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Before starting Character Creations, I was working in an embroidery and patchwork shop. While there I did several private commissions creating cross stitch designs from personal photographs using computer charting software.The success of these lead to me starting out as an independent designer. My first charts were created from personal photographs and she later moved on to using art in the public domain. After deciding to concentrate on designing full time, I contacted a number of artists both in New Zealand and overseas, gaining the licence to chart their artwork.
On a more personal note, I'm an avid stitcher who managed to combine playing with needle and thread with playing on the computer and thereby became a designer.
I developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, also called ME, CFIDS and a number of other things) in 1990 and while I was sick, my cross stitch helped keep me sane. At times it seemed that the only proof I had that I was achieving anything in my life was the design growing under my needle.
When I was able to take up part time work, I started working at my LNS (so much for my science degree). Initially employed to work in the retail shop, I was soon in the office, doing the shop's website and newspaper. That's where I first started combining computers and cross stitch.
Almost four years later I was forced to leave the job due to ill health. Once I improved a little, I was able to keep on with the designing at my own pace. That was when I started contacting artists and concentrating all the energy I could on Character Creations.
I have a wonderful husband (and website designer) and we have a bossy four-year old who thinks he runs the household. My health has been very up and down since he was born. I knew babies and children were a lot of work, but I guess you're never prepared for the reality of it until you have one of your own.
I am planning to keep up with Character Creations part-time, so don't be afraid to place an order or send me an email. I'll be here at my computer ready to reply.
Kerry Blackwell
(Or you might get an email from Kerry Dustin - I design under my maiden name and live under my married name.)