| |
My love of needlework was initially kindled as a child when
I visited my grandmother and great aunt, who seemed to stitch
effortlessly…obviously enjoying it. Watching them, I
was absolutely fascinated and grew to also love the embroidery
they created. Growing up on a farm in the Midwest, surrounded
by animals, gardens, orchards and lots of flowers, there were
limited resources for embroidery, but lots of time and natural
beauty all around me. My interest and enthusiasm combined
with a determination to develop what I could not find, led
me to create the designs and the materials.
Combined with a natural artistic talent, I embarked upon a
lifetime emphasis and passion for art. My formal education
took me through college and graduate school in home economics
education with additional courses in graphic art and illustration.
I always leaned toward art in every area – when developing
a preschool program for our community – teaching in
the high school and even in volunteer positions as our 4 children
were growing, obtaining scholarships and awards along the
way. Therefore, it became evident that I would find a spark
, sooner or later, which would lead me into needlework and
art. It was when I saw Russian punchneedle embroidery on my
antique crazy quilt - and discovered how it was done in the
late 1980’s, that I wanted to develop designs and teach
it, which I have for the past 19 years. When I could no longer
obtain the small punchneedles that I had become accustomed
to, I began making them with a new design. I experimented
with different fabrics and threads – even silk ribbon,
and then explored the early hooked rugs which had been done
with punchneedle. From that discovery, I began researching
and developing designs based on authentic historical patterns,
creating miniature versions of the chenille bedspreads, rugs
and tapestries.
My interest in the 3-dimensional aspect of embroidery continued
with a collaboration with another designer of embroidery,
featuring perle cotton threads and combined with quilting.
Together, we put the designs into print form and then into
kits. At the same time, I began experimenting with painting
backgrounds for silk ribbon embroidery and really enjoy seeing
a flat surface come to life with the addition of ribbon and
thread.
I view all these forms of hand embroidery as painting with
thread or ribbon to create heirlooms that will stand the test
of time and bring pleasure to all who see them. Since I have
spent so much time exhibiting at sewing, quilting, needlework
and miniature shows across U.S. and Canada – the experience
gained from that and owning and operating my own retail store
for 3 years, I sensed a need for sourcing needlework materials
for the busy embroiderer. Now that the website offers a broader
audience, I hope to be able to fill that need.
Above all, freehand, dimensional embroidery is my special
love, because I like to see the personality and character
of the maker in the project. May your time be filled with
pleasurable stitching!
|
