By Brenna Eller
McPHERSON, Kan. — The destination for all things cross-stitching, Floss & Needle, located at 206 S. Centennial Dr., has just opened up in McPherson.
Chamber Ambassador Casey Justus of Ad Astra Radio welcomed everyone to the Ribbon Cutting for the new cross-stitching business in town, Floss & Needle on Sept. 15.
“I actually came in a couple of days ago, met Amberle, and we talked about all of the awesome things she has to offer. One thing I gathered immediately is she is just so eager to teach any single person the craft of cross-stitching,” Justus said.
Justus also shared how she has seen cross-stitch patterns on Pinterest where they have funny or “naughty” sayings that are so beautifully stitched that they contradict one another. Amberle knew exactly what she was talking about and had just the section.
“It’s an exciting store and she’s done amazing things to the place. It doesn’t even look like it once did,” Justus said. “The fabric, and all of the colors…I am here for it. Welcome Amberle. Welcome Floss & Needle. I hope we all take a little chance to learn some cross-stitching!”
McPherson Chamber of Commerce President Chad Hitt also welcomed Fowler to McPherson and shared that cross-stitching hits back home for him. He said it might seem funny because he’s such a big guy and people think about him in connection to football, but he said when he would get worked up before and after football games, his mom, who was a huge cross-stitcher, would say, “Come sit by me,” and she would give him her cross-stitch and he would start stitching.
“I actually got pretty darn good at it,” Hitt said. “I don’t know that I remember how to do it now, but it used to calm me down, so I absolutely love it.”
Hitt told Fowler her store looks wonderful and congratulated her on it.
“I would also like to thank you for trusting our community with your store and your vision,” Hitt said. “It’s absolutely beautiful. We all wish you the best going forward.”
Hitt presented Fowler with her first dollar of profit for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce.
Fowler thanked everyone for coming to the ribbon cutting and for all that helped her get to this point, including Teri Russell who she said put her blood, sweat and tears into the flooring.
“My husband has been my biggest supporter, and he is the one who let me pursue my childhood dream,” Fowler said. “I have dreamed since I was a little girl to open my own cross-stitch store because I have been stitching since I was five and the fact that he took the chance and let me pursue this just speaks to how much he loves me and how much I love and adore him.”
Fowler said many friends have helped put in the time and work to help get the store ready for the opening and that everyone has been a huge support and given her the opportunity to do this.
“A little bit about Floss & Needle, as you can see, I love cross-stitch, so my goal is to have a community of not just stitchers, but all kinds of crafters come into these doors and feel welcome and at home and just be able to talk with like-minded people and share their joy and excitement for something that they’re crafting with their hands.”
Whether you knit, crochet, cross-stitch or make miniatures, Fowler said you are welcome to sit at her table anytime she’s open.
There are going to be Stitch Nights on Thursdays until 7 p.m., and the first Saturday of every month, Floss & Needle will have a Dedicated Stitch Time from 12 – 4 p.m.
Fowler said she will be offering classes, and they will appear on her Facebook and on the website soon.
“I want to thank the McPherson community for supporting this store,” Fowler said. “I have had so many stitchers walk in that were from McPherson. I thought I was the only one.”
Fowler also wanted to give thanks to Farmers Alliance, who she was working part-time for while transitioning to pursue this dream.
“I could not have done both without their support,” Fowler said. “They worked so wonderfully with me.”
Kaylan at Stitchers Quilt Shop for her help and support.
Daniela Rivas, Assistant City Administrator welcomed Floss & Needle to the City of McPherson on behalf of Mayor Brown who couldn’t be there.
“McPherson has a wonderful mix of art organizations which benefit not only our artists but also enrich the lives of the residents and strengthen our local economy,” Rivas said. “The economic impacts of businesses like Floss & Needle support our local jobs, they stimulate commerce, and generate new tax revenue for the city of McPherson.”
Rivas said the business not only benefits the community in an economic standpoint, but also improves the social well-being of McPherson residents, promotes tourism and supports the small business environment.
“When business owners invest in the City of McPherson, it proves the city is doing something right, so as we gather in this beautiful space for this special celebration, I want to congratulate Amberle and her family and friends in this beautiful addition to our city,” Rivas said. “Congratulations and happy cross-stitching.”
On Saturday, Sept. 16, Floss & Needle had a grand opening celebration for the store, with cookies, drinks, door prizes and raffle prizes.
For updates on classes and to see store hours, visit the Floss & Needle website.
