THE 411

How to start a needlepoint club.

For those new to needlepoint and interested in starting their own needlepoint club, needlepoint guru Jenny Welsh advises the best thing to do is to hook up with one of the local shops to find a beginner project.

In our greater area, stitchers could look into The Canvasback in Northfield, The Classic Stitch in Winnetka, Emily’s Stitchery in Northbrook, and The Forest Needle in Lake Forest—all great shops that are happy to work with people to get them started.

These local shops can help find a suitable beginner group project.

The local shops can often set up a private class to teach the basics.

One or two people need to take the lead to get everyone organized with supplies, a lesson on basics, and then to move forward by picking a location to meet on a regular basis—once a month, once a week, whatever works for your group.

Choose a meeting spot: There are lots of places to meet up. You can take it outside the house and meet at a coffee shop, local restaurant, park, really anywhere.