I learned to knit and crochet when I was about seven years old from my mother and grandmother. They also taught me to sew, although I was much more successful with knitting and crocheting than making sewn garments!
I really wanted to be an artist when I grew up, but my parents thought I should concentrate on a career that would allow me to have food and shelter on a regular basis. I briefly considered becoming a fashion designer, but art school didn’t offer any math classes (and I LOVE math), so I looked elsewhere for higher education. Ultimately, I graduated with a degree in English from Bryn Mawr College.
It was there that my fascination with quilting began. My best friend had a quilt hanging in her room that her grandmother had made. It was a colorful nine patch quilt. After graduation I watched a lot of PBS and learned to quilt from Georgia Bonesteel. I checked out some quilting books from the library and had a go at quilting. I loved it: it was art, sewing, and math all in one. My first quilt used upholstery fabric and quilting cottons. I learned a lot since then!
But what does one do to earn money with a degree in English (and that’s English Literature, by the way)? Well, I apprenticed with my father’s architectural firm for a couple of years (math and art!). Moved to Baltimore and managed a specialty toy store where I also taught children’s craft classes (art!). Moved back to the shore, and managed a bed and breakfast (cooking and cleaning – not my favorites, but the house was gorgeous and I met a lot of wonderful people). Started a computer consulting company and taught basic computer skills to area companies (math? not really, but I liked teaching). Met a wonderful guy while doing the consulting, who later became my husband.
Then my father died, quite suddenly, and life wasn’t the same. I seized the day and opened The Fine Needle – in the space that was once my father’s office. Our doors opened for business in April 2000. Now I’m doing what I love: quilting, knitting, and teaching. It’s art, some math, and a whole lot of sharing that love with other people.
Cables in Camel - by Stacy Mitchell
In 2011, my first knitting design was published in Knitter’s Magazine (#104). Now I was getting to share my love of knitting with more than my local customers. In 2012 I will be leaving much of the quilting world behind to focus on knitting. The Fine Needle will continue to offer our long-arm quilting service, but we will cease to carry fabrics in our store.
Since opening The Fine Needle, I’ve given birth to two wonderful (most of the time) children. It’s a joy to watch them grow and learn. They have taken an interest in art, music, and math – for which I am thrilled! My time is spent nurturing them while trying to balance my need to be creative. Sometimes that’s a struggle – sometimes it’s easy. It’s always interesting!
You can read more about The Fine Needle’s history and our FAQ’s (frequently asked questions).