In Good Company – designer profile

Originally posted 2006-07-18 07:55:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Note: I’ve been stitching In Good Company mini-socks almost as long as they have been
in business. Here’s my interview with Bob Healy, who is the technical whiz behind the
company.

1. Can you tell me a little bit about computer-printed canvas and its advantages to me as
a stitcher? 

We use a commercial printer and inks designed to produce Fine Art Prints and Posters.
The inks are water-fast and fade-resistant. The advantages to a stitcher would be in the
cost-effectiveness and quality of designs. Needlepoint has always been thought of as a
‘rich woman’s hobby’ with hand painted one-of-a-kind designs. There will always be a
place for these works of art, but why not make good designs available for everyone to be
able to stitch! Needlepoint is a wonderful art form that everyone should be able to enjoy.
That’s the niche that we can provide.

2. In Good Company has been doing this a long time, can you give us some background
about how the technology has changed?

The technology available today allows us to produce a product that when first viewed is
hard to distinguish from hand painted canvases. When we first introduced computer
painted designs in 1985, there were very few printers that could take needlepoint canvas.
The colors back then were limited and substandard with what is available in today’s
market. We are the first to admit the initial responses were anything but positive. At
present time we have many shops nationwide that are happy with our product (winning
back many of our old customers.) 

3. Are there things a computer printed canvas can’t do very well?

Well, we can’t guarantee ‘on-line’, due to canvas manufacturing discrepancies. This makes
repetitive patterns difficult to maintain accuracy. That’s why we try to not include them in our designs.

4. What should I look for when buying a computer-printed canvas, can I just buy them the
way I would any canvas?

The industry is growing and there are more and more designers using this technology.
However, we can only speak for ourselves and what we produce. Look for products
printed by In Good Company! Now that we have that out of our way, we would
recommend, like they say in the diamond industry, Color and Clarity! The colors should
be bright with well defined edges (not blurry.) Look with ‘stitchers eyes’ for easy to follow
details. A good printed canvas may not be ‘on line’ but should be close enough that only
slight adjustments are necessary, without compromising the design.

5. What are some tips for stitching a computer printed canvas?

We are happy to say ‘stitch away’! A good printed canvas is stitched just like any other
needlepoint canvas. That is hard-won advice!

Related posts:

1. Designer Profile – Anne Stradal
2. Fancy Carole – designer profile
3. Kathy Schenkel – Designer Profile
4. Marie Buffington – Needlepoint Designer Profile
5. Amy Wolfson – Designer Profile