It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since KC Needlepoint first opened their doors.
Back in 2015, Polly Kramer and Carol Crowe had a shared dream: to create a space where needlepoint lovers—whether seasoned stitchers or brand-new beginners—could gather, learn, and create. What started as a little shop with big dreams has turned into something much greater than they could’ve ever imagined: a vibrant, supportive community that stretches far beyond the Kansas City limits.
The journey began in 2014, when the stars aligned. A wonderful connection, Julie Filean- the manager of Sign of the Arrow in St Louis- introduced the pair. Both Polly and Carol were thinking about opening their own needlepoint shops in Kansas City. Instead of becoming competitors, they became co-owners!
In January 2015, they traveled to The National Needlearts Association (TNNA) trade show with Madonna Lewis of Cabbage Row in Charleston to learn the ins and outs of running a shop. They came home excited and ready, and soon after, KC Needlepoint was born.
The original shop was located in a cozy storefront on Gregory Boulevard in Waldo. It was there that they welcomed KC Needlepoint’s very first customers. As the community grew, so did their need for space. In 2018, they moved to a larger location just up the street. In 2024, they made their most recent move to the current location at 8050 Wornall Road. In turn, they have even more room to stock beautiful canvases, offer classes, and gather with fellow stitchers!
Over the years the store has grown immensely. They've expanded their canvas collection, built a bustling online business, hosted countless trunk shows, classes and even retreats. But the mission has stayed the same: to keep needlepoint fresh, inclusive, and full of joy.
In 2019, Polly and Carol launched KCN Designers, a wholesale line that now represents over twenty talented female artists. It’s been incredible to help bring new creative voices into the needlepoint world and watch their designs come to life on your canvases.
So—what’s next? To celebrate this 10-year milestone, they've got some exciting things planned: a launch of a collection of exclusive celebratory canvases, fun giveaways, and more surprises along the way. But most of all, this celebration is to honor you—our stitchers and friends who have made this journey possible.
Whether you’ve been with KC Needlepoint from the beginning or just discovered needlepoint last week, thank you. We wouldn’t be here without your support, creativity, and shared love for stitching!