There is a designer who uses the tagline “This ain’t your mother’s needlepoint.” And while it seemed merely amusing to me when I first heard it, it’s very true today, and needlepoint is better for it.
When I first started covering needlepoint in the late 90s, I was told by a seasoned veteran that popularity in needlepoint was cyclical and that it grows in popularity as knitting declines. Many of us, including me, discovered needlepoint in the 70s when it was very popular. The cyclical nature of needlearts combined with the aging demographic of those who took up needlepoint in the 70s meant that by 2000 or so, we were facing a crisis. Discussion lists discussed how to “save” needlepoint, shops were closing for lack of business, and guild chapters were dissolving because they lost too many members.
The problems of aging stitchers are still with us. Shopowners and designers are retiring. But there is a difference. Instead of closing, the shops are getting bought by a new younger generation of stitchers. And these folks are also opening new shops. And with the new shops, they are bringing and adapting new ideas from other businesses, such as shop hops, sip & stitch gatherings, and designer events of all kinds. The new shops even combine needlepoint with other events, such as pajama parties or mah jong lessons. The shops of the 80s and 90s would not have done this.
New designers are coming to market too and coming without the hang-ups of 20 years ago. These designers don’t turn up their noses are selling direct to consumers, nor do they avoid talking about printed canvases. They see needlepoint as a fun activity and one that can be enjoyed by many if we just overcome our prejudices about the industry and its exclusivity.
Older designers are having to adapt. Some have sold their lines to distributors who bring a younger, more business-minded approach to sales and marketing. Others have expanded their lines to include licensed artists, allowing them to appeal to a wider audience without the burden of doing all the designing. Still others have turned to shops to own their lines. These shopowners turned distributors know what sells and do a great job of expanding their lines through the knowledge of the local community.
I find myself as one of the oldsters being delighted by the changes and hoping for more. I have long believed that needlepoint, especially canvases, was too expensive. I’ve spent my money at shops where the attitude is open, not snobbish. And I have delighted in finding ways to make needlepoint budget-friendly and fun. We need, all of us, whether young or old, to look at what the new shopowners and designers are doing and find ways we can adopt them.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Hi Janet. I don’t think I’ve commented on your blog before but I read it regularly. As a newer designer myself (but long term needlepointer), it truly means the world to have your support and encouragement. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic which has felt very divisive lately. Such a great call-out that needlepoint, like other hobbies/industries is cyclical and what we are seeing today is a natural iteration of what has been built by those who came before us.
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m. so excited by all the creativity I’m eeig from new designers like you and from new shopowners.
I’m always seeing new things that give me great ideas.
Keep stitching,
Janet