I’m Obsessed With “Grandma Hobbies”… Let’s Talk About It.
Needlepointing. What’s the big craze?
First, you need to understand I am a serial hobbyist, so when I first discovered needlepoint, it was no big deal. Hobbies for me, come and go, so why did this one stick? Usually, if a hobby was overwhelming, I would move on to the next. After all, hobbies are supposed to create joy, not anxiety.
So, as a needlepoint novice, I was shocked to learn all the ins and outs, and trust me there was a lot to learn. What mesh count a canvas could be, what threads to use, which stores to buy canvases, and what the heck is an LNS? Thankfully, we live in a digital world, and the needlepoint TikTok community quickly became my best friend.
Some things you need to know - a needlepoint canvas could cost you anywhere from $30 or $600, yes I chose an expensive hobby for not knowing what I was doing. There are 13-mesh and 18-mesh canvases, that just means the amount of holes per linear inch. And lastly, what is an LNS? It means, Local Needlepoint Store. Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the recent comeback of this industry.
Needlepointing has been around for decades, but in 2020 there was a boom for the industry, I guess all roads lead back to the pandemic. Designs became trendier, the online community grew, and online LNS’s started popping up. What I find most enticing is how accessible the industry became. If you don’t want to spend $300 on a canvas, there are more affordable ways to get into it. You could buy a roll of mesh canvas, paint your own design, and buy DMC thread at Micheal’s. Who says you can’t participate in girly hobbies while balling on a budget? Personally, I buy my canvases online, like on Etsy or Penny Linn, and buy DMC thread at Micheal’s.
After a year of doing this hobby, I can still say I’m just as obsessed as when I discovered it. As a 21 year-old girl, I find myself choosing to stay in and thread a tiny needle. In a time where everything is instant gratification, I enjoy working on a handmade, creative project for more than a year. Plus, they make great gifts.
If I’ve influenced you to start needlepointing and you’re looking to find more information, I recommend checking:
Kenzie Elizebeth - House Guest Podcast,
&
TikTok - search “Needlepoint 101”.
P.S: Have you ever needlepointed? What’s your favorite online store? I love Penny Linn and Needlepoint.com!
