Anne Powell began her professional life as a primary school teacher in rural NC; her first students were children of tenant farmers and a typical day's routine might include cooking lunches, giving hair cuts and whatever else needed doing. She later taught in an affluent suburb of Baltimore, recalling, "It was quite a culture shock. Since teachers were scarce after WWII, classrooms were very large - never less than 40 children... maximum was 52!"
As most women of her generation, once Anne had children, she was a "stay at home" mom. She found it very satisfying and the rewards, many. When she could find time, she would indulge in her numerous hobbies: reading, gardening, cooking and antiques. Anne engaged in stitching but states, "I don't call needlework a hobby as it has always been part of my life. Inspired & encouraged by my talented mother, I learned early in life to sew, knit & embroider. Needlework is productive, soothing...While you are stitching, you can...hold a conversation, dream, think, plan, listen to music or watch TV. Doing two (or more) things at one time is bliss!"
In 1975, Anne purchased a Danish kit. She remarks, "Since no one informed me that 'linen is HARD to work on' I completed the sampler in no time." It was the year before the Bicentennial and Anne decided to design a sampler to commemorate the occasion. Receiving compliments and offers to buy her design, a business was born! At the time Anne had NO experience in business or merchandising, but she did place an ad for her design kit in House Beautiful. She received inquiries from several shops and one informed her of trade shows where she could exhibit. Obviously one design was not enough, so she got to work! Anne had always been fascinated by Victorian perforated paper samplers, "I love the traditional mottoes and was sad to see how many of them were in poor condition, with paper shredded & colors faded. This inspired me to adapt this art to cross stitch on linen, knowing that the finished samplers would last a lifetime & beyond. My first one, HOME SWEET HOME, was designed in 1976, and is still popular as ever!"
While traveling, Anne discovered the fascinating world of antique needlework tools. When she showed her "finds"to other stitchers, the lament she heard time and again was, "Why don't they make beautiful things like they used to!" Anne saw potential in copying some of them. She elaborates, "Our first reproduction was a sterling silver 'pinsafe,' which could be worn on a chain or suspended from a chatelaine. We have expanded to many other sewing tools, including thimbles, thimble holders, needlecases, tape measures and even complete chatelaines. All are made of genuine sterling silver and some are even produced in 14K gold." Asked about the process involved in having reproductions made, Anne jests, "Having our beautiful silver and gold reproductions made was easy! Only 'blood, sweat & tears' and lots of perspiration instead of inspiration!" Anne is definitely no stranger to inspiration, "I do see things every day that give me ideas and then I try to pursue them." She seeks out skilled artisans and confers with them about what she wants made.
Anne's first full time employee, Rosemarie Ferry, somehow just, "walked into her life" and stayed with her for 14 years. Having never stitched before, by the time Rosemarie retired, she was an expert and passionate cross stitcher. Amazingly, Anne operates her business out of an office, still assisted by only one full time employee of eight years, Rosemarie Moschetti. There's no question that Anne inspires loyalty in her staff. She accomplishes so much because she is a self-admitted "workaholic" and we already know her MO of doing two or more things at once. She increases productivity by working with the best outside "support" teams she can find and then staying with them (graphics firm, computer support, webmaster, etc.). She also has willing volunteers in her "equally busy and wonderful" family - her husband (retired) and four grown children, with families and careers of their own. They form a vital back-up team when Anne requires advice or help and provide her with plenty of moral support. Anne is the R & D Dept., guided by her own intuition and aesthetic, "I only make things that I like, that are classic, and that people will want to use & keep forever! My customers seem to agree." When considering a new product, price is not the primary factor; it is quality and value that Anne insists upon. Apropos to this, she learned this lesson early in life, "I was taught by my wonderful mother that it is better to own one outstanding item which you can keep forever, rather than 100 inferior things which lose luster as soon as you get them home."
CLICK HERE FOR PAGE 2 OF THIS FEATURE
FEATURE STORY ARCHIVES Click below if you missed previous features. HOW CREWEL by Elizabeth Creeden Samplers Through the Ages, Part II Christmas Around the World Part II Color for Needleworkers by Mary Shipp, Part I Color for Needleworkers Part II Meet Audrey Alich and Julie Norton More Flower Power Christmas in July Celebrating with Needlework The History of Hardangersom (Hardanger) Part II The History of Hardangersom (Hardanger) Part I Designers and Floral Interpretation
An interview with four renowned designersMary Hickmott and Cross Stitch Gallery and New Stitches Magazines
by Rita VainiusA Visual and Historical Perspective on "Purses"and "Evening Bags
by Rita VainiusDeveloping Your Creative "Side"
Part II by Lois CaronSudberry House
Providing Fine Wood Accessories to the Needlework CommunityDeveloping Your Creative "Side", Part I
by Lois CaronNeedlework and Computers
Presented by Ann and Bill (Kaz) CaswellJoan Toggitt
Pioneer of the Needlework IndustryNeedlework, Knots and Other Crafts on the High Seas
By Rita Vainius
Thread Information Guide
The ultimate guide to The Caron Collections's variegated threads by Lois CaronStitching For Effect
By Beth Robertson and Suzanne HowrenSamplers Through the Ages
How this Distinctive Needlework Art Form Evolved Throughout Europe and the New World by Rita VainiusMen in the Fiber Arts
From the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution by Rita VainiusFinishing Techniques
For an Open and Lined Mini-Christmas Stocking by Marilynn Arm of Finely Finished NeedlepointWorking with Perforated Paper
Dazzle and Delight with Quick Stitched Tags, Cards and Ornaments. By Lois CaronThe Early Beginnings of Halloween
A Historical Look at Halloween and Needlework. By Rita VainiusAn Inside Look at McCall's Needlework
By Judith Carter, Editor of McCall's NeedleworkAre You Caught in Design Gridlock?
Approaching design from a different angle can make all the difference and can help you
unleash your design potential by Lois CaronCOPYRIGHT NOTICE: No part of this feature story nor the included designs can be reproduced or distributed in any form (including electronic) or used as a teaching tool without the prior written permission of the CARON Collection Ltd. or the featured designers or contributors.
