Welcome to Erica Michaels Designs! I'm Linda Stolz and I've been sewing and stitching since I was young. Like many of you, I tried my hand at several types of needlework as I was introduced to each of them by my mother, aunt, and grandmothers - embroidery, quilting, crocheting knitting and dressmaking. I stitched my first counted cross stitch sampler early in college and was hooked. It's been a passion and a profession ever since. I sincerely hope you enjoy my designs and use them to explore your own creativity.
I grew up in the small town of Halstead, Kansas - near Wichita. I was always interested in art and have a bachelor's degree in home economics/interior design from Kansas State University and worked in that field for several years out of college. A few more office or administrative jobs followed in a variety of fields, but stitching remained a constant.
In 1998 our family relocated to the Tulsa, OK area. Eric was just old enough that I could pick up my stitching hobby again and a friend suggested that I visit The Silver Needle. A few months later I was working for Lindy at the shop and learning lots of new things about this business. I began designing small things for the shop. One thing led to another and with the encouragement of everyone at The Silver Needle, I started my own line of designs in 2000.
But, who is Erica Michaels? After much thought, I realized altering my son’s name – Eric Michael – slightly was perfect! Sometimes it is a bit confusing since I'm often called "Erica", but I've learned to answer to it from lots of people in this business and don't mind at all. Our family moved a few times over the years, but we’ve called Clarksville, Tennessee home since 2000.
I spend a lot of time stitching my own models because I typically revise colors and small details as I go. However, I still stitch other projects for my own pleasure whenever I can, often joining my local stitch group – it's wonderful to take a break from the "work" stitching and do something completely different. I’m very grateful that I get to do this job. Thanks for your support!
