PREVIOUS SHOPS FEATURED
ARCHIVES
Every month The CARON Collection features one of the outstanding
shops who so ably provide stitchers with not only supplies but guidance,
technical expertise, and inspiration. We hope you'll support your local
shops and browse through our extensive SHOP
LISTINGS. This month visit Hook-n-Needle with us where shop
owners Marcel Bloch and James Henry have created a dazzling paradise for
devotees of the needlearts.
Hook-n-Needle
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Rambling
through the spacious interior of the historic architectural structure known
as the Old Sasco Mill in Westport, CT, is a warren of rooms that comprise
Hook-n-Needle. The building, formerly known as Buckley's Mill, dates back
to 1840. The shop's owners, Marcel Bloch and James Henry, in their tenure
there, have learned that mills in New England were often built on top of
previous mills, so the site may be older than historical records indicate.
The mill is situated within what once was a multi-use industrial complex
adjacent to the swan inhabited Sasco Pond. Buckley's was a grist mill,
while on the Fairfield side there was a sluice that powered a saw mill,
now reduced to a parking lot. At the rear, stood the barn which provided
for storage of the lumber and grain, now converted into an office. Further
beyond that sat the ice house, used to preserve the blocks of ice cut from
the pond in the dead of winter. This, alas, no longer exists, having gradually
succumbed to residential development. What does remain is the specter of
the swans gliding across the pond, a fixture that links past and present.
This
bucolic setting encloses an equally inviting interior, a veritable cornucopia
of plenty. Marcel (Marc) artist, decorator and interior designer opened
its portals in July 1971 starting out in only two rooms of the mill. James
(affectionately known as Bud) was involved since its inception, but did
not devote his full energies to the enterprise until 5 years later. Both
are transported "Louisianians" and they have imparted an air
of southern graciousness and gentility to their shop. From the first Hook-n-Needle
was dedicated to the needlearts: needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch
and latch hook. By the end of the first year, yarns for knitting and crocheting
were added to the inventory and a unique and formidable selection of designer
fibers gleaned from all over the world remains a mainstay.
In the Pattern Room are displayed sweaters, hats,
vests, scarves and many other hand knitted models of the latest fashions
in vogue for the entire family. Walls are draped with pictures, pillows,
purses and other finished items so that the customer can see each completed
project and accessory. The Needlepoint Room features hand painted, screened
and center worked canvases and both national and international kits which
include fine imported fabrics and threads from renowned designers. Stamped
and counted cross stitch kits, charts and fabrics abound in another designated
area along with finished samples of these projects. There is a section
devoted entirely to Christmas themes rendered in needlepoint, crewel, cross
stitch, felt and plastic canvas. You will notice framed pictures, wall
hangings, ornaments and knitted stockings that commemorate this festive
holiday season year round.
The Latch Hook Department boasts schillcraft kits,
open stock and pre-cut yarn and designs, along with a line of childrens'
and beginners' cartoon character kits. You're almost never too young or
too old to indulge in this pastime. Gift items are plentiful and include
famous brand knitting and project bags in all shapes and sizes, decorative
wooden and gold or platinum plated needles, scissors, thimbles, small porcelain
or wooden boxes and decorative chests for storing floss and needlework
tools, some of which sport needlework inserts. Clocks, mirrors, trays,
small stools, rockers and chairs, pre-made soft jewelry pouches and eye
glass cases done in needlepoint add to the bounty.
A
library brims with stunning hardcover volumes spanning a broad range of
designer patterns for most of the media offered , supplemented by soft
cover books and leaflets.A special finishing service excels in completing
belts, pillows, bell pulls, rugs, ornaments, tapestries and assembling
sweaters. Worth separate mention is the button collection which exceeds
expectations. At this point, shopping here may begin to seem too daunting
an experience, what with the vast array of kits, yarns, gifts and books
on display; but rest assured Marc and Bud, with their staff of 7, will
let no query or look of bewilderment go unnoticed, as personal service
and satisfaction is a hallmark. Marc also boasts an elephant's memory and
never forgets a customer.
Over the years, there have been many associates,
each versed in specific areas of expertise in the many facets of needlearts'
expression. Some of the longest tenured and most memorable of these have
been Winnefred "Inch" Sharp, Sally Erskine, Donna Bennett, Ann
Blocker-Bryan, Kim Clark and Lois Caron, some of whom have developed their
own further interests in the industry. Lois Caron is especially indebted
to Marc and Bud as they were an instrumental force behind the launching
of her own business venture, The Caron Collection. From their first encounter,
Marc recognized enormous potential in Lois' unique design talents combined
with her precise analytical mind. Starting out as just another customer
looking for yarns to make knitted sweaters, she was subsequently encouraged
in converting exquisite rug designs for execution in needlepoint. This
led to handpainted canvases of her own original patterns. In these pursuits,
Bud and Marc were on hand to spur her on to more challenging endeavors,
and as they say, "the rest is history".
Many
custom designs have their origins at Hook-n-Needle and some of these are
permanently displayed at Christ's Church in Redding, CT, Trinity St. Michael's
in Fairfield, CT, Trinity in Southport, CT, and Temple Rhodesh Shalom in
Bridgeport, CT. Their design work also extends to commissions for private
homes and offices in Connecticut and surrounding states. Completed projects
include dining chair seats, rugs, pillows, tapestries, bell pulls, dolls,
bed headboards, sofas, chairs, ottomans, stools, benches, table attire
and window treatments. Recently, Mr. Bloch was honored for his design of
an ornament to be hung on the 1997 White House Christmas tree. There is
a non-stop parade of trunk shows, celebrity appearances and special events
around the year. Hook-Needle's proprietors are without doubt, movers and
shakers in their chosen milieu. If you're beginning to think "is there
anything they don't have or can't do?" think again. Or better yet,
pay a visit and prepare to be dazzled!
Hook-n-Needle is located at 1869 Post
Road East in Westport, CT, (800) 960-4404.
Hours are: Monday
through Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
(Store review written by Rita Vainius)
- STORE FOCUS ARCHIVES
For
previous month's features
-
- Haus Tirol in
Williamsburg, Virginia
Crafty
Lady in Macomb, Michigan
It's A Crewel World in
Salem, Massachusetts
Exclamation Point!in Saratoga
Village, California
Thistle Needleworks in Glastonbury, Connecticut
