3 minute read

Weaving A Legacy One Stitch At A Time

Weaving A Legacy One Stitch At A Time

By Alissa Jones

Haven Ward, Suzanne Abu-Sharr, Lee McKeel, and Rose Rogers, all passionate about needlepoint and the beloved “Wednesday Night Stitch,” came together to save Stitch, Middleburg’s cherished needlepoint shop. Their unwavering support for the community’s request to preserve the store led them to purchase it in March, ensuring its legacy would continue to enrich the community.

At the recent ribbon cutting for Stitch, owners Suzanne Abu-Sharr, Haven Ward, Lee McKeel and Rose Rogers did the honors along with Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton.
Photo by Leonard Shapiro

“When the Middleburg community learned Marcy Harris, the store’s owner since 2015, was retiring, they were deeply saddened,” Ward explained. “In response, I organized a plan to assemble a group of people to try and save the store.”

Eager to preserve a shop they all loved, Abu-Sharr, McKeel, and Rogers enthusiastically embraced Ward’s plan. They celebrated the purchase with a soft opening on March 1, a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10 and the grand opening on April 12.

To honor the tradition that brought them together, the four women will continue to host “Wednesday Night Stitch.” Ward described it as a time when needlepoint craft enthusiasts gather, enjoy a glass of wine and some cheese, and stitch.

“It’s a fun and community-building activity,” she said.

Abu-Sharr shared her excitement when she moved to Middleburg in 2022. “I was thrilled to find Stitch,” she said. “Marcy helped me find what I needed and introduced me to the Wednesday night gathering. It was a wonderful way to meet people. The atmosphere felt very open and friendly, and we want to keep that going.”

Rogers, a valuable asset to the shop after working under Harris’s guidance, possesses invaluable insights into customer preferences and what enhances their overall experience.

“I began assisting Marcy late last summer,” Rogers said. “I worked a few days a week, getting to know many clients and learning about the threads. Marcy and I would chat, and I helped customers start new projects. I’ve met many wonderful people, and it’s great to be able to continue helping them and passing on this knowledge.”

Stitch offers a diverse range of hand-painted canvases, vibrant threads, needlepoint accessories, and expert finishing services. Christmas stockings are a significant seller, becoming cherished heirlooms passed down through generations.

Beyond its products, Stitch is a strong advocate for education at all levels.

Beginning weekly needlepoint classes for the general public began on May 4, with classes for more advanced stitchers to follow. Due to popular demand, the addition of a “Sunday Afternoon Stitch” will be offered to those who cannot make the Wednesday gathering. The group began monthly meetings on May 18.

Partnering with local schools is a passion project for the new owners, the better to ensure the legacy continues. Ward said there have been studies demonstrating the positive impact of the repetitive motion of stitching and the quiet time it provides, which is often referred to as, “Yoga for the mind.” Needlepoint is not only relaxing but also an excellent stress reliever. Additionally, it serves as a wonderful and creative outlet, offering a variety of techniques, threads, and fibers. Both on-site stitch clubs at local schools and at the shop are being considered as potential partnerships.

Details: www.stitchvirginia.com.

This article is from: