Judy Ross pairs age-old embroidery techniques with modern design. Trained in printmaking and painting, Ross was introduced to the art of chain stitching (which dates back to the 5th century B.C.) while on a trip to Kashmir, India. Realizing that chain stitching would allow her to use thread like a paintbrush, creating flowing, curved lines on textiles, she began embellishing the surfaces of scarves and shawls. In 1995, she expanded her repertoire to include home items, embroidering her bold motifs on pillows, wall hangings, bedcovers and curtains; she also began producing a line of hand-knotted wool and silk rugs, which is produced by expert weavers in Tibet.