How it began

I was looking for a present, a needlepoint kit that had a more ethnic feel and that would look good in a modern home, but found nothing suitable. I decided to design my own! My influences were geometric designs with tribal origins and ethnic influences that would sit well in contempory interiors. I have had great fun researching the design ideas, choosing the colours and setting up my 'cottage industry'.

It seemed important to me that the tapestry should be easy to stitch. Something that beginners could enjoy that would not be too challenging. Everyone who has made up my samples has found the charts easy to follow and has really enjoyed making them. They found they could not put them down - just like a good book.

My daughter, Mel, who has been a great help and support during the development of Simply Tribal Tapestry, is my 'guest' designer. 'Yasmin' is her design and she hopes to add more to the Casbah Collection in the future. Mel was one of the 'sample' makers and I thank her and the other dedicated stitchers who have worked hard and quickly to produce these beautiful finished tapestries.

A service for you
I have a small army of ladies who will happily make your finished tapestry into a cushion for you. Choose a piece of fabric for the backing and send this and the tapestry back to me for completing. The cost for this service, which includes the making up, zip closing and pad is £25.

If you want to have the tapestry stitched for you, these same ladies will do that too. It can take some weeks to complete so please give plenty of warning if you want it for a special occasion. The cost for this service is £50. 'Blue Denim' and 'Pink Smoothie' being smaller, are £40.

I wish you all very happy stitching.

Carol Trievnor