Shop of the Week – Isabel’s Needlepoint

I love visiting needlepoint shops and have found some wonderful Bargello stash treasures in shops of all shapes and sizes. Recently, I’ve been meandering down memory lane, reminiscing about the needlepoint shops I’ve stumbled upon in my travels. I used to travel extensively, and most times the trips only became bearable because of the anticipation I would feel just thinking about the local needlepoint shops (and tea rooms) I would visit. So, here’s to all those needlepoint shop owners who lovingly toil to make our visits fruitful and fun.

Isabel’s Needlepoint – Sun Valley, ID

I witnessed the birth of this week’s Shop of the Week. It is one of the warmest and friendliest needlepoint shops I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Isabel’s Needlepoint opened its door in 1996 in Ketchum near Sun Valley, Idaho—the home of one of America’s most famous ski and vacation resort. For several years we owned a vacation home there and at least two weekends out of every month I got a chance to climb the Galleria stairs and browse through lovely fibers, hand painted canvases, and unique needlepoint accessories. Once or twice I even got to stitch at a lovely table that was situated directly in front of a large window.

Isabel’s Needlepoint offers truly unique gifts such as beautifully inlaid wooden laying tools and their own original hand painted designs; and because the shop offers knitting yarns, patterns and accessories as well, the avid needlewoman will not want to ever go home. The town of Ketchum is home to several well-known cinema actors and famous people. It’s not unusual to run into one of them in Isabel’s (adds a little panache, don’t you think?)

The next time you’re in or near Sun Valley, ID, make it a point to visit Isabel’s Needlepoint at the top of the stairs in the Galleria. Call for directions and hours of operation – 888.267.0114. Here’s how staff members describe the shop:

“On the second floor in the center of the business district, we look out upon Bald Mountain, the ski mountain that’s beloved by our patrons. In fact, many of them tromp into the shop in ski boots after their morning run. Isabel’s is a great place to dawdle, stitch and knit. Come visit.”

Thanks, Isabel’s Needlepoint, for the wonderful memories. You’re Bargello Needlepoint.com’s Shop of the Week!

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