Sunday, July 08, 2012

A Brand New Stitchville

I remember 10 or 12 years ago when we used to have five or six different cross-stitch/needlework shops in the Twin Cities area.  Similar to what the quilt shops do today, they shop owners organized an annual needlework shop-hop and what fun that was!

Today in the Twin Cities our choices are limited and there is only one shop that has it all - Stitchville.  Earlier this spring, Deb was faced with an important and difficult decision; either she had to find a new location or close the shop.  Like many of her patrons, I'm so grateful that she chose the first option, but I know it has been a stressful time and a huge amount of work for her and her staff.  Stitchville was closed for two weeks in June and re-opened last Sunday (July 1) in a new, bigger and better space.

I had planned for weeks to be there on opening day (don't want to miss out on anything you know) but woke with a little "bug" that kept me in bed most of the day (thanks to my dear son!)  I had talked to friends who were there and even saw some pictures that had been taken by another friend, but I couldn't wait to see it for myself.  Yesterday morning I got in my car and headed for the new Stitchville!

The new location isn't too far from the old location; it's about 40 minutes for me from my home to the shop each way.  The new location is located in a strip mall just across the street from a major mall.  The new entrance to Stitchville:


Check out all the windows!  Lots of natural light inside the shop. If you've ever visited the old shop, you know that every inch of space was jam packed with all kinds of stitching related supplies.  This new shop has room to grow -- there is space to move around!  I was there shortly after they opened yesterday morning and there were quite a few stitchers there already performing their stash enhancement exercises.

From the inside looking out those front windows:



Here are pictures of just SOME of the fibers; when Deb decides to carry a line of fibers, she carries the entire line; it's all or nothing!  I just love all the glorious color in one place!





The Christmas wall in the back was all set up and the models were hung with care (in the hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there? - no that's a different story.)


And from the back of the store looking forward to the front of the store:


One thing I've always liked about Stitchville is that you can get up close and actually touch the fabrics.  Many of the most popular linens are already pre-cut in various sizes.  If you are trying to kit something up you can take the fabric over to the fiber wall and lay everything out and see how the colors work together.  Here's the fabric wall:


Any of the Stitchville employees will help you with a custom cut of fabric too.  Pat was working at the cutting table yesterday...I warned her that this was going on my blog!  Check out the models on the wall.


A few more shots...



The gals at the shop still have quite a bit of work to do; there still are a number of stitched models that need to go up on the walls.  As Deb said to me, "it's kind of like moving into a new house; it takes a little while to settle in and figure out where everything needs to go."

It's a great location and a great shop and I'm so glad that Stitchville will continue to be around for me and other stitchers to make our stitching purchases.  It's easy to shop at the online stores, but there's nothing like a brick and mortar business when you want to see and feel what the design, colors, and textures will be like! Congratulations to Stitchville on their brand new home!

24 comments:

Faye said...

What I would give to have something like that even within an hour from me...!! It is pure heaven seeing all these fantastic photos!!! Now, I really MUST go visit their website!!! Please tell them how happy we are for them and their wonderful new location!!!

Nancy in WI said...

Thanks for sharing that info. I had no idea they moved and probably would have went to the old place and been terribly disappointed. Nice pictures too!

Devon said...

wow you are so lucky to have such an awesome store,,so glad she decided to stay around..thanks for sharing..
devon
www.devonstitching.blogspot.com

Margaret said...

I had heard that this was THE LNS to visit in your area. I'm glad they decided to move as opposed to close. It looks so wonderful! Definitely a stitcher's dream store! I hope someday I make it out there to visit for myself. Thanks for taking pics!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Thanks for sharing all your wonderful photos of the new Stitchville. I've been to the shop twice, in the old location, and hope to make it to the new location one day. I just love picking out my own linen from their large collection. So much better shopping in person than on-line.

Kathy A. said...

Oh my heavens! What a beautiful store. All those threads look so wonderful. And the fabric - Oh I would just like to be able to pick through these. WOW!

Sharon said...

My, how I envy you that store! It's fabulous. So many stores closing these days-so glad that she decided to stay open.

Hazel said...

Wow great shop! Wish I lived nearer. x

Denise said...

Wow - and that's 40 minutes from your house - you lucky dog! I would be in the poor house if I lived near it. Impressive.

Mrs. DillyDally said...

Wow! What an amazing shop! I will have to put a visit on my list for when I visit Minnesota! I agree...online is great in a pinch, but there is nothing like seeing and touching fiber live! Thanks for sharing this terrific shop with all of us!

denise said...

wow,you are so lucky to have a nice shop close by. good luck to Stitchville!!!!!!!!!!! denise

marly said...

Wow! What a fabulous business. Looks like they have absolutely everything and then some. You lucky girl.

Melody said...

Glad you posted pictures of the new store! I've been to the old one several times with my sister and niece. I'm looking forward to checking out the new store on our next trip to Minnesota.

Nan said...

What a lucky girl to live that close to such a heavenly place. Enjoy!

Unknown said...

Wow! That looks to be a fantastic shop - I am so jealous! I don't have anything like that within hours of me. Enjoy your time there, and I hope she has plenty of business so that she can keep such a wonderful shop!

CathyR said...

Wow, what a fabulous shop! Deb has thought of everything and then some. I love a lot of her displays; extremely creative use of space! You are a lucky gal!

Cathy

Veronica said...

Okay, I need to wipe the drool off my keyboard. What a place! I'd love to visit in person if I ever get the chance to. Thanks for showing us those pics.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Stasi said...

Cathy,

You are correct that the on line shopping experience just can't copmpare to seeing all those lovely fibers and fabrics in person. Being able to lay the fibers on the fabrics, switch colors in and out and get input from others can't be beat!!!I'm glad Deb was able to keep the shop open and you can still visit.

Shirlee said...

What a fun place! I will definitely have to stop by if we are ever in MN again : )

Katrina said...

Too much fun, I so want to visit :-). Looking forward to hearing who's doing the next retreat!!!!

BrendaS said...

Cathy -- Thanks for the "virtual" tour. It looks like a wonderful shop that I would love to visit someday.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Cathy, thank you for posting about the move. I visited there a couple years ago and I will definitely stop back by if I'm ever in the neighborhood again. It's an awesome shop!!!

Katrina said...

Congrats on your recent finish Cathy :) Thanks for sharing the photos of Stitchville, I would be in my element if we had anything like that to visit here in New Zealand!

Bekca said...

Oh, what I would give to have a gorgeous shop like Stitchville nearby! It looks amazing, looking forward to seeing your purchases :)
Best wishes.