We asked Linda to join us for the start of this exciting new series and let us into some of the secrets of what makes a successful cross stitch designer.

What do you most enjoy about working at the Kooler Design Studio?
Being part of a group of creative people who are supportive and inspiring. There is always something being shared around here, new ideas, techniques, interests. If I am stuck on a design problem, all I have to do is step out of my office to find people with any number of solutions.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I’m inspired by things I see around me, as well as a lot of mental images that are always floating around in my head. I am also inspired by the people I work with. I enjoy starting with any idea and letting it grow and change and see where it takes me.

Describe a typical day.
A typical day starts with walking the dogs. Then I head to the office and start on whatever is on my drawing table. I enjoy working along with some music. I would also check in with the stitchers and see how some of the pieces are coming along. I depend on them to make a design work in stitchery and they will often have suggestions for changes or improvements. The afternoon brings more design work, perhaps some review of future ideas with Donna, some updating of scheduling with Priscilla, and some interaction with the other artists. I head home at the end of the day, to of course, walk the dogs.

Describe the place where you work.
I work in one of the most beautiful places in the country. The Bay Area has every kind of natural beauty from beaches to mountains. On my way to work I can see Mt. Diablo in all it's different seasons: hiding in the fog, gleaming in the sunlight or showing off it's snowcapped peaks. The office I work in is no less wonderful. It is filled with all types of colorful threads, fiber, yarns and fabrics. We have dolls, bears, bunnies, antique toys, folk art, paintings and more. All very inspiring. Just being here is enough to set the creative juices flowing.

What do you enjoy stitching yourself?
I love to sew and embellish things with stitchery. I especially like to make teddy bears and doll clothes. I recently made a teddy bear out of wool and embellished him with crewel stitchery and ribbon embroidery. Actually, I have a whole pile of projects, from cross stitch to quilting, that I want to do someday, "When I have time".

Can you tell about any exciting plans the Studio has for the future?
Well, each new design idea is exciting, but as for new directions, the studio is producing books that include ideas for weddings, painting books and books on beading. It is also exciting to be involved with your magazine and see our work so well presented.

What would you be doing if you weren’t designing?
If I wasn’t designing I would be drawing and painting, especially doing figurative work. I would also be experimenting with new art forms ... fiber art, designing original teddy bears, beading and papermaking.

What is the secret of your successful partnership?
Donna and I have worked together for over 20 years. Our relationship is based on mutual respect and admiration. And also a very close friendship. We recognize our strengths and weaknesses and trust each other to do our best for the business and each other. She is probably my biggest supporter and best friend. One of Donna’s greatest strengths is her positive outlook on life, she balances my tendency to worry.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend at home?
A perfect weekend at home would start with my husband and I taking the dogs for a run at the Dog Park on the SF Bay. There is a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, and the dogs and run and play and swim there. Back at home I would enjoy reading, painting or gardening and then making dinner and perhaps visiting with friends.

What 3 things would you take to a desert island and why?
Other than my husband, I would take the dogs, of course. We will have to count them as one thing. The second thing I would take is my art supplies, I guess I would finally have time to do all the drawing and painting I want. The third thing I would take is chocolate, because there are just some pleasures in life I can't do without.