Mary Beale: How long have you been stitching? Who taught you to stitch?

Gayle Stamnes: "I have been stitching off and on for about 20 years."
Mary Beale: Do you mainly cross-stitch or needlepoint?
Gayle Stamnes: "I mainly needlepoint."
Mary Beale: Do you stitch mainly for yourself or others?
Gayle Stamnes: "I stitch for myself, but I have also given away my needlepoint as gifts."
Mary Beale: What is the biggest needlework project you have ever undertaken? Did you keep it or give it away?
Gayle Stamnes: "I did a needlepoint rug and after all the work, I decided to keep it."
Mary Beale: Which Mary Beale design have you stitched? Have you stitched more than one?
Gayle Stamnes: "I have stitched several of your designs from your pocketbook needlework series."
Mary Beale: Do you have a favorite? Why?
Gayle Stamnes: "My favorite so far was the Royalty sampler from your Pocketbook needlework 1999 series.  I enjoyed the theme of it and the different colors. I also enjoyed doing the Tea for Thee and Me Tea Cosy from Pocketbook #5 1990. I made it into a cup cosy instead."
Mary Beale: Do any of your Mary Beale needlework projects have a story
Gayle Stamnes: "No, I stitch what I like."
Mary Beale: Do any of your Mary Beale needlework pieces have special additions such as old buttons or jewelry or vintage lace?
Gayle Stamnes: No, but you have given me many ideas and I plan to put them to use.
Mary Beale: What do you collect?
Gayle Stamnes: "I collect tea pots, transferware, music boxes.  I have a couple of pictures of my transferware."
 
Mary Beale: Do you have any special old needlework in your home such as old samplers, Victorian or vintage beaded bags, etc?
Gayle Stamnes: No, I don't have any old needlework. My mother never stitched and my grandparents were poor mountain people
Mary Beale: Do you pursue any other artistic endeavors such as painting, gardening, interior design, etc?
Gayle Stamnes: "I enjoy interior design as a hobby."