Nancy Zieman’s Koala Studio
Nancy Zieman—author, pattern designer, business woman, home economist, and national sewing authority—has been the host of the popular public television program, Sewing With Nancy®, since 1982. Nancy is also the founder of Nancy’s Notions®, and the president of Nancy Zieman Productions. A dedicated art quilter, Nancy’s favorite creative outlet is landscape quilting.
Nancy chose Koala Studios for her TV set and her home. View the videos and slide show below to take a tour of her home sewing room, guided by Nancy herself.
Nancy’s Video Series
Photo Tour
Learn more about the Koala models Nancy chose for her home sewing studio.
Sep 21, 2010 @ 21:04:18
i would like to have sewing studio , too bad… i love to sewing everyting,that’s why my sewing room was clutter, lots… Now i am going to clean them up to pack something and it need to clear up.. Smile… I still watching on tv from nancy’s show every sat morning cuz it has cc on it.. I am deaf woman and could read it, i understand what did she say,no plm..
Oct 01, 2010 @ 06:09:33
I am a sewingholic and would be absolutely thrilled to be the lucky recipient of the sewing studio. My husband is on a disability payment so our money is very tight. Every morning, I go to the Koala sewing cabinet section and daydream about having a roomful of those beautiful cabinets. Meanwhile, I sew and quilt as much as time and a bad back (surgery to fuse lower back 2-1/2 years ago) will allow. Maybe some day I’ll win a lottery and then I’ll by one of everything. LOL
Oct 01, 2010 @ 19:28:47
I would love to be the winner.
I am a sewaholic. I am planning to retire next year and plan to sew all of the project that I have not had time to sew, since work gets in the way. Oh, such is life. Yes, to win this would be a dream come true as one of the magazine on my sewing tabe is a Koala catalog.
Thanks
Oct 04, 2010 @ 08:20:55
Gosh, wouldn’t this be just fabulous!?
Oct 04, 2010 @ 11:36:43
I believe a sewing studio is every sewing persons dream. I am no exception. I have been sewing on card tables, kitchen tables, desks, packing boxes and the floor ever since I started sewing over 40 years ago. Every time we moved I would take my machine with me in the car so I could start on the curtains for the new place before our household goods would arrive, hince the sewing on the boxes and the floor. What’s not to love about having a studio?
Oct 04, 2010 @ 14:53:41
This would be a dream come true!
Oct 04, 2010 @ 21:11:05
The furniture is lovely and would be such a welcome change from my hodge-pode collection!! I struggle with the best way to arrange my sewing room. It is a large area, but long and I just can’t seem to get it right!! I love to look at the Koala rooms….and dream!!!
Oct 05, 2010 @ 08:45:54
It is a lovely dream to own a sewing room like this, this is the second time I entered, (last year) I didn’t win it then. We all have our crosses to bear with sickness, finance, economy, children, but, we have to kept looking forward to each day. I do that with my sewing, it with prayer helps me make it another day.. What a blessing..
Oct 05, 2010 @ 11:14:10
I’ve never won a contest but this is the one I hope to win the most! Koala cabinets are gorgeous! Thanks for this opportunity.
Oct 05, 2010 @ 13:47:02
Of course, like everyone else, I would love to win, but am not very hopeful. However, that will not stop me from sewing. For me sewing was a complete mature adult experience. My mother and aunt sewed very well, but were short on patience. As a child, I would sit down at the sewing machine to learn and if something went wrong, they would say, “Get up and let me do that.” and I would and not return. It was very a frustrating time in my life.
When I was 45 years old, I received a substantial bonus at work. I could decide to buy clothes, which I needed, or pay bills. My husband suggested I take some time to think, then, buy something fun for my self. I decided to have my fun and wear it too. I bought a simple zigzag sewing machine and a serger. I had a rule; if I sewed it, I had to wear it. I was out buying fabric like a fool, and as women will do in the fabric store, I got to talking to someone about sewing. She told me of a wonderful sewing studio located about 5 miles from my home. There I met two of the most patient, inspirational and talented women I have ever seen. It was a Bernina sewing studio, Barbara carried some dress making fabric, and mostly she offered excellent classes on sewing. Later I was invited by one of the instructors to attend a class at Houston Community College on Tailoring, the making of a man’s suit. The class was full to professionals, but they all shared their tricks and talent with me. I felt so privileged. I have never looked back and have been sewing every since, thanks to all those wonderful people.
Sharing your talent is the most wonderful thing one person can do for another person.
Oct 06, 2010 @ 02:44:53
Only A dream come true. I have been sewing from my kitchen table and an 18in x 45in vanity dresser for thirty five years, so I don’t even know where I would put a sewing cabinet.
Oct 06, 2010 @ 14:40:47
What a absolutely delightful studio Nancy has. Her Koala Sewing Studio furniture is functional and beautiful at the same time…what an inspiration to wake up to every day!
Thank you Koala Studio for giving me something to dream about–maybe my dream will come true.
Oct 06, 2010 @ 18:30:40
I don’t usually reach out to do contest, only because I am never lucky enough to win..I love to sew and embroidery. After my mom past away 3 years I decided to do a quilting /embroidering her favorite flowers and made my first in her honor..the space that I have is small and I try to do what I can..but to be able to take a quilt top and laid it out really flat on a Koala Sewing Studio Furniture would be a dream come ture..I seem to be hooked on incorpating both quilting and embroidery I have since made 5 quilts two which were or are Christmas gift to the kids..
I love the looks of the Koala furniture and how they are built..I have seen them in the shops and could only hope or wish ..for something so beautiful in my sewing room
Thanks Nancy for the video..
Maybe one day ..in my next life I will own one..
Oct 07, 2010 @ 08:56:11
I would LOVE to win this. I have SO MUCH STUFF in my sewing room, and am in the process of moving upstairs from my current downstairs room (it will be roomier). I need to organize! Thanks for the opportunity!
Oct 09, 2010 @ 12:02:45
I have been sewing since I was four years old. My Grandmother was a “professional” seamstress who had eleven children. She took in sewing jobs to supplement my grandfathers railroad salary. She made men’s suits, wedding dresses, slipcovers, and everything else but bras! She started me out by sewing straight lines on lined notebook paper and she was so excited that I was interested in her craft! It seems like the love of sewing skips a generation in my family. My Mom HATED to sew, as does my daughter, my four year old niece, however, is working on her first quilt, (Hannah Montana, of course!). This studio would be a dream come true to own. I only wish I could show this to my Grandma….
Oct 11, 2010 @ 15:10:35
I have been sewing since the 7/8th grade. We my parents ask me what i wanted Santa to bring me for Christmas I said a sewing machine. I woke up Christmas morning and there it was a Brother Sewing machine in a cabinet. Here it is 2010 and I still have that machine and it still works. I only had to replace the foot pedal once. This machine is real metal. Now i have 1 serger 16 years old (simplity), 1 sewing machine about 20 years old (singer), 1 sewing/embroidery 1 1/2 years old (singer), and 1 six needle 1 year old (brother). my sewing room is 10 x 24 above the garage. I would love to have the proper furniture for this room. I am always coming up with ideas and things to sew/make. I pray that I can win. I love your sewing room Nancy.
Oct 12, 2010 @ 08:26:39
Does the sewing cabinet come with a new room to put it in too? Ahhhh…now there is a dream. Good luck everyone!
Oct 12, 2010 @ 08:51:54
yes..everyone want to win it..I would love to win it too..it will be a dream come true.
Oct 12, 2010 @ 17:52:01
I am soooo lucky! I have a sewing room of a nice size. However, I have so much stuff that I
sew in the dining room. My room is full and not organized.
An interesting thing is that my daughter has the some situation at her house.
We both could benefit from being organized and having storage.
We just keep sewing and collecting anything sewable.
Oct 15, 2010 @ 15:26:33
I have admired my friend’s sewing room for years. The room looks very much like yours. I have moved too often and too far to have aquired a permenant place and space for sewing. I have the room, now I just have to invest in sewing room funiture and storage. One with everything in it’s place and a place for everything. Wining would just make it happen a bit sooner. At the moment everything is in storage boxes at the foot of my bed except for the sewing machine and the soon to be mine Serger. My husband would say use it or loose it, so my machines are well loved. Thank you for making this opportunity available.
Oct 15, 2010 @ 22:41:25
After 39 years of marriage, raising two children and being self employed, my husband and I are now retired and I finally have a sewing room to call my own. It is a converted bedroon, small but adequte. I would love to have a cutting table and sewing table all in one, and the Koala tables seem to ft that bill. Lovely to dream about!!!
Oct 18, 2010 @ 11:05:28
Good luck Ladies. Like everyone else, I too REALLY hope to win but am also very unlucky in contests. However, I have a great family, great job, and my health — as well as my parents’ (who are in their 80′s) health so I hope whoever does win loves the space. After 22 years, my husband has finally agreed to remodel our front porch and give me a sewing room !!!! but this cabinet would be a great addition to the room.
Oct 22, 2010 @ 16:24:42
What a wonderful contest, it would be so great to win. I am looking to buy a new sewing maching and this would be such a nice addition. I am sewing on a machine that is 41 years old, how nice it would be to have a real sewing room!
Oct 23, 2010 @ 13:53:11
as dori un kimono de karate
Oct 27, 2010 @ 13:49:03
Good Luck to everyone who enters. It would be so nice to have a sewing table.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 13:50:10
I have always dreamed of having a piece of Koala furniture – I would never be so lucky but maybe – someday – hummm. I can always dream.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 14:00:40
To fill my sewing room with quality sewing furniture like Koala would be awesome!
Oct 27, 2010 @ 14:17:08
I belong to Wood Bee Quilters of Woodhaven Estates. Our group does a lot of sewing for charity. We have donated approx 30 full quilts to a shelter for girls (Hansen House), to worthy Veterans, 2 female .
Also we make quilts to be raffled off to support activities for our seniors.
I could use organizing and since I am in Fl on a tempory basis, on leaving all the furniture would be donated to the guild to use in the club house or as they see fit. One of our members has a long arm in her Florida room on which she does the quilting for some of our projects and could use some furniture too.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 15:45:29
That beautiful set of cabinets sure beat the heck out of the kitchen table. What a great gift it would be for anyone, I’d love to be that anyone.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 16:22:21
I’d sew more if I could get more organized and this furniture would sure make that happen. I have my machine on an old computer desk, my cutting table is my dining room table, My stash of fabric is spread out in 2 rooms! It’s a mish mash!
Oct 27, 2010 @ 17:03:15
As a Canadian snowbird, I spend more time moving back and forth between two countries, attempting to get organized than I do in a sewing room!…My grandmother lovingly taught me to sew when I was 6 years old – on her Singer treadle machine – off in one crowded little corner of the dining room. I have since graduated to the new machines for sewing, quilting, embroidery and serging, but would absolutely be blown away if I actually had a Koala Studio in which to sew and get organized. Just imagine the wonderful projects I could get completed with being able to actually find my fabrics and notions, to have a surface to work on, and a proper place for my machines! My children and grandchildren would be delighted to receive a finished project instead of me transporting all my PHD’s with me! In summary, I would be thrilled to pieces to be the winner/owner of any of this fabulous Koala Studio collection.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 18:05:21
I am like the rest who say “I would be thrilled to have the Koala furniture”. I am not only a sewaholic but, also a fabricaholic, and threadaholic. I am in dire need of the places to put these things and still be able to find them and use them. If I don’t win, I will continue to be a quilter and love the ability to do this….Even if it is out of the rubbermaid storage boxes stacked high and a card table.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 18:40:23
Hello- I have been a seamstress for everyone I know for almost 40yrs and a quilter for 10yrs. I crave to sew and do almost everyday. My goal in life is to teach young people to sew and show them what all is available to them today.It is not what it was when I started sewing. My niece is 9yrs old and taken a great interest in quilting and sewing. I’ve told her that if she sees it in the store…we can make it! And, with each thing she makes, I bet her (a dime) that one of her friends will ask her…..”Where did you get that at, can I get one?” And, I am always right! But, I am a damp, stinky, poorly lit basement that is a embarrassment. If only I had good light and a more organized place to create I would hold classes for this generation to sew! It is my mission.I would love to win but, I am sure there is alot worse off than me and I feel better just telling someone that I care about the future sewers and am trying to give them inspiration to sew.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 18:56:35
I would love to get a new studio. My Koala sewing table does not have a beveled edge. My table is about 5 years old. This is a great addition. Since I make quilts and have a problem with drag on the material when sewing a Queen or King quilt it would be great to get a new table. They are very expensive but worth it. The construction is wonderful.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 19:11:36
Sewing is my therapy! I was forced into a medical retirement and thought my life was over. I had always sewn clothing for my family, draperies, etc. Quilts were added when I retired. I now sew every day and spend many nights finishing a project. I share my products with my family, friends and favorite charities. Many teens have spent afternoons with me learning to sew a purse, prom dress, quilt or jacket. Being unable to garden because of my health, my husband had a room added to our home with ceiling to floor windows on two sides. I love sewing surrounded by nature. I currently use a folding table and have fabrics and notions stored throughout the house because of a lack of storage. A Koala studio would be a dream-come-true! What a beautiful addition it would make to any home!
Oct 27, 2010 @ 19:25:15
Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have this? It would look so good in my sewing room!
Oct 27, 2010 @ 19:53:08
I would love to have a new sewing room.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 20:21:10
Having a sewing room would help me alot , making quilts is hard without the right stuff to cut on or for my sewing machine to sit
Oct 27, 2010 @ 20:51:06
To have such a nice studio is only a sweet dream…. I love to dream….:-)
Here’s to hoping for a real dream studio. Pick-ME Please!!!
Happy Sewing Everyone!!!
Oct 27, 2010 @ 21:21:42
In approximately 4 years I will be retiring from high school teaching with 30 years of service. My house is a 1950′s era home lacking large closets and storage areas. I currently have my sewing materials, sewing machines, etc. stored in plastic and cardboard boxes throughout the house and basement. The difficulty in trying to start or complete a sewing project is compounded with my sewing supplies scattered throughout the home and being the owner of a little Yorkshire Terrier named KD. KD is a curious little dog that likes to explore whatever is left out in the open.
With a well-designed KOALA Studio located behind a closed door in my spare bedroom, I would be able to better organize my sewing materials and keep KD out of harms way.
After viewing Nancy’s KOALA Studio video, I realized that with the right type of KOALA sewing and storage cabinets, I could once again return to my sewing endeavors that had been placed on hold.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 22:16:36
I have always wanted to have a designer sewing room that I could call my own.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 22:49:43
You have such a beautiful sewing room, I wish that I could have one half as nice. My chances are slim but I can dream can’t I? Eileen
Oct 27, 2010 @ 22:51:51
I would love to be the winner of this new sewing furniture. I have a dream of having my own craft room one day, and the furnishings would be a special addition to this project.
Oct 27, 2010 @ 23:14:14
I’ve been sewing since I was 7 yrs old & got by first machine when I was 10. I always had to use desks as my sewing tables with misc. chests & nightstands to work on & for storage. Many years ago I started a line of custom theme quilts but had to stop for a few years due to circumstances. Now I’m ready to start new lines & designs & create an online business, but I’m still using makeshift desks with no place to put things & be organized. In my 60′s, a home based business is best for me but I really need to update. These beautiful Koala furnishings would be a dream come true & more.
Oct 28, 2010 @ 00:32:11
This summer I ripped the old carpet out of my sewing room. I then replaced it with laminate flooring after I had painted it from ceiling to walls. Now if I could furnish it with Koala furniture it would be a real sewing room. Oh yes I installed a large florescent light fixture to see better too. Good luck to all
Oct 28, 2010 @ 03:28:10
I currently I use the kitchen table to sew. I have a temporary cutting table in my front room, and my fabrics and notions are upstairs in a spare bedroom. My mother sewed and I thought if I learned to sew I’d never get another store bought piece of clothing. My sewing interest is Quilting. I love designing and creating something that can be passed down through family and friends. I enjoy seeing the look of surprise and happiness each quilt brings to a loved one. I am in the process of trying to find sewing machines and trying to design a work space that my mother and I can enjoy together. My quilting buddies and I would like to donate qulits and other handmade items to shelters and hospitals. We’d like to teach our grandchildren the gift of giving to others by taking blankets to childrens hospitals and giving to children less fortunate than themselves. Quilting has given me a joy in life that fulfills my heart and soul. Winning a dream sewing room would be the ultimate gift to share with my mother, family,friends and community. I know our chances of winning are slim, but everyone should have a dream in life, and to be able to share something so wonderful is a dream within itself.
Oct 28, 2010 @ 06:57:05
I sew on an antique library table and it’s falling apart!
Oct 28, 2010 @ 07:18:55
Don’t think I’ll ever see a room like that in my future but it is awesome.
Oct 28, 2010 @ 07:47:45
For years I have been dreaming of a Koala sewing room and knowing that I couldn’t afford one I did a make do. Using a 4×6 table I put it on extensions, covered it with an old mattress pad and put it in fronmt of windows and that is my cutting table and I bought a sheet of plywood and had it cut at the store and then fitted it to an old ironing board so I had a wide ironing surface to press my fabrics. By the way I am a fabricaholic. I have enjoyed your programs in the past but don’t seem to get it anymore.
Oct 28, 2010 @ 07:51:39
If I won the Koala Studio I would open a sewing studio for all to share so you could drop by with project items, and leave later with a good start or finished project. I cherish my many times quilting friends would come over and spend the day sewing. The Koala cabinets and cutting table are a perfect way to share sewing, smiles and lots of laughter. I have learned so much from other quilters when we go on quilters retreat. It would be a great way to make new friends.