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 live in Colorado Springs, Colorado with my husband, my 2 older daughters (20 &18 years old) and OUR two younger daughters (8 & 6 years old) I have two stepsons who live in Northern California. I am 40 years old and a huge country music fan so if I will say I remember The Carpenters, Garth Brooks, and Toby Keith.

 

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

 

A: I got my embroidery machine about 4 years ago. I taught myself to sew 7 years ago because both my younger girls were 3 ft tall at 2 years old. Its a sign. So embroidery was a natural extension to making their homemake clothes look more storebought.

 

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

 

A: I learned to digitize about 3 years ago because the girls would see something in the store and ask me if I could make something like it. Digitizing and the graphic elements of it come naturally to me because the focus of the work I did in journalism was on graphic, computer-based publishing.

 

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

 

A:  I started with Embird and still use it. I cant really imagine using anything else.

 

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

 

 

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

 

A: Honestly, its pure economics added to artistic passion. I am a SAHM so in order to justify digitizing it has to pay back into our budget somewhere. Its also a necessity that my work bend around several other peoples schedules.  

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

A: I see a huge market of new stitchers that really have a hard time finding good information on how to improve their results and make the most of their investment. I love this site because I think it will help make good, solid information more consistently available and allow the stitcher, on any level, to feel more confident in using their machine. Resolving this is the future of machine embroidery.

 

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

 

A:  Use Embird. Buy an Ultimate Box because it holds designs by memory size instead of design count. Most importantly, shop carefully and find the best tutorial package and ask about it extensively before you buy. Remaking designs is not fun. Ask! Digitizers are some of the most generous people I've ever come across and they will gladly share what they know.

 

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

 

A:  I used to get asked alot if I had a real thing for Bears because its most of what I have for sale now. It's nice to have an opportunity to say just once that, while I LOVE my bears, art is a matter of economics. I make the most of what I have that's legitimately available and keeps my overhead costs down. Happily, this season I have new art and new techniques for some exclusive art that I've been holding until I was satisfied with the digitizing quality. Keep your eye on Design News for some really NEW stuff. Thanks!