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Every month The CARON Collection features one of the outstanding
shops who so ably provide stitchers with not only supplies but guidance,
technical expertise, and inspiration. We hope you'll support your local
shops and browse through our extensive SHOP
LISTINGS. In celebration of this month's theme "Virginia
is for Stitchers" we take you on a visit to...
The Needlewoman East
Falls Church, Virginia
Falls
Church, an old incorporated town in northern Virginia, is steeped in history.
The original settlement derived its name from one of the oldest churches
built in the area, completed in 1734, and referred to by the residents
as "The Church near the Falls", since one of the roads that intersected
near the church led to the ferry below the Little Falls of the Potomac.
Eventually, the inhabitants adopted the name of Falls Church for the community
which grew up around this venerable old edifice. Falls Church is now home
to The Needlewoman East, a shop that has for the past 21 years, been the
destination of dedicated stitchers who hail from the Washington DC environs
and beyond.
Sue D. Jennings, owner of The Needlewoman East, opened the shop on 1977.
As a full time mom, whose youngest of 2 children had just entered junior
high school, Sue was ready for another career. She decided that if she
were ever to own her own business, now was the ideal time to try. Her sister
owned a needlework shop in Iowa and Sue had occasionally accompanied her
to needlework markets and trade shows. At the time, Sue modestly saw herself
as a needlework novice, but she had a great love for canvas work and had
already shared what skills she possessed with other women in her home town.
When she went looking for needlework supplies in her own area, she found
the supply limited and, hence, frustrating. It didn't take long for her
to realize the answer to a better source of needlework materials was also
the perfect solution for her own career aspirations.
Actually,
Sue was no stranger to needlework at all: Her Norwegian paternal grandmother
taught her to knit at age 5 and she was soon making wash cloths and slippers
to donate to the Russian War Relief effort. She also learned to do huck
weaving and basic cross stitch. Sue's own mother was a top notch seamstress,
who made many of the outfits that Sue and her 3 sisters wore. Thus, from
early on, needlework formed a vital part of Sue's cultural heritage.
The
shop offers many items to pique the avid stitchers interest. Ground fabrics
and canvases are available in many sizes and colors from 7 canvas to 40
silk mesh. Aida of all sizes from Zweigart and Wichelt and linens and man
made mono threaded fabrics are featured from 6 herta fabric to 40 linens.
The selection of threads, yarns and fibers is extraordinary and the full
line of Caron Watercolours, Wildflowers, Impressions, Soie Cristale and
Snow are accommodated. There is a diverse assortment of counted thread
patterns and charts for cross stitch and canvas work. Hand painted canvases
abound and feature designs by Kathy Schenkel, Painted Pony, Associated
Talents, Peter Ashe, Amanda Lawford, Napier, Betty Smith's Traditions,
JB Designs, Sharon G., Sundance and more. Also available are museum reproduction
needleart from "It's Polite to Point", encompassing their entire
line of kits and canvases. Additional kit inventory includes Erica Wilson,
Beth Russell, Rita Klein, JCA and Dimensions.
Frames and working frame stands include K's lap, table and floor models.
They have open stock of Tomorrow's Treasures scroll bars and side pieces.
Artisan Design floor model Gazelle, lap Elan and scroll frame components
as well as the floor, lap and table models from Grip It are on hand. Stretcher
bars of all sizes are in stock items as well.
Even
with all this on-hand inventory, Sue is quick to point out: "If we
don't have it, we can get it for you". Folks "in the know"
can assure you that this is not an idle boast. Though inventory is important,
the guiding principal of the shop is SERVICE. Nine regular employees make
up the roll of service oriented folks, who absolutely love what they do.
Her teaching staff reads like a "Who's Who" of the needlework
world: Beth Robertson and Suzanne Howren, authors of "Stitches for
Effect" and "More Stitches for Effect", Susan Kerndt, designer
of "Stitching Kreations", Ruth Dilts designer of "Ruth Dilts
Designs", Ann Caswell, noted thread authority and designer of "KAZ
Designs" and Sally Hemmes, owner of "Sally Shall Sew", complete
finishing services.The Needlewoman East also sponsors seminars with visiting
designers and teachers of note: Catherine Coleman of "Coleman Cottage",
Kimberly Crum of "Kimberly Crum Designs", Hollis Minor of "It's
Polite to Point" and Catherine Theron of "Theron Traditions".
Aside
from this ongoing schedule of classes and seminars, several special events
punctuate the year: A Christmas in July Sale, A Shop Birthday Celebration
(in September of 1998 The Needlewoman East will turn 21 and become legal!),
and an annual Holiday Open House and Sale on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
For this celebration all of the shop models come down off the walls to
be replaced with a show of customers' works. This display along with a
festive table groaning with seasonal goodies and a blowout 25% off sale
on all in stock merchandise makes this 5 hour happening the highlight of
the year.
Needlewoman East is located on a main street that connects Alexandria,
Va. with points west, situated between 2 major shopping centers, and is
only 12 miles from the Potomac with its many bridges leading to Washington
DC. With spring just around the corner, why not treat yourself to the magnificent
display of cherry blossoms in our Nation's Capital on your way to the shop?
The riot of colors bursting forth in nature may well inspire you to some
new needlework project en route and when you arrive, you're sure to find
whatever you need to get started!
(Store review written by Rita Vainius)
- STORE FOCUS ARCHIVES
(For
previous month's features)
- Hook-n-Needle
in Fairfield County, CT
- The Needlepointer, Everett, Washington
- Haus Tirol in
Williamsburg, Virginia
Crafty
Lady in Macomb, Michigan
It's A Crewel World in
Salem, Massachusetts
Exclamation Point!in Saratoga
Village, California
Thistle Needleworks in Glastonbury, Connecticut
