I can distinctly remember picking out my 1st stamped cross-stitch project as a nine-year-old girl. The chart
was a large sampler, a project most likely way too big for a beginner. That
project began my passion for color & detail.
I was usually found with a needle in hand & continued to teach myself a variety of techniques including, hardanger, needlepoint,
crewel, and cross-stitching on linen. I was introduced to the Embroiderer's
Guild shortly after I married, and a whole world was opened up to me. I continued
to learn through every class, both individual and group. I actually have
a piece of cross-stitch, although not completed, that chronicles the improvement
of my stitches over time. I keep it as a reminder that learning is a lifelong
process and to improve, even if slightly, is a mighty goal to keep.
I was blessed with the opportunity to mix my business and marketing background with my passion for needlework. I opened
my shop in 1998 and had a successful run for nearly nine years. I quickly
learned that my customers shared my desire for learning and we had an almost constant
stream of classes. I taught many of the classes in a wide variety of techniques.
I enjoyed the camaraderie of these women and men and through their encouragement,
started adding some of my own designs to the class line-up.
My shop's name was Hands On, which perfectly described my vision for the store. Being a "hands-on" owner, I enjoyed
every aspect of the business (OK, not the part about paying the bills). I
provided framing services & quickly filled a need for finishing services. Over
time, I found this was where a great deal of my personal interest lay, and I developed
a clientele that allowed me creativity with their completed pieces.
As a needleworker myself, I understand the need for preservation for particular
pieces. I also understand the need for fun, unique, and quality finishing
services.
After a great deal of thought, I chose to close my store in the fall of '06 for a variety of reasons. First and
foremost, my children were now busy middle schoolers. While I had great help at
the store - it can never be said that owning, running, planning for, and maintaining
a needlework shop is an easy job. What made the decision easier was my
plan that I would still continue in the business of needlework, the business that
truly is my passion, by developing Hands On Finishing. I continue to finish
for new and regular customers and also serve as finisher for several other shops.
I felt called to teach. What a better marriage than to teach the techniques & secrets of finishing. Time
and again, I hear stitchers say that they have a pile of unfinished projects.
My goal is to teach students the basic skills needed to confidently finish their
pieces so that they can use and enjoy their masterpiece. Over time, I plan to
have a line of classes in a variety of techniques that encompass my love of color
and detail and provide the student with interesting projects for both stitching
and finishing.
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