Okay, it’s time for one of those sweeping life changing decisions. If you are reading this blog you probably already know I design needlepoint, which is sold in shops all over the country, and you probably also know I have an on-line store called Bedecked and Beadazzled.

Well, the time has come to take things to the next level. I am opening a real brick and mortar store! The opportunity presented itself a few months ago and its been a whirlwind ever since. This is something I always thought I would do later in life but everything fell into place sooner rather than later.

Almost everything. I wanted a space that was big enough to have classes. Had good parking, good lighting, was quaint. You know, we all have the same needlepoint store fantasy. I have spent the last several months looking for a retail space. It has taught me more than I ever wanted to know about commercial real estate. If you have a needlework store near you that is cute and roomy be thankful. Its really hard to find a space. Some centers won’t take you because you are needlepoint and they don’t understand thats a good thing. Other centers require you to be open 7 days a week 12 hours a day. Okay, it might be nice when we run out of a thread to run by the store at 9:30 while hubby is home with the kids but is that really practical? Oh and then there was the store where I needed to remove urinals. Not part of my ideal description of a needlepoint store.

I have finally found what I hope will be the perfect space for us. It is in Cockeysville Maryland in a little strip of stores. There are several antique stores nearby, a cute gift store and a diner. We have good parking in front and in back. Great lighting. I guess we’ll take it. The contractors are there this week putting up a wall so that you don’ t have to look at all the stuff that will live in our stock room. Then John, the carpet guy will install the carpet. Then I can hopefully move in.

We’ll be open by late March, early April and do hope you will stop by. I’ll post pictures and details here as more materialize. I can tell you the canvases have started to arrive. It’s going to be a great adventure!