Stitches

How many people still do handwork such as cross stitching and embroidery.?

My mother and I are considering opening a specialty store for nothing but cross stitch and embroidery supplies with some also the intention of finished product. I'm trying to find out how much interest is still out there for this wonderful craft.

Public Comments

1. I like to cross stitch from time to time for relaxation. Scapbooking however seems to be not only my favorite pass time, but my crafty girlfriends too!!
2. i'm 1 of those ladies!! i hand stitch all my clothes, make my own jewelry, all that good stuff!! it would be a great idea, but just make sure it's in a good area where it's busy
3. i do. will be teaching in our church to the younger group. we have been teaching quilting. the last project don't even know what to call it. made a square of five different fabrics. had they draw a picture and sewed around the outline. then cut out to level of color they wanted to show. fringed the seams. one made hers into a bag by adding a loop.
4. If a shop like that opened in my town, I would probably at least attempt a project, but I don't know how it would go. I did one cross-stitch in my early teens (now I'm 22) but I didn't stick with it. I think it's a good idea, but you should pay attention to your location. Location, location, location! I'm sure there are still older people who do these crafts, so if you have your store in an area with a lot of older people, you'll probably get more business. I do think the arts are dying a little, partly because people are just so busy these days, partly because I don't think we treasure handmade items as much as we used to, and partly because...well, I know that when I look at the intricate little doilies my great-grandmother made, I say to myself, "Woah, I would never be able to do that!" Personally I think it would be good to include some yarn arts too (knitting and crochet) because it seems like there are more people who still do those things. Good luck in your endeavors!
5. A lot of people, myself included, still do cross stitch and embroidery. I love the craft. I have many friends who share the same interest. Check out Crafter's Community penpal list and see for yourself. There are never enough stores to buy supplies at a reasonable cost. Please make sure your store has a website so that everyone can benefit. I have to drive a good distance from my home town in order to purchase supplies I need. It's much easier and more convenient to order online. Also, many stores don't sell breadcloths anymore. You might want to consider stocking some of them in your store. I wish you lots of luck and success in your new business.
6. It was about 5 years ago that there was a great resurgence in the fibre arts that had not been seen in a long time. It still continues today. However, of these arts, it was knitting that took the lead and continues to run ahead of the pack. I live in a city of 220 000 and the fibre art businesses here do quite well. Even the stores in the outer-lying towns tend to do well because those who devote their time to the art/craft will drive a short distance to find the proper materials. Fine art supply stores do not carry fibre art materials and stores such as Micheal's carry but a scant offering. If you make a serious go of it you could definitely be prosperous. You might consider doing a local marketing survey about your products and the public demand for them.