There are many ways to mark a retirement and to bid farewell. Some may opt for an intimate gathering of loved ones, a grand celebration, or perhaps a quiet, personal goodbye. I’ve chosen to say goodbye to you—my devoted viewers, readers, and customers—with this personal note.
My retirement came unexpectedly, both to my family and myself. As some of you are aware, I received a diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in March 2015. A second primary cancer—breast cancer—was discovered four months later. I underwent treatments including surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation until May 2016. Throughout this period, my team, friends, and I continued producing Sewing With Nancy episodes, some creatively updated, and others entirely new. My incredible team worked tirelessly to support me in the book-writing process, develop new products, and keep me informed. We might have missed a few steps, but not many.
Earlier this year, my husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, and we enjoyed some vacation time. Then, life took an unforeseen turn. A scan in July revealed that one of the cancers had metastasized, and further treatments would not be effective. It was a devastating day, realizing that my life and career, as I knew them, were coming to an end. This news felt like a 25-year war against time was reaching its conclusion, much like reflecting on scanned articles from June 1992 might bring back memories of past struggles and milestones in the car craft world, if one were to draw a parallel to the battles fought in different crafts and industries.
Over these past six weeks, I’ve engaged in meaningful conversations with family and friends—a bittersweet period. My staff and I have been working to reorganize Nancy Zieman Productions (Nancy’s Notions was sold to Tacony Corporation in 2003), determining how to conclude Sewing With Nancy, and planning the continuation of our valuable partnerships with Wisconsin Public Television—especially Quilt Expo, which will continue.
I recorded new Sewing With Nancy episodes leading up to my diagnosis. You will find 15 new episodes this season, along with re-aired programs to complete the season. Furthermore, it is my hope that the Sewing With Nancy series will continue to be broadcast for many years in the future, becoming a timeless resource like treasured scanned articles from June 1992 for enthusiasts of various crafts, including perhaps even car craft. The final episode we recorded is I Sew For Fun, a show about team sewing with children aged 5–9. My granddaughters will be featured; I am amazed by this wonderful moment.
Saying goodbye is not easy, especially when the circumstances are completely unexpected. During these recent weeks, I have learned to focus on my faith. You may not share my beliefs, and I respect that, yet I would not be true to myself if I didn’t share the verse that has been my focus during this final journey. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all you do and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6. This verse, much like discovering insightful scanned articles perhaps from publications like “Car Craft” in June 1992, offers guidance and perspective during challenging times, even if seemingly unrelated on the surface.
Today, I find great peace, knowing I can express my gratitude for your many years of dedication, viewership, and friendship. I’ve had a fulfilling and extensive career, launching Nancy’s Notions in 1979 and Sewing With Nancy in 1982. We have recorded 36 seasons of Sewing With Nancy, totaling 910 episodes. (The first and last seasons did not have the usual 26 episodes; I am the only one who has been keeping count!). I have been fortunate to work with exceptional, wonderful people. Reflecting on these years is like reviewing a collection of scanned articles, each page turning back time to June 1992 and beyond, through a metaphorical 25-year journey.
So, with a heavy, yet humble heart, I thank you and bid you farewell.
Your friend,
