DESIGNER BIO

My stitching career began when I saw a pillow in a store that was perfect for my daughter’s bedroom. I went into the store and came out carrying a crewel kit and assurance from the shop owner that I could do it. She was right, I finished the pillow, marveled at how relaxing it was, and promptly went on with my life not picking up a needle for 6 years.

In 1989 I moved to Santa Rosa, California. One day while driving through town I saw a sign announcing a needlework exhibit. Because of my success with the pillow, and out of curiosity, I stopped. Upon entering I was overwhelmed with the talent and diversity of the exhibits. The show was sponsored by a chapter of The Embroiderer's Guild of America, and as I was leaving I asked if men belonged. Of course I was told yes, started attending the meetings and after three months wasn’t quite sure how I fit into this organization. The other members must have sensed my reluctance since they nominated and elected me President. Shortly after that I heard about the American Needlepoint Guild and became a member.

My designing began shortly after joining EGA. I misunderstood our chapter involvement at the county fair and thought we had to design something to participate. I picked up a pencil, scribbled some lines, filled them in with crewel stitches on black linen. To my shock and total delight, I won a blue ribbon. This was even more shocking considering the fact that any art training ended with grade school and my professional life was in sales.

I decided to hang this piece in my dining room and then to needlepoint chair seats to compliment. Once again with pencil in hand I bought some canvas and scribbled some lines. It took five people to teach me basketweave, but I finally finished the chair cover and proudly showed it to the owners of my local needlepoint shop. They suggested that I paint canvas and they would sell them in their shop. So I went to an art supply store, bought paint and brushes, drew some more lines, filled them in with color and began a new career designing needlepoint.

Not long after that I found out that needlepoint was more then basketweave, and began to stitch my own designs. I was fascinated with the all of the different threads and by combining them with all of the stitches, another door of creativity opened for me. I was hooked, and not only designed the canvas, but also started publishing the stitch instructions which also led to teaching.

In 1994, I opened a retail store called Club "Stitch". All of the best of my life experiences came together to create a retail experience. Not just for me, but for the thousands of stitchers who came through those doors. The store was unique in many ways, but most notable, it was a membership store with all the ambiance of a country club. The Club had members all across the country, and it wasn't unusual to have groups of out-of state stitchers fly or bus tours show up for a relaxing and exciting stitching experience.

After a heart attack in 1998, I decided that I had to make some changes in my life. With a tremendous amount of thought, I sold the store, relocated to the San Diego area, and now devote full time to the designing and teaching of needlepoint. I travel all across the country teaching an art form that I love and doing what many think is exciting. To me it is a gift!

Who would have thought that a needle would have created a major life change, bring into my life some remarkable people, and even take me to the White House where my work is a permanent part of the White House Ornament Collection and a part of American history.