Welcome back to NeedlePoints of View, a monthly column brought to you by Emma of The Maker’s Marks and Hannelore of Hedgehog Needlepoint, where we’ll be sharing our love of all things needlepoint. Whether you’re new to the craft and want to learn what it’s all about or you’ve already fallen under needlepoint’s spell, we hope to inspire you to pick up a needle and get stitching.
It’s all about community!
At the start of the year Shannan and I sat down to plan the topics we each wanted to cover for the column; this one is the one I’ve been waiting for because it’s all about the needlepoint community!
Stitching can often feel like a very solitary pursuit; and don’t get me wrong, the relaxing mindfulness it brings is blissful but sometimes a bit of company can bring with it its own benefits.
One of the highlights of my month is my local Sewing Social, and not just because the venue we meet in has excellent cheese boards! What I love is sitting around a table with like minded creatives, all merrily working on our latest project and having a good natter.
Although this a mixed discipline group, we’re all united by hand crafts and I find it so inspiring seeing what everyone is working on.
I also used to belong to the amazing Stitch Club London, the UK’s first official ‘Stitch Club’, and part of the Stitch Club network. The group has recently re-started with Tina from Titch Stitch at the helm. Each month the group attracts needlepointers from across London and has even had people doing a pop by when they’ve been visiting from overseas on their holidays, so great is the allure of a Stitch Club night 🙂
One of their newest members is Amanda aka @rollinwithmystitches I chatted with her to find out why she loves needlepoint and Stitch Clubs . . .
“I started stitching in April 2020 to help cope with my horrible anxiety. One of my best friends taught me how to stitch and it soon became an obsession. I ended up taking over Stitch Club New York in fall 2021 and ran it until I moved to London. My favorite part of any stitch club is meeting new people who share your passion. I text with my NYC stitch crew daily. I’m looking forward to becoming part of a similar community out here in London”
I love that! You can travel to a new city, a new country even and you know that you can instantly find yourself a like minded community to make connections with.
Finding your local stitch club
To find your local stitch club the best place to head is either your nearest haberdashery/craft shop and get the gossip on the local craft scene, or head to your neighbourhood Facebook groups and ask around.
Failing that why not set up your own one and spread the info through Instagram? You’d be amazed how quickly a group can come together.
The online Needlepoint Community
If you prefer your meet ups online then Needlepoint Nation is the place for you.
It’s an amazing Facebook group with nearly 18k members, each sharing top tips, current WIP’s, and just generally talking everything they adore about this brilliant craft.
I love it and have found so many interesting stitches to try, and discovered so many new designers canvasses to add to my wishlist!
You’ll also find that a lot of stitch designers run ‘stitch nights’ on zoom. I know Stitchfinity do a regular one as does Caterpillar Cross Stitch. Just drop them a line and they can fill you in on the details.
So if you’re feeling the need for a little company when you stitch something here will set you on the path to finding your people. Happy Stitching!
