I thought that this would be an important section to add to my web site. I know that I always feel better about making transactions when I know that there is an actual human being on the other end. I also hope to inspire your love for needlework by telling you a little bit about mine.

My name is Janice. My husband and I live on a small acreage just outside of Calgary, Alberta Canada. Our family consists of two dogs (a white german shepherd named Sheba and a Weimaraner named Payton) and a few cats (okay, 4 cats). My hobbies outside of stitching include gardening, knitting, collecting antique needlework tools, reading, camping and horseback riding.

Traditional Stitches opened in September, 2000. I had been thinking about opening a needlework shop for quite a while and finally decided to take the plunge! It really is a dream come true and I can honestly say that I love my job :-)

Needlework, in general, is something that I am completely in love with. My mother taught me to knit when I was about 6 years old. Also at my mother's knee, I made latch hook rugs, embroidered iron transfered patterns and learned to cross stitch. In the past several years, my passion for all things needlework has exploded. I have learned to hand applique, hand quilt, do hardanger and my specialty stitch repertoire has grown. I guess you could say that when it comes to needle and thread, I have no fear.

In June 1999, I joined the Deerely Wrought Sampler Guild. This is a group of needlework enthusiasts with a special interest in traditional needlework samplers. Please visit the "Deerely Wrought Sampler Guild" page of our web site.

To tell the truth, I had never been impressed by traditional samplers. I thought the colors odd, and the layouts and patterns confused. But after reading a few articles, and attending a few meetings of the Deerely Wrought, I became completely enthralled. The rich history and context of samplers of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries is spectacular. I could study the intricacy of the stitches and complexity of the patterns for the rest of my life and never know it all, or, sadly, stitch it all - although I am making an honest effort!

I lead an offshoot of the Deerely Wrought Sampler Guild that studies 17th Century samplers. I also belong to the Calgary Guild of Needle and Fibre Arts, the Embroiderers Guild of America, and the Historic Needlework Guild. I would recommend that any needleworker become involved in a guild or group as an excellent way to meet people and learn about needlework.

What am I currently stitching? Hmmm...good question ;-) I am working on Amy Mitten's "Tudor Rose" and "Missing Persons", Sharon Cohen's "Queens Sweet Bag" and "Spring Garden Sampler" as well as a mystery quilt, a pair of knitted mittens and a rug hooking kit.

I look forward to getting to know each of you and your special stitching interests, both on a business level and a personal level. there is anything that you would like to see in the way of product, information, or ease of using the web site, I would appreciate your input.

Yours truly,

Janice