Why do you enjoy hand embroidery?

I enjoy making things, and the feel of the materials. This means that I enjoy working with silk and linen the most. It's a (mostly) relaxing way to make something unique and beautiful.

What’s the first thing you can remember stitching?

As a child I could often be found underneath my Mom's sewing machine. And the first thing I remember making was a lined vest for my barbie doll. I used a scrap of organza or some other sheer fabric over a lining. It was a fancy vest ! Most of my sewing as a child was barbie doll clothing. As an adult, my good friend Roberta took me to Leeward's (a craft store) to buy a needlepoint kit. We had just finished Grad School together and she told me I needed a hobby!

What are you currently working on?

'Currently working on' is an interesting phrase. I confess that I am a serial starter and have many many projects going on. But I am also a seasonal stitcher so the ones receiving the most attention are two cross stitch patterns : 'Pumpkin Spice Season' by Stitching Housewives and 'Trick or Treat' Sampler by Victoria Sampler (the top part is cross stitch, but it actually. contains multiple techniques). I love the spooky house at the top of the sampler, and I needed to see what it would look like. I am also taking a few classes - Strawberry Thief by Becky Hogg through the RSN and my classes with Kelley : Heirloom Sampler and Gingerbread Advent Calendar

What is on your wishlist of stitching projects?

I love all things silk and metal and stump work and would love to continue building my skills in those techniques. The one technique that interests me but is difficult to find is tambour embroidery. So I was excited to see that Hand and Lock is offering a few classes in 2026.

What else can you tell us about yourself?

I am Peruvian (was born in Peru) and am married to a native New Yorker. My husband Len was born and grew up in the Lower East Side of NYC. We have a 10.5lb Chihuahua named Eddie and move to the suburbs after we got married. I retired last July so I could take Kelley's Heirloom Sampler class (lol) so I'm very excited that I'm finally taking it !!!