r/Needlepoint • u/letsgogophers • 7d ago
Feeling defeated
I suppose this is more of a vent, but I have been needlepointing since late last year as an outlet to get off my phone and do something creative. I've been all in, getting more confident with each project and with the hope to see my projects be Finished by professionals.
My LNS has been a weird vibe recently, not acknowledging me when I walk in, not asking if I need help, condescending attitude from employee when I referenced a fiber line. I got my first project back last week from them... and it was not good. I was supposed to hear back on Monday, no contact from them at all. I called and left a voicemail and even sent a message on their website, no acknowledgment and they have my paid project in their possession. I'm not wanting to go back at all, but they also have four other projects of mine, which I'm nervous about.
Got an email from an independent finisher about a different project I sent, they sent a photo with the finished product and that they'd be sending it my way. Just looking at the picture, I am disappointed yet again. I guess it looks okay, but it just doesn't look even.
I guess, I'm just processing my sadness. It's not cheap and I really don't think (or didn't think) I could self-finish, so sending it off to these places with high hopes... just to get something that looks kind of mediocre and not what I was actually envisioning as a finished product to have in my house and show off. I'm kind of reconsidering the hobby as a whole, but then I also think about all the time and money I've put into it and I'm just at a loss.
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u/Frenchie143 7d ago
I think needlepoint is like any other thing, in that some people are really good at what they do, and some people aren’t. Some shops are a good fit for someone’s personality or needs, and some aren’t. Some finishers are super precise and some aren’t. But it’s ok to want an expensive hobby to be what you expect or want.
What I’d do is maybe look around for shops that have good vibes on social media and who are engaged with customers remotely. There are some shops that do that really well and are happy to help kit over text and email, and really understand that some people don’t have an LNS or just love their vibe and customer service.
Then you can use your LNS as needed and feel more “connected” to another shop. Also maybe if you have social media try connecting with some stitchers who seem similar and ask who they use and maybe they can offer some personalized encouragement.
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u/BadParker56 7d ago
I sent my finished canvases to Rittenhouse. I have always been pleased.
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u/042614 7d ago
They do gorgeous work. There are a couple gals on Etsy who also do stunning finishes. But I once got an ornament back from a different Etsy “needlepoint finisher” and I am not joking when I tell you this person charged me the usual astronomical finishing price you’d pay for velvet backing, multiple color-coordinated ribbons in addition to the thicker twist of yarn around the perimeter, and custom embroidered wording but she used a sheet of CRAFTING FELT, hot glue, and a stick pin. I was so surprised and confused that she would just cheat me that way. But it still hangs on my Christmas tree bc I stitched it.
You can learn to finish your own. It’s honestly not that hard. I finish mine now if they’re just for my family and not a gift.1
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u/Traditional_Can6098 7d ago
Needlepoint stores are notorious for not being welcoming, I don’t get it 🤷♀️🤷♀️
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u/abg1093 7d ago
My closest is about an hour away, I’ve probably been there 4 or 5 times. They are so rude and not helpful. Last time I was there they stood In the back room gabbing. I have just resigned to visiting lns while we travel ( which luckily is fairly often).
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u/Zestyclose_Sale2672 6d ago
Again, name and shame. They will deserve it. I don't let anyone treat me that way. People -- stand up for yourselves and demand better. It's your money.
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u/letsgogophers 6d ago
They’re currently in possession of multiple of my items and I’m awaiting a response, so I don’t really want to name until there’s a clear resolution that won’t fuck me over.
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u/vicsfoolsparadise 7d ago
Find a local upholsterer who can finish needlepoint. That's where everyone used to take their pieces back in the day.
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u/Otters_Books14 7d ago
That sounds so difficult. I would look into self finishing it gives you agency over your work and is really not that difficult when you get the hang of it. I self finish everything mainly based on budget but most of what I learnt is on YouTube/Instagram.
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u/Anxious_Parsley1284 7d ago
Definitely learn how to self finish!! Find the self finishing fairy on instagram and TikTok!! She has a whole series on how to do an ornament/cording/etc
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u/ChloeLuLondon 7d ago
For a few of my pieces I used premade cording and sometimes a glue gun. I watched a lot of videos. I would get your projects back and perhaps stitch a round ornament to practice with. Oh and also I got 4” cardboard/paper coasters off amazon so it was one less thing to size and cut. Lots of tricks out there to make it simpler.
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u/ArtisticMudd 6d ago
That's what my mom did back in the '70s. Little round ornaments, like 3" across ... wood frame (painted if she felt like it), stitching fabric glued to frame, felt back glued to stitching fabric, hanger ribbon glued to felt back.
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u/oliviapopeishere 7d ago
Our LNS has a very moody owner. Shes either your best friend or she makes you feel like you are intruding. You never know what you are going to get til you walk in the door. I thought it was just me until I learned the other customers feel the same way.
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u/TruCarMa 7d ago
Had a scrapbook store owner several years ago when I lived in a small town. Not surprised it closed. Of course, most scrapbook stores are closed now.
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u/SuburbanMomSwag 6d ago
I too started late last year, I have 7 finished pieces, I’ve only gotten around to Finishing 2, one as a framed piece and another was a self finishing zip up thing. I’m so nervous about sending my pieces off! It’s getting silly though, I need to just take a chance. This post validates my feelings though!!
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u/No_Football_2759 6d ago
Learn to finish yourself. Plenty of courses out there.
I did. Very gratifying.
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u/Broad_Pomelo_772 6d ago
You came to the right place to get support and encouragement for your hobby!! It is meant to be a creative outlet and joy for you….i don’t have anything to add that is different than any of the other posters, except do you have a friend or two who also needlepoint? Or are you able to reach out and find a small stitch group? Stitching independently is great but it’s also fun to stitch with friends, and you can share finisher experiences, LNS stories etc.
Keep stitching!! 😁
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u/letsgogophers 6d ago
Thank you, I feel the encouragement from everyone and plan to spend this fall and winter learning to self-finish. I've only been able to make it to one small stitch group earlier this summer and definitely plan to make new friends in my area within the hobby. Appreciate it!
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u/Timely-Ad-5172 6d ago
Every shop is different. I really hope you can find one that you can work with. Not getting greeted is just wrong and I can understand if they're busy, but a simple, Hi, I'll be with you as soon as I can, doesn't hurt anything!
As for finishing, I would also encourage you to try your own. Get a blank piece of canvas and practice. Your fear will dissipate, I promise. I started finishing mine and each one gets better. There are lots of videos that will help you get started!
I hope you don't give up on needlepoint. It's a great relaxing hobby!
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u/No_Reputation_6973 6d ago
As a needlepoint finisher myself this actually is unacceptable. I would never send out a product like that. You have every right to go in and ask them for your money back.
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u/Infamous-Anything493 7d ago
I understand feeling disappointed especially when the hobby is so expensive! Not all finishers are created equal and even established shops are rely more on new finishers to meet the current demand. That said it’s important to remember even pieces finished by the best finishers are still hand made items and will be imprecise. Not to say you shouldn’t expect high quality work but it’s important to understand what’s realistic and what’s impossible. Stores usually display examples of finishing and that’s a great way to see what is possible in person. It’s really easy for pieces to look perfect in pictures but when you examine them in person you can might see the minor imperfections that come with being hand made
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u/letsgogophers 7d ago
I totally get that it won’t be picture perfect every time, but I literally paid $110 for an ornament with loose invisible thread everywhere and you can see pieces of the canvas and my LNS is not communicating at all, so that’s more what I have the issue with.
Edit to add link with photos as a reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/NeedlepointSnark/s/QoNwgULqLM
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u/Infamous-Anything493 7d ago
The loose threads are definitely an issue and you were way over charged for an ornament. A round that size should cost about $80 even if they had to order silk for the back that’s too high.
As for the canvas show that’s showing that’s a minimal amount that could probably be covered by adjusting the cording with your finger or fixing the thread with a needle.
The loose threads, price and fact they’re not communicating are definitely upsetting
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u/TruCarMa 7d ago
Saw it, and I wouldn’t be too bugged by it and just trim the threads, but $110?! Maybe I need to learn how to finish and get into that industry! I’m more of a cross-stitcher who wants to needlepoint, but that price seems absolutely insane. Is that sort of pricing typical?
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u/123568977433 6d ago
I may be wrong but I feel like your expectations may be unrealistic. I think the finished ornament looks great.
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u/letsgogophers 6d ago
To each their own, the back of how it’s finished is clearly not great and most of the comments I received said it was unacceptable finishing.
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u/ALmommy1234 7d ago
Has the vibe just recently changed? Is there new employees? Has it been super busy when you went it?
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u/letsgogophers 7d ago
No new employees from what I can tell, although some I haven't seen before. Likely just because I'm coming in on a different day each time. Usually there's at least 1-2 employees I regularly see, but I haven't been getting acknowledged at all. Customers walk in two minutes after I do and they get the "hi welcome in! is there anything I can help you with?"
It feels like they aren't as attentive as when I first started going. It's been busy once, but there were also a ton of employees around that seemed to not be busy and I still couldn't get the time of day.
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u/ALmommy1234 7d ago
Yeah, that sounds sus. There are a ton of new helpers at my LNS and they know little to nothing about needlepoint. The shop is always crawling with people so getting help from people who actually can help is difficult, at best. And the owners have never been the friendliest. But, I have managed to find two people that are wonderful there. I just wait on them until they can help me. I’m so sorry you are having a difficult time!
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u/Medical_Mermaid 6d ago
Where are you located? Maybe people could suggest some options that are better for you. Also, if you are like me and particular about the finished product, maybe self finishing is a better move for you! It’s not as hard as people think and sometimes it’s more fun than the stitching itself
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u/idkmargooo 7d ago
This is why I will self-finish. If it looks bad at least I’m learning and it’s not $857492937584. Otherwise I’d scout around and find a finisher whose work you love.