House of Needlepoint is more than just a store to co-owners Beth Crump and Kim Kernan. The pair runs a profitable business, with walls lined with bright, colorful threads, hundreds of patterns and plenty of needlepoint accessories. But to the friends and longtime patrons of the Post Road store, it's also their favorite hangout.
"We both have needlepointed here since we were adolescents," Kernan said. She and Crump bought House of Needlepoint in the fall of 2007, when former owner Annie Sullivan retired. With their children growing up and more free time on their hands, the two decided to keep the store open themselves.
Needlepointers use the store not only as a source of supplies but also as a place to practice their craft. Many come by the store and take a seat next to Kernan and Crump at the table in front of the store's display window to chat and work together. "People come in, and bring their coffee, or they bring a sandwich," Crump said. "We're kind of a community spot."
The co-owners also have scheduled programs to bring needlepointers together beyond the regular hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every week they have Wednesday Night Drop-in, when people who work can come by. They also host classes for beginners and trunk show where diehards can check out the latest products.
Crump and Kernan enjoy meeting new people who share their hobby. Because there are so few needlepoint stores, theirs draws in customers from as far as Westchester County and Long Island. "We're kind of a destination," Kernan said. "It really is a fun place to be."
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