You can buy Mimi's designs at...  

http://wwwDaffydowndilly.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:My name is Mimi Deck, although you may know me as "Daffy".  I am married to Mark and we live in Madison, Mississippi.  Together we have 3 children and 6 very GRANDchildren.  The Beatles were the hotties when I was in High School, but I remember all of the above!!!

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

A:  I bought my first embroidery machine in the early 90's when Brother came out with the PE-100.  Over the years I have done a lot of embroidery by hand but being able to do it quickly with a machine fascinated me.  In addition, machine embroidery allowed me to "multi-task" -- Sewing while embroidering!

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

A:  I guess I wanted to digitize ever since I got into machine embroidery, but with a full time job there never seemed to be enough time.

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

A: I started digitizing with PE-Design version 3 but quickly moved up to 5, 6, and now version 7.

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

A:  There are so many wonderful digitizers!!!  It depends on the embroidery style, but I love Reen's (Embroidery Garden) creativity and Marilyn Brandon's (Sew Many Designs) applique.

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

A: Encouragement from my friends who tested my designs. 

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 my designs through my website www.daffydowndilly.com.   I also sell my designs through Oregon Patchworks Mall at  http://www.oregonpatchworks.com/collections.php?id=DDD

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

A:  Embroiderers today are a lot more savvy than I was when I first started.  I think they demand better products not only in the digitizing form but with supplies, stabilizers, threads, etc.

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

A:  I am an optimist and I believe we've only just begun!!!

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

A: Don't try to learn everything at once.  Take a step by step approach to learning to digitize.  Get help by means of tutorials (there are some wonderful tutorials out there) and groups who use the particular software they are using, and
never give up!!

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

A: Yes.  Do I love it?  I adore this business.  What a ride!!!

You can buy Mimi's designs at...  

http://www.Daffydowndilly.com