
Note: I’ve been stitching In Good Company mini-socks almost as long as they have been
in business. Here’s my interview with Bob Healy, who is the technical whiz behind the
company and one of the founders. Bob retired last year. This interview from our archives is great background on this company.
1. Can you tell me a little bit about computer-printed canvas and its advantages to me as a stitcher?
We use a commercial printer and inks designed to produce Fine Art Prints and Posters. The inks are water-fast and fade-resistant. The advantages to a stitcher would be in the cost-effectiveness and quality of designs. Needlepoint has always been thought of as a
‘rich woman’s hobby’ with hand painted one-of-a-kind designs. There will always be a place for these works of art, but why not make good designs available for everyone to be able to stitch! Needlepoint is a wonderful art form that everyone should be able to enjoy.
That’s the niche that we can provide.
2. In Good Company has been doing this a long time, can you give us some background about how the technology has changed?
The technology available today allows us to produce a product that when first viewed is hard to distinguish from hand painted canvases. When we first introduced computer painted designs in 1985, there were very few printers that could take needlepoint canvas.
The colors back then were limited and substandard with what is available in today’s market. We are the first to admit the initial responses were anything but positive. At present time we have many shops nationwide that are happy with our product (winning back many of our old customers.)Â

3. Are there things a computer printed canvas can’t do very well?
Well, we can’t guarantee ‘on-line’, due to canvas manufacturing discrepancies. This makes repetitive patterns difficult to maintain accuracy. That’s why we try to not include them in our designs.
4. What should I look for when buying a computer-printed canvas, can I just buy them the
way I would any canvas?
The industry is growing and there are more and more designers using this technology. However, we can only speak for ourselves and what we produce. Look for products printed by In Good Company! Now that we have that out of our way, we would
recommend, like they say in the diamond industry, Color and Clarity! The colors should be bright with well defined edges (not blurry.) Look with ‘stitchers eyes’ for easy to follow details. A good printed canvas may not be ‘on line’ but should be close enough that only
slight adjustments are necessary, without compromising the design.
5. What are some tips for stitching a computer printed canvas?
We are happy to say ‘stitch away’! A good printed canvas is stitched just like any other needlepoint canvas. That is hard-won advice!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Thank you, Janet, for reposting this! Wonderful memories. I’m so happy to report that yes, Bob and Lynda finally retired last year. They so deserved it, and while we miss them, we’re so happy for them! We’re also proud to say the business has continued, making this a multi-generational family business. We are continuing, and improving, on Bob’s technical expertise. Please look us up, we’re still here, using Bob’s techniques and new ones too. 🙂
Cool beans.
Keep stitching,
Janet