You can buy Kathy's designs at...  

http://www.ChippewaCabinDesigns.com

And now, the interview...

Q:  Before we start with the interview, please tell us a little about yourself.  Are you single? Married? Children?  Where do you live and do you best remember Sinatra, Elvis, The Beatles, U2 or Ricky Martin?

A: I am widowed and my seven children are all grown with families of their own. I remember seeing Elvis on television on the Dorsey Brothers Show when no one knew who he was. I live in Houston Texas but am originally from Michigan.

Q:  When did you first get started in machine embroidery and why?

A: A friend of mine kept talking about her wonderful machine and I had no interest in it. She kept on and wore me down. My interest grew and I looked into it and fell in love.

Q:  When did you decide to learn digitizing and why?

A: I guess I just wanted to take creativity a step further than stitching out something in my own color choices.

Q:  What software did you start digitizing with and what software are you using now?

A: I started with Embird Studio and it took quite a while for it to make any sense at all. I now use Janome DigiPro and love it because my designs don't cause puckering or wrinkling of the fabric. I still use Embird on occasion.

Q:  Who are some of the digitizers that you learned from along the way?  Are there any whose work you admire?

A: Lyn Christian of A Design by Lyn has been a beacon of light for me, and I admire her work tremendously. Linda of StitchinArts is another of my mentors, as is Denise from Sweet Sensations.

Q:  What inspired you to turn "Pro" or was that your plan from the start?

A: Linda of StitchinArts encouraged me to start my own website and even set it up for me, held my hand along the way, and took me step by step through the process. She was just wonderful.

Q:  Where do you sell your designs today?  Do you have a website of your own or do you sell from a mall?

A: I maintain my own website but I believe at some time in the future I will join a mall, to free my time.

Q:  What do you think are the most significant trends you have seen lately in embroidery?

A:  It seems that stitchers have a better understanding of the whole process now, it isn't some big mystery. They are more capable of planning out and accomplishing complicated projects.

Q:  Where do you see machine embroidery going in the future?

A: Bigger and better. I believe more people will go for the commercial machines and the larger hoop size. Stabilizer is improving and taking away the mystery of what to use and when. There are so many thread colors to use and blend... the sky's the limit.

Q:  What advice would you give to a beginner that is just starting their career as a digitizer?

A:  The more you practice the better you get. And don't be afraid to try something you aren't familiar with.

Q:  Is there anything I forgot to ask you that I should be asking about?

A:  No, but I will offer my theory of life. Be a giver.

You can buy Kathy's designs at...  

http://www.ChippewaCabinDesigns.com