New space provides respite from a plugged-in world
Founder Erika Harrington began her career as a real estate lawyer but after having two boys, she gravitated towards her real passions: sewing and creative arts. She founded Needes Studio in February 2019 as a haven of old-fashioned crafts in the midst of Silicon Valley’s fast-paced culture. “In an area that’s so focused on technology, I increasingly felt the need to ‘unplug,'” she said. “I hope that others will find this space inspiring to their creativity.”
Sewing is good for the body and soul…plus it’s cool
In a world of fast fashion and disposable clothes, there are still so many reasons to sew. Along with improving hand-eye coordination and motor skills, sewing eases back pain, heightens our focus, prevents early onset dementia, and it literally makes us happy by inducing the production of dopamine, a hormone that generates feelings of confidence and contentment.If that weren’t enough, sewing is part of the DIY movement that’s all so hip. According to the Guardian, retailers in 2017 reported a big leap in sales of dressmaking patterns and sewing machines, with more than 1 million people taking up sewing in the previous three years. “We even have a guy making his own sofa right now,” Erika said. “He made the frame and now he’s using our upholstery machine to sew all the fabric and cushions. He’s super into the whole process!”
Needles offers a unique place to craft and unwind
Located on El Camino Real in Palo Alto’s Barron Park neighborhood, Needles Studio provides a range of sewing and crafting options for children and adults that cover everything from block printing to embroidery to machine sewing. Needles also offers “Open Studio” times, where people can work independently using all of Needle Studio’s amenities, including sewing machines, a cutting table, tools, ironing stations, snap setters, and more. Need something to help you get started? Needles’ small retail space has an enticing array of patterns, fabrics, scissors, embroidery kits, to inspire and even the most reluctant crafter.
Sewing camps combine sustainability & giving back
Needles Studio will offer three unique summer camps for this year: One will use fabrics kept out of landfill by local nonprofit Fabmo, another will produce blankets for pets and elderly people and a third will create miniature items. “The camps are designed to bring a different twist to the regular sewing experience,” Erika explained. “I wanted the kids to have a purpose for what they make and not just bring home a bunch of junk that’s never used again.”Building a community of craft in a real life setting
With her goal of building a community of creativity at Needles Studio, Erika has opened the space for a range of fun activities for people of all ages and interests, including Friday Night “Sewcials,” where attendees enjoy refreshments while they mingle and sew, private events, corporate team-building activities, girls’ night outs, and birthday parties. “I don’t think there’s anything like Needles Studio in Silicon Valley right now,” Erika said. “There a million YouTube videos that you can watch to teach you how to sew, but there is a certain kind of magic that happens when people gather around a shared interest, socialize and learn from one another.”
