Welcome to Cindy’s Needle Art – Canada’s largest Needlepoint store and online shop. We stock over 1000 canvases and 100’s of fabulous threads.
We are located at:
9078 Leslie Street - Unit 9
Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3L8
Tel: 905-709-7759
We are open:
Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 a.m.— 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.— 3:30 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Please click below for a printable map of our location.
An interview with Sew Much Fun! Randi Gelman
Tell us about Sew Much Fun! Sew Much Fun! reflects my passion for art and creativity. I love to design canvases that will inspire both the beginner and experienced stitcher to use a variety of patterns, colors and textures to add delight to their work. I have been creating whimsical handpainted canvases for almost ten years and now see more possibilities for adding interesting stitches and larger repertoire of projects than ever before. I enjoy the challenge of planning stitch guides to complement the canvases but also love to see how stitchers experiment and come up with beautiful, original works of their own using my canvases as a starting point.
How did you come up with the business name?
Family and friends would always tell me they had so much fun working on my canvases. When it came time to name the business the play on words Sew Much Fun! came quite easily.
What led to you painting on needlepoint canvas?
My mother, sister and I have always enjoyed our times needlepointing together. The artist in me began to experiment with the possibilities on other designer's canvases to the point where theirs were unrecognizable and became more of my own. I enjoyed the challenge of "fitting stitches" into areas, and when I couldn't make it work I began to innovate and paint my own canvases. My sister Cindy, who owns and operates Needle Art in Richmond Hill, Ontario, became my first customer when she encouraged me to sell my newly designed canvases in her shop, and so the business began.
Tell us about any family members who work with you.
I am very fortunate to have a family with a strong interest and participation in the needlepoint business. My mother, sister and cousin are all very supportive and stitch my new canvases as fast as I can design them. My husband is my digital photographer and never complains about the amount of time I spend stitching and designing, or about the many thread around the house-lucky, I know!
Do you have a favorite design among your painted canvases? Why?
My favorite designs are usually the newest creations. Wonderfully challenging evening bags are at the top of my list right now. I typically love shabby chic and muted colours, but this line is designed for an elegant evening look with dramatic black, metallics and beading. I have already used mine-it is very exciting to wear my work. And just wait until you see the new sunflower canvas!
How do you come up with new design ideas?
I started with shabby chic designs, intended as wall hangings or pillows for my own home. As time went on, family and friends asked for specific gifts and these started me on other paths. For example, gifts for grandchildren like a rocking horse, led to the 3-dimensional animal collection. Bar Mitzvah gifts grew into a a Judaic line with tallis and tfillin bags, challah covers and matzo covers. Items for the home grew into chalkboards, bulletin boards, serving trays, boxes and more. I am always open to new ideas and suggestions from stitches so please send the on to me through this web site.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Stitching, stitching and more stitching. I see designing painting and planning stitch guides as my work, but the stitching is still pure pleasure. I also enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching television. I exercise regularly so later I can sit and stitch guilt free!
What is Newmarket, Ontario Canada like? What do you love most about living there?
Newmarket offers a unique blend of big city amenities paired with small town charm. We are close enough to Toronto to enjoy all the privileges of the big city when we choose them, but small enough to have century old Main Street shops. I love my quiet neighborhood, the fresh air, and plenty of stars to wish on.
Anything you would like to say to our readers?
I would love to hear from you with any ideas for canvases or custom work. I enjoy hearing how you have found my canvases and stitch guides and any suggestions are always welcome. Thank you for enjoying Sew Much Fun!
© 2008 - Cindy’s Needle Art | 905-709-7759 | 9078 Leslie Street - Unit 9 | Richmond Hill, Ontario | L4B 3L8