
Year in Review plus Top 10 Nancy Zieman Productions Blog Postings of 2020 and Book Giveaway
“The love of sewing is our common thread.”
As 2020 comes to a close, we’re taking time for a warmhearted and grateful look back at this year’s memorable moments and unexpected milestones. The Nancy Zieman Productions Team is honored to carry on Nancy’s love of sewing with you—Nancy’s dedicated viewers, readers, and friends. Thank you for your interest, support, and your many contributions to carrying forward Nancy’s life work and mission of sharing the love of sewing with each other. Our work is a labor of love, thanks to Nancy and thanks to you!
In January, Team NZP kicked off 2020 with our 2020 Block of the Month Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt Series – on the third Saturday of each month, we release a FREE! quilt block sewing tutorial right here at the NZP Blog! As you may know, our 2020 Block of the Month Mystery Quilt is a mystery no more – as our completed quilt was revealed, for the first time, in our December 19, 2020 Blog Posting! We designed this scrappy patchwork quilt titled, Nancy’s Red Elegance featuring Team NZP’s Red Elegance Fat Quarter Pack by Riley Blake Designs. We’ve really enjoyed making the BoM20 and revealing the center medallion design! Thank you for following along! And mark your calendars for this Saturday, January 2, 2021 – when we’ll be launching the 2021 Block of the Month Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt Series!
In March, we invited you to make plans to visit the Celebrating Nancy Zieman Fiber Arts Exhibit – hosted by the Dodge County Center for the Arts – DCCA, in Beaver Dam, Wis., This special exhibit honoring Nancy was scheduled to run February 28 through March 29, 2020. The Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit featured images, awards, and early garments sewn by Nancy on her mother’s sewing machine—including Nancy’s award-wining wool coat she made as a 4H project in the 1960s, along a large collection of original Landscape Wall Quilts designed and sewn by Nancy. Because the health and welfare of our guests and community is our highest priority, due to COVID-19 The Celebrating Nancy Zieman Exhibit closed early on March 18.
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In March, along with many of you, we began sewing fabric face coverings for family, friends, and our local community outreach centers. You sewed along with us, all of us independently from our homes. Although we were separated by miles, across the country, and around the globe, the sewing community united to make a difference, contribute, and help one another–because that’s what sewers do! You encouraged and guided others while sharing your love of sewing by teaching basic sewing skills to friends that haven’t sewn in a while – or haven’t ever sewn before. Nancy’s words meant more this year, than ever: “The love of sewing is our common thread”. Thank you for your incredible talents and efforts, and thank you for your creative kindness in 2020, and always!
In May, PBS Wisconsin and Team NZP announced the newly released online trailer of the Nancy Zieman: Extraordinary Grace documentary by PBS Wisconsin. On the very same day we shared exciting news that Nancy Zieman is being inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Hall of Fame! In these often difficult times Team NZP is honored to carry on Nancy’s legacy and provide a positive force of inspiration and comfort – through Nancy’s life work.
In May, PBS Wisconsin and Team NZP announced The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show 2020 was moving online to a virtual event!
Each September, for the past 15 years, The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show has welcomed thousands of quilting enthusiasts to Madison, Wis. to celebrate the joys of quilting. This year, due to COVID-19, we’d be welcoming you to our virtual show instead – online at QuiltShow.com – during our regularly scheduled show dates, September 10-12, 2020.
We are proud of the educational engagement that The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show fosters with our quilting community each year, and we were excited to offer that again this year – in a new way. The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Team set out to offer educational opportunities from nationally recognized presenters, a robust virtual vendor mall made possible by our amazing vendors, our 10-category juried and judged quilt contest exhibit embraced by our incredible quilters, a very special evening event, a NEW! Nancy Zieman 4-H Virtual Community Quilt, and more! All of this would now be available via your computer, tablet or mobile device. You’d even be able to zoom in on quilt details and ask our presenters questions, September 10-12, 2020!
In May, The NZP Offices in Wisconsin had been on closed to visitors and no-contact deliveries had been in place for two months. Earlier in February, we began ramping up cleaning commonly touched surfaces–including every rotary cutter, ruler, marking pen, and sewing notion in our sewing room and studio. Our team meetings moved from the conference room to our large sewing room – with Deanna, Denise, Dana, and Sarah located in separate corners of the room. And by mid-March we packed up and headed out to begin working remotely from our homes. Deanna continued to head into the office –solo everyday– to work on our many new projects and remotely manage Team NZP. Dana and Sarah rotated days picking, packing, and shipping our ShopNZP.com orders, while Denise continued to work from home on our new patterns, books, and rulers. In May, Deanna recorded the final three episodes of the 100 Series of Stitch it! Sisters —solo on camera— with a scaled back video production crew.
In August, we celebrated 38 years of Sewing With Nancy! Congratulations to the talented Sewing With Nancy Crew! And a big thank you to all of Nancy’s dedicated viewers! Back in 1982 when the first Sewing With Nancy show aired, never did Nancy dream; #1, that she would record over 35 years of television, and #2 that her show would continue to air on multiple channels and across the internet including on YouTube, Create TV, Public Television, and online at nancyzieman.com!
In August, Team NZP, PBS Wisconsin, and Quilt Show Volunteers headed to The Exhibition Hall at The Alliant Energy Center, in Madison, Wis., to socially distance and set up The 2020 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show 10-category juried and judged quilt contest exhibit, along with six special quilt exhibits – for viewing by the PBS Video Production Team, only. Using a special 3-D camera, PBS Wisconsin set up and captured video and photos of this year’s quilt exhibits. Immediately after the footage was captured, the team began work editing the footage into an immersive and interactive walk-through of the exhibits with access to high resolution quilt images, detailed information about each quilt, and video interviews with quilters who shared the stories behind their quilts. The PBS Wisconsin Team would complete the editing process in time to launch the amazing virtual quilt exhibits on September 10!
August 24-28, Team NZP hosted The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show: Quilt to Give Week, our annual community quilting project held each year onsite at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. This year, we’d all be sewing bed quilts at home, as we shared step-by-step sewing directions at the The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Facebook Page. Then, quilters shipped their quilts to NZP for donation to individuals and families in need. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of your support! Thank you!
In September, Team NZP launched our second annual I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge! Kids ages 6-13 shared how they “sew for fun”— while making a pillowcase with NASA Out of this World Planets fabric or Butterflies on Light Purple fabric by Riley Blake Designs; along with an I Sew For Fun sewing tool by Clover. Every one did a great job making their pillowcases! Through Team NZP’s blog tutorials, video tutorials, and books & patterns we continue Nancy’s mission of teaching and sharing her love of sewing to every one of all ages. NZP’s annual Sewing Challenges are a way you can show and share your love of sewing all year long! Because of your wonderful support, we’re pleased to announce Team NZP’s 2021 Sewing & Quilting Challenge Events Lineup!
- March 2021: NZP Pillow Sewing Challenge
- May 2021: The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Mod Mini Challenge
- September 2021: NZP I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge
- October 2021: NZP Table Runner Sewing Challenge
- November 2021: NZP Christmas Stocking Sewing Challenge
In Setember, we celebrated the 16th annual Great Wisconsin Quilt Show! For the first time, instead of welcoming you to our in-person show, PBS Wisconsin and Team NZP welcomed you to our virtual show – online at QuiltShow.com – September 10-12, 2020. Deanna headed to the studios of PBS Wisconsin and hosted the Video Lectures followed by Live Q&A, along with the talented PBS Wisconsin Team working in-studio and remotely from home!
The Amazing Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Team successfully produced and hosted an exciting virtual event including educational lectures pre-recorded remotely at national presenters homes, a robust virtual vendor mall made possible by our amazing vendors, a very special Thursday Evening Event screening of Nancy Zieman Extraordinary Grace, and the 10-category juried and judged quilt contest exhibit – embraced by our incredible quilters and created by the talented team at PBS Wisconsin!

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show 2020 Best of Show Award! Spring Breeze by Barbara Clem of Rockford IL. Quilted by Barbara Clem (above).

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show 2020 Botanical Quilt Challenge first place winner Kong by Laurie Pighetti of Lakewood, WI. Quilted by Laurie Pighetti (above).
Continue to explore The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show 2020 Interactive 3-D Quilt Exhibits, Quilt Contest Winners, Recorded Video Lectures with Q&A, Virtual Vendor Mall, and the Nancy Zieman 4-H Virtual Community Quilt, and find entry forms for the 2021 Quilt Contest, 2021 100 Years of Art Deco Quilt Challenge, and 2021 Kids’ Quilt Challenge Entry Forms at QuiltShow.com.
In September, Team NZP launched a new blog site featuring the same high-quality step-by-step sewing tutorials you’ve come to expect from The Nancy Zieman Productions Team. We’ve built NancyZiemanProductions.com/Blog with the latest security and technology that provides faster page loading, larger photos, and more sewing tutorials at a glance! We hope you’re enjoying our NEW! blog site with updated navigation features!
In October, Team NZP celebrated the one year anniversary of ShopNZP.com. Nancy Zieman Productions and ShopNZP.com are owned by Nancy’s husband, Richard Zieman. We are grateful for Richard’s support and encouragement of Team NZP’s work in carrying on Nancy’s love of sewing with you. And thank YOU for supporting The Nancy Zieman Blog and Team NZP by purchasing your sewing supplies at ShopNZP.com!
In November, PBS Wisconsin launched the television broadcast premiere of The Nancy Zieman: Extraordinary Grace Biography Special. Nancy Zieman Productions and the Luedtke-Zieman Family are humbled and grateful for this amazing tribute film by our friends at PBS Wisconsin. The Nancy Zieman: Extraordinary Grace Biography Television Special will begin airing nationwide on Public Television Stations in 2021. Contact your local Public Television Station and let them know you’d like to see The Nancy Zieman: Extraordinary Grace on your local PTV channel.
In December, we launched Season Two of Stitch it! Sisters! with a big announcement – right here on the NZP Blog: Team NZP, along with Clover and Pellon, welcomed BERNINA as Stitch it! Sisters’ Top Tier Sponsor and Riley Blake Designs and OESD–Oklahoma Embroidery Supply & Design as Premier S!S Sponsors! Watch Stitch it! Sisters with hosts Deanna Springer, Denise Abel, and Dana Casey – real life sisters from Team NZP. Join Deanna, Dana, and Denise as they share sewing, quilting, and machine embroidery project tutorials – featuring our easiest-ever sewing techniques, timesaving tools, and Classic Timesaving Tips by Nancy Zieman. Watch the Stitch it! Sisters at stitchitsisters.com and at our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/stitchitsisters.
Stitch it! Sisters Season Two episodes coming soon to NancyZiemanProductions.com/Blog in January 2021!
And now for a 2020 moment we’ve all been waiting for, drum roll sound effect please … … … …
Announcing the Top 10 Nancy Zieman Productions Blog Postings of 2020
10. Top 10 Sewing Tips by Team NZP
9. Sew a Spring Dress Sewing with Crepe Knits
8. The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show: Quilt to Give Week
7. S!S No-Hassle Napkins Sewing Tutorial from Wildflower Boutique Sewing Round Up
6. S!S 10-20-30 Minutes to Sew A Tunic Sewing Tutorial
5. Folded Hot Pad from The Red White & Blue Summer Sewing Round Up
4. S!S Fun Fabric Caddy Sewing Tutorial
3. Nancy Zieman Extraordinary Grace & WI Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame Announcement
2. S!S No-Hassle Kitchen Towel Topper Sewing Tutorial
1. 2020 Block of the Month Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt Series
Most Popular Pages on The Nancy Zieman Productions Blog in 2020:
Nancy Zieman’s Sew To Give–Sewing & Quilting Outreach Opportunities!
Stitch it! Sisters Season One Round Up and Wrap Party!
Follow the Stitch it! Sisters on Facebook and Instagram and be one of the first to hear about our new projects, events, and Breaking News! Follow the Stitch it! Sisters on Facebook by clicking the “Like” button at facebook.com/stitchitsisters. Follow Stitch it! Sisters on Instagram at instagram.com/stitch.it.sisters/
And now for another 2020 moment we’ve all been waiting for, drum roll sound effect please … … …
Announcing ShopNZP’s Top 10 Sewing Tools, Patterns and Bundles of 2020:
10. NEW! S!S Fun Fabric Caddy & Fun Fabric Bin Pattern and Bundle Box
9. NEW! S!S No-Hassle Potholder Plus and Towel Topper Pattern and Bundle Box
8. Seams Right by Team NZP for Clover
7. Clip ‘n Glide Bodkins by Team NZP for Clover
6. 6-in-1 Stick ‘n Stitch Guide by Team NZP for Clover
5. 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge and Supersize 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge by Team NZP for Clover
4. NEW! Exclusive Quick Quilting in the Hoop Fall Leaves Embroidery Collection Bundle Box by Team NZP
3. NEW! Exclusive No-Hassle Triangles Ruler and No-Hassle Triangles Gauge Bundle Box by Team NZP
2. The Ultimate Quilt ‘n Stitch Presser Foot by Team NZP for Clover
1. Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story Book with DVD by Richard Zieman
Find our Top 10 Sewing Tools, Patterns, Bundle Boxes, and more (above) at ShopNZP.com!
Visit ShopNZP.com by clicking the “Shop” tab at the top of the NZP Blog, anytime!
ShopNZP E-Gift Cards available at ShopNZP.com!
Shop Sewing Project Kits & Bundle Boxes at ShopNZP.com!
Shop Clover Tools & Sewing Supplies at ShopNZP.com!
Shop Pellon Interfacing & Supplies at ShopNZP.com!
Shop Schmetz Sewing Machine Needles at ShopNZP.com!
For a chance to be the random winner of a copy of the book, Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story Book & DVD by Richard Zieman, please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts about Nancy Zieman, Sewing With Nancy, The NZP Blog, ShopNZP.com, Stitch it! Sisters, or about 2020/2021.
Team NZP will give away one book, Nancy Zieman, The Rest of the Story Book & DVD by Richard Zieman, to one US resident in the 48 contiguous states. Winner must reply within 30 days to the official giveaway announcement email message – sent from Nancy Zieman Productions.
The randomly selected winner of a 3-yd Pack of 1/4″ Elastic from Team NZP, from the December 17 Blog Post, Nobody Fights Alone – Stronger Together Fabric & Project Inspirations, is Lorraine.
Her comment is: My niece works at a hospital as a nutritionist and subs in other nursing positions when there is a vacancy. The new fabric line would be perfect for adding needed items for her wardrobe.
Happy Sewing and Happy New Year!
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
Stitch it! Sisters is a production of NZ Productions LLC. Content in this feed is © copyright 2020 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website. The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
Shirley Carter
I have been a long time admirer of Nancy Z through her TV shows. Her instructions are simple and easy to understand. I would love to read of her work in her book.
Lynn Crouse
I’’m always saddened to hear when we loose such wonderful talent. So very glad that Nancy’s life work continues. I would so love to read her inspirational story. Thank you
Linda K McElroy
Would love to win your book. Thanks
Alice Johnson
Truly a gracious lady and an inspiration to all.
Katherine Noack
Its wonderful to see how Nancy’s legacy is continues. Her book would be so interesting to read
Carolyn T
I love how you are building on Nancy’s legacy to keep her ideas and designs fresh. Your mentor (and ours!) is surely resting in peace knowing you and we moved forward with a little grace ourselves during a challenging year.
Rosalind Gutierrez
Count me in as another fan who looks forward to information and creations from the team Nancy inspired.
AS
Enjoyed Nancy’s TV programs.
Susan L.
I would love to see the Celebrating Nancy Zieman Fiber Arts Exhibit! It looks amazing! She was such an inspiration.
Linda Blakita
Thank you for your inspiration and in keeping Nancy’s work alive!
Debe
We support PBS because of Nancy Zieman. I watched Sewing with Nancy and continue to rewatch programs when I need a reminder of a technique she taught. Thank you for continuing in her tradition.
Janet Smith
I can’t sew a lick. But watching Nancy do it gives me a great confidence that I can do it. I love watching her shows. Nancy is a very gracious person and would have loved to meet her. Keep up the sewing in heaven Nancy!!
June Grigg
Miss her so! I think one of her gifts was the ability to make anyone feel they can sew and so I have.
trudy flynn
I have watched Nancy for over thirty five years. I watched her shows and taped them when I lived in Vermont in the late eighties and then in Florida in the early 90’s. I still watch her tapes and they are always on point. I miss her a lot.
Pat
Thanks for continuing Nancy”s life’s to bring the love of sewing to others. Better days in 2021!
Pat Bloomfield
Nancy had the most comprehensive sewing knowledge of anyone I know. It’s wonderful her legacy lives on! Thanks to all who keep it alive.
Carolyn Wehmeyer
I learned more that sewing from Nancy. Courage and always keep a sense of humor, through life and sewing. Thanks to y’all for continuing.
Betty Elsner
I loved the PBS special on Nancy!
Susan Du
You guys are an amazing team! Thank you for carrying on Nancy’s legacy and I’m looking forward to see what next year brings .
Karen
I still watch many of my DVDs purchased of Sewing With Nancy and refer to books written by Nancy Zieman.
Susan Smith
Nancy’s work is timelessly inspiring for us all on so many levels!
Shirley
Nancy was an amazing woman. Her work will last forever.
Heidi
I have learned so many things and techniques from Nancy’s books and videos – I still refer to them when needed ! Thanks for sharing!
Millie
Count me in as another fan of Nancy’s Legacy. I have been following your posts and making some of the things on my own time, but way after the group. I would love another book of Nancy’s to continue my learning & her legacy.
Dawn Wilder
Loved Nancy! Learned so much from her. Still love following NZP
Susan
Nancy’s contributions still impact us today & her work continues to a wonderful resource of information. Would be honored to have a book like this.