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| Designer's Name: Kathy Hackford | |
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Location: LAYTON, UT
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Thank you for participating in our Friday Feature Kathy! Would you start off by telling how you first got into designing (professionally and/or just for fun)?
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Many of your designs have a nature/outdoors theme. How big a role does your scenic Utah environment play in your design subject matter?
My environment plays a huge role in my designs. I'm surrounded by beauty and nature at all times. When I first came to UT, I loved the scenery, but didn't really "see" it, if that makes sense. Now-as I have (sigh) aged, I see and appreciate everything from the magnificent backdrop of mountain range, to the nesting birds in my back yard. We camp a lot, and as evident in my designs, I love the moose. I know, they really are ugly, but once you get past that...they're really quite cute. I will always have an urge to design outdoorsy type stuff, but I'm definitely not stuck in that rut. My designing inspiration runs wild, and I like that about myself. I can turn a corner without looking back. Design a moose today-a guitar tomorrow. And they don't have too much in common (but hey, there could be a design idea in there somewhere).
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A sense of humor also seems to work its way into many of your designs. Is this a reflection of your personality and do you feel stitchers enjoy lightening up their subject matter on occasion? Absolutely, stitchers like to lighten their subject matter. I hear it too often that they want "fun stuff". For myself designing fun and humorous patterns has helped me lighten up. I never considered myself uptight or anything, but I've had my share of "lighten up" remarks. Especially from my husband and boys. My plan is to live the rest of my life with an open-mind and positive attitude, and not to worry about small matters. I know that's easier said than done, but life can throw you some curveballs, and humor can help you get through that. Throwing humor into my designs and being surrounded by them are like little affirmations on a daily basis.
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New From Designs By Lisa... Moose Be Summertime Designs By Lisa introduces a new series featuring a lovable little guy by the name of "Mombo The Moose"! "Moose Be Summertime" (shown here) features Mombo with a cool, tasty slice of watermelon. The stitch count is 56 x 84 and a bee charm by JABCO is included. Suggested retail price is only $7.00. See Mombo in "Moose Be Fall" and look for him to be appearing in more Designs By Lisa patterns soon! Click the link at the bottom of the page to view all of Designs By Lisa leaflets available at HDC. |
What are some hobbies or interests that occupy your time when you're not designing? Hobbies or interests? Camping-you can't live in UT and not go camping. Though I'm not an all out tent and rough n' it type of girl. I'm more your comfy motorhome type of girl. I love to camp, but love a soft bed, and it's always nice to have a curling iron, you know, in case of emergency. I also love to paint. As in houses. I'm a little obsessive when it comes to the painting though. I won't let anyone else do it. It's one of those unexplained phenomenon, or as my husband puts it...I have to be in control type of things. I prefer it be called the prior. Call me crazy-but I also like to tile. I was so excited when my husband bought me a tile saw. "Just imagine what I can do now" is what was going through my head. Although, he has to do all the really hard work that goes with getting ready to tile. I just like to do the actual tiling, and then take all the credit because it looks so good. If there isn't a design in hand, there is usually a paintbrush or new home project taking place. Stripping and refinishing a coffee table is next on the agenda. Oh, and last year, my husband bought a motorcycle that I refused...and I repeat...refused...to even sit on. Well, taking my own advice and new motto for life, I decided to give it a whirl. He took me for a ride, and he still is!!! I actually really enjoyed it and it may possibly turn out to be another new hobby of mine.
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Would you share a little about your family? Are they supportive of your cross-stitch design business? I've been married for 24 years in August. I have two boys, ages 22 and 21. My husband is the Safety Director for the State of UT, one son is a surveyor, and the other is a realtor. Our boys bought a house together and are no longer living with us, but we don't consider ourselves empty-nesters. We are spreading our wings, taking flight, and having fun. All of my men are very supportive of my business, though none are really interested in learning how to stitch. They do, however, provide much inspiration. The poem in "The Greatest Fisherman" was written by my oldest son. My youngest plays guitar, and offered his consultation for those. And of course, the design "Attitude Adjustments" and having two sons isn't just a coincidence. "Lasting Love" is a tribute to my marriage, which I take much pride in given the fact we knew each other for only three weeks, and marrying three weeks later. We definitely were meant for each other. And my husband is always telling me I live in my own little world, hence that had to come out in a design. Come to find out, the response I got from that one, lets me know there are others out there just like me. Whew, that's a relief!
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How long have you lived in Utah and where did you grow up? I was born in UT, grew up in CA, moved back to UT, got married, left for another six years, then returned, and have been here ever since 1991.
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Do you provide any services for stitchers to get updates on new releases or Designs By Lisa news in general? Yes, I have a website that includes a newsletter if stitchers or shops want to keep up on what's new. They need to email me though if they want to be added to my newsletter. My website address is www.xstitchdesignsbylisa.com. From there, you can email me and request to be added to my newsletter recipients. When new things are added, a newsletter will go out via email.
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As our industry struggles to re-attain previous success, what do you think we can do over the next few years to boost cross-stitch sales in America and the world? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I salute all the shop owners/designers/teachers out there who are trying to teach the younger generations. I'm not a teacher. When I try, things come out sounding way too complicated than they really are. I will teach friends and family, but there has been only one person who has actually been hooked instantly after being taught by me. She's young, hip, and our future. She already knows what kind of things she would like to stitch, and I'm listening. And I think that's the key. Listening to what the consumer wants without losing ourselves in the process. As designers, we all have our own style, likes, and dislikes, and it's hard to please everyone every time, but self expression is what designing is all about. For me, I like to be different. In almost every aspect of my life. As a business, my individuality has made it a success. So, I think we, the designers, teachers, shop owners and the industry in general are on the right track of teaching, and boosting enthusiasm with fresh new designs that will appeal to a whole new generation. There will always be stitchers. We just have to keep them interested and excited, and excited enough that they recruit others.
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If you were forced to give up designing forever, what would your last design be? Hmmm....do you know something I don't? From where I'm sitting, there is no last design in sight. So unless, you can see my untimely retirement or demise, it's pretty impossible to answer that. If and when I do ever have to give up designing, I'll get back with you on that last design.
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Your name is Kathy but your business is called Designs By Lisa. How does the "Lisa" fit in? In a nutshell, my dad was out of town when I was born. My mom named me Lisa Kathleen and called me that for several days. Dad came home, and didn't like the name...so he started calling me Kathy. So, "for my mom", I used the name she wanted me to go by.
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We like to end our features with a solicitation for a favorite recipe! Do you have one from the Hackford kitchen you could share? I thought I would have to say...just because my house came with a kitchen, doesn't mean I know how to use it! I'm not really a recipe person...I just throw things together. Luckily, my family is still alive. But my sister gave me a quick cake recipe the other day that I made for my son's 21st birthday and it didn't turn out so bad. The only thing is, you're supposed to make cupcakes out of it...I didn't have time so I threw it all together. I have no clue if there is a name for this cake, so I named it: The Cake With No Name 1 box cake mix (any kind) Mix cake according to package directions and pour into 13 x 9 cake pan. Cream together one 8 oz. package of cream cheese with 1/3 cup sugar, add one egg & a dash of salt. Then stir in 6 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips. Carefully spread this on top of cake batter and bake according to cake directions. It's pretty rich, but if that's your thing....it's pretty yummy. Oh, and if you're making it for a birthday cake...make sure you put the correct amount of candles on it. My son was short one. And he counted.
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