From the Editor

This issue will introduce you to the backbone of our publication. I know I am prejudiced, but each one is such a special talent with a strong work ethic, a love for needlework and a happy heart. Please meet our dedicated feature writers.

Amy Bunger of "Amy"able Advice for the Stitcher has been teaching needlework since she opened her shop, Amy's Golden Strand, in Memphis, TN in 1985. Her main focus is writing stitch guides for painted canvases. In 1999 she and husband, Bob, started a wholesale company which sells painted canvases complete with stitch guides, stitch books, stitching tools and threads. They also publish Amy's Cookbook for Stitchers and the Celebrity Chef Cookbook for Stitchers. She enjoys writing her column and loves it when she is asked questions from our readers.

Ann Caswell of Noteworthy and New has been teaching needlework for shops, companies and guilds across North America and England since 1979. She has appeared in programs on PBS and HGTV. Ann was Shop Manager for ANG from 1986 to 1991, after which she became National President from 1994 to 1996. Ann co-authored The Thread Thesaurus and was Project Designer for Stitching a Legacy and Design Coordinator for Metallic Thread Embroidery. Trained in research psychology, she has worked as an office manager, crisis counselor and licensed private investigator but now specializes in threads.

Suzanne Howren of From the Bookshelf, has taught classes at shops, guilds, retail markets and national seminars. She specializes in the creation of realistic effects with the use of threads and stitches and has published numerous stitch guides. She is co-author of Stitches For Effect, More Stitches for Effect and Even More Stitches for Effect. She is a partner of Thread Technique Team and co-author of The Thread Thesaurus. Suzanne is a member of the ANG Northern Virginia Chapter and the Washington, DC Chapter of EGA.

Tony Minieri of Adventures in Embellishment, is a certified teacher, designer, lecturer and judge. He is a teacher in great demand all over this country and has been asked to teach in Australia and to be guest artist at the Stitch and Craft Show in Brisbane. Tony also teaches for guilds and shops and has a magic touch for "just the right stitch" for the area. He plans to write a book of stitches from those he has created in stitch and thread guides as well as in teaching projects.

Gail Sirna of Art & Inspiration, holds teacher certification and judging certification from NAN where she was former Director of Education. She also holds credentials from EGA and ANG and has served in many capacities in both guilds. She teaches extensively in the US and Canada and her work has won many awards. Always willing to serve and give of herself, Gail uses her time and talents to promote needlework as an art form. She and husband, Bob, are avid travelers and have visited over 50 countries.

Jody Valentine of Jody's Needlepoint Excitement is an artist, designer and owner of Jody Designs. She is a popular custom designer for shops and for clients and taught a continuing needlepoint class at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Her design style is derived from color, spirit and the use of vivid lines to create dimensional fascination with a lighthearted touch. "I always want to be surrounded by color. Passion for me is creating ideas while jumping out of the box," she said. Always willing to share, Jody takes great delight in encouraging new stitchers.

Joyce Lukomski

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Last Updated November 24, 2004