Needlepoint enthusiasts to unite in Castle Pines
Custom needlepoint finishing – like this pillow featuring a needlepoint canvas — is at the heart of Karen Barton’s home-based business, The Pine Needle Shop. In early September, The Colorado Needlepoint Roadshow – an event Barton is co-hosting – will bring needlepoint vendors and teachers to Castle Pines.
By Lisa Crockett; photo courtesy of Karen Barton
Castle Pines resident Karen Barton has been a seamstress for more than 50 years. But just three years ago, she found a new passion in needlepoint.
“My neighbor showed me her collection of needlepoint projects she had completed over the years and I was so enamored by the beauty of the art,” said Barton. “I immediately ran to the fabric store to purchase my first canvas.”
Barton was hooked, and quickly learned that her sewing skills were the perfect compliment to completed needlepoint projects. Once a needlepoint canvas is done, it is often used to create usable objects – pillows, wall hangings and tote bags to name a few – and Barton found a real affinity for the work. Soon, her home-based custom needlepoint finishing business, The Pine Needle Shop, was born.
This month, Barton will co-host an event at the Castle Pines Community Center, which will allow needlepoint artists and students to come together. On September 6, 7 and 8, multiple canvas and thread vendors will converge in Castle Pines to show their wares. Classes on various techniques will be offered, as will a “canvas” class, which will give stitchers a road-map from start to finish for a needlepoint project.
“With this event, we really want to draw new stitchers,” said Barton. “Needlepoint is really interesting right now with new techniques; we like to say ‘It’s not your Grandmother’s needlepoint anymore’!”
The Colorado Needlepoint Roadshow will be held from September 6-8 at the Castle Pines Community Center, 7404 Yorkshire Drive. Hours are: Friday: 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Sunday noon until 5 p.m.
For more information, visit the Pine Needle Shop’s Facebook page, or contact Karen Barton by e-mail at pineneedleshop@hotmail.com.
