patient and took things step by step. She made you feel like you could sew along with her and make the project she demonstrated. I’m glad Marjorie L. Russell; previous editor and freelance writer for the American Quilter magazine, was willing to work with Nancy and encouraged her to write a book about her experiences in sewing, life and her adventures in Believe me this is a book you won’t soon forget.
Nancy said this about her struggles, “my smile is crooked and I speak carefully in order to speak clearly. But beyond the physical effects, one of the major effects of Bells Palsy is its assault on an individual’s confidence my life is quite normal; I just happen to have a public job.”
It was interesting to read about her 4 H experience and how that group helped change her life. She found her passion and gifting there. 4-H gave her training shed use the rest of her life. 4H members learned by doing she said. My mom pushed me. Nancy, you need to do demonstrations. She knew I could put demonstrations owe her a tremendous amount of gratitude.
Nancy said, “I didn’t expect much of my face was the main reason. Even though I had made huge strides in confidence since my teen years.” I was still aware that my face was flawed she said, "opportunities shouldn't be dismissed on the basis of kept reminding myself that I was a sewing teacher; appearing on would merely mean that I was teaching in front of several hundred people instead of thirty to sixty seminar were also advantages of having a T. V. program I could promote Nancy’s Notions ....Even though I didn't have specific answers to my questions, I agreed to be on with Nancy was born.
I liked how this writing team brought in different people to make comments, say encouraging things or write about how they viewed a time period or situation they were talking about. For example, Dean Luedtke Nancys brother said, Growing up on a farm fosters a work ethic. If you don’t do something you’re responsible for doing it wont get done; and if you do a lousy job, you’re the one who pays. You see the trials and tribulations, but you also get to see the glory of God in how plants grown and calves are born, and how things fit together in this world.
I was captivated by this inspiring, incredible journey though heartaches and triumphs, personal struggles with chronic pain, surgeries and life's surprises that didn't seem possible. It also was a walk through history of the sewing industry, a time before the World Wide Web came on the scene.
Nancy had a few more challenges to overcome than most. Her up-bringing on the farm and her time in the out-doors helped her have a fun and adventurous childhood. I like and respect Nancy Zieman even more since I’ve read her testimony. She’s captured a special place in my heart. I have a new found admiration for her and how she treats the people God puts in Nancy's life. I enjoyed reading about the tasks He laid before her, and how she took on challenges in prayer. Also liked learning about her family and her faith.
Nancy states, I've said this before, I was just the choir director other people sang the music that got us recognition. Good employees are a company’s greatest asset. There are things I feel strongly about, but I’m not a forceful in-your-face kind of person. I would much rather accomplish things quietly, diligently proving my point with kindness. Kindness goes a long way.
Mike Schuster Colleague says, ..”Nancy took risks to see what would happen and it was all done so humbly and with caring.”
I gleaned this all the way through my reading, about the challenges that came her way and how she didn't let fear stop her from facing them head on. She is a women of faith and walked out her passion humbly and with gratitude. God provided the people, tools and creativity for her to bloom and grow. It was encouraging to read.
I highly recommend this book to book clubs. There is so much to discuss. You can also bring in so many things to enhance your book club meetings with youtube videos to watch and places you could go on the web like Nancy’s Notions and/or a field trip to quilt stores etc. to create a great book club experience. Thanks Nancy for sharing your heart, your experiences and your passion. I’m forever grateful that you walked in a path that was uncomfortable but rewarding for so many.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD sponsored
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
August 4, 2018
Whenever I've seen Nancy Zieman's face on books or products, I've wondered why she puts it there. Wouldn't it be easier to go without photos? In this autobiography, she tells her story, from her Wisconsin farming childhood to being a grandmother, from teaching sewing techniques at 4-H to her nationwide TV show. And how she's just an ordinary person who likes to learn and teach, and doesn't let health problems get in her way too much. I most enjoyed the early parts about her family. The development of her business is interesting, too, but a little repetitive. She sets a good example for everyone who thinks they have a disadvantage of some kind--and who doesn't?
December 25, 2025
Just ok for me, was familiar with her got the book from a friend. I found the information about the Bell’s Palsy very interesting, I had very little knowledge about it previously. Also her ongoing surgeries for her knee problems I found pretty inspiring. She has overcome quite a bit of adversity. I did think there was a lot of repetition & I found the asides by family & friends to be a distraction. After a while all the stuff about her show & business got a bit tiring for me.
February 7, 2018
Inspiring Story
For those who are sewists, embroiderers, or quilters, you're probably familiar with Nancy Zieman and her show Sewing with Nancy and the company, Nancy's Notions. This is basically the story of Nancy's life and how she started her business, television shows, and other pursuits. It is written in conversational tone, and the pictures at the back are a plus. At the end of the book you will feel as though you known Nancy personally. Very good read!
For those who are sewists, embroiderers, or quilters, you're probably familiar with Nancy Zieman and her show Sewing with Nancy and the company, Nancy's Notions. This is basically the story of Nancy's life and how she started her business, television shows, and other pursuits. It is written in conversational tone, and the pictures at the back are a plus. At the end of the book you will feel as though you known Nancy personally. Very good read!
March 10, 2020
This was worth reading to me. I think this woman Nancy Zieman was remarkable, even though she would probably have said she wasn't. I enjoyed reading about her early life on a farm, and through many setbacks doing something she loved and succeeding at business with her husband. The book it self is not well edited so don't expect it to be. Just read it for the gem it is of this time and era and an ordinary woman doing something really well.
October 10, 2017
Inspiring!
Inspirational book by star of Sewing with Nancy series. I grew up watching her make sewing look easy and fun. She has been blessed and in turn, has blessed us with not only her sewing and teaching talent, but (as this book reveals) her can-do attitude and grace. She is truly a role model for today.
Inspirational book by star of Sewing with Nancy series. I grew up watching her make sewing look easy and fun. She has been blessed and in turn, has blessed us with not only her sewing and teaching talent, but (as this book reveals) her can-do attitude and grace. She is truly a role model for today.
January 23, 2018
I enjoyed reading this story about Nancy. I watched her PBS series for years and wanted to know more about her. It was a little redundant but still interesting to read. She was an amazing woman. She taught me a lot. I will miss her but so glad that she accomplished so much in the last year or two of her life. It was as though she still wanted to teach us a few more things.
March 26, 2018
Truly An Inspiring Story
For more than 30 years Nancy Zieman has been a sewing inspiration to me. Reading her life story is an inspiration to live a good life filled with faith, family, kindness, generosity and work that you love. I was grieved to learn of Nancys passing. May she Rest In Peace. Bye.
For more than 30 years Nancy Zieman has been a sewing inspiration to me. Reading her life story is an inspiration to live a good life filled with faith, family, kindness, generosity and work that you love. I was grieved to learn of Nancys passing. May she Rest In Peace. Bye.
March 16, 2021
One of many Nancy Zieman fans, I am now in awe of her. She was dedicated to family, faith and friends. Her story endears her to me even more. If you are a sewist you owe it to yourself to read her story. I now need to read the continuation of her story by her husband. God rest your soul, Nancy.
November 7, 2017
Thank you
Reading about your youth brought mine rushing back. Norwegian and German heritage check and brought up Lutheran although LCA synod. Easy and informative read. Thank you Nancy Zieman.
Reading about your youth brought mine rushing back. Norwegian and German heritage check and brought up Lutheran although LCA synod. Easy and informative read. Thank you Nancy Zieman.
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