DebBee’s Designs is moving! We’re leaving Conway, AR after 23 years, and headed to western Oklahoma to help take care of mother-in-law.
The good news! I’ll have a dedicated studio space, about 500 sq. ft, which is about triple the space I have now. It will be awesome to not be spread out all over, to have everything in one place. I’ll probably take some time to get things organized and arranged, but I’m excited about the possibilities!
The bad news. I’m leaving my fabulous local needlework shop, The Stitcher’s Garden. I’m leaving my stitching groups. I don’t know if there will be any stitchers where I’m going, but I’ll try my best to find them.
Moving is always hard, but it’s also a time of exploration. When I moved to Conway, all I knew was cross stitch on Aida. I had done a little stitching on linen, with no instruction, but counted canvas wasn’t even on my radar. I had never seen or heard of Hardanger. Goldwork and other surface embroidery didn’t exist as far as I knew.
I met some wonderful stitchers in Conway when I was model stitching for Leisure Arts. Thanks to my friends, I saw counted canvas and Hardanger for the first time, learned about ANG and EGA, went to the Spirit of Cross Stitch Festivals. They encouraged me to design, to publish and sell my designs, and to teach. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their influence.
Perhaps there will be similar experiences in western Oklahoma. I hope so anyway! I’ll still be designing, teaching, traveling, and all the things I’m doing now. DebBee’s Designs is not closing, just moving.
All you western Oklahoma stitchers, give me a shout out! I’d love to get together to stitch! And a fond farewell to all my friends in Arkansas. Hopefully we’ll see each other around!