Shop reviews

[gblvr]

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[[name of shop]]
[[name of catalogue]]

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Comments

Stitcher's Stash Shop - Fairfax, VA

[ancientsavvy]

Location: 10409-B Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-218-3131
Email: thestash@verizon.net
Web: www.thestash.biz
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday - Special Events and Classes

This store is about half cross-stitch and half punch-needle with a few other specialty stitches thrown in. Their pattern collection is about average size - seems to have a lot of samplers. I would have liked to see a greater variety of pattern types and designers, but I still managed to find something for my stash expansion. :-) The proprietor was very helpful, we discussed changing fabric stitch count for the pattern I bought and the benefits and detractions of using the Wisper thread for part of the project as designed by the designer (I'm still undecided; she chose not to use it because she used 1x1 28 count and the design was meant for 1x1 on 22 count.)

Prices seemed to be standard. They had some Lizzie Kate's bundled with fabric (not the double patterns) for $8.50, but also had the patterns by themselves for $4.50.

She had a nice selection of threads and fabric. They had Weeks Dye Works Wool Fabric which was something I hadn't seen before. Not sure what that is used for. There was also a framer's shop attached to the needlework shop. She offered to ship something to me if I decided I would like it at a later date (I do not live locally.)

Overall I was very pleased with the shop. Its location in downtown Fairfax is very nice. Next to some good food! ;-)

In Stitches - Alexandria, VA

[gblvr]

Subject: In Stitches - Alexandria, VA
Location: 8800-F Pear Tree Court, Alexandria, VA 22309
Phone: 703-360-4600
Email: institches100@aol.com
Web: www.institchesneedlework.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm, First Sunday 12:30 - 4:30pm, Stitch Night 1st and 3rd Wednesday 6:00 - 9:00pm

ancientsavvy and I visited this shop on 4-29-09; we had lunch first at a cute little Thai place just up the road, as Alexandria is a bit of a hike, then we went to the shop.

We spent about 2 1/2 hours poking around -- the shop itself is lovely, with lots of sample stitching on the walls and on various shelves around the shop, which is full, but not too crowded. The shop carries needlepoint materials and a small selection of knitting items as well as cross stitch, which is the shop's main focus.

There were three ladies working in the shop when we visited, and they were all *very* helpful; as we looked at patterns and discussed our likes and dislikes, they brought us other patterns and kits in similar themes. They were so patient as we painstakingly went through, well, everything!

Prices were low to average for a LNS, and they're generous with freebies! They have a good selection of floss and thread (including some lovely overdyes and silks, plus Anchor and DMC for only $.60/skein), and a lot of fabric options. There were a couple of baskets of clearance charts, and a basket of "FABULOUS Grab Bags" for $10/each. (I bought one, because I was curious -- there were 7 charts inside, of all sizes and ranging from contemporary to traditional.)

All in all, we liked this shop, and would recommend it to others.

BTW -- if you're a member of the Embroiderer's Guild of America, show your membership card for a discount!