Well to begin with, I have lived in Alaska since March of 1973. It is most definately home. I came from Colorado. The combination of working in what at that time was the largest yarn shop on the west coast and a visit from my mother got me started in Counted Cross Stitch nearly 23 years ago. After all, one kit of stitched Lilacs would not hurt me. Right? All these years later, I still have not finished that piece of Lilacs, but have gone on to do some very large and intricate pieces. Among these are from such designers as Teresa Wentzler, Paula Vaughn, Lanarte, Silver Lining, Roger Renardy and Jody Bergsma just to name a few.
 
     Every year that my mom came up, she would have something else for us to "do". One year, sure enough, it was counted cross stitch. Well, I told her that I had enough hobbies already. And at that time, I was singing full time in a Country Duo called Sterling Silver consisting of myself and my husband, David. But she needed floss for her current project, so we went to the store close to where I lived. The owner told her that there was a whole room of kits and charts, so she wanted to go look. Naturally, I found a chart for Lilacs, and the rest is history. For the next 8 1/2 years, I worked for this shop that was the largest needle craft store on the west coast at the time, located in Anchorage, Alaska. While there, I was the instructor for everything having to do with the needle arts. That is where I developed my great love for counted cross stitch and started designing.

Sitka

Fireweed

     Alaskan Stitchery is located in a small cabin North East of Anchorage in a small community called Big Lake. As I said on the home page, we are in what is called the "bush" up here. We live in 12' X 28' of space on a dirt road with two very large loveable dogs named Kenai and Sitka. We have phone, water and septic, but no electricity. We get our 110 power by having 4 large solar panels, 8 large indoor type batteries which all run through an inverter and make 110 power. In the winter when we don't have all those 19 hours of sunlight, we run a generator about twice a day to build up the battery reserve. It is a great system, and when everyone else is without power, we still have lights shining and the computers on.
 
     My main love is the wonderful work of Teresa Wentzler. I am thoroughly hooked on her blended colors and the challange of her pieces. I love doing dragons, and wolves are my second love. I tend to do totally different pieces than most people. I think it may be because of my great love for the outdoors and nature. And of course where I live has a lot of influence on the subjects I choose to stitch.
 
     The beauty that is showing beside me is Sitka. Half Malamute and half Wolf. She is one of the lights of my life. The other one is Kenai. Kenai is somewhat camera shy, so I am still working on a photograhp of her. But we will have one in time. They were both what most call “throw away” puppies that no one else wanted, but they have been heaven to me the past years. I hope they continue to shine for me for many years to come, and I hope you enjoy looking at them. It is with a sad heart that I write this last sentence. Sitka lay down and went to sleep for good on June 6, 2007. She had not been ill, and did not struggle. She just went to sleep. I will miss her greatly.
 
     I was not looking for another companion so soon, but on October 14, 2007 our neighbor called and ask if I was interested in taking an 8 month old male dog who’s owner had to give him and his brother away because he was moving into the city. The next day, I went to look at the two of them. The minute I saw them, my hand went out and touched one of them, just as his nose came to touch my face. He was the one. With Kenai’s permission, I brought him home, and have loved every minute of having him here. He is also half Malamute and half Wolf. He looks a lot like Sitka, and has many of her traits. Oh, his name? Wolf. Or as I lovingly call him, Wolffers. Kenai has allowed him to stay so all is well. I promise pictures of him, and her when I can get her to look up toward the camera, and get Wolffers to stand still long enough.
 
     I have a few charts that I have designed myself, and will list them on pages here. I will be posting pictures of all the works I have done, and hope to offer a lot of great information about the craft as time goes on. We are not "under construction", we are ever changing. Visit often and enjoy.
 
     In love and light     Charlotte