It's not often that a relative newcomer (her first booklet was just published in May of 1995) takes the needlework world by storm. But that's exactly what happened and now just 2 years later, the popular Sekas & Co. collection includes 27 leaflets and 26 chartpacks.

As a self-taught knitter, needlepointer and cross stitcher Sue further honed her skills working in a local needlework shop. Her first designs actually came about as teaching patterns for some classes at the shop. Her love of The CARON Collection's Watercolours thread - especially "Nefertiti", and the shops's huge inventory of gold and silver paper inspired her first Stained Glass Ornament design, one of a whole series that were to follow. In October of 1994 Sue decided to focus more time on Sekas & Co. and well, the rest is history. (Be sure to print out Sue's complimentary free pattern. Just click on the picture on the left.)

Below are highlights of a recent interview with Sue:

Where did your design style come from?
I'm really not sure. I know that I'm not an artist. I'm more of a creative - idea person. I think of myself as having "kindergarten" art talent and I do like simple colorful designs. I also love Alphabet samples, that's why my mini-samplers are designed with an alphabet.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
Some of my ideas just come, seemingly, out of nowhere, others come from stitchers. The idea to do Watercolours Butterflies came from a lady from New Jersery who called to ask if I had thought of doing butterflies. Others come from shop owners -- I just received a list of nine possible Watercolour designs. Sometimes just picking up one of the Watercolours threads gives me an idea.

Do you have a memorable experience?
I think my most memorable stitching experiences come from teaching. I love to hear someone say " I can do this!" and "This is really fun!

What design are you proudest of and why?
I'm proudest of the Watercolour Pumpkins design because I accomplished what I was trying to achieve -- to get the vertical texture of the pumpkins. (See the design featured below.)

Do you have any other hobbies or interests?
Right now I don't seem to have time for too many other things. I do enjoy decorating my house for holidays/seasons so my seasonal designs fit perfectly.

The Sekas & Co. booklets are available at local needlework shops throughout the U.S. If you'd like a complete list of the Sekas & Company line please E-mail Sue at: sekas@ aol.com. Below is a sampling of some of the Sekas & Co. patterns. For a larger photo and detailed description of each booklet click on the photo or name. Don't forget to check out Sue's FREE PATTERN.

Stained Glass Ornaments III	Watercolour Stars and Stripes	Watercolour Pumpkin Patch	Watercolour Shamrocks