My (not-so) Local Needlepoint Shop

Don’t you dare let FOMO steal your needlepointing joy..

c/o Fireside Stitchery Malvern, PA

No local needlepoint shop close to you? You’re not alone.

When I picked up needlepoint as a hobby in 2020, we lived in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia with several needlepoint shops within close proximity. But I have to be honest with you – as a new stitcher (and for whatever reason), I was intimidated to step foot into any of those needlepoint shops and did the bulk all of my shopping online until I was almost a YEAR into needlepointing. A YEAR!

Typing these words now feel so cringe-y to me, but as cringe-y as they may be, they are the truth. I think deep down I had this fear of imposter syndrome as a beginner and I let my own limiting belief and insecurity dictate something as simple as going into a needlepoint shop.

So if you are reading this and you have similar feelings – squash them. Squash them right now because guess what – YOU are that shop’s job security. The shop staff was hired to help customers just like you. That question you think is silly to ask is one that begs to be answered. The project you think you “messed up” (spoiler: you probably didn’t) and need help with, the help is right in front of you.  You are pursuing a hobby you enjoy so much, so don’t sell yourself short here.  There are so many wonderful communities and friendships forged in these types of environments so put yourself out there and go for it. I can assure you, doing so will be mutually beneficial.

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Wait – but I thought this was for and about those of us who don’t have a local needlepoint shop close by….don’t worry it is.

Our family has recently relocated to my childhood hometown and my “local” needlepoint shop is now an hour (or more with traffic) away. Sure the hour drive is less than ideal (and many of you reading this are further than an hour from your closest needlepoint shop), but here’s the thing: I have not (and will not) let the seeming inconvenience of a longer drive steal an ounce of my needlepointing joy….and neither should you.

Recently, I made a promise to take myself on a date to my not-so local needlepoint shop, Fireside Stitchery, nestled in the heart of Malvern, PA.  I coordinated childcare ahead of time, put on my favorite top and shoes and off I went. Truthfully I was so looking forward to some time to myself, I didn’t even mind the drive!

Favorite top, shoes and snacks….check! (I had to bring a taste of my hometown to the staff at Fireside Stitchery)

Super Side Note: Fireside Stitchery recently has undergone a major transformation. New ownership and a refreshed outlook that respectfully honors the store’s heritage have all contributed to this beautiful new chapter in Fireside Stitchery’s unfolding story. If you are in or around the Philadelphia suburbs in the near future I highly encourage you to check it out. With more threads, canvases, stitch guides and accessories than you can imagine, it is all too easy to get lost in your own creativity. You will instantly feel like you are more than a customer, you will feel like part of their family.

Circling back, here’s what I did to make the most out of my trip to my not-so local needlepoint shop (knowing it would be a bit before I could get back there):

1. I brought a few canvases from home that I wanted to kit for upcoming projects  (The staff’s thread knowledge blew me away. Check out this amazing club they have here)

2. I let the shop know ahead of time that I was coming and was looking for a specific canvas to purchase and to see if they had it in-store.

3. I brought a canvas I was currently stitching for some staff input and to select a specific shade of a color I was looking for and needed to see in person

4. I treated myself to an afternoon coffee for my drive home (you know, to really seal the deal)

One thing I did not do this last time that I am totally doing next time: meeting up with a friend to shop with.

One of each, please!

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Moral of the story: whether you do or do not have a local needlepoint shop close to you, you can still reap the benefits of one. If you aren’t close to a shop, call them. I talk a bit about how I did just that and it helped me save this pillow project (read it here). Keep in mind as well that you (and your inquiries) are the business’ job security.  That business exists because they want to help you. If you were in their position, wouldn’t you feel the same way?

And maybe your favorite needlepoint shop is actually an online-only store. The same principle applies. Put yourself out there: ask the question about the dye lot, ask about thread coverage ask about the special order canvas, whatever it is. Don’t feel like your question is not worthy of an answer from someone whose creativity and business you admire and respect.  

I promise you, the trust you place in any shop for the guidance you need is more valuable to their business plan than any dollar amount spent.

I have so much respect for any shop owner(s), especially those at Fireside Stitchery Malvern, PA

Xoxo,

Emily 🎀

P.S. Make sure to follow along with Fireside Stitchery on Instagram (lots of fun events coming up) and check out their refreshed website here. Thank you for having me, Fireside Stitchery ❣️