Saturday, February 08, 2014

Seams Unlikely Book Review + Giveaway

I was asked to participate in the blog tour for Nancy Zieman's autobiography, Seams Unlikely: The Inspiring True Life Story of Nancy Zieman, and today's my turn to tell you what I thought.


And here's what I think: Nancy Zieman is an amazing example of hard work and determination and has endured significant physical and medical challenges to become one of the most recognized names in the sewing industry. She built Nancy's Notions, her sewing supply mail-order business, from the ground up starting in her basement, and has had a successful sewing television show for over 30 years. She is a true inspiration.

In her book, Nancy describes health challenges that started when she was a baby, including Bell's Palsy, knee problems, and multiple surgeries. She describes her life living on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and the work ethic instilled in her by her parents. I especially liked reading about her experiences in 4-H because I took sewing 4-H for four summers too--and I got an amazing education in apparel sewing through 4-H, even though I was so young.

It was very interesting to read about the growth of her business over time as technology changed and her customer base grew.

I appreciated reading about Nancy's family as well, and I loved the chapter near the end that described the adoption of her younger son (and her older son's reaction to the new baby... so, so sweet.) Nancy worked with her husband for many years and was honest about the challenges and benefits of them being in business together.

Visit Nancy's blog to read her explanation of why she wrote the book, and to enter in her giveaway of 20 copies of the book.

And I have a copy of the book to give away, too. Comment on this blog post and I'll choose a winner on February 14.

You can read more about Seams Unlikely at the other stops on the blog tour:


February 4          Nancy Zieman           http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog
February 5          Eileen Roche          http://dzgns.com/blog/
February 5          Pat Sloan          http://patsloan.typepad.com/
February 6          Melissa Stramel          http://melissaslilaclane.blogspot.com
February 6          The Long Ladies          http://www.mariemadelinestudio.typepad.com/
February 6          Tori Thompson          http://totallystitchin.net
February 7          Amy Barickman          http://www.indygojunction.com/blog/
February 7          Melissa Mora          http://mellysews.com
February 8          Shari Butler          http://www.doohikeydesignstudio.com/blog/
February 8          Vicki Christensen          http://www.sewinspiredblog.com/
February 9          Carolina Moore          http://alwaysexpectmoore.com
February 9          Kate Mclvor          https://theconfidentstitch.squarespace.com/blog/
February 10          Amy Ellis          http://amyscreativeside.com/blog/
February 10          Melissa Mortenson          http://www.polkadotchair.com
February 11          Ilene Miller          http://happyvalleyprimitives.blogspot.com/
February 11          Liz Hicks          http://blogerisms.blogspot.com/
February 11          Rachael Pannepacker          http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/
February 12          Bill Gardner          http://www.quiltersnewsletter.com/blogs/insideqn/
February 12          Elizabeth Evans          http://www.simplesimonandco.com
February 13          Amy Webb          http://www.amylouwhosews.com/
February 13          Lindsay Wilkes          http://thecottagemama.com/blog/
February 14          Gertie Hirsch          http://www.blogforbettersewing.com
February 14          Veronica Philips          http://cloverusa.wordpress.com/
February 15          Jenny Gabriel          http://www.sewvacoutletblog.com
February 15          Laura Wasilowski          http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/
February 16          Frieda Anderson          http://friestyle.blogspot.com/
February 16          Rita Farro          http://ritassewfun.blogspot.com
February 17          Cindy Cloward          http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/blog/
February 17          Joan Hawley          http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/
February 17          Patty Young          http://modkidboutique.blogspot.com
February 18          Nancy Zieman          http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/
 
Disclosure--this blog post contains an affiliate link. I was given a free copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Comments are now closed.

33 comments:

Betsy said...

Thank you for the chance. I actually record Nancy's show. She is inspirational and oh so talented.

Vicki W said...

Aside from my Mom Nancy was my first sewing instructor. Her series made me a much better seamstress.

Betsy said...

Vicki I have been sewing for 27 years and I still record Nancy's show. She has stayed on top of technology and I continue to learn from her.

Savannagal said...

I really enjoy watching Nancy's shows. I've learned a great deal from her. I hope to meet her some day so I can thank her in person.

Unknown said...

Nancy is such an inspiration! I love her tutorials and how to videos. It is how I learned to sew. An amazing woman in may respects, would love to read her book.

Carol said...

Hi Vicki! I'm following the blog tour of Nancy's book. I'm enjoying reading all the reviews. I see you are from Seattle. I'll be there for the Sewing Expo at the end of the month. I'm exploring your bog right now. Thank you. :)

Cory C said...

I don't know a lot about sewing, but this review piqued my interest and I'll be sure to look into Nancy's book.

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

Looks like a fab book - I love reading anything quilty!!!

Cheryl said...

Nancy Zieman is such an inspiration to so many of us sewists. She makes me proud to be a Wisconsinite too!

Stephanie said...

Wow thanks for the chance! I bet it is a wonderful book thanks

Anonymous said...

I would love to have a copy of Nancy's new book. I love watching her on PBS. She is a great instructor. Thank you Diane C.

susan718 said...

Nancy Zieman is an amazing person and I would love to have her book. Thank you for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Nancy is an inspiration to me.

Kris said...

Thank you for writing a great review of Nancy's book. I am more than ever excited to read it.

Laine said...

Would really like to read more of Nancy's story. Hope I will be lucky enough to win a copy of it. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the chance. I have watched her for years and still learn something new all the time.

Linda said...

Thanks for the opportunity to read Nanny's book. A couple years ago I had the good fortune of meeting Nancy at quilt market and to learn that we both had the same Clothing Construction teacher at UW-Stout...Mrs. Jensen. I would love to read Nancy' story.

Ellee said...

Nancy's new book is on the top of my must-read list! -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Patty said...

I have watched Sewing with Nancy for many years. She sounds like an awesome person.

Nancy in IN said...

Such an inspiration. I have watched her shows for years and learn something new each time I watch.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for a chance to win Nancy's book. I have enjoyed learning from Nancy - her many sewing tips and techniques.

Linda said...

Nancy's early paper catalogs were my link to sewing supplies and thus my sanity when I lived in areas lacking easily accessable local sources.

artistinthewild said...

I have always been inspired by Nancy. I actually do not notice her Bell's Palsy most of the time since the content of her TV show is inspiring. I would love to read her "true story".

G&DHacker said...

I would love to read her book, my Mom taught me to see and for 3y
ears I taught 4-H sewing when no one else would. It was
great fun and I learned things from those young girls.

Debbie said...

I would love to read Nancy's story. I know it must very inspirational.

Unknown said...

Enjoyed reading your review of Nancy's book. I am a big fan of this very genuine, talented lady.

Sonia B said...

This would be fun to read. I've seen her show before and really enjoyed what I learned there. Thanks for the chance.

Sewmom18 said...

I have watched Nancy's show for many years, would love to win a copy of her book.

Karrie said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

Pat V. said...

This sounds like a great read. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy!

Sewing Sue said...

Nancy's story is amazing. She actually helped me get an A in a business class I took by interviewing some of her staff and writing about her busines about 10 years ago. Her work ethic and attitude trickle down to everyone in her company. thank you for the opportunity... p.s. I like your blog too!

Amanda S said...

I'd love to read this!

Sheila said...

I hope I'm not too late- I love watching Nancy and she inspires me each time!