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

JoAnn Hoffman: I have been stitching for the last 30 years. I took a couple of classes in needlepoint at a shop in Akron, OH (Fancy Threads). After the needlepoint I started quilting, but when the first issue of Sampler and Antique Needlework came out I stitched the sampler on the cover and have been doing samplers ever since. So I guess as far as cross stitch is concerned, I am self taught.

Mary Beale: Do you mainly cross-stitch or needlepoint?

JoAnn Hoffman: Mainly cross stitch.

Mary Beale: Do you stitch mainly for yourself or others?

JoAnn Hoffman: I cross stitch for myself and family. I average three to five major antique sampler reproductions a year and have started giving them to my children to pass on to the grandchildren. I also do contemporary samplers if they have an appearance of being old, such as your sampler wreath.

Mary Beale: What is the biggest needlework project you have ever undertaken? Did you keep it or give it away?

JoAnn Hoffman: The most involved sampler I have ever done is probably the one that is on the cover of Scarlet Letter's catalog (Betsy Davis (1797). I gave it to my son Randy. He loved the sampler so much and since he still lives with us I can see it every day.

Mary Beale: Which Mary Beale design have you stitched? Have you stitched more than one?

JoAnn Hoffman: I have stitched your Wreath Sampler and also a Victorian Girl that was printed on a small card. Many stitchers have asked where I got the design for the girl. I even bought a supply of the cards from Inn Stitches in Canton, OH so that I could pass them out when stitchers asked about the design.

Mary Beale: Do you have a favorite? Why?

JoAnn Hoffman: Your wreath sampler is absolutely my favorite contemporary sampler. I studied for many months before deciding to tackle it.

Mary Beale: Do any of your Mary Beale needlework projects have a story

JoAnn Hoffman: No, none of your projects has a story. I have already sent you the picture of my completed sampler and where I took the patterns to finish the center of the cartouche.

Mary Beale: Do any of your Mary Beale needlework pieces have special additions such as old buttons or jewelry or vintage lace?

JoAnn Hoffman: No, but you have given me many ideas and I plan to put them to use.

Mary Beale: What do you collect?

JoAnn Hoffman: I really don't collect anything but samplers (the ones that I do). I have about forty on my walls and am finding it hard to find space for anymore. So,consequently, I have about five samplers in storage that haven't been framed. Much to the chagrin of my daughter who is addicted to sampler making as I am.

Mary Beale: Do you have any special old needlework in your home such as old samplers, Victorian or vintage beaded bags, etc?

JoAnn Hoffman: No, I don't have any old needlework. My mother never stitched and my grandparents were poor mountain people who stitched only utilitarian articles and none remain.

Mary Beale: Do you live in an interesting old or special house/farm?

JoAnn Hoffman: I live in a house that is fairly modern, but would love to live in an old house like I see in the magazines. If I had my preference I would live in a primitive setting. I have no picture of my home that has been taken on a digital camera.

Mary Beale: Do you pursue any other artistic endeavors such as painting, gardening, interior design, etc?

JoAnn Hoffman: None. I am a retired banker and simply enjoy my needlework.