Stitching Magic: Discovering the Art of Sharing at Your Local Needlework Shop

The Family Arts Needlework Shop is buzzing with conversation among stitchers who share a love of needlepoint (submitted photo).

At the Family Arts Needlework Shop on 7th Street, a vibrant community of stitchers comes together, united by their love for needlepoint. Here, diverse skill levels intermingle as they share not just supplies but also support and inspiration, transforming the shop into a sanctuary for creativity.

With shelves overflowing with colorful canvases and an array of enticing threads, the shop invites both novices and seasoned crafters to indulge their creative impulses. Staffed by friendly volunteers, the atmosphere encourages camaraderie; advice flows freely around the “stitching table” as stitchers discuss techniques and color palettes.

Projects abound, whether it’s crafting Christmas stockings for newborns or making quirky pillows for recent graduates. Store manager Julie Elder emphasizes that beyond just projects, the community aspect is vital: “We offer community, and that’s been a constant here since our founding almost 60 years ago.”

Unlike many traditional shops fading in the wake of online retailers, the Family Arts Needlework Shop thrives on personal interaction. Elder reflects on how these conversations often help stitchers tackle personal struggles through shared experiences and collective creativity.

Founded in 1967 by a group of passionate needlework enthusiasts, the shop has nurtured a spirit of giving. It operates as a nonprofit, benefiting both its members and local charities focused on children and families. A dedicated board and active volunteers ensure a steady flow of fresh inventory and regular classes led by national instructors.

Despite its changes in location, the shop remains rooted in the North Central Phoenix area, located at 5555 N. 7th St. Suite 144. Longtime patron Kate Forbes, whose mother was a founder, continues the legacy by bringing friends to share their love for needlepoint.

Forbes stays engaged in her passion even while working globally with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. As she stitches cushions for her office, she finds tranquility in the craft, demonstrating the lasting impact of needlepoint across generations.

“Needlepoint is calming and helps me rest my mind,” she remarks. The joy of creating is infectious; Forbes encourages newcomers to explore vibrant threads, bringing them one step closer to their own projects.

In the shop, a volunteer calls attention to a sparkle-embedded thread, highlighting the playful ambiance that pervades the space. It’s a place where the only rule is to steer clear of political discussions, promoting an atmosphere of inclusiveness. A visible sign at the entrance clearly marks it as a “Politics-free zone.”

The Family Arts Needlework Shop remains a cherished haven for stitchers. It nurtures friendships, celebrates life’s victories, and provides solace in times of need, proving that the craft is just one aspect of what makes this community so special.