You can buy Elizabeth's designs at...  

www.3BellsEmbroidery.com or www.oregonpatchworks.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:  You are so cruel, Larry!!!  Married, Steve -- wonderful friend and husband for 40 years!,  one child -- Joe married to Jill [thank goodness we didn't name him jack!], two grandchildren -- Shelby and Hayes -- the best kids on the planet!,   We live in 2 places Gulf Shores, AL and Granbury, TX. -- just can't give up being Texicans! , and now for the cruelty part!  I remember Elvis well and the Beatles!  U2 ok and Ricky who???  Just kidding.  Is he related to Ricky Ricardo by any chance? 

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

A:  In 1999 -- My wonderful DH bought me a Deco 600 as a surprise.  I loved it!!  I embroidered everything!  Then I discovered digitizing and people would run from me -- afraid I would embroider something on them!  Soooo I got a good friend to design me a webpage and started selling on the net.  Haven't stopped since!

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

A:  I started on the Deco Wizard and graduated to Bernina Designer Plus.  Mainly because I love painting and drawing [for years I did art shows across Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas] and considered this another medium.  Plus it is very addictive!

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

A:  Deco Wizard and graduated to Bernina Artista.  Now on #5 Artista Designer Plus and #6 PED -- fixing to order #7

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

A:Nita O'Keefe and Elsa.  Love to visit Stephanie's site at Threat Sketches.  A wonderful artist.  Also Aunty M.  And Betty's Sunset Threads.  Miss her bunches.  And of course our dear sweet Holly who bought some snow people from me years ago and we talked and talked about how much we love the little guys!  I will always remember you, Holly!  You probably encouraged me more than anyone in those early days!

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

A:  Never the plan, just a transition and encouragement from my husband and all of those people that were dizzy from the embroidery I was committing!

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 sell on my website http://www.3bellsembroidery.com href="http://www.3bellsembroidery.com/">http://www.3bellsembroidery.com and on       Oregon Patchworks Mall http://www.oregonpatchworks.com/collections.php?id=BELL href="http://www.oregonpatchworks.com/collections.php?id=BELL">http://www.oregonpatchworks.com/collections.php?id=BELL

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

A: I guess I am just an old fuddy duddy.  I like the traditional stuff.  But I do love the look of lace and bobbin work. 

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

A:  Hopeful over the moon!  And the influx of younger embroiderers is fantastic!  Seeing my grand daughter interested in it is very encouraging!  The younger generation is going to keep this medium alive!

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

A:  Perseverance and persistence and try try again!

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

A:  Well, you didn't exactly ask my age......and I'm not tellin!  LOL