What's the Point of Needlepoint? - She The People News explores the world of business, culture and politics from a woman’s point of view.

What’s the point of needlepoint? For many needle-ninjas the answer is simple, it’s a lifestyle.

The craze can be seen as the passion of the times. Currently, it’s part of the trending “coastal-granny-chic” esthetic. But, for lifetime ‘nimble-thimbler’ Jan Beacham, it’s where her hands have always met her loving heart.

Daughter Deb, Jan Beacham and Newlywed Molly

The octogenarian’s talents are the stuff of legend. Her sense of style, eye for color and patience have created heirloom quality works of art. As the years go by each finished canvas tells a story. As treasured as handwritten letters, her projects in many ways scrapbook family history. From sentimental to silly each is filled ~ literally and figuratively ~with colorful yarns.

Jan’s daughter Deb (aka Grandy Deb ) inherited her mom’s passion for the art form. She, with like-minded entrepreneur, Lucy Millet, have partnered to open Mopsey, a needlepoint shop in Biddeford, Maine.

Needlepoint mavens; Deb and Lucy

New-to-town, Mopsey is already a hive of activity. People of all ages and skill sets are drawn to the communal vibe that saturates the joy-filled space with creativity.

Mopsey’s opening day gala

A full service shop, Mopsey offers traditional to quirky canvases, a rainbow of dazzling threads and finishing services that are ‘To Di For’. The store has become so popular they also offer weekly ‘Stitch Club’ hours for customers interested in hanging-out with other ‘thread-headers’ to enjoy the inspiring group atmosphere or seek a little expert help.

As easy to transport as it is transportive the ancestral past-time of needlepointing tends to be meditative. Even basic stitches are therapeutic. Practitioners are lulled to a less hurried place where contemporary designs weave gently into nostalgic memories and a a time not so long ago when someone’s hands met their loving heart.