Interview with Gina of Splinters and Threads

How did you get started with digitizing and embroidery?
In 2001, I got laid off from my job and was very pregnant with my 4th child. My mom brought me her embroidery machine that she had but had never used. I started playing with that one and ran into lots of frustrations. So, before Marshall was born, my husband bought me a Bernina 180E. The dealer tried to get me to purchase digitizing software at the time, but I had just found the internet sites and thought that I would never have the need to digitize. I was so afraid to touch my embroidery machine that it took me 6 months before I ever put the embroidery unit on to try it. So, in 2002, after stitching out designs and beginning to want specific designs, I had a difficult time finding what I wanted with good quality. Trying to be frugal, I began with PEDesign and worked on autodigitizing. I found out that I was once again pregnant so decided to make my design selling my home business so that I could stay at home and take care of my children also. I began to sell online and soon found that I was wanting to manual punch. Since I had a Bernina Machine I purchased Artista v3. I fell in LOVE!! Since then I have upgraded to v4. I have taken a few online classes and discovered a few tricks by happy accident (artistic opportunity). Most of what I have learned has been self taught.

Has your business changed since you started digitizing?
Moved from autodigitizing to completely manual punching. Also added products and an online quilt shop.

What types of future projects are in the works?
I have so many ideas that it's not even funny. I do want to incorporate more quilting and would like to do an embroidery monthly design club.

What personal information would you like to share?
I'm a Navy veteran. I'm a native Texan. I completed my bachelor's degree in 2000 in Interior Design from Abilene Christian University. Soon after, I was very blessed to meet a man who would soon become my wonderfully supportive and loving husband. We just recently celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. We have 5 children with ages ranging from 2 to 14. They are the loves of my life and my inspiration for staying at home while working.