SHORE VS. CITY: ELLEN CASTELLINI

After finding fulfillment in both the analytic and artistic worlds, Ellen Castellini has now beautifully intertwined the two. After a career as a CPA in public accounting and private equity, followed by a period devoted to raising her four young children, Castellini sought a creative pursuit that would bring her calm in the chaos of motherhood, connection with other women, and a renewed sense of purpose. When she picked up a needlepoint canvas at a friend’s suggestion, she discovered something transformative: the gentle discipline of craftsmanship; the artistry of color and texture; and the soulful satisfaction of creating meaning one stitch at a time. What began as a quiet hobby has blossomed into a full professional practice. Through her company, Ellen Elizabeth Stitches, Castellini designs, paints, stitches, finishes, and teaches needlepoint. Her unique background allows her to combine a mathematician’s mind with an artist’s eye. Through both her exclusive creations and brand partnerships, Castellini’s canvases bring a fresh, modern sensibility to a classic art form, celebrating the joy of creating something entirely by hand. A St. Charles native, Castellini, her husband, Tim, a Winnetka native, and their four children call the North Shore home. She puts down her canvas to share her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road.

What’s on the horizon? The canvases I created in collaboration with Sunny Esler of Tigre de Tartán are for sale at multiple needlepoint stores. I am particularly excited about an event with Neighbors of Kenilworth in April Mantra? “Be where your feet are” Best grooming tip? Don’t wear makeup often and people will think you look great when you do Guilty pleasure? Nerds Gummy Clusters Favorite foods? Oysters, Caesar salad with extra anchovies, my husband’s filet mignon, and French fries Music you love? Every playlist I have will have some Broadway on it—which is why I never oversee the speaker. No one wants Les Mis at happy hour

Best advice ever given to you? Ask for what you want Best advice you’ve given? Assume good motives from everyone Earliest memory? Seeing my mom and knowing I’m safe When you wake up, you? Try to get four kids out the door without being too late Before bed, you? Have a glass of wine with my husband and stitch in bed What’s on your bookshelf? I just reread Project Hail Mary and can’t wait for the movie You can’t live without? My emotional support water bottle Love to escape to? The Wisconsin Northwoods Advice you would give to your younger self? Calm down honey, it’ll be okay

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ON THE SHORE

Your style is? Paddle clothes during the day, and a cozy sweater and jeans in the evening Can’t leave the house without? A needlepoint project Transportation? Minivan for life Driving music? Dictated by my children Place to eat? Fred’s Garage, Pomeroy, Aboyer Shop? The Classic Stitch Best thing about the Shore? Sacred Heart School and the Northfield community Worst thing about the Shore? The distance from my parents in St. Charles The perfect day is? A cappuccino, a long walk to a playground, a paddle match, a babysitter who comes two hours before our dinner reservation, bed by 9

IN THE CITY

Your style is? I try to wear sleeker lines and neutrals … but the ruffles and florals still happen Can’t leave the house without? A needlepoint project that can fit in a small clutch Transportation? Walking Driving music? Country Place to eat? Bar Mar, Trivoli Tavern, Sparrow Shop? Third Coast Stitches Best thing about the City? The walkability—especially on the lakefront Worst thing about the City? Parking and traffic The perfect day is? A draft latte from La Colombe while stitching, a long, slow walk around the lake and through the Gold Coast, brunch at the 3 Arts Club Café, a nap, an early dinner, and a show