Feature article from our May/June 2010 Issue

Needlepoint Parties
Ding Dong, Needlepoint Calling...

Beth Gantz knows all about party power. She’s been throwing needlepoint parties in homes and at her shop, Stitches, Etc., in Bay Village, Ohio, for more than a year.

“We have classes and stitching groups, but the party has a livelier feel and a different dynamic. People are more laid back,” Beth explained. “When people come to a class, they tend to be more serious; when they come to a party, it’s serious fun. It gives stitchers an opportunity to share their hobby with friends.”

The party host is often an avid stitcher who is looking for a social, entertaining activity to do with her friends. Beth said she can accommodate up to ten partygoers.

“All parties are fun, but a needlepoint party has the added element of learning for fun,” Beth said. “I supply the materials and set up the party like in a class, but I bring it to a store or to their home.

“People are surprised at how much fun it is, and that it’s not hard to learn,” Beth said.

She starts beginners on one of her own designs, a 5" x 5", 10-mesh canvas with a stripe and polka dot design. If the party is planned far enough in advance, partygoers can personalize the experience by pre-
ordering an initial, a butterfly or heart design in their selected color palette. Pre-ordering gives guests more time to spend learning needlepoint.

“While there is some hesitation at first,” Beth said, “about 15 minutes into it they are lighting up and looking at each others’ designs, saying, ‘Oh, I like your colors,’ and having fun.”

Most partygoers don’t complete the stitching at the two-hour party, but that’s okay. She shows them different examples of how they can finish the project themselves, and she also encourages guests to bring their pieces back to the shop if they want it put on a tote bag. Many guests who return select another piece to stitch, Beth said.

Guests who come to the party but don’t want to stitch can order a pre-stitched design and tote bag made for them after the party. The tote comes with a small beginner’s kit inside, complete with simple instructions so that later they might try needlepoint. Belt canvases are also available to order.

At the moment, Beth teaches at parties in the Cleveland area. If you’d like to host a Beth Gantz Needlepoint Party, she recommends contacting your local needlepoint shop. If your local shop can’t host a party, contact Beth, and she’ll work with you on making a party happen. “I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to stitch,” she said.

“People love to learn something new and create a usable product that’s personal,” Beth said. “It makes them feel good. People love to learn to stitch, and they light up when they make something.”

For Beth, the best part of throwing needlepoint parties is sharing her enthusiasm and passion for needlepoint with other people. “There are so many different things you can do with needlepoint, from a pillow on your couch to an adorable, wearable and trendy item,” she said.

“The tradition of the quilting bee can live on in a party atmosphere, even in today’s fast-paced, forward-thinking world,” Beth added. “It is a great way to relax, socialize and stitch together.”

To contact Beth about hosting a Beth Gantz Needlepoint Party, call (440) 892-8606 or send email to bethgantzdesigns@gmail.com.

Visit Beth's websites:
www.bethgantzdesigns.com
and
www.stitchetc.com

You can order a copy of this magazine by following this link, this feature article is in our May/June 2010 issue.

As of July-August 2009 back issues of Needlepoint Now are available at a cost of $7.00 per copy, plus shipping and handling. All preceding back issues are $6.00 per copy, plus shipping and handling.

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