COASTAL STITCH GRAND OPENING, OCTOBER 2
While some are known to be spinning old yarn each morning at the Edenton Coffee Shop and beyond, a new yarn is taking shape at Coastal Stitch, a needlepoint shop soon to open in the recently renovated Elizabeth Wozelka House at 103 West Queen Street.
Coastal Stitch occupies the first floor of the historic property. Proprietor, Kelly Cross began Coastal Stitch as an online business in January. While online shopping offers convenience, selecting and matching needlepoint threads can be challenging through a screen. Many customers have trusted Kelly to choose and coordinate threads for their projects and ship to their homes.
For the past 15 years, Kelly has worked at ECU Health Chowan and Bertie Hospitals. She began her career as the Volunteer Services Manager, overseeing volunteers and the hospital gift shop, before transitioning into marketing and team member experience. Kelly’s passion for retail dates back to childhood so when she discovered needlepoint opening a shop felt like a natural fit.
“Currently, the nearest needlepoint shops are located in Williamsburg, Raleigh, and Wilmington”, said Kelly. “My goal is for Coastal Stitch to become a destination shop for stitchers throughout eastern North Carolina, particularly those east of I-95 and in the Outer Banks region.”
By opening a physical location in Edenton, customers will have the opportunity to see colors in person and feel confident that their projects will turn out exactly as envisioned. Kelly’s plan includes continuing to operate the online store, offer shipping nationwide, and provide convenient local pickup options.
“My love of stitching began in the 1980s when I learned cross-stitching alongside my mother. As life became busier with raising a family, I set the hobby aside,” said Kelly. “In 2024, my daughter introduced me to needlepoint and shared how much she enjoyed it. At that moment, I realized it was something I could do as well, and I have not looked back since.”
Coastal Stitch will offer classes beginner to advanced level classes along with monthly stitch clubs. Classes and clubs will be available during daytime and evening hours, as well as on weekends, to accommodate a variety of schedules.
“We are excited to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 2 at 5:00 p.m., followed by our grand opening on October 3 at 10:00 a.m. On October 2, we will also welcome our earliest supporters and loyal customers to a private appreciation event. During our grand opening day on October 3, the shop will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” said Kelly.
The turnout from locals has already impressed the new business owner.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support, encouragement, and well wishes from fellow downtown business owners and community members,” said Kelly. “I owe a special thank you to Joe and Stephanie Wach for their support throughout this journey.”
Coastal Stitch has also received enthusiastic feedback from needlepoint enthusiasts across the country who are excited to visit Edenton. Needlepoint stitchers are known for traveling near and far in search of a special canvas, unique threads, or simply to support a local shop owner.
“I am grateful to be part of both the wonderful Edenton community and the welcoming needlepoint community, and I look forward to serving stitchers from near and far for years to come,” said Kelly.
Regular business hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., select Sundays, and closed on Mondays
The Needlepoint boom can be directly associated with screen time. After hours spent looking at screens, many people are drawn to a hobby they can hold in their hands. Needlepoint offers a simple change of pace: choose a canvas, thread a needle and watch a design emerge one stitch at a time.
That appeal is drawing younger people to a craft long associated with older generations. Bright, modern designs and small projects make it easier to try, while stitching groups offer a chance to put down the phone and spend time together. Social media may introduce people to needlepoint, but the pleasure comes when the screen goes dark and the stitching begins
