Who inspired you? The question involves thoughtful reflection into your own journey of those who have stepped into your life, even just for a moment.
Nancy Zieman is probably the most well known face in the world of educational sewing through public broadcasting. She's been the inspiration for many a sewer to take that leap, try something new, give it a go and be creative. For over thirty years, she's been teaching us steps in a creative process, always encouraging her viewers with those reassuring words..."the choice is yours."
So when I heard that she was writing an autobiography, titled "Seams Unlikely," I was most certainly intrigued. Here is an opportunity to meet the very talented woman behind the camera and learn even more about her vision and how she fulfilled her dreams.
It's a story about an incredible journey through physical challenges and honesty that comes from the heart. When Nancy explains her experiences, you can easily see that this is a woman with unbreakable spirit. As I soaked in the stories of her childhood and upbringing, I found a kinship in her heartwarming reflections. She has such a humble nature at telling about an extraordinarily difficult physical journey. Her story really enlightened me to understand this woman and her true character.
What I found most inspiring is that Nancy didn't have to establish herself by changing who she is deep inside. She faced many barriers in developing a woman owned business in an era that was still stereotyped against believing they can succeed. And she leapt over these obstacles always learning, growing and developing. All this while dealing with substantial physical challenges which would cause most to give up. And all this while maintaining integrity, grace and balance.
I confirmed a belief that I have felt since first watching Nancy on TV. She is the real thing, a genuine character of strong faith with a will to succeed, not just for her products or even her educational instruction, but also in life. And her story tells it all so beautifully.
Would you like to receive your own copy of Seams Unlikely? I received an additional copy to give away to one lucky reader of my blog. Simply become a follower and leave a comment about someone who inspired you for your chance to win (US residents only, please). I'll draw a name at the end of this blog tour on February 18th, so be sure that you're settings include the ability for me to reply/contact you!
Nancy is also giving away 20 more copies of her book! Leave a comment on her February 4th blog posting http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/blog-tour/seams-unlikely-book/ for your chance to win your own copy! And be sure to stop by these participating blogs in this special tour:
February 4 Nancy Zieman http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/blog-tour/seams-unlikely-book/
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
February 10 Amy Ellis http://amyscreativeside.com/
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://thecottagehome.blogspot.com
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.com/
February 16 Frieda Anderson http://friestyle.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/
I have so many inspiring people around me. From sewers to knitters to gardeners. One of my close friends is a constant inspiration to me. She is a go-getter and really makes the most out of life. She's rarely sour and finds the good in everything. She's always calm and in the moment. I long to be more like her.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a beautiful sentiment to your friend! I have a friend like that as well, and she was the first person to believe in my work and pushed me to start selling my creations.
ReplyDeleteMy grandma could do just about anything including sew. Being a good farm girl I joined 4-H and clothing (sewing) was one of my main projects. I shared the sewing machine with my mom and sister. When I was a junior in HS, Grandma bought herself a new sewing machine - she was nearly 70 but obviously still sewing. To my great delight she gave me her old bare bones Singer. You cannot imagine how happy that made me and how much more I sewed. Grandma was still sewing for herself and others when she died a few months shy of her 100th birthday. I have big shoes to fill.
ReplyDeleteLove your story, Linda! I have had the same relationship with my Grandma too, only she mostly did hand embroidery. Last year she gave me her sewing notions and it was such an honor, as she's 90 and doesn't stitch anymore. Her work was so incredibly beautiful!
DeleteHi Ilene,
ReplyDeleteWell you inspire me, you sew! I took years of sewing in 4-H and learned how to sew but really it was like being in prison for me at the machine. It was late in my life that I took my first painting class and LOVED it. Guess I will stick to painting!
I did share this on the OFG Team page and will add to mine.
You will not have to put my name in the drawing...I am just happy to share your giveaway.
Enjoy your day,
Barb
Aww, you're sweet Barb! We all have to start somewhere, and I happen to know that you do have a LOT of talent! Truth be told, I really can't paint worth a darn, so I do understand sticking to what you love!!
DeleteWhile I have always had an appreciation of quilts since I was young, I never imagined I could ever make one. One evening I heard "It's Okay If You Sit on My Quilt" author Mary Ellen Hopkins speak at a church. What an inspiration! She was so encouraging and full of enthusiasm! That's when I knew quiltmaking was something I could do. So I bought her book and made my first quilt that week. To this day I love making quilts for my family. -- soparkaveataoldotcom
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to hear how you began your journey into quilting! We amaze ourselves with what we can accomplish! Thanks for entering my giveaway! - Ilene
DeleteMy sister has been a huge inspiration in my life, and the way that I choose to live my life now. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet sentiment to her! Thanks so much for entering my giveaway! Ilene
DeleteI've been enjoying reading the reviews, and absolutely want to read this for myself! My father was a great inspiration to me. His joyfulness and outlook on life have shaped my own.
ReplyDeleteNancy's book is really a wonderful story and hard to put down once you start reading it! Thank you for sharing your inspirational story and for entering my giveaway! - Ilene
DeleteI am sew looking forward to reading Nancy's book. My Mother has been my inspiration. She encouraged me to use her sewing machine when I wanted to start making my own clothes in high school. I fell in love with sewing and have never looked back. Mother passed away at 96 years young in October.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, and congratulations! You are the winner of my blog giveaway...a copy of Nancy Zieman's autobiography, "Seams Unlikely". Please email me at: happyvalleyprimitives at yahoo dot com with your mailing address!
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