Dear wonderful customers and friends,
After careful consideration and months of soul searching, we have come to the difficult decision that Needlework's magical 12 year chapter at 174 James St. North (and this online shop) will be coming to a close at the end of March 2023.
Owning and operating Needlework has been the absolute privilege of a lifetime. Before we attempt to summarize just how much this venture means to us, we want to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to every single one of you who've walked through our doors. Your constant support and encouragement over the years turned our humble shop-owning dreams into a reality, which we will carry with us for years to come.
The stars aligned when we met in 2011. We were two 20-somethings that quickly discovered that we shared a similar vision for a textile-based studio and shop in downtown Hamilton — specifically in the James North neighbourhood. Taking cues from the thriving arts and small biz community, we decided to join creative forces, and just a year later Needlework was born!
Our aim from the very beginning was to create a space where textile-loving folks could gather to share skills, inspiration, and find thoughtfully curated fabric and supplies. We never could have imagined the sense of community and truly special friendships that would blossom from this adventure. It has been life-changing for us both, and we know so many of you feel the same way.
As you can imagine, running a multi-faceted small business is all-consuming and we're not immune to the burnout many small business owners face in today's economic climate. Combined with the expiration of our lease, financial pressures, and a deep desire for a sustainable work/life balance, we have made the difficult decision to wrap up this iteration of Needlework.
While it's not goodbye for good (we hope to continue NW's legacy one way or another — after a little breather!), this is a fond farewell to the special physical and online space we've called home for the last twelve years.
Our last day for in-store shopping is set for Sunday March 24, 2024 (subject to availability). Gift cards must be presented and redeemed by this date. We'll communicate via email and social media in late March regarding availability of remaining inventory and/or fixtures. All remaining workshops will run as scheduled.
We thank you for many years of magical memories and appreciate your support and understanding during this time of transition. We are so lucky to know you!
Your forever fabric friends,
xo Liz & Kate