What is the secret? How did HERITAGE SERIES shoot overnight to the top ranks of the U.S. needlework industry?

The answer is simple: Excellence tells. A discerning eye for interesting subjects, their accurate interpretations into the needlework medium, and an insistence on quality materials in all products, made HERITAGE SERIES designs a favorite among stitchers who insisted on the same. Designer Margot Cook herself is the secret to the success of the HERITAGE SERIES stitchery line.

HERITAGE SERIES started in 1982 as a mail order business for custom coats of arms. In the early days, by special order, Designer Margot Cook hand-painted heraldic needlepoint canvases for individual families. As counted cross stitch came into prominence, she began charting the patterns to meet popular demand.

Very soon, in response to customer requests, she produced a series of more generalized arms with wider appeal. Among the most famous are the Great Seal of the United States, the Maryland State Seal and all its 23 counties, and a Seal of the Four Provinces of Ireland and its 32 counties. What caught the attention of needleworkers was the sheer quality of Margot’s designs. Each one was carefully detailed and meticulously produced so that when completed, the stitcher owned an heirloom fit for a museum.

Under license to the U.S. Postal Service, Margot next adapted for needlework the beautiful renderings of the state bird and flower stamps. Her first four published books covered the 50 state birds and flowers by area of the country and immediately became a cross stitch classic. During her 10 years as a USPS licensee, customers requested charts of other postal issues such as the popular Love stamps, Christmas issues, and subjects of special interest. This latter included a Professional Series covering topics such as nursing, police, dental health, pharmacy, football, baseball, basketball and many others. It is a continuing series.

Margot was always charmed by the “imps” of Marty Links found on Hallmark cards. They adapted readily to needlework, especially counted thread, and are very special little people who steal everyone’s heart. In the mid 1980s, Margot arranged with Marty to bring her irresistible little ones to the fingertips of the stitching public. The results of their combined efforts are found in the KIDLINKS™ series that continues to enchant stitchers with new delights every season.

At the same time, Margot’s needlework interests have spread over several other areas from ethnic items to interpretations of antique lace both in cross stitch, beading, needlepoint, bargello, and traditional embroidery stitches in counted thread format. Her use of specialty fibers and unique stitches adds a three dimensional appearance to many of her designs. Now, her innovative line thrives throughout the United States and internationally.

Along with the designer, many other individuals have helped establish this cottage industry – friends who have stitched most of the models; neighbors and friends who have helped pack kits for mail order catalogue companies; classmates from both high school and college who have helped with office duties; and, most of all, her mother, Teresa. She was the one who did EVERYTHING in the fledgling company from keeping books to packing kits. Today, in her 90's, Teresa is still going strong being the main person in their “manufacturing” department.

Surrounded by the joy of her own children, a natural ability to draw, and an infectious sense of humor, Marty Links created a teenage cartoon strip called “BOBBY SOX” featuring Emmy Lou, her family and friends. Starting in the San Francisco Chronicle, Marty’s panel became nationally syndicated daily and Sundays for thirty-five years.

While other mothers were busy homemakers, Marty was sending her husband off to his law practice, mixing formula, changing diapers, creating her famous cartoon panel and racing to the post office to meet deadlines. Her San Francisco home was constantly filled with children and she was able to draw much from the activities that permeated everyday living.

Soon Marty turned her talents to creating whimsical and endearing child-like characters, known today as KIDLINKS™, first for a family-owner greeting card company, then for Hallmark Cards. Other licensed products have included Schmid porcelain, Papel Freelance gift items, Contempo paper and party goods, T-shirts and books.

Now a grandmother and retired from the cartoon strip and card business, Marty keeps busy creating new KIDLINKS™. And, as a serious watercolorist, she devotes much of her time to painting cityscapes in and around her native San Francisco.

Marty’s daughter, Tori, assists her with the business side of things and this brings another wonderful dimension to the cooperation of artist and designer: two delightful and compatible mother-daughter teams.

The team that can't be beat!

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