Wednesday, July 28, 2010

An Itch for Stitching




Given all of the craziness that the family and I have experienced this summer, I look forward to quieter evenings where we can sit, talk and perhaps lose ourselves in a hobby.

During college, I really go into cross-stitch needlepoint. I made my then-boyfriend a super-cool belt and a key fob for my mom (Although, I may not have finished the key fob. Sorry Mom! Finals were approaching, papers were due, yada, yada, yada).

I found cross-stitch very calming (and easy!) and I’m thinking of picking it back up and making Hubby a belt. When I lived in Lexington, there was a sewing shop that all of the college gals flocked to to have belt patterns designed. Then, there was an old guy who worked out of his garage who actually completed the belt with the leather and hardware (I know, a bit odd, but he was affordable and did quality work).

So, I need to seek out a decent needlepoint shop in Louisville and a leather craftsperson.

Are there any online needlepoint sites you would recommend? Are the kits already tailor-made? I would imagine it’s hard to have a custom-made belt created online, but the Interweb is such a magical place, perhaps that can be done. ;)

I love the needlepoint belts, hair bands and key fobs at Smathers & Branson. But, the $165 price tag for said belts doesn’t quite suit me. So, hopefully when calmer times arrive, I can sit on my sofa, feet up with cross stitch in hand. Wait, I have a five-year-old and three-year-old; calmer times may be farther in the future than I thought. :)
Images courtesy of Smathers & Branson

P.S. - What do you think of the new blog template? I thought I change things up a bit and see what else Google had to offer.

12 comments:

pve design said...

Growing up in Louisville, I adored the shop or Elizabeth Turner needlepoints. They finished a few items for me that I did long ago. Your post is a great reminder to finish the backgammon set for my husband. Thanks for scratching the itch to stitch!
pve

Kerr said...

I did a little needlepoint when I was growing up. My mom did a ton. My dad and brother have at least 2 or 3 belts. I only got one. Jipped for sure. I bet we got the leather done by the same guy! Stone Road maybe?

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore said...

I love to needlepoint...wish I had more time! xx

highheeledlife said...

I have not given needle point a go .. but do like the finished products. Hope you are able to steal some you time away and have the opportunity to pick up your needle point again... keep smiling...HHL

Miss E said...

I loved going to Stone Road to get my belts leathered. He had the best prices in Lexington!

Try M's Canvashouse. They just opened a store in Louisville.

1201 Herr Lane, Suite 115
Westport Village

Town and Country House said...

So fun to read this post! I haven't needlepointed in about 10 years, but I stopped at the local shop today and picked up a little project to start at the beach this week! I'll be posting about it soon! Hope you find what you are looking for--

kp said...

Oh, needlepoint! I have so many ornaments half finished and way too many needlepoint canvases piled up ready to stitch!

teresa-bug said...

I have a feeling that your belt lady moved to Charlotte. She moved here to be closer to her daughter, is from KY and is known for belt designing. It might be coincidence though. Anyway....she is great! Unfortunately, I can't help you out in Louisville...

Michelle said...

It is funny that you should post about this because, I have recently thought about taking it up again, myself. I bet it has been 15 years since I have done any needlework! Maybe it is the air!

Renée Finberg said...

i love needle point belts.
they are huge with the horsie crowd.

xx

bevy said...

I am STILL working on my husband's belt... LOL

SprinklePrep said...

I do love that headband! needlepoint is somthing i have not tried, but there are so many lovely things i could make, i wonder how long it takes though