Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Customer Spotlight - Rachie from Olmsted Township, OH

This is the third in our series Cobweb Corner Customer Spotlight. Enjoy the interview and the fabulous photos chosen especially to share with you. Please comment after reading the interview - the featured stitcher will be thrilled to know you took the time to admire and comment on their craft.

Tell us something unique about yourself: Three years ago I discovered my left eye wasn't seeing clearly. I immediately went to the eye doctor who sent me to a specialist. A macular hole was discovered. I had surgery for that some months later and had to lie on my stomach with my head down for an entire week. I thought my days of stitching were over! After the surgery, my eye has slowly healed. I can see to stitch now with reading glasses. Modern Medicine is Amazing!!!

How long have you been stitching and how did you start? I've stitched for about 15 years. I saw a *pattern* in a stitchery book and began. Of course, I didn't do it properly, but I learn very fast!

Why did you select the pieces you did to share with us? I selected the Wool Gatherer (Shepherd's Bush - photo at top). I won the 2nd place ribbon at our local Needlework Guild's Show, I was very excited as this was my first year placing an item. Wool Gatherer took an entire year to complete. I loved the silver charms and the actual New Zealand wool, which gave the piece such dimension. It came alive for me!

I am also happy to share two of my Christmas Stockings, both by Shepherd's Bush. The charms added such old-fashioned character. They're finished in green velvet.













Dresser Drawer Heart by Shepherd's Bush......many tiny decorative stitches, this really keep me on my *toes*. I love the shabby chic frame which finishes off the piece nicely.

Do you have a favorite designer or style that you prefer? I prefer stitching fanciful and fun things. Shepherd's Bush is my absolute favorite. I adore anything *fun* with an old-fashioned flair. I usually stitch on linen over two and I enjoy decorative stitching as well.

Is there anything you wish would change in the cross stitch industry? What's really important is to have someone available at shops to assist newbies with stitching questions. I've come across too many people who became quickly discouraged.

How often do you stitch and where in the house do you do it? I used to stitch everyday, but now just a few hours a week, sitting in my bedroom chair when the light is good. I can see best then.

Are you embarrassed to admit to friends and family how much stash you have on hand? Only to my Husband. I usually say...Why I've Had This Kit for Years, and YES I do need all of those patterns!

Do you have a favorite Quote? Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.

Anything else you want to add? Yes - my own question: How often do you visit your favorite shop? Quite often.....I'm even thinking of *volunteering* there this winter. I can spend hours looking at new patterns, discussing new designers & chatting with fellow stitchers.

Thank you Rachie! Please post questions/comments for Rachie below.

11 comments:

TDC said...

Love your stuff! I'll be visiting your shop around Christmas time! Have a great day!!!

Unknown said...

I love your samples! Are they from kits or books?

And where is Olmstead Township? We just returned from a trip to Westerville, Ohio, where I habe family.

Anonymous said...

I love the patterns and kits from Shepherds Bush, too! Your work is just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Your stitchery is beautiful keep up the good work. I think it was wonderful that you enter into a contest and came in 2nd, maybe next time you'll win 1st place. I'll keep you in my prayers. Joan

Unknown said...

Your work is exquisite. I am an avid stitcher, but have cut down in the last few years. I used to visit my favorite shop 1x per week, but Cross Stitch seems to have fallen out of favor in this area (Virginia Beach, VA) so most of the stores (especially my favs) have closed down. Boo hoo!

Anonymous said...

Rachie,

I am soooo glad that your vision was corrected:)
Your work is beautiful

Debbie
AKA: Busydebbie

Anonymous said...

I love Shepherd's Bush also, especially the colors. Where have all the CXS stores gone??

Dot/FL

Marilyn from Maryland said...

I also have a large stash of patterns. I was always coming up with ideas for gifts for friends and family by combining elements from different patterns into a "special" design just for them.
I am always in need of thread.
I used to buy all my thread from WalMart, but the stores around here have stopped selling the Xstitch items, including the embroidery thread!!!Now when I need thread, I have to go to Pennsylvania to a store called GOODS. I can still get the thread at the JoAnn Stores, but the trip is further away.
Here's hoping someone out there will realize that X stitch is still alive and we still need our supplies.
Marilyn

~ Sue ~ said...

Hi Rachie, your work is stunning! I love each piece that you shared. I also loved the idea of having people handy to help others, but in my case, we would need someone to open a shop for that to occur. All of our CCS shops are gone in this area except for the larger chain stores, and their CCS supply inventory is slim and none. Maybe one day my husband will let me open my own shop! Thanks for sharing your info....very interesting reading!
Sue

CareyCottage said...

Thank you ladies for your kind words. The Gatherer series are kits. The stockings are still available. Dresser Drawers I believe was a kit.

We have two excellent stores in my area. They're both doing very well. I fell in love with a little shop in Berlin OH, but it sold. The new owner is carrying mostly needlepunch.

I'm in a suburb of Cleveland, near the airport (west). Please check me out at CareyCottage here on blogspot.

CareyCottage said...

Sue: Tell that DH of yours that he must help you get this shop opened. Until then, you'll have to get your *goods* from Cobweb Corner!