Fancy Carole – designer profile
I love Fancy Carole’s designs, they always make me smile. Carole’s designs are always charming and they stitch up like a dream. One of the best things about them is that they leave space wide open for creativity. If you are new to needlepoint or want to make your first painted canvas, they can be stitched simply. If you’re an experienced stitcher and want to go crazy with threads and stitches, this is the place to do it.
I’ve got a great 3-D Christmas tree of Carole’s which is trimmed with all kinds of threads, a garland (made from a Rainbow Gallery thread) and packages with real bows underneath.
But then another of my favorites is a simple frame which I used as a way to try out Ribbon Floss when it first came out.
Another great thing about Carole’s designs is that many of them come on 14 mesh canvas. This means that if you prefer working on the larger mesh size, you can get great style.
I recently interviewed Carole and here is that interview:
How did you get started designing?
I was working for a very talented lady at a local needlepoint shop stitching samples and selling. She taught me to block and then decided I might as well learn how to paint too. I got hooked on painting and it has become my biggest passion in life other than my two children.
What are the things you like best about needlepoint?
It is so relaxing and creative, challenging at times, and I love thefinished product.
How would you describe your style?
I tend to like perfection and since I’m a little compulsive, I enjoy a well-painted, symmetrical piece of needlepoint to design, as well as to stitch.
What are your main influences when you design?
I love allover designs and love having many holiday items around the house. I have been designing some larger pieces lately and have really enjoyed”branching out” with different shapes. It’s so fun to have a bigger variety of shapes, sizes and finishing possibilities.
What are your goals (if any) when you make up a new design?
When I design my goal is to produce a well-painted canvas that’s fun to stitch. I keep a list of ideas all year long for new things to design and hope I have the time to do them right before markets. Wish I had more time to create!
One of the things I really like about your designs is that
they are creative and easy enough for the beginning stitcher. How
can needlepointers who are just starting out pick a great design to
do and how can they make their painted canvas pieces special?
I would encourage customers to start small and read all of the wonderful”stitches” books they can find and then look at the multitude of fun threads out there. All of the shops seem to have wonderful finishers that can really make projects into something special.
Which do you prefer stitching or designing?
I love both and although I paint more, I love to just sit and stitch as often as possible.
Can you describe a bit about how you work?
Since I work at home, it’s very convenient to work at any time. I have agreat studio so it’s easy to pick up a brush whenever I can. I’m somewhat of a workaholic and usually manage to work all day and most times, in the evenings too. I am so passionate about my work that there’s no such thing as enough for me.
Carole’s designs are currently (2007) distributed by GailVail.
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