Episode 95 - The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Celebrates 20 Years and Honors the Legacy of Nancy Zieman

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.

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