TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City residents Becki Barnwell and Susie Wipperman are launching The NeedlePoints North, a needlepoint brand that will debut an e-commerce site and a pop-up shop in downtown Traverse City.
The NeedlePoints North, also known as NPN, is scheduled to launch Feb. 12 with an e-commerce destination at theneedlepointsnorth.com and a pop-up shop on the second floor of 109 East Front St., unit 215-A, a Feb. 5 news release said.
The brand is built on the belief that needlepoint is more than a hobby and is “a beautifully subtle act of reclaiming your time,” the release said. Barnwell and Wipperman described themselves as “co-conspirators” and said the business reflects 50 years of friendship and needlepoint expertise.
“We’ve been stitching for a while, so we know the real joy is in the process,” Barnwell said. “Needlepoint is a way of saying, ‘Nope, I’m taking this time back.’ It’s about reclaiming peace, one stitch at a time.”
The NeedlePoints North will offer a curated experience that includes hand-selected canvases from designers, a canvas collection designed by Barnwell and described as offering “a knowing wink to the Great Lakes State.
The site will also offer needlepoint essentials including threads and tools such as needle minders, laying tools and bags.
The business also plans to offer local classes intended to support stitchers at different experience levels, according to the site.
While Barnwell and Wipperman search for a permanent location, they have established what they described as a temporary clubhouse through the pop-up shop, which is designed as a welcoming space where visitors can touch fibers, see canvases, and attend classes.
The pop-up shop’s grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12 from noon to 4 p.m., the release said. After Feb. 12, weekly pop-in hours are planned for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
“Our experience has taught us that needlepoint is personal,” Wipperman said in the release. “We want to provide the confidence and the community to support each stitcher’s unique rhythm.”
Planned programming includes beginner needlepoint classes in February and an “Intro to Finishing” workshop on March 21 that will teach a no-glue lacing technique to turn canvases into ornaments, the release said.
Participants will receive 20% off in-store purchases on the date of their class.
Needlepoint uses thread and a blunt needle to cover an open-weave mesh canvas, the release said. The release also outlined five steps in its needlepoint approach: pick a canvas, select fibers, stitch the design, finish the work, and enjoy the legacy.
Founded by Barnwell and Wipperman, The NeedlePoints North said it aims to provide techniques, materials, and community for makers and described itself as a resource for high-end needlepoint in Northern Michigan and beyond.
More information is available at theneedlepointsnorth.com.