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

Linda Jenerette: "I’ve been stitching since 1970.  Initially, I made cross stitch samplers.  In 1985, I tried decorative needlepoint and was hooked.  I took lessons from Nancy Horne--an exceptionally talented needlepoint instructor; and to this day, I continue to be a regular in her class at the Needlecraft Cottage in San Diego. "

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

Linda Jenerette: "Mainly I enjoy dimensional needlepoint and free form surface embroidery.  I love to add my own embellishments and ideas to bring a canvas to life and make it unique.  Blending threads to achieve the right color and finding the technique to create texture and a natural image are my goals whenever I stitch."

Linda Jenerette: "It is a toss up between two 18 count needlepoint projects:  a 3 ft. x 4 ft. oriental design by Lee and an 8 piece nativity set by As You Like It that has been finished as standing, weighted figures.  (A few years ago, I entered a camel from this set in the American Needlepoint Guild’s national competition and came home with a ribbon!)"

"The Lee canvas is almost 2/3 complete.    The nativity set is finished except for two remaining camels and is part of our Christmas décor every year for family and friends to enjoy."

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

Linda Jenerette: "Five Sampler Stockings and Queen Victoria are on my list of completed Mary Beale projects."

Mary Beale: Do you have a favorite?  Why?

Linda Jenerette: "I am especially fond of Queen Victoria.  She led such an interesting life—one that has been thoroughly documented.  The Queen was a joy to research and stitch.   Eventually she will reside on the end of a chatelaine that I am designing."

"I enjoyed adding a few extra touches such as a 10 KT gold crown.  (Note:  This is actually a pierced earring minus the pointed backing.)    Also, a delicate gold chain and single bead served as an ideal pendant necklace.  To add sparkle, I stitched a black work pattern on the bottom of her skirt and her veil in a coordinating metallic blending filament.   For texture, French knots were added to her cuffs and petite beaded flowers and an open lace pattern embellish her skirt.  And for definition, much of this piece has been outlined."

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

Linda Jenerette: "Many years ago I stitched a Mary Beale Christmas Sampler Stocking for my husband—a man with many fine qualities including a wonderful sense of humor.  When I presented him with his very own hand-stitched gift, he went a step too far, however, by asking me to make him a second stocking so he could wear them as a pair!"

Mary Beale: What do you collect?

Linda Jenerette: "I collect vintage trim, ribbon, buttons and lace which I use to decorate projects and create vignettes for our home.  Also, I have a collection of working decoys that my dad used in his duck hunting days.  A substantial army of nutcrackers is displayed on a shelf that runs the full length of our master bedroom.  You will also find primitive folk art collecting in most areas of our home.  And these are just a few of my favorite things!"

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

Linda Jenerette: "I have a lovely table cloth--embroidered and crocheted by my Grandmother, Nancy Berry.  She was a talented artist who painted and stitched beautifully."