Just in case you were dying of curiousity, here is a brief history of Friendstitch and my stitching "career".
Mom (aka Pat Frederick) got me interested in stitching when I was about 11 or 12. She was taking needlepoint and crewel lessons and I was fascinated. I started on a few simple crewel and needlpoint kits and enjoyed them, but wanted more of a challenge. So I designed my own needlepoint pillow, entered it in the Maryland State Fair, got a first place in my age category, and have been addicted ever since.
In college, a friend introduced me to counted thread, which opened up another whole world. Needlework became an increasing important part of my life and contributed greatly to me retaining my sanity during graduate school. (Sidebar: I have a Bachelors degree in Chemistry/Math and a PhD in Biostatistics).
In 1988 Mom decided to fulfull a long-time dream to open a needlework shop. Friendstitch opened at Savage Mill carrying supplies for counted thread. Over the years, needlepoint supplies were added with an emphasis on threads. During the "shop years", I helped Mom by working in the shop, attending trade shows, taking inventory, placing orders and teaching classes. I enjoyed it immensely. I also started shipping mail orders to customers who had visited the shop while in town visiting.
Around 1993, I started to sell some of my original designs that I had been using as teaching pieces. I was pleasantly suprised with the positive feedback I received. Designing is a lot of fun, but definitely takes a lot of time and energy!
Mom decided to retired in 2001. I was not in a position to take over the shop full time, so it was closed. However, I have continued Friendstitch as a mail order business since then.
On the personal side, I am a single mom (Michael 11, Stephen 8) living in Ellicott City, Maryland. I work for a small business that coordinates medical research studies for NIH. I am a Scorpio and have reached the 40 milestone in recent years. I am also an active member of my local ANG chapter and love going to the National Seminar.
Thanks for visiting my website!
Margaret