I visited this shop yesterday after seeing a canvas listed as "in stock" on their website. I'm newer to needlepoint and was excited to browse in person, especially since there are only a couple stores in the South Bay/Peninsula. When I asked about a specific canvas, I was told it was not available. I mentioned that the website showed it in stock and had an active add-to-cart option. The response I received was unexpectedly dismissive and in a condescending tone. The woman behind the counter said: "Amazon has trained you to expect things you see online to be in stock," followed by an explanation that their website does not really support online orders, at least not yet. I completely understand that inventory systems and websites don't always match. Had this simply been explained in a straightforward way, I would likely have purchased a different design/kit while I was there. Instead, the interaction felt condescending and uncomfortable enough that I chose not to continue shopping. For a hobby that relies on welcoming and guiding newcomers, tone matters. This was not my first experience with needlepoint, but I can easily see how it could discourage someone just getting started. Because of this experience, I won't be returning. I'd recommend new stitchers seek out another local store where questions are encouraged and customers feel comfortable spending time (and money). read more

Linda and Julie were great. I took advantage of the current trunk show and got a chance to see some beautiful pieces folks in the stitching group were working on. Such fun to be able to meet weekly to stitch! Highly recommend stopping here. read more

Old World Designs - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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Needlepoint/embroidery-thread shops in Saratoga, Los Gatos and Santa Clara have all gone out of business. Old World Designs on Santa Cruz Ave.in Menlo Park is a bit of a drive for me, but I feel grateful they are here to offer high-end threads of silk and wool, shiny Krenik and blends. These threads are not available in hobby-type stores or fabric stores. The showcase of designs here is outstanding and artfully displayed. You can expect to see seasonal designs so it is worthwhile to stop in frequently. You can also expect thoughtful and professional advice. Classes are offered and you can join the email list to be informed of upcoming classes and trunk shows. The shop is conveniently located, fronting on Santa Cruz Avenue. There is ample street parking, but i suppose it is best to time your visits.The neighborhood becomes quite busy at lunch time. I am thankful to have found Old World Designs. My experience here was rewarding and the environment is inviting. read more

Went inside the store this afternoon, and the customer service was not very nice. An elderly female was super rude when I asked about classes for needlepoint. Her tone was a bit too defensive for no reason. It was a total disappointment because the store seemed to have a welcoming ambience. Perhaps she likes her regular customers only, and this is an "exclusive" needlepoint shop. If it is, you can put a sign that says we are picky about our customers... you got my point. Luckily we have Michael's located in Palo Alto, so no need to come to this store ever again. read more

Hard to find needle point shops while on vacation. Even harder to find needle point shops using online searches that are still open for business. Well worth the search, and the 30 minute drive. Surprised my wife. I even got rewarded with my wife finding a pattern she has been searching for. Linda helped my wife get all the right threads for the pattern. A wonderful shop. I am glad I found it. Traveled from RI. read more

The workers here are warm and friendly and are willing to help with any question you might have about a canvas or thread. The shop has an amazing selection of threads and beautiful unique canvases. I would recommend Old World Designs. read more

Nice selection of hand painted canvases, threads and accessories for everything needlepoint. Canvases can be expensive, but that's not their fault. They give classes in various techniques but they also have the patience to show a beginner the ropes and a few tricks along the way. read more

What was a 22 year old doing in a needlepoint store? It sounds weird, I know, but both of my grandmothers were major needlepointers, and I'm, well, a little addicted. The ladies in this store were friendly enough, I suppose, but there wasn't a lot of service. I walked in looking for a new project, and there just isn't a lot of selection. There were very few canvases available (my home store has literally a huge rolodex of moving boards with 150-200 canvases). Old World Designs had probably 30-40 canvases to choose from, all of which were rather small. On top of that, all of the canvases available were exceedingly expensive. I'm used to paying $100-150 for a canvas (including all thread), but even the small ones here were $200+ unless they were on sale. Just not a great experience, and I'd rather design my own canvas for my next project than come back. read more

This store is a local gem. They have a wonderful and varied supply of yarns and canvases. All of the sales people are patient and very helpful.Linda, the owner, is a master at pulling the exact beautiful combination of threads. It is so important to support local businesses. read more

If you are a hands-on-crafts artist who loves to explore a variety of textures, colors and fine brands of threads you must see this store! If you are easily ruffled by strong personalities and demand a customer-comes first attitude, you might wish to avoid this store. I believe these ladies are good at heart - no doubt they have good reason to be proud and self-confident of their wares. read more

I went to this needlepoint store with the intent of purchasing a gift for my Mother-in Law, who is an avid needlepointer. In all my years on earth, I have rarely been treated as rudely as I was at this store. The two women with whom I spoke were condescending, snippy, and very, very, rude. One of these women said that they were "very busy" because they had two classes going on. Well, perhaps you might consider scheduling one at a time? Or hiring another (nicer) salesperson? No matter how busy they were that's no excuse for being rude to a CUSTOMER. I would definitely not recommend this store. Ever. read more

I got volunteered for a needlepoint project. Not really my thing as my fine motor skills are anything but fine, but I figured it would not hurt to try to broaden my skill set. I started to run out of embroidery materials and headed to Old World Designs for a refill. I had walked past the store many times but had never been motivated to enter. (See above note about lack of coordination.) The other customers in the store appeared to be regulars and had a certain look about them, which is not my look. I was asked, a little too eagerly, if I wanted help. I declined -- since I'd never been in the store, I wanted to look around -- and was then followed and closely observed, none too discreetly, by one of the ladies. Do they really get a lot of shoplifting needlepointers? Suffice to say, it was not a warm and welcoming environment. I found the item I needed the most and headed to the cash register, only to be asked if I truly wanted to spend that much. Dear Reader, the item was about $4 and I paid in cash, with a $5 bill that, as far as I know, was legit. I will be ordering the other supplies from an online site because on the internet, they'll take your money whether or not you dress in a matronly fashion. So, if you fit the type and like to chat about needlepoint designs with the ladies, you will bond with Old World Designs and they will adore you. Me, I'm not going to be part of that clique. read more

I love this shop; the team is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The collection of canvases is very good -- plentiful and varied without being overwhelming. In addition to handpainted canvases, they carry Stitch-n-Zip kits, which are a favorite of mine, especially for quick and easy gifts. Excellent selection of fibers. read more

I've been to Old World Designs a few times and always had a great experience. Today the shop owner spent a good half hour helping me pick out threads, cutting my canvas down to fit on the frame, disassembling the frame to attach my canvas to it, and reassembling the frame. I had plenty of time to observe the other employee in the shop as she helped other customers, and she too was both patient and helpful. The only thing that prevents me from giving them 5 stars is that their selection of canvases usually aren't my style. read more

My local (as in half a block away from my house) embroidery shop closed and left me in the lurch needing more thread for my HUGE embroidery project. I called Old World Designs and they had a bit of my desired color in stock and ordered the rest of what I needed. It's been less than two weeks and my order has already arrived. Better follow-up and faster service than my previous shop. My only complaint is the one saleswoman there interrupted me constantly. I thought that was so rude, but she really meant well. I guess that's just her personality. Maybe she can tone it down. Can't imagine how she must be treating her older clientele (I'm 26!). read more

The ladies of Old World Designs are a class act. They have a good selection and feature different artists through their ongoing trunk shows. Talented designers can help teach you needlepoint and prepare stitch guides if you need inspiration; however, they will help you pull threads and talk through ideas for stitches if you need or want less formal assistance. Finishing is beautiful! You will not be disappointed if you place your trust in Old World Designs. I shop all over the US and love coming home to this shop! read more

We were visiting from out of town and made a visit to this amazing store! The designs and selections are wonderful. We live in NYC but will certainly be back the next time we are in California! read more

I have always had such a wonderful experience at Old World Designs. When we moved back to NY and FL, I continued to send all my finished canvasses back to be finished there. I've been to many needlepoint shops in this country and have never had anything, but exceptional, friendly service there. It's like being a member of a large family - they are always so helpful!! read more

My grandmother used to come to this shop quite frequently and a couple years after her passing I decided to stop by and find something to needlepoint in her memory. The saleswomen were all extremely friendly and remembered my grandmother immediately. It was great to hear stories about her from them. They were very supportive and helped me pick out a beautiful hand painted canvas for a pillow that wasn't too complicated for a beginner. When I came back at a later date to have my own design (an image that elderly women don't see every day) made into a pillow they were only happy to laugh along. The threads and canvases are all pretty expensive but considering their quality and the location of the store it's not all that surprising. All in all a cute, warm and welcoming shop. read more

Old world designs is THE BEST needlepoint store in the entire bay area! The owner, Linda, is the most up-beat, friendly gal who was extremely helpful and patient with me while I chose a stocking to make. She also took the time to help me decide which fibers to use and where to use them. I will definitely be going back to this store very soon and be telling all my friends and family to visit there too. :) read more

I'm a long time customer of this wonderful shop in Menlo Park and always get excellent service and wonderful ideas for my various needlepoint projects. The staff is knowledgeable and it's like family to me. read more

I am young and often get funny looks when walking in to a needlepoint store. This place is no different, but I had never had a problem until I went in yesterday looking for thread for my new project. I was bullied into picking something that I did not want, and when I constantly mentioned that I didn't like/want it the woman working there actually cut the thread she was pushing and started stitching on my project! I felt obligated to buy the thread she cut even though I TOLD HER I wasn't comfortable using a different material that I had never worked with before. After she did some stitches I told her that I didn't like the way it looked and did not want this thread. She couldn't look more annoyed even though I did not ask her to ruin her own inventory by cutting it and I certainly did not want her stitching on my project! She is lucky I even offered to buy that one thread she cut because I had made it clear I didn't want it before she cut it. I'm not comfortable coming back here and will be finding a new place for my projects. read more