Those were simpler times back then. Basic fibers were used; primarily three-ply Persian wool, floss and silk. We chose our ‘exclusive’ needlepoint project, and ‘exclusive’ is used in the real sense of the word, as there were not the numerous artists we have from which to choose today, but just a few established needlepoint designers. There were only two popular choices for pillow finishing… a knife-edge-welt, or box pillow, with lovely matching velveteen, or perhaps cotton. Wonderful ideas for decorative stitching were based on embroidery techniques, to borrow from the past and to build for the future. New needlepoint designers were quickly starting up, and contributing his or her individual talents to the now burgeoning list of creative artists. There was a passion for Needlepoint, it was new and trendy, and Needlepoint of La Jolla was there.

A few samples of today's pillow finishing

I’m mentioning Carrell’s meteoric rise in the needlepoint world that embraced her to emphasize my sincere delight that I have her same dream of bringing unique designs to our customers, teaching with pride what I’ve learned, providing exceptional finishing, and the most important mission: having fun.

A class by Carol Courington

Bill and Michelle

Needlepoint of La Jolla still has that “Je ne sais quoi.” It is a family owned and run business that was created thirty five years ago. We’ve changed the face of our store three times, twice on Fay Avenue for thirty years, and five more years on La Jolla Blvd., our present location. I think we have achieved today that same warm, inviting atmosphere we started at Shingle Lane in 1977; I hear from customers that they enjoy our friendly, helpful way. We believe in teaching the basics with all the rules and techniques for choosing, preparing, and stitching with different threads.

Suggesting using frames, and passing on the dos and don’ts we have gleaned from the professionals, we explain it’s OK to own your personal, comfortable way that makes you want to pick up your piece and stitch contentedly. Back to basics, back to fun, whether it is your enjoyment to meticulously engineer each stitch perfectly, or to wield the tent stitch on a large background attaining a physical mantra, Bill and I support you on your needlepoint journey. An important thing we do is listen to our customers, and we go that little extra mile to find just the right canvas, thread type and color, decorative stitch, and finishing for best displaying your needlepoint creation.

Left: Four Generations of blondes. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmRight: A celebration for Carrell's 80th Birthday

A modern renaissance was occurring… exciting new beginnings by way of sad endings, but change we must. In October, 2006, we moved from our comfortable digs on Fay Ave., to the beautiful southern neighborhood of La Jolla… Bird Rock. It was a rough beginning at first, but then a sense of permanence developed with Bill and me getting married on New Year’s Eve 2006.