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Ladybug Lane Designs |
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| Designer's Name: Jennifer Cooke-Rabig | |
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Location: Mobile, AL
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Thank you for participating in our Friday Feature Jennifer! Would you begin by telling a little about your cross-stitch background?
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How did Ladybug Lane Designs get its start?
Wow...that was a tough process! I had originally done a design of the “Irish Blessing” for a dear Priest who was so helpful to me and my family after my first husband passed away. I knew I wanted to do that as my first design and I wanted to do it specifically as my daughter’s school choir had sung it … but I had absolutely no idea how to begin or where to find fabrics, threads, etc. Chris and I (my wonderful “geeky” husband!) were told about and attended a show in Charlotte, NC, and learned a lot about the trade and “who sold what” and where to find it, and of course – spent far too much money! With everyone’s encouragement, and the love and assistance of my wonderful in-laws, we held our breath and sent the newly stitched model of “Irish Blessing” to Nashville the next February. Miranda of Weeks Dye Works was kind enough to take it for us, and after that going so well we attended the Charlotte show later that year and the Columbus show the next. The joys of self-publishing have been a real eye-opener, and Ladybug Lane nearly didn’t keep going several times (well, “Ms. Ladybug” was ready to chuck it all – LOL), but each time I get ready to do that, “Mr. Ladybug” gives a much needed kick in the pants, finds a solution, and off we go again! We’re getting ready to attend our 5th show in Nashville, and we’re happy we kept going.
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What are some of the different themes or categories of designs offered by Ladybug Lane Designs? There are so many wonderful things in the world that it’s hard to settle on one particular “niche” for Ladybug Lane, so we do a little bit of everything – from blessings and angels to cute and whimsical and all in between.
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A Favorite From Ladybug Lane Designs... Good Morning Glory One of Ladybug Lane's best sellers at HDC has been Good Morning Glory, a cheery design stitched with the soothing "Cottage Colors" threads from Crescent Colours as well as Gentle Arts. This design has a stitch count of 82w x 109h and retails for a suggested $8.50. Fans of Ladybug Lane will recognize the trademark baby ladybug charm that is included! |
Of all the designs you’ve created over the years, what are a few of your personal favorites? They’re ALL my favorites! Actually, like books there are always some particular favorites, and “Irish Blessing” , “3 Ships,” “Sweet Pea Babies” and “Grace” are a few of them for me. I loved creating “The Little Red-Haired Girl” series too, and she may appear again someday ... you just never know with that one!
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How important is your website to your business? It’s very important. There are a lot of reasons for a designer to have a website, one being (which I found out from a letter I received from a stitcher) is that there are shut-ins and disabled persons out there who just wouldn’t be able to see all the new designs from a favorite designer without the website. Also, stitchers who don’t have access to a local needlework shop are able to go on my website, see what’s new and where the closest shop might be to them. If they don’t have one near them, then I’m able to find a good online shop for them to be able to order designs and supplies. And yes, even to correct mistakes they sometimes find in the chart. (Ouch!)
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Would you tell us a little about your family? Yes, I’m happy to! I have three grown children, all scattered around the South. My eldest son is with the Sheriff’s Dept. in Georgia, while my other son (the middle child) is in construction in North Carolina. My daughter (the baby) is a wife and Mother in Kentucky. I have seven (count ‘em – 7) grandchildren ranging in ages from 23 months to nearly 17 years of age, and two step-children who are both in college.
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What are a few of your favorite non-stitching hobbies or interests? Well, what I enjoy most besides stitching is reading. My grandfather used to fuss at me when I was little because I always had “my nose in a book.” But I loved it then and I still do now. There are certain favorites that I re-read most every year, and one of those is “Winter Solstice” by Rosamunde Pilcher. Each time I read it I find something new to love. Since marrying an Alabama boy and moving to Mobile, Alabama last year I’ve found that I do watch College Football with my husband and his family (and am learning to enjoy it) a lot in the Fall. I’m not going to discriminate between any teams by mentioning names, but I will say “Roll Tide!”
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What are a few things you enjoy most about being a part of the cross-stitch industry? Besides getting to work/stitch with the wonderful fabrics and variegated threads (love them!) that we are so blessed to have at this time, I think that our most favorite thing is attending the trade shows. Chris and I both love being able to go there and meet shop owners and our wonderful distributors and other vendors, and we always come back renewed and full of brand new ideas. It’s a pleasure to be able to talk with each of them one-on-one, and to count quite a few of them as friends.
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In your opinion, what are a few advantages to purchasing designs and supplies from an independently owned needlework shop (as opposed to a chain store)? Brick and mortar shops are wonderful, and I truly think they are our best resource for all that’s new and upcoming in the cross-stitch world. Where else can you go and actually see and feel the fabrics and thread, or look at buttons and beads and pick out the ones that sparkle the most or have the most appeal? I think though that the biggest advantage to an independently owned needlework shop is the owner and staff. While chain stores do have their place in the industry, unfortunately they don’t have the staff to show a new stitcher how much fun cross-stitch really can be, or help someone who wants to change the fabric color or thread color. Not to mention help with a confusing stitch, or finding just the right design for a customer who wants something for a new bride or new baby. I could go on and on and on, but suffice it to say that I’m all in favor of and support our brick and mortar shops.
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Would you mind sharing a favorite recipe as we close this Friday Feature? Oh boy – while I love to cook when I have time, most of the time when Chris says "what are you making for dinner?" my reply is "a phone call"! LOL! I will however, give you one of HIS recipes which is really, really yummy! Quick 'N Easy Sausage & Peppers 5 or 6 Italian Sausages (we prefer mild) 1 medium onion 1 green bell pepper 1 red bell pepper 1 medium can petite diced tomatoes 1 small can tomato sauce with basil & oregano McCormick's Italian Seasoning Tiny bit of Wesson oil Using a "stir fry" pan, put small amount of oil in bottom and turn heat to medium or medium low. Chop onions and stir fry them a bit. Slice the sausages into about 1/2 to 1 inch long and add to pan. Let cook (I cover for a bit) until brown on all sides. Slice bell peppers into strips and add to pan with a small amount of Italian Seasoning. Cook about 10 minutes. Drain excess oil and add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add more Italian season to taste, stirring well. Cover and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Serve over pasta or rice or even plain, and cheese toast and a salad are a nice addition! Hope everyone enjoys this -- we sure do!
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