Sisters open sewing and fiber arts workshop in Red Bank
Chalk one up for practical craftsmanship. In a world dominated by technology and automation, sisters Marcy Johnson and Danielle Landrum are embracing the timeless appeal of tradition.
This winter, the sisters opened The Knot & Needle workshop and crafting supply boutique in Red Bank — a place where customers can buy handmade gifts, get creative and learn new skills.
“I’m not sure if sewing ever went out of style. But right now, it’s incredibly popular,” said Landrum, who is also co-owner of Locals Only gift shop with her husband. “People are really into it. … Upcycling and repairing items are also big trends.”
The shop offers classes multiple times a week, including Saturdays, and has plans to extend offerings to include summer classes for children in June and July. The sisters said the classes have consistently reached capacity, attracting participants of all ages, from teenagers to seniors, as well as parents and children attending together.
One of their biggest successes, they noted, has been a sewing machine tutorial. Participants bring in their own machines, some of which have been stored away unused for years, and get started learning. Even classes covering seemingly basic topics like hand sewing are experiencing high enrollment.
For certain classes, such as repairs and hemming, attendees often bring their own clothing items. However, for other classes, necessary supplies are provided at the store, with some available for purchase and others included at no additional cost.
“With fewer home economics classes offered at the high school level, there’s a whole
“I think part of the resurgence of fiber arts is that it’s not technology. I think people want things they can touch and interact with in real way. They want things not on the screen.”
— MARCY JOHNSON
generation that missed out on learning those skills. Now, they’re rediscovering them,” Landrum said.
With inflation and economic concerns, people are also finding value in making things themselves, Johnson added. They’re maintaining what they already own or are repurposing items to fit their needs.
“Many people shop at the thrift store, then tailor clothes to fit themselves or even create entirely new pieces by reassembling old ones,” she said. “It’s really incredible to see the creativity and resourcefulness.”
The sisters said their venture began with a family trip to Ireland, where they came across an artist’s studio showcasing exceptional needle felting work. Inspired, they began teaching themselves the craft once they were back home, immersing themselves in video tutorials and self-teaching. They soon expanded to embroidery and began blending the techniques.
Having difficulty finding craft supplies locally, Johnson and Landrum began contemplating the idea of opening their own store. The recent loss of a third sister further motivated them to seize the opportunity and turn their vision into reality.
The shop is situated in a small shopping strip next to https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2022/nov/17/food-city-starts-work-on-15-million-downtown/ Food City on Dayton Boulevard among other longtime Red Bank stores such as Consistent C music shop, Dip & Strip furniture restorations, Artistic Kreations with Kristina painting class studio, The Puppy Cut grooming services and The Batterie dance store.
“I think part of the resurgence of fiber arts is that it’s not technology,” Johnson said. “I think people want things they can touch and interact with in real way. They want things not on the screen.”
“We’ve kind of got a little baby art scene growing here in Red Bank,” said Johnson. “And that’s pretty exciting.”
For upcoming class schedules, events and to find out more, visit knotandneedle.com.