Stitches & Sips: A Day in the Life of a Modern Needlepointer

There's something deeply satisfying about the rhythm of needlepoint—the gentle pull of thread through canvas, the gradual emergence of color and pattern, and those precious moments of calm in our hectic lives. Today on the blog, we're starting a new series called "Featured Stitcher" where we peek into the daily rituals and favorite projects of fellow stitchers.

Our first feature is with Katie of @ks_ndlpt, a North Carolina mom and needlepoint enthusiast who balances her passion for stitching with motherhood and her impressive coffee knowledge. Let's dive into her needlepoint world!

Morning Brew: The Perfect Companion to Needlepoint

While many of us reach for our Diet Coke to kick off a morning stitching session, Emily brings a wealth of specialty coffee expertise to her craft time.

"I worked in specialty coffee for over a decade, so I'm usually drinking something fun from a local roaster," Emily shares. "Right now it's Ethiopia Chelchele from Summit Coffee here in NC. I take my drip coffee plain black."

This little detail reveals something we all understand as stitchers—our craft isn't just about the finished piece. It's about creating a moment, a ritual that engages all our senses. Whether it's the aroma of freshly brewed single-origin coffee or the fizz of an ice-cold Diet Coke, our beverage of choice is part of the needlepoint experience.

Finding Time: The Eternal Challenge

If there's one thing we hear from every stitcher we talk to, it's the challenge of carving out time for needlepoint in busy schedules filled with family obligations, social events, and daily responsibilities.

For Emily, the solution is one many mothers know well: "Whenever I have the time! I have a one-year-old, so usually at night when he's in bed and I'm curled up on the couch."

This nighttime stitching ritual is something many of us can relate to—that precious moment when the house finally quiets down, and we can lose ourselves in the meditative practice of needlepoint. It's not just a hobby; it's self-care in its most productive form.

Must-Have Tools: The Essentials Behind Every Great Project

Every stitcher has their favorite tools—those little accessories that make the experience more enjoyable and efficient. Emily's essentials include:

"I always have a needle minder on my canvas, right now it's your Tortured Stitchers Department one!" she tells us. "I also love a pair of super snips scissors. They're not everyone's fav, but they're cheap and super sharp and I can fly with them when I travel for work."

(Editor's note: Our Tortured Stitchers Department Needle Minder has been one of our bestsellers this spring!)

Emily's practical approach to tools—especially scissors that can travel on planes—reveals the thoughtfulness that experienced stitchers bring to their craft. It's not just about having beautiful accessories; it's about building a toolkit that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Current Projects: From Seasonal Beauty to Team Spirit

One of our favorite questions to ask stitchers is about their works in progress. Emily's current projects showcase the wonderful diversity that needlepoint offers:

"I'm in the middle of two projects right now. The Dark Poinsettia from Spellbound Stitchery and the 'No One Likes Us' football from Anne Fischer to celebrate the Eagles winning the Super Bowl!"

Finding Your Needlepoint Style

Emily's stitching habits got us thinking about how we all develop our own unique needlepoint rituals and preferences. Here are some questions to help you reflect on your own needlepoint style:

What's your stitching beverage of choice? Is it a specialty coffee like Emily, a Diet Coke, or perhaps a glass of sweet tea or evening wine?
When do you carve out time for needlepoint? Are you an early bird stitcher, a lunch break crafter, or do you save your projects for evening relaxation?
What accessories have become essential to your stitching routine? Is there a particular needle minder, scissors, or project bag you can't live without?
Do your project choices reflect specific aspects of your personality? Do you gravitate toward traditional designs, sports themes, or perhaps modern interpretations of classic motifs?

Join Our Stitching Community

We'd love to hear about your needlepoint rituals and current projects! Share a photo of your work-in-progress for a chance to be featured in our next blog post.

And if you're looking to start a new project that perfectly complements your morning coffee or evening unwinding ritual, check out our new 4.5" round canvases—they're the perfect size for those precious moments of stitching time between life's many obligations.

Happy stitching!

Shop This Post

Blue & White Garden Harvest Canvas | $98 Perfect for coffee table stitching sessions! This 4.5" round 18-mesh canvas features a classic blue and white plate with garden vegetables in true grandmillennial style. SHOP NOW

Tortured Stitchers Department Needle Minder | $18 Emily's favorite! This whimsical needle minder keeps your needles secure and adds a touch of humor to your project bag. SHOP NOW