I
was born and raised in small town Iowa and currently reside in West Des Moines,
Iowa with my husband and one precious dog.
I have an enormous passion for needlework ~ friends and family rarely see me
without a needle, my sketch book, or a project of some sort.
I was exposed to needlework at an early age. I would watch my Grandmother do
crewel embroidery, knitting, and crocheting. To my recollection, I picked up
my first needle at the young age of six. During my childhood and teen years
I was artistic, but stitching was not my focus. I enjoyed painting with watercolors
and oil paints, along with drawing and sketching (not my strongest skill). After
graduating from high school, I started doing cross-stitch kits; mostly as gifts
for family and friends. As time passed, I began trying more stitches and techniques,
working with various types of fabrics and threads. I became entranced with all
different types/styles of needlework and mediums. I started attending as many
classes and retreats as I could fit in my schedule - soaking in as much knowledge
of handwork as possible.
Several years ago I visited a local needlework shop that fueled my passions
even more. I began stitching weekly with a wonderful, diverse group of people.
This network of friends provided me with an outlet for my ideas and support
that I never thought I would find.
Recently I became fascinated by the stitching and finishing of smalls. I found
a great sense of personal satisfaction by learning to hand finish my own work
into useful items. Local stitchers and friends started admiring my work and
asking for advice or directions on their own projects. With the love I have
for handwork, I decided I would add hand finishing to my design business. **
Currently, I have a special place in my heart for historic sampler designs.
My personal fondness is for "one over one" needlework and specialty stitches;
however, you will find me working on all different types of projects.
When creating my own designs, I try
to compose charts that can be catered to the stitcher's needs. I want the needleworker
to be able to select colors, fabrics, threads, and styles that suit their own
taste and decor. I love to combine the ideas of historic samplers with the lifestyles
and colors of today.
December 15,
2006 Update: For those of you who have read the feature article about me in
Just CrossStitch Magazine (February 2007), I have added a webpage featuring
my 2003 Iowa State Fair ribbon winners. 2003
was the first and only year I entered needlework in the state fair - I entered
five pieces (one is not shown as it was given to a close
friend as a gift).
**Note:
Since writing this bio in 2004, my design business has grown leaps and bounds;
at this time, I am unable to focus on finishing work - therefore, the finishing
information has been removed from the website.
Proud member of the following
organizations:
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Life
member:
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Life
Patron:
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©2004-2008 Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC
