Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit on Display This Summer in Wisconsin
Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit on Display This Summer in Wisconsin
Did you know that Nancy Zieman’s favorite time of the year was summer? Summer in Wisconsin is one of the most wonderful times of the year—when flowers are in bloom, and the vision of lush green foliage surrounding the beautiful blue lakes is breathtaking!
If you happen to be traveling through the Wisconsin countryside, this summer, make plans to visit the Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit—hosted by the Winneconne Historical Society, in Winneconne, Wisconsin.
Nancy Luedtke Zieman was born, 66 years ago today, on June 21, 1953, and she passed away November 14, 2017, at the age of 64. Today we celebrate Nancy as a businesswoman, home economist, national sewing authority, daughter, niece, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and inspiration to all.
Nancy fulfilled her true calling as an educator and inspiration to the world around her. Nancy touched the lives of millions as they stitched alongside, or simply tuned in to watch, the inimitable Nancy Zieman and guests on Public Television.
Nancy Luedtke Zieman was born to Barbara and Ralph Luedtke in the summer of 1953, and she grew up on her family’s dairy farm—near Winneconne, Wisconsin. This special Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit includes images, awards, and early garments sewn by Nancy—including 4H projects from the 1960s.
In 1971 Nancy graduated high school in Winneconne, WI, and later graduated in 1975 from University of Wisconsin–Stout, where she studied clothing textiles design and journalism.
Nancy Luedtke married Richard Zieman on January 28, 1977. The couple, along with their family, celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2017.
In 1979, Nancy started Nancy’s Notions at her kitchen table. Nancy grew her business at home, later moved to a building on her husband Richard’s parents farm, then opened the Nancy’s Notions catalog warehouse/showroom/retail store in Beaver Dam, WI, in 1985. At the same time, the couple welcomed their first son Ted in 1982, and their second son Tom in 1991.
This special Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit chronicles Nancy’s early years in business—while at the same time, starting her family.
View articles from Nancy’s personal collection, including the very first “Nancy’s Notions” one-sheet flyer, along with first edition sewing books—written by Nancy.
Nancy began her TV show Sewing With Nancy in 1982. Nancy recorded 35 years of how-to educational programing and is the longest running sewing show on TV. Sewing With Nancy continues to air on Public Television, Create TV, 24/7/365 at NancyZieman.com, and on YouTube.
Sprinkled throughout the Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit, are images of Nancy with her family, images of Nancy with friends Gail Brown, Mary Mulari, Eileen Roche, and Natalie Sewell, images of Sewing With Nancy behind the scenes, and antique miniature sewing machines gifted to Nancy by Gail Brown.
View Nancy’s very own machine-quilting frame and Baby Lock Sewing Machine—used by Nancy to sew nearly 70 landscape quilts, and an original landscape quilt made by Nancy—for her mother Barbara Luedtke Eckstein.
The Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit also includes a gallery of Original Giclee Canvas Landscape Art Prints by Nancy Zieman.
The Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit will be on display from now until September 30, 2019 in the gallery of the Winneconne Municipal Center and is open free of charge to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Exhibit is closed on Sunday.
Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit
May 1–September 30, 2019
Gallery at the Winneconne Municipal Center
30 S 1st St., Winneconne, WI 54986
A special thank you to Barbara Luedtke-Eckstein, Nancy’s Mother, and Mary Harper, Winneconne Historical Society Display Coordinator—for making this Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit possible.
Are you traveling through Wisconsin, now through September 30? Please share a comment below for a chance to be the random winner of Richard Zieman’s new book, Nancy Zieman the Rest of the Story—A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Friends.
Happy Sewing,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
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Janice
Every week I would watch her show religiously along with other sewing shows that would air for 2+ hours on Wednesdays on the local Public Station. Nancy’s show was the anchor, the prime! After she passed they no longer air locally, all of them!
Cannot wait to read her memoir!
Shirley C
I have been a TV follower of Nancy for a long time. Because she was an educator, she managed to explain visually her simple methods of sewing, and I appreciate her for giving me many years of enjoyable sewing. Thanks, Nancy.
Sue R
I miss her so much. She was a big part of my life, 5 mornings a week.
diane c
She was a true inspiration to the sewing community. She is deeply missed
Sharon
My love for sewing and crafting definitely was encouraged by Nancy Zeiman’s television shows and the “rental” videos she used to mail back and forth to all of us who subscribed. She brought in other professionals to share their knowledge also. She left a footprint on our lives and love in our hearts for sewing to give to others; sewing to make a living and provide for our families; sewing to make life better! The loss of Nancy Zeiman was a tremendous shock to all who learned from her over the years. She was, and still is, a treasure to all with the legacy she left behind.
Earlene
I loved watching Nancy! I enjoyed the many talents that she shared with her viewers, garment sewing, quilting, embroidery, etc. She was a a major source of information for me as I took on new skills! Still go to her videos to refresh the skills she shared!
Barb B.
I miss her. I watched her sew on black & white TV. I still watch her shows on WI Public Television. Her catalog was the only way I could buy some sewing items way back then. I hope I will get to see her exhibit.
Noreen
She certainly was instrumental in enhancing the art of sewing and helping people to love it. What a lovely way to celebrate her life. I have many of her books and have watched so many of her shows.
Colleen C
Loved her shows and still watch all he reruns.
Carol Netzler
What a wonderful tribute to Nancy!
Rosalie Knoll
Thank you. So nice of you to show us, who cannot travel to Wisconsin, to see a glimpse of the exhibit and a bit of insight into the life of Nancy. She was truly a remarkable woman to have given millions of us invaluable knowledge and sharing her talent in spite of her many challenges. I, for one, so appreciate you giving us this opportunity.
anne
This is a lovely tribute to such a great and very talented lady. I as a young mother watched her on television each Saturday and learned so much from Nancy. I, especially like the forest hangings she made and never got enough.
Thank you for the exhibit.
Anne
Susan
The exhibit seems like a fine way to pay respect to such a talented woman who touched so many lives. She elevated sewing to an art form and yet remained down to earth. Her work as an educator continues through her publications and past broadcasts of her shows.
Eva Osmun
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Kind, serene and so talented, she is deeply missed.
Joanne T
I loved watching Nancy, she inspired me to sew more.
Barbara H. A.
What a lovely tribute for Nancy’s years of inspirational messages to us. Thank you for sharing with us.
Shirley Clark
I loved seeing these pictures! I wish I was closer to see this in person.
Ellen
When I learned of this exhibit I thought my traveling for this summer had come to an end but now I know that one omer trip will be in my future. Nancy gas been such an inspiration in my life for nearly forty years! This exhibit allows many of us to pay tribute to her contribution to our sewing and our lives! Thanks Winneconne for making this possible!
Margerie Braasch
Every summer I would vacation in Edgerton, Wisconsin all summer and I couldn’t wait to catch up on all the programs I had missed.
I would put the kids in for their naps in the trailer in the afternoon and sit and relax. I don’t know how many of her programs truly inspired me to start the newest trend, sharpen my skills and learn new tricks!
If I was stuck on something, I knew I could find the answer with Nancy.
Once the digital revolution started and immediate access to programs became available, I now can look forward to watching and re-watching my favorite shows and still learn something new each time!
Nancy will be missed by many! <3
Rebecca Monnin
This exhibit is such a fitting tribute to Nancy! She meant a lot to so many people and this is truly appreciated.
Clovis
A nice tribute for Nancy Zieman. She inspired so many people.
Ann
I have been inspired by Nancy in many ways. Thank you.
Hazel Davidson
Wish lived closer to Wisconsin but so happy to see this lovely tribute to a lady who was the ultimate educator for those of us who love “all things fabric”. Her elementary approach to quilting was so encouraging to those who are beginners. This was the way I viewed her shows/videos. Missing a great lady!
Mary Coonts
My Saturday routine for over thirty years has been to wake up, make coffee, and watch Sewing with Nancy.
Sandra Golas
I watched Nancy’s TV shows for many years. When her sales catalogs started arriving, I would read them from cover to cover. I purchased Richard’s book earlier this spring. It was so awe-inspiring that I read the entire rendition on a trip from the West to the East coast. She truly was an inspirational educator. She left an Irrefutable mark on those who were familiar with her.
Lynn
Nancy was a treasure.
Bettie Bishop
What a great lady. I have about 8 of her books and they are so clear in directions. She helped me so much with my sewing and quilting. Thank you Nancy!
Louise Johnson
Being a fan of Nancy and her show for most of the years it has run, my family will never forget that we made a special trip out of our way in 1993 to go to Beaver Dam on a family vacation from California to Indiana. The detour even cut in to the amount of time that my husband had to watch the baseball All Star game that night!!! That is how much he loves me!
Susan T
I still miss her daily. What an all around talent who made it all look so easy! I have all of her many books and DVDs on one special shelf in my sewing area because they are my go to references. No one will ever replace her.
Peggy V
I was very lucky to have been able to attend Sewing Weekend for 25 years. And I sure do miss my Saturday mornings with Nancy. My kids knew that for that half hour I would be unavailable. I hope to be able to visit the Gallery at the Winneconne Municipal Center this summer. It would be super nice if a video of the Exhibit could be done and posted on YouTube, for those unable to attend. Thank you Winneconne for this tribute to Nancy, may she rest in peace.
Gail
Would love to see her exhibit. I’ll be in WI in July, and will see if I can get there.
Ann West
Nancy was such an inspiration to so many people in the sewing and quilting world. I indeed owe her my gratitude for giving me such a good foundation in quilting and helping me become the quilter I am today.
Nana
When I first started watching Nancy she encouraged me so much. when I started making quilts for missions and other projects she really inspired me especially when I was stuck on a project. Sure would love wot win this book. Wish I could go to the exhibit but am off my feet with back pain and will be having surgery in the next few weeks. I would enjoy reading her story while I recuperate for several months.
Rebecca Price
I learned so much from her, and enjoyed watching her shows. She truly was one of a kind, and will not be replaced!
Anne Z
Nancy was a true inspiration. She was so creative and such a talented teacher. She designed projects that were stylish yet not difficult to make.
Karen
I was fortunate to visit and meet Nancy on several occasions, including accompanying one of her seminar speakers one year for Sewing Weekend. Nancy was very gracious and invited me to dinner at her home along with the other speakers. It is one of the highlights of my life! Many times I brought my mother to Sewing Weekend and she loved meeting Nancy as well. She will never be forgotten. She inspired so many to create!
Norma
I was thrilled when my friends told me about a sewing program on TV. I started watching Nancy every Saturday morning. It was because of her show that I learned how to sew with knits. I sewed my children’s clothing in knit fabric for many years. I miss you Nancy.
Cindy K
Unfortunately I am not traveling through Wisconsin during this display but I wish I was. So enjoyed watching Nancy’s tv program and still watch the reruns. Also have several of her sewing books
Christine Fellin
Being in WI this summer isn’t in my plans, but it would have been nice. I have been a fan of Nancy for many years, watching her sewing shows and ordering from her catalogs. I read her biography and was moved at her passion for life,and sewing. A great woman and her legacy continues in all of us who loved her.
DORIS RINDFLEISCH
I just finished reading THE REST OF THE STORY last night! Even though I didn’t know Nancy personally, I cried through most of the book. I am so sad to think of her pain and suffering, and for her husband and sons and their families’ loss, but I also rejoice in her faith in Jesus as her Savior.
Florence Dupuis
I won’t be traveling to Wisconsin this summer as much as I would love to. I have great admiration for Nancy Zieman. I certainly would like this book about Nancy. I have watched her seeing show for pretty much all the time she was on the air.
Judy Hart
Was just talking about Nancy at the gym where I exercise the other day. I’d had a question about a technique, and sure enough, Nancy had done a very informative video. I miss knowing that she is still in the world.
Jhonnie Lawrence
What a legacy!
Jan C
I still tear up when I think of this lovely lady and that she is not with us anymore. I love that there is this memorial to her. Now I’m going to have to figure out how to make a road trip to see it.
Barbara Abler
Nancy – you inspired so many, you are a jewel and I miss you.
Dear Mrs. Luedtke-Eckstein, thank you sharing your beautiful daughter with us for many years and for this opportunity to view the exhibit. I look forward to seeing it.
Bye for now,
Barb
Linda H
I would love to try to see this exhibit on Nancy. Love watching her shows and what an inspiration to others. Miss her.
Carolyn Wehmeyer
So thankful for the many years of “Sewing with Nancy” and all the practical and inspiring instruction form this lady.
Carolyn T
If I were traveling to Wisconsin this year, Nancy’s exhibit would be a must see attraction. I refer to her favorite proverb, taken from her parting letter, often. It starts,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Proverbs 3:5–6
Patti A.
She is the reason I am a quilter today. Started by watching her shows. I would hope to be able to get to see the exhibit. Great tribute to a great lady.
Sue Pepper
Nancy Zieman became a special part of my life soon after her TV show started appearing on our local PBS station. I had learned to sew from my mother and as a 4-H member, and had grown up on a farm just like Nancy had. I became a Bishop Sewing Teacher and was the Co-Chair for our State Annual Convention in 1986. I contacted Nancy and asked if she would come to Michigan and be our main convention speaker. She agreed to do that. I had the privilege of picking her up at the airport and hosting lunch for her at my home. She was a delightful ‘down to earth’ person. A very special time and memory for me! Her TV show promoted the art of sewing as an important life skill. Her faith was so inspirational!
Sherry
As a sewist and quilter I enjoyed Nancy’s projects, ideas and spunk. I watched her on PBS in various states as I moved from one to another. And I love the catalogs. Such clever ideas!
Cynthia
She inspired so many to sew. I am still watching her shows.
pat saft
I live in Oshkosh, and will certainly attend the Winneconne Center. Thank you to Nancy’s mom for her contribution and know that she may be gone, but never forgotten.
Pat Saft
Sam Hyer
Many years my dream was to meet a Nancy to feel the grace, love, and talent rub from her to I, if just a tad. Between her health issues and mine it did not come to pass. We managed to exchange some words on line I will treasure and Martha brought some signed books to Atlanta for which one graces my collection of Nancy books. When I learned of the opportunity to be in a room with all things Nancy there was no doubt in my mind that when my vision is completely restored soon to go and take in what she gave during her life…inspiration and passion. I look forward to seeing her things and many of you soon. Hyest Regard, Sam Hyer
Evelyn Scheideman
My friend and I were fortunate to be able to Travel From Alberta Canada for a Nancy experience, it still is my favorite sewing trip of the many that Pat Doeksen and I had taken. Good memories !
Karen King
If I find myself anywhere near Wisconsin before September ends I will certainly stop. I enjoyed reading Nancy’s biography while she was still here with us. I was amazed how she realized she had a gift and how she shared it with others. What a legacy!
Debbie V
Thank you so much for letting us know about this special exhibit celebrating Nancy Zieman’s life. Because I wanted to see this exhibit, I decided this was going to be the first year I’d go to the Wisconsin Quilt Expo from Michigan and visit this exhibit the day before. It was really nice to see so many things from Nancy’s early life and career. At the Quilt Expo many people spoke of Nancy and how she had impacted their life and career. I still watch Sewing with Nancy and enjoy sewing/crafting from her books. She was a true gem.
Betty
I made a trip to Winneconne on Sept 30th to see the exhibit. However it was taken down this morning prior to my arrival. Librarian told me it was well done and was surprised that it was gone before noon. Information stated that the exhibit would be available through Sept. 30th. Wish I would have gotten to see it.
Sue Pepper
My husband and I made a special trip from Southeast Michigan to Wisconsin to see the exhibit for Nancy Zieman. I was so glad we did. Thank you to Nancy’s mother for putting this exhibit together and sharing her memories with all of us who enjoyed learning more about sewing from Nancy! She was very special person!!