Spotlight: Amy Stone + Needlepoint

Because we are all spending so much time at home right now, I wanted to share a few people who I love to follow and am inspired by, whose work and profiles transport you and are a bit of an escape right now.

Amy is one of my earliest friends from New York and blogging—we met way back in 2011! She is one of the chicest people I know and always has the best taste in things. She started needlepointing over the winter and created an Instagram account dedicated to her stitching. I’ve wanted to try needlepointing for awhile and just started my first project, with lots of helpful advice & encouragement from Amy. Needlepointing has become really popular during this time, so I wanted to pick her brain on all things needlepoint…

in her words…

I’m Amy Stone, a New York-based Director of Content. Newly acquainted with a long time interest, I took up needlepointing during the holidays just last year. I’ve always loved the finished product—in the form of slippers, pillows, and beyond—and from what I’m told, my great grandmother, Charlotte Stone, was an avid and highly skilled needlewoman (my aunt has some of her work).

In more recent years, one of my best friends Mackenzie reintroduced me to needlepoint while we were on Nantucket. Her grandmother is known to create absolutely beautiful pieces, including all of the kneelers at Siasconset Chapel. But I never actually learned while on ACK, despite having access to a pro teacher many summers in a row!

I finally committed to learning and taught myself through YouTube tutorials and was hooked instantly! I was intimidated at first, but it couldn’t be easier. It’s a wonderful hobby that incorporates creativity, productivity (a sense of accomplishment!), and relaxation.

HER FAVORITE NEEDLEPOINT SHOPS + NEEDLEPOINTERS…

I’m always keen to discover new sources for canvases, but as of right now my favorite shops are Morgan Julia Designs, Lycette Designs, Erica Wilson, and Pip & Roo Needleworks. I also love the work of artist Melinda B. McAra, who visualizes many of my favorite Nantucket scenes through her canvases, although they're typically back-ordered (I have this on the way!).

While this isn’t a needlepoint-specific account, my friend Nan Philip has incredible content in general and often shares her latest needlepoint projects—I love the color schemes she goes with and the iconically preppy yet modern designs she opts for.

how she’s keeping spirits up…

— Donating to causes that are important to me and help my local community

— I typically never cook dinner, so it's been nice to get into a routine of preparing a (simple) meal every night as work starts to wind down

— I’m never not watching Sex and The City at night—an instant mood boost

— And of course, FaceTime and phone calls with friends and family!

watching…

The last few things I’ve watched on TV: Tiger King (guilty!), Seinfeld, and Little Fires Everywhere (only a few episodes). My favorite movies of all time: First Wives Club, Clueless, Cruel Intentions and American Psycho. I’m a major fan of documentaries over movies, but they’re so taste-specific that I honestly hesitate to make any recommendations!

inspired by…

@kristinellenmartin — Her South Carolina plantation and garden are an absolute visual escape. Plus, her retrievers are adorable and she has enviable style in just about everything. (P.S. Here is Kristin’s spotlight feature if you want to read more about her!)

@maxsinsteden — He’s quarantining in his Rhode Island home and creating the most beautiful table settings for every single meal along with incredible-looking at-home culinary executions like shoestring fries and Lady M’s crepe cake.

@julia.loomis — She and her husband are sporting black-tie for weekend evening meals in their West Village apartment, and I am here for it.

@ninefairbackgammon — My friend Jessica is a truly talented artist and her brand Ninefair purveys intricately painted, custom heirlooms in the form of a classic backgammon board. Trying to convince her to partner on needlepoint canvases next!