Friday, January 1, 2010

Customer Spotlight #12: Joann Laskoski

This is the 12th 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.

Click each picture to see larger detail.

Tell us something unusual about your self: There is really nothing unusual about me. I am 63 and live in Wilkes- Barre, Pa. with my husband. We have 2 sons and 2 grandaughters. My husband and I watch our grandaughters 5 days a week and love doing it.

How long have you been stitching and how did you start? I have been stitching for about 30 years. I started out with needlepoint. Took a class at our local mall many years ago. I did some embroidery back then too, not much. Then I found counted cross stitch and fell in love with it. I have been doing it ever since.

Why did you select the pieces you did to share with us? I selected the pieces because they are some of my favorite. I did THE LAST SUPPER it is a leaflet from LEISURE ARTS, as a wedding gift to my son and daughter-in-law, THE BARN OWL, is a kit by Janlynn, and the birds don't remember the name of it, is a kit by Marjolein Bastin.

Do you have a favorite designer or style that you prefer?
As a favorite designer I think it would have to be Marjolein Bastin. Her projects are so easy to do and I like evenweave fabric. I still use Adia but evenweave is my all time favorite. I prefer to do birds and floral mostly, but if I see a chart that I really like I will buy it and make it. I make most of my projects as gifts. I like more difficult charts. I like the challenge.


Is there anything you wish would change in the cross stitch industry? I wish designers would sell more charts than kits. I have every color of the DMC floss so if I buy a kit sometimes I use my own colors. Also I wish there were more shops that you could get the materials that you need. Sometimes it's better to see what you are buying.


How often do you stitch and where do you do it?
usually try to stitch every night watching TV. I converted one of our bedrooms into my craft room when the boys got married. So now all my stash is in one room not all over the house.

Are you embarrassed to admit to friends and family how much stash you have on hand? Yes, I am embarressed to even tell anyone how much stash I have. They don't believe me. I am hoping to teach my oldest grandaughter to cross stitch when she gets a little older ( she's only 4). Then I won't have to worry about all my stuff it will be passed down to her and her sister

Do you have a favorite quote? "Do it right the first time". I've done a lot of frogging over the years.

Anything else you would like to add? I don't have a question but I am so glad you started this blog. It's nice to see other people's work.


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

12 comments:

paintingpam said...

Wonderful interview to see how other crafters do their craft.

Maria Soto Robbins said...

Great interview and beautiful work, Joann! I used to do cross stitch years ago and always loved doing it, although I haven't for some time now. I have a tablecloth that I did with my mother (before she died) that I adore! Not because of the design necessarily but because we did it together:)!!
Maria

Anonymous said...

It's always good to see what everyone is doing!! Love the barn owls!! one of my favorite birds!!! Good work!!

Dot Johnson said...

You sure do like a challenge - I can't imagine doing The Last Supper, but it is beautiful. Funny, I am 63, lived in PA most of my life, and have a 4 year old granddaughter!! I have her working on plastic needlepoint just to get the coordination of stitching.

Dot Johnson
Another Featured XStitcher

Anonymous said...

I love the Last Supper,you did a beautiful job
I also like the other pictures "but not into birds. Sincerly
Joan Harrison/West

Anonymous said...

Everything is beautiful but I especially loved The Last Supper - wow! I've seen the kit/chart, but have never seen it stitched. I also enjoy the more detailed projects, so I can well imagine the time and effort that went into all your pieces. Happy stitching!

MaryT said...

Really beautiful stitching. I also love Marjolein Bastin I have some of her charts just have never done them. Makes me want to do then seeing your beautiful work.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work! I am working on that same Last Supper right now. It's a beautiful piece. I too would like for designers to sell more charts than kits. I have all the DMC colors and lots of fabric. Enjoyed reading about you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing you work with us. The Last Supper is just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I agree with anonymous, jan 5 8:06 I wish designer charts were more realily available-instead of kits. I use old charts and magazines I think the charts are more meaningful. Billie

Anonymous said...

beautiful work

corkrose said...

Love the Last Supper - did a copy in wool over 30 years ago - love yours though :)