My name is Linda Stolz, and I’ve been sewing and/or stitching since at least high school.
My mother and both grandmothers exposed me to embroidery, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. Like many of you, I tried my hand at several types of needlework as I was introduced to them, but did my first counted cross-stitch sampler when I started college. I was hooked! It’s been a hobby, and now a profession, ever since.
Who is Erica Michaels? After rejecting many ideas for a design logo/name, I finally settled on a feminine version of my son's name - Eric Michael.
Aside from stitching, my background is varied. I’m originally from the Wichita, Kansas area. I have a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics/Interior Design from Kansas State University, and worked in that field for a few years out of college. Then it was several more office or administrative jobs that brought home the paycheck. After the birth of my son, my sewing and stitching came to a screeeeeeching halt! (Sound familiar to any of you?)
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A few years ago, our family was relocated to the Tulsa, OK area. I had more spare time again, and I found that cross-stitching was what really called to me. A friend suggested I visit The Silver Needle, and I was hooked all over again! I loved the great variety in fabrics, specialty threads, and embellishments that hit the industry during my "sabbatical." A few months later, I found myself working for Lindy at the shop and making fast friends with all the great gals there! It was the first time I had worked in a needlework specialty shop and I was having the time of my life! I started designing small things for the shop, one thing led to another and with the encouragement of everyone at The Silver Needle, I started working towards developing a line of my own designs.
Our family (my husband Len, Eric, two cats and the dog) has moved a
couple of times recently, but we are now happily settled in Clarksville,
Tennessee -- and we hope to stay put for awhile! It's great to be close to Nashville where I can see old and new friends at the Nashville market each year!
I sincerely hope you enjoy my designs as much as I have - and I also hope you explore your own creativity in stitching them. Have some fun with a different fabric selection, specialty thread or embellishment. There are so many great products out there - have fun with them!
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