POPULARITY
Over the years, we've been honored to host iconic figures like Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably, who revealed how color can be a life-changing force, and Tula Pink, who welcomed us into her imaginative, boundary-pushing world. We heard from Alex Anderson, who reminded us of the importance of claiming space for our creativity, and Amanda Murphy, who inspired us to stretch the boundaries of traditional quilting. This journey has introduced us to countless other inspiring voices: astronaut Dr. Karen Nyberg, who shared her love for quilting in space; Michael Thorpe, whose bold textile art challenges conventions; and the incomparable Gee's Bend Quilters, represented by Mary Margaret Pettway, whose work connects us to a rich heritage of storytelling through fabric. We've also learned from quilting luminary Ricky Tims, who shared his unique blend of music and quilting, costume designer Justine Seymore and Julian Collins, who creates fashion with purpose. Mimi G brought her vibrant energy and DIY spirit, while Deanna Springer reminded us of the enduring legacy of Nancy Zieman and the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. We've brought you behind the scenes at Quilt Week in Paducah, BERNINA university, C2E2, QuiltCon, The Sewing and Stitching Expo, Houston Festival, The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and The National Quilt Museum. And our guest list goes on: Gail Yellen with her expert sewing techniques, sustainable designer Tristan Detweiler, creative advocate Kristina Wong, and reality star Craig Conover from Southern Charm who we accompanied to North Charleston High School as he donated BERNINA sewing machines to their maker space. We've heard from visionaries like Jean Wright from Sew Sisters, Amanda Richie from Unshattered and fabric artist Cookie Washington, each of whom has left an unforgettable mark on our community. As we reflect on these first 100 episodes, we are profoundly grateful to each guest who has shared their time, talent, and insights, and to each of you who have been with us on this journey. So now, let's celebrate by taking you back to February 18, 2021, to where it all began with a replay of our very first episode featuring the incredible Bisa Butler. Here is Sew & So episode #1… This podcast explores Bisa Butler's fascinating journey, which began with her getting a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting at Howard University. Realizing painting was not her passion, she went on to Montclair University to pursue a Master in Teaching. It was there, while making a quilt in her first-ever fibers class, that she had an artistic epiphany; she realized she could do what she loved, express her creativity in a way that moved her deeply, and tell the countless untold stories of African Americans. Each pivotal step in her journey is described in fascinating detail. She talks about learning to sew from her grandmother; a black woman, and wife of an Emissary, who found herself transported to Morocco. She and her husband had to attend many formal events, and since they couldn't afford to buy the refined clothing, one was required to wear, her grandmother would pore through fashion magazines and create replicas of designer outfits. The scraps of fibers and fabrics from those outfits can be seen in Bisa's portraits of her grandmother and grandfather. She explains how using little bits of their lives helped inform her work. Butler describes her work as “excavating the soul, where her own spirit has a conversation with someone who has long passed. The process begins with a portrait. By gazing into the eyes of her subject and really looking at the lines, creases, scars and the expression in their eyes, she can ‘hear' their unspoken story. She spoke of the improvisational nature of private quilts and their ability to tell the personal experiences of her people (21:20 – 24:21). As she details her journey through galleries and museums, Butler recounts the bias that was shown towards artists who use cloth in their art. But through all the rejections and dismissals, she kept at it, slow and steady, until her work exhibited at a New York gallery. After that, her work began getting accepted at more galleries and museums. Her fiber and fabric creation, The Storm, the Whirlwind, and the Earthquake features a life‐sized representation of abolitionist and social reformer Fredrick Douglass whose magnetic gaze pulled her in. This piece is a powerful example of how Butler's painterly textiles convey a sense of shared humanity were on exhibit at the Toledo Museum of Art. Her textile creations were exhibited in the European Painting Gallery Space at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2021. This is the first time a living artist has been showcased in this space. Her work iwasalso featured in Dress Up, Speak Up: Regalia and Resistance at the 21C Museum Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a joy to learn about the strides fiber, fabric and quilting artists have made, and we owe much of it to Bisa Butler. Her personal story of using textiles and the medium of quilting to celebrate her heritage and her community and her powerful art is a great inspiration to us all. This is one story you don't want to miss, so make sure you catch the podcast. You can learn more about Bisa Butler and view some of her amazing works of art at Bisabutler.com If you know someone you think has an outstanding story – a story that should be shared on this podcast, please drop me a note to meg@sew&sewpodcast.com or complete the form on this website. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today's and all of our Guests.
In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Deanna Springer. Deanna was a close collaborator with the legendary Nancy Zieman, co-founding Nancy Zieman Productions in 2007. Together, they launched a blog, social media channels, and over 40 sewing and quilting products, as well as produced 12 seasons of Sewing with Nancy. Today, Deanna carries Nancy's remarkable legacy forward, sharing their love of sewing with the world through the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and other initiatives. In our conversation, Deanna reflects on her journey with Nancy, the impact of the Quilt Show, and the vibrant quilting community she's passionate about supporting. We'll also explore the ways Deanna continues to inspire and uplift others through her work and community projects like Quilt to Give. (2:02) For those who haven't met yet…Deanna tells us about her history in the sewing industry and how she met Nancy Zieman. It's certainly been an amazing life! (3:33) The Sewing with Nancy Show started in Nancy's home in 1984…Deanna tells us how it all started. (4:15) So, how did this 25-year long TV show evolve to The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show! Well, 4H had a big part of it all! And Nancy was certainly a woman ahead of her time! (7:35) Deanna talks about how the Nancy Zieman Team is carrying on Nancy's legacy. (9:42) Deanna tells us about The quilt to Give Program spearheaded by Nancy and how you can get involved.(11:05) After 20 years, how has the show evolved? Deanna who has been present tear walks us through the transformation. Oh, and Nancy really did teach Bucky Badger to sew! (14:42) Deanna reflects on pieces of advice that Nancy Zieman shared with her and how this advice has helped her throughout life. (16:12) How has Deanna seen the sewing and quilting community evolve? It's the community…it's people helping people. (17:08) What are the challenges and rewards Deanna has experienced in carrying on Nancy's legacy? (18:10) Deanna's two sisters now work with her teaching sewing through video. Learn about The Stitch It! Sisters. And hear about the great things that came out of the pandemic. (21:34) Does Deanna see a difference between long time sewists and those new to the industry? She walks through the differences she sees in the different generations. (23:36) What are some of Deanna's most memorable moments of the past 20 years at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show? (25:50) In all she does, what is Deanna most personally proud of? She points out the vibe created by all who attend. (27:04) For those who didn't have the honor of knowing Nancy Zieman, what's one thing they should know about her? Deanna's response…grace. (27:49) What's coming up for the next Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. You have to keep things unique and interesting…but you have to keep it the same! Oh and…do you want to volunteer? Find out how! (28:53) Is there a question I missed? It's profoundly moving to hear Deanna Springer reflect on the legacy of Nancy Zieman, whose spirit truly embodies the heart of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. Nancy lived with a genuine humility that touched everyone she met, teaching and inspiring with a grace that resonates through each stitch and seam showcased here. It's a profound honor for us to bring you aa conversation that celebrates her life's work, touching the hearts of all who gather. Thank you for joining us in this special tribute to Nancy's enduring legacy. Our deepest thanks to Deanna for taking the time to talk with us. And there you have it – another story about a very special someone who dedicated their life's work to Quilters around the world. Someone for whom quilting is so much more than a hobby…it's a way of life…a connection to something bigger. If you know someone you think has an outstanding story – a story that should be shared on this podcast, please drop me a note to meg@sew&sewpodcast.com or complete the form on our website. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today's and all of our Guests.
Join us for this special episode as we travel to Madison Wisconsin for the Great American Quilt Show which began largely in thanks to the late Nancy Zieman. Nancy hosted Sewing With Nancy on PBS Wisconsin for 35 years and inspired hobbyists across the country to sew, quilt and embroider. What started as an instructional program filmed in her home in 1982 became the longest-running sewing and quilting education show on public television. This amazing event draws more than 15,000 attendees over the course of three days and enjoys the help of more than 430 volunteers. It features 150 vendors and over 100 unique educational workshops, lectures and presentations. The numbers speak for themselves, this is a notable and must attend event.We'll visit with educators, vendors, exhibitors, a special event host, an appraiser and Deanna Springer who is paramount in carrying on Nancy Zieman's legacy. (1:30) We begin this episode talking to Deanna Springer, head of Marketing at Nancy Zieman Productions. She shares with us the genesis of this amazing event. She explains the health issue that changed her life with her mother's encouragement, how 4H played a part in her life and where it all went from there. (5:05) Deanna shares her thoughts about how this show has grown and evolved. Hear why she and Nancy “held their breath” the first year! Oh, and how she taught Bucky Badger how to sew. (6:35) Meet Amanda Balistreri, PBS Wisconsin Expo Manager who runs this event as she walks us through all of the behind scenes planning that goes on for this show. (7:52) Amanda explains exactly what an Expo Manager does for an event like this, and shares some of her biggest challenges. (9:25) How does one become a volunteer for this show? Amanda explains and tells us how to sign up! (9:57) Lina Owen from Blue Bell Designs who came to Milton, WI from Columbia talks about her seminar and the topics she taught. She calls this “My Community” and talks about the importance of representing the Latino Community as a whole. (11:00) Lina talks about her impression of how this event has involved. Then listen as she further explains her commitment to the Latino Community and why this show is important to her. (13:38) Educator, artist and presenter Maday Delgado, who was born and raised in Cuba, Talked with us about what's important to her about being at the show and what it means to her to share it with her young daughter. She identifies this event as creative and a great outlet for many sub-communities. (14:48) Maday explains how her childhood in Cuba fostered her love for and commitment to sustainability. (15:30) Meet Allison Rainboth an AQS certified appraiser and judge who starts out by explaining to us how one becomes a certified appraiser. She also provides advise about preserving and caring for quilts. (20:03) Ann Wanke who has been attending this event for 18 years has seen a lot of change…and she was a keynote speaker whose presentation takes attendees through the history of this event. (21:07) Why does Ann think this show is important and where is it headed? (23:06) Meet sisters Diane Neilson and Peggy Joyce and learn why they were attending the show (23:25)Next, meet mother and daughter Stacy and Hanna West. Not only do they exhibit at this show, but they get to spend cherished time together. (23:55) Jessica Barrera from Sallie Tomato a past guest on this podcast shared why it's important for her to be at this show. (24:20) Linda Z, long time industry pioneer and store owner shared the evolution of the show, her experiences and why it's important to her. Here her impression of Wisconsin people. (25:18) Then Linda tells us why she is truly a pioneer in this industry. (26:08) Another vendor, Lynn Schmidt from A Different Box of Crayons lets us in on why she has a special affection for this show. And Lynn, how has this industry involved?! (27:17 ) Modern quilter Melissa Mason Talks about her personal experiences with the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show community. (28:27) Are you familiar with the YouTube Show Quilting with Nancy? Whether you are or not, please meet Nancy Roelfsema and learn what she loves about this event. And she talks about the evolution of the industry (30:09 ) While we are at these events, catching up with past guests is a favorite of ours. First season guest Margaret Jankowski reminds us of her work with The Sewing Machine Project and what's new for them.(31:58)It's always fun to both catch-up with longtime friends of this podcast, and to make new ones. We met Rick and Gwen Wershal from Lindenhurst, IL… And their brand-new friends who they just met at this year's show, Daniel and Joyce Colby From Yorkvile, IL(33:37) A new introduction for us this year was the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. Melissa Wraalstad, executive director, tells us about this amazing place and one of their most impressive exhibits. Find out how to learn more about the museum.(36:28) Pam Mahshie “The Serger Lady” from BERNINA reminisced about her personal relationship with Nancy Zieman and the impact she had on the industry, the community and those who quilt and sew.The profound impact and reverence held for Nancy Zieman shone brightly as so many gathered at the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show's 20th anniversary. Nancy's humility and grace touched every facet of her life, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and educate. It is a profound honor for us to carry forward her spirit, bringing you the vibrant tapestry of creativity and community she cherished so dearly. In celebrating this event, we celebrate Nancy—a beacon of kindness and a guiding star in the quilting world.Our thanks to all who took time from their day at this year's Great Wisconsin Quilt Show to share their stories and experiences. A special thanks to Tara Lovedahl from PBS Wisconsin for her support of this episode. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today's and all of our Guests. If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today's and all of our Guests.
Designer, author, educator, and entrepreneur Jessica Barrera is our guest in this episode of Sew & So. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she learned to sew at an early age. She studied entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. When not running her growing company, she enjoys coffee, being a mom, coffee, home decorating, travelling and black and white movies! (1:20) How did she learn to sew? Her mom taught Jessica when she was 5 years old. The first thing she made?! A quilt for her American Girl Doll!(1:56) Who/What inspired her to sew…and keep going? It was her mom who worked for Nancy Zieman! And all of her many moms who worked for Nancy.(3:12) In college she started her pattern and supply company on the side. Learning marketing and teaching she was aiming for a “real job” ...but she also wanted to follow her heart. When she graduated her business was so strong she could continue. Hear how her mom's suggesting charted her new course! And how supplies grew as an offering!(5:12) Entrepreneurship was her area of study at UW…which course meant the most to her? She tells us here!(6:10) What's the Puppy Pillow? This pivotal project helped her company grow, and it was her first pattern.(7:05) How did she name her business Sallie Tomato? She shares that story with us here!(7:36) Jessica loves black and white movies and Cary Grant!(7:51) She uses her patterns to attract new generations of makers while still serving an older demographic. She walks us through how she does this.(9:09) Jessica talks to us about the uniqueness of the new generation of sewists. Pinterest and Instagram are notable drivers in how they make decisions. Fabrics and upcycling too!(9:58) Sallie Tomato is successful and growing. To what does she attribute this to? She tells all here! It all boils down to community and collaboration!(11:13) What unique things does Jessica bring to the table. She shares her special niche.(12:05) In 2018 Jessica switched from selling items she created to selling instructions – this changed her life. Listen as she walks us through this evolution.(12:58) What would she have done differently? Well…not much. And the toughest part of her business…?!(13:57) She believes very strongly in sustainability and shares seventeen tenants on her website. Jessica walks us through a few of these.(15:50) She provides suggestions for all sewists on how to support sustainability.(16:12) Jessica LOVES her hometown – Fox Lake, WI. Learn why it's so special and how her business has helped it flourish! She events invites all of us to visit. She also tells the story of how she acquired her location and dreamt of it since she was a little girl!(18:30) Jessica loves to travel. As a family they camp in the Midwest and enjoy all that's around them. She shares this love with us.(19:26) She loves many things…what don't we know about her?! Besides being a mom of two boys…?!(20:35) What's next for her? Learn it here!(21:20) What didn't I ask? The pride she feels about the two books she's written! (22:10) Cork fabric is important to her. What is this and why does it mean so much?!(23:21) You can find Jessica on Instagram and YouTube…all social media too!If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today's and all of our Guests.
On today's show Wade and Ninja talk about Wade's Best Man Speech at a wedding this weekend. Ryan Gabel joins us to preview this week's Brat Fries at Metalcraft's Fall River location and also Nancy Zieman's Sewing Studio in Beaver Dam. They play trivia.
Episode 87 - Definitely EventsInterknit Machine Knitters Club Truly Julie No Show Sock AcquisitionsMango Moon Pastiche and other yarn from the free table Hand KnittingFelted Moccasins pattern Felted Knits book by Beverly Galeskas Machine KnittingBarcelona by Anne Lavene Yeoman Elsa Fine Mohair Pie crust edge instructions More Legare woes ResourcesTea cozy stitch instructions on Knitting Paradise Lake Superior State University's list of banned words How to improve anything: Reflection Information gathering Experimentation Practice Repeat in any order Sew What?Tomato pincushion with a dangling strawberry Nancy Zieman videos on Youtube Rant: Disparaging one's spouse to strangers Rave: Vicks VapoRub for split and cracked skin VMVMEnglish muffin bread Please join in the Ravelry group for this podcast. My Instagram
Deanna's love for all things sewing began when she was a young girl when she was nurtured by her mom, her grandmothers, and 4H. She talks fondly of the many memories she has of growing up among sewists, including how, every Christmas Eve she and her three sisters would listen to the hum of the sewing machine from the other room, and awaken Christmas morning to find new robes hanging on their doors. These priceless memories of creating and sharing gifts from the heart played an important role in her career choice. In 2007 Nancy Zieman and Deanna started Nancy Zieman Productions (NZP), where they worked side by side for 10 years. After launching NZP, they launched a new blog, social media channels, and over 40 sewing and quilting products, including tools, patterns, and books. The NZP team also produced 12 seasons of “Sewing with Nancy” with Wisconsin Public Television.Upon Nancy's passing in 2017, Deanna continued to carry her legacy forward through a variety of venues, including the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, and the spring travel circuit. As Deanna puts it, “It's a way to share our love of sewing with the world.” Another way, she and her sisters share that love is the Stitch It! Sisters video series. Part of the Nancy Zieman production blog, Stitch it! Sisters also has its own YouTube channel. (7:30-12:55)Now in its 17th year, Deanna talks about how the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show began, and how it continues to be a great opportunity for people to share their love of quilting. She is also in charge of the Annual sewing event, Sew Quilt Create. Throughout our conversation, Deanna is passionate about celebrating her craft and her mentor. (18:55 – 22:47)As the conversation wraps up, Deanna talks about the many barriers Nancy broke through in the '70s and '80s, and how she really changed the industry. It's evident that Deanna shares many of her friend's traits as well as her drive and vision. (30:41-37:30) Case in point: this fall, Deanna will be opening the Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio in Beaver Dam, WI. You can reach Deanna at stitchitsisters.com, nancyzieman.com or at her many social sites. And of course, you can stop by the new store when it opens.
On today’s special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I’m so saddened by this morning’s news that Nancy Zieman has passed away. Nancy was a huge inspiration to me, and to so many of us. As a woman, a business person, and a working mom, Nancy lived her life with grace. She worked hard, had an excellent moral compass, and set a high bar for all of us to reach when it comes to being a participant in the sewing and quilting industry. In May, a few months before she got sick with cancer again, I had the privilege of interviewing Nancy Zieman about her work and her life. It was truly an honor and I have to say it was also a highlight of my professional career. I wanted to replay that interview for you today as a way of honoring Nancy’s memory which I know lives on so strongly in all of us. This episode orignally aired on May 15, 2017. Here it is again. +++++ Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Meet with show host, Abby Glassenberg, each month for our Craft Business Roundtable, get access to courses and webinars taught by industry leaders, and much more.
On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about building a lifelong career in sewing with my guest, Nancy Zieman. Nancy Zieman is an author, designer, businesswomen, TV producer, blogger and national sewing authority. She’s the host of the popular show Sewing With Nancy®, which appears exclusively on public television stations across the United States and Canada. You can watch Sewing With Nancy® online at nancyzieman.com. In this interview Nancy traces the history of her career. Hear how she first got onto public television and what those early days were like. Learn about the start of Nancy's Notions and how the business expanded over the past three decades. Nancy also talks about some personal issues including how she balanced being a working mother and the challenges she's faced due to Bell's palsy. Nancy's integrity, work ethic, and good humor are an inspiration. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Storey Publishing. Storey Publishing offers quality books on crafting, gardening, natural health and wellness, cooking, and sustainable living. Their quilting, sewing, and fiber craft books are some of my favorites. Storey’s expert craft authors include recent While She Naps guest and QuiltCon presenter Thomas Knauer, author of The Quilt Design Coloring Workbook. You can all get a free downloadable quilt design coloring template from the book on Storey’s website. You can find the link in the show notes. +++++ Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same. To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Meet with show host, Abby Glassenberg, each month for our Craft Business Roundtable, get access to courses and webinars taught by industry leaders, and much more.
Hey there,Join me for an episode of Quilt Cabana Corner where we discuss quilty things, life things and the postcard swap as well as book reviews.Reach me at sewsandi8@yahoo.comor over at the blog at www.quiltcabanapatterns.com/blogThe books I mention in this podcast are Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverni, Legend by Marie Lu, Seams Unlikely by Nancy Zieman and The Martian by Andy Weir.
We’re honored to be included in the “I Sew For Fun” book launch blog tour! This new book is all about how to sew with the young people in your life, and it’s a wonderful addition to Nancy Zieman’s lasting sewing legacy. Sewing with kids can be a rewarding experience, but it’s a task many […] The post A Review of “I Sew For Fun” by Nancy Zieman appeared first on sewhere.com.