When did you first learn to needlepoint?
I first learned to needlepoint when I was a child. My mother was stitching a piano bench cover and I’d sit with her and watch her hands pull threads as we sat by the fireplace. My dad played the violin and her canvas had one just like my father’s in the center. In my early 20’s I wandered in a needlepoint shop in Annapolis and bought my first needlepoint canvas, a design of the waterfront. I taught myself how to stitch that canvas based on the memories of watching my mother when I was little. It’s now hanging in my home and I cherish the memory.
What inspires your needlepoint designs?
I’m inspired by design and nature. A new leaf unfurling in a spiral with a spray of color will be captured in a photo so I can put pencil to paper and begin a new canvas design. When I stitch I enjoy arranging colors side by side so they compliment each other and come alive. Small details help the colors pop which makes each pattern very fun to stitch…that’s the goal for my audience, to create beauty and have fun!
Where is your favorite place to needlepoint?
In the winter season I enjoy sitting by a fire in my living room when I stitch and in warmer months I sit anywhere outside or by a window with a beautiful view of a cherry blossom tree with elms and pines in the distance.
What inspired you to start designing needlepoint canvases?
I was inspired to start designing needlepoint canvas because several years ago I picked up stitching again. Years ago, after graduating college with a BFA in Interior Design I started my own business (and was also designing and hand painting tiles and sinks for clients kitchens and baths) so I was too busy to stitch.
Not until 3 years ago did I find some time to begin stitching again but was having a hard time finding a canvas that inspired me so I designed my own. I was really having fun teaching myself about the paints, scale of mesh and techniques. I started posted some new designs on instagram and was surprised to received interest from shops and stitchers. When Lycette mentioned that they were interested in having me as an exclusive designer I was beyond excited so I said yes and started another business!
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