ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT
We asked Stephano to share with
readers his top 5 tips for machine
embroidery.
1. PROPER HOOPING
If the bottom hoop slips around while
you’re trying to hoop, try rubberized
shelf liner. This helps the hoop fit
more snug and eliminates shifting.
2. METALLIC THREAD
Store your metallic thread in the
freezer to restore moisture and
prevent drying out and breakage.
3. FUSIBLE INTERFACING
Iron on fusible interfacing (stabilizer)
to the back side of all fabrics that fray
easily such as cottons and silk.
4 . L AY E R U P
When stitching out free-standing
lace designs, ALWAYS hoop two
layers of water-soluble stabilizer in
your hoop. Also, use the smallest
possible hoop to keep the tension
and prevent stretching during the
embroidery process.
5. NEVER STOP LEARNING
Share your embroidery knowledge
with others and continually seek new
techniques and ideas.
Employee Spotlight | All Access | 103
“Stephano is an integral contributor
to the Creative Team. He is 200%
reliable, can spot design flaws in a bat
of an eye and provides tremendous
support to new staff and team
members. The one thing I enjoy most
about him is that he has one heck of a
sense of humor! There have definitely
been days where I don’t know what
I would have done without him and
with that I hope we continue to work
collaboratively for many more years.”
JENN | Creative Director
“Stephano has an eye for detail and
works tirelessly to ensure that his
projects are perfect. He supports
his coworkers and is willing to do
whatever he can to help everyone.
Employees like Stephano are
irreplaceable and he continues to
make Anita Goodesign an incredible
company.”
LAUREN | Creative Manager
HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR
CAREER HERE AT AGD?
A few years before Stephen Wilson
founded the company, I met him while
performing in a band I played in during
my spare time. We became friends over
the next few years, and I remember one
day he shared with me his vision for the
company. At the time, I knew nothing
about machine embroidery, but was
intrigued by his future plans. Originally
brought on board to help make a series of
“how-to embroidery” videos, I eventually
started learning how to do it myself.
When Stephen asked me to work fulltime,
I knew it was a good career move. I
believed in his future plans and wanted to
be a part of it. His mother and him taught
me everything I needed to know, which
has brought me to where I am now.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY
LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
In the Creative Department, my main
task is to complete production of all
new collections. These designs are the
sample that we display at our embroidery
parties all over the United States. I also
troubleshoot designs in the beginning
stages to alleviate any issues in the design
process.
WHAT I S YO U R FAVO R I T E
ASPECT ABOUT WORKING
AT AGD?
Teaching the new employees what we
do and why we do it. I know this is a key
component to the success of the company
and drives us to be better.
HOW HAS THE COMPANY
CHANGED SINCE YOU’VE
BEEN HERE?
Other than the expansion of employees
and building space, the management
team has remarkably grown stronger. I feel
the stability and quality they bring creates
an environment that allows for greater
ideas and contributions from all staff
members. Also, watching Stephen’s art
studio grow over the past two years has
been exciting to watch.
WHAT I S O N E CAREER
LESSON YOU HAVE
LEARNED?
Don’t believe you know all the answers.
You don’t.
WHAT WOULD YOU NAME
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
YOUR LIFE?
A Stable Thread
I F YOU COULD DO ANY
OTHER JOB, WHAT WOULD IT
BE AND WHY?
I would go to Nashville and become a
songwriter.
WHAT HOBBIES AND
INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE
OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Other than music, I compete with a local
trivia team in tournaments in the area. I
have been doing this for almost 5 years
now.
WHAT 3 WORDS WOULD
YOU USE TO DESCRIBE
YOUR ROLE?
1. Reliable 2. Willing 3. Able