Barbara's interest in
cross stitch was founded on a year long stay in Minnesota USA in the
early '70's. The American market was sophisticated and impressive.
Years later, around the late 80's that interest had become a
business opportunity; after showing a small range of twelve designs
to the U.K. and European trade markets Barabara Thompson Designs was
in business.
Barbara and Ann founded
the partnership in 1988; Barbara being the sole designer and Ann the
business head, and from the classic 'kitchen table' start the
partnership was soon selling extensively in the U.K. and Europe.
A first book "Your Home
in Cross Stitch" was published in 1993, reprinted in '94 and
produced in paperback in '98.
A second book "The Victorian Home in Cross Stitch" published in '96 is available in the UK and USA. Both books are published by David and Charles.
A second book "The Victorian Home in Cross Stitch" published in '96 is available in the UK and USA. Both books are published by David and Charles.
In 2008 Barbara and
Anne decided to retire from the day-to-day details of
producing and distributing the kits, and this work was taken on by
Classic Embroidery who are a well-established producer of
needlecraft kits, with some 600 designs in their range.