Margot and Linda (co-owners of It’s A Stitch of Charleston) first met at a meeting of the Charleston Chapter of The American Needlepoint Guild in 2002. They had each recently moved to the Charleston area to “retire”. In 2003, they decided to open a shop to carry a wide range of threads and canvases they could not find locally, to teach, and to bring the experience of classes with national teachers to the community. Shortly after opening, customers requested that they carry yarns and knitting supplies as well, which created a need for a much larger shop. Since 2007, they have been in their current 1800 sq. ft. location.
Throughout the last eight years, it has been so gratifying to see how enthusiastic customers become as they realize how they can stretch themselves learning new techniques, taking classes in the shop as well as with national teachers, and creating interesting work.
Both Margot and Linda enjoy what they do, appreciate having so many talented ladies working in the shop, and how they have become a part of the Charleston community.
Linda
Linda’s interest in needlework began in childhood. Beginning with cross stitch, embroidery, and sewing her own clothes, she was inspired to begin crewel work while watching Erica Wilson teach a class in her Nantucket garden. Later, bargello led to needlepoint, which has been a lasting passion. Needlepoint today is very different than it used to be. The hundreds of stitches and thread choices available to make a canvas come to life, make it an art form today.
After several moves over the years, needlepoint became the catalyst in creating “community” and new friendships – and eventually a business. Linda also enjoys knitting.
Margot
Margot began embroidery and knitting at the age of five, taught by her grandmother and her mother. While traveling extensively during her career in banking, she developed a strong interest in Japanese embroidery, and has completed many beautiful pieces. She also enjoys English Goldwork, Hardanger, Pulled Thread Embroidery as well as traditional canvas work. Margot is known at It’s A Stitch as the “Knitting Doctor”.
Jean
After retiring as a University Professor, Jean chose to move to the Charleston area after enjoying many visits over the years. Her love of nature and her involvement in this community have made her very happy. We are fortunate to have Jean helping us in the shop a few days a week.
Jean began knitting in the third grade and was influenced and guided by her mother, who was a skilled knitter and seamstress. Over the years, she has been involved with knitting, sewing, crewel, needlepoint, counted thread, and off-loom beading. Jean is also a member of The Charleston Chapter of The American Needlepoint Guild.
Lee
Lee’s mother taught her to embroider when she was just six. Her grandmother taught her to quilt. Through the years, Lee continued to enjoy other forms of needle arts, including cross stitch, knitting and crocheting. She enjoys working with fabric and fibers whether yarn or thread. Lee is our official “go to” gal for crochet help on Tuesdays.
Pat
After living away from her native Charleston for many years during her career, Pat returned to retire here as well. She joined The Charleston Chapter of The American Needlepoint Guild several years ago, and came to work two days a week at It’s A Stitch. Her computer skills have been invaluable to us.
Pat began needlework with cross stitch, which she has enjoyed for many years. Since retiring, she has been needlepointing and knitting.
Joan
Joan comes to help us at It’s A Stitch whenever she can. She has been a former President of The Charleston Chapter of The American Needlepoint Guild and is currently co-chairing the program committee.
Joan was married before doing any stitching, but like so many of us, she could not just sit without something to occupy her hands, so she taught herself to cross stitch. About fifteen years later, a good friend introduced Joan to the world of needlepoint. Joan has taken many classes through the years, and has stitched some wonderful pieces, including a wide range of Halloween themed projects.
