By Kate Pickford
Located on the southeast corner of Wells and Schiller, the white storefront with navy blue striped awnings of Third Coast Stitches looks like it would be at home on hydrangea-lined street in Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. Inside, the walls are covered in completed needlepoints and of colorful thread.
Third Coast Stitches’ storefront brings coastal charm to Old Town. (Photo taken by Storybrand Studios, shared by Third Coast Stitches)
The July 26 opening day celebration was a cheerful welcome to Old Town after moving from its original location in Lincoln Park. Women (and men) of all ages flooded the store for shopping, drinks, and sweets. Third Coast Stitches’ collections include designs ranging from Chicago-themed skylines or hotdogs to florals or animals, and even a tin of sardines.
Third Coast Stitches is a one-stop-shop for all things needlepoint; which is exactly what owners Mackenzie Reimer and Kathryn Cannon Weir were hoping for when they first opened in 2021. They had initially bonded over their shared love of needlepoint and the lack of associated resources and community in the Chicagoland area.
Cozy window seat inside Third Coast Stitches, decorated with needlepoint patterns. (Photo taken by Storybrand Studios, shared by Third Coast Stitches)
In a conversation with Mackenzie, she explained how bringing the idea from conception to opening day took just a few months: “We were scrappy — curating our favorite canvases and threads — and incredibly supported by our families and the local stitching community”. This culture of hard work and determination fueled by connection is an identity that they are bringing to their new location.
A display rack for some of the hundreds of needlepoint patterns available in-store. (Photo taken by Storybrand Studios, shared by Third Coast Stitches)
In addition to selling supplies and accessories for needlepoint projects, the new storefront will also serve as an events space which offers beginners classes as well as Stitch Nights for all experience levels.
“From the beginning, we believed a local needlepoint shop should be more than retail — it should be a gathering place. These events invite our community to sit, stitch, and connect — and they’ve witnessed everything from job changes to engagements, friendships to farewells.”
A view of the front counter with opening-day celebrations in full swing. (Photo taken by Storybrand Studios, shared by Third Coast Stitches)
Third Coast Stitches prides itself on the community it curates, and this most recent move to a larger store allows for greater opportunities for connection. Anyone interested in learning more or signing up to attend an event can find more information on the store’s website (https://thirdcoaststitches.com/).
Third Coast Stitches’ staff on opening day, with Kathryn and Mackenzie in the center. (Photo taken by Storybrand Studios, shared by Third Coast Stitches)
When I stopped by on opening day, I was greeted by smiling staff and a sense that this was not just a store, but rather a community. Meeting Mackenzie and Kathryn, their excitement and passion were clear. They explained that needlepoint was a moment of mindfulness to add to each day. Even while watching TV, needlepoint is something to keep your hands busy and stop you from going on your phone.
The wall of fibers with every color of the rainbow adds even more brightness to an already cheerful shop.
So whether you’re looking for something to limit your screentime, a new place to shop, or maybe a community of friends that seem like family, Third Coast Stitches is bringing a new approach to needlepoint to Old Town. This location may be new, but it has its roots in creativity, hard work, and connection–sentiments that are shared the moment you step through the door.
