At Needlepoint.Com, we love spotlighting the designers who bring fresh perspective and creative flair to the needlepoint world. In our newest Designer Showcase, we're thrilled to introduce Goodpoint Needlepoint - a vibrant and modern brand that's quickly become a customer favorite. From the most stunning color palettes to the sweetest designs, Goodpoint's canvases are the perfect blend of fun and sophistication. We sat down with Amanda to learn more about the inspiration behind the brand, her creative process, and more!
Shop the Goodpoint Collection here.
Tell us about yourself! We’d love to hear a bit about who you are beyond the needle and thread.
I’m a mom to a 3-year-old son named Gray and a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd named Henry. I met my husband when we were in middle school, but we didn’t start dating until after college. I lived in DC for college, and then San Francisco and New York City after that, before moving back to my hometown in Connecticut. Outside of needlepoint, I love to read (especially romance & romantasy novels), garden (with *some* success), travel around New England (I’m a nervous flyer, so road trips are my favorite), and anything interior design related.
Where did the name “Goodpoint” come from?
I was in Vermont with my husband’s side of the family the summer before I officially launched Goodpoint and was making initial plans for my new business. We were brainstorming ideas for the name and debating the positives and negatives of different suggestions. Someone said, “good point” in response to one of the ideas, and we all kinda paused and said, “wait…. Goodpoint!” I registered the LLC a week later!
How has your style or approach to design changed since you started?
I actually think my approach and style have stayed relatively consistent since the beginning. I always wanted to create a collection that felt approachable, fun, and classic in style. I began my career as a corporate merchant for the Gap, so I always am thinking of canvas designs in terms of how they fit within little collections. I try to make it so each canvas has a friend and a reason for being in the assortment. I have started to dabble a bit more in the world of 18 mesh since the beginning, but still have such a soft spot for stitching and painting 13 mesh designs!
What’s your favorite part of the design process?
Seeing it come to life as a stitched (and then finished) piece!
What was the first design you created - and why?
I started with 8 designs that pretty much all fit within a Scotland collection. I worked on the Dinna Fash, Wee Bairn Sleeping (which then expanded to our Baby Sleeping signs), and Thistle Fob first, which are all still part of the collection! My Nana was from Scotland, and one of my last big trips before the pandemic was to Scotland with my family. I found it so inspiring, and saw an opening in the needlepoint market for more canvases inspired by the country.
What’s your go-to decorative stitch?
I’m more of a basketweave girl at heart, but if I’m covering a big background, I like Diagonal Scotch or Alicia’s Lace. I’m also a big fan of Skip Tent, but I’m not sure that counts!
What advice do you have for new stitchers?
Jump right in, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or do things the “wrong” way at first! There are so many people in the industry who would love to help you get started, so don’t be afraid to reach out or visit an LNS in your area! If you are intimidated by the idea of reaching out or going into a shop as a novice, there are tons of resources online with videos ranging from how to thread a needle, how to anchor your thread, and how to do the basic tent stitches. I always suggest a small-ish 13 mesh project with just a few colors to start, like a key fob or one of our Mini Signs. They won’t break the bank, and are a great way to get a flavor for needlepoint.