About Us

Welcome to Magic City Needlepoint, Birmingham’s exclusive destination for needlepoint enthusiasts. Located in Vestavia Hills, our boutique is filled with hand-painted canvases, a wide selection of fibers and threads, stylish accessories, and endless inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just beginning your needlepoint journey, we invite you to come, stay, and stitch with us.

Leadership 

• Karen Carroll
  Karen’s lifelong love of needle arts and advanced training through national conferences make her an invaluable resource. She manages inventory, office operations and welcomes suggestions for new products.

• Ty Howell
  Ty’s needlepoint journey began with her mother, creating stockings and ornaments for her family. Today, she enjoys stitching brick covers, framed quotes, and napkin holders. 

• Katie Howell
  A resident of Vestavia Hills and passionate stitcher, she helped transform a shared love of needlepoint into a thriving boutique that feels like home to stitchers of all levels. Katie also leads the shops branding and social media presence.

• Mary Elizabeth Mays
  A seasoned stitcher and former President of the Cahaba Lily Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild, Mary Elizabeth brings experience and unmatched skill. Her impressive portfolio includes four rugs, twelve chandelier shades, and over 40 belts—many of which are proudly displayed in our shop.

• Leah Scalise
  Known for her love of Bargello and geometric patterns, Leah enjoys teaching new stitchers and brings energy and expertise to Wednesday afternoons in the shop.

Staff

• Nancy Barton
  Needlepoint has been part of Nancy's life since nursing school. She loves helping customers select the perfect canvases and threads and expertly coordinates finishing services to bring every project to life.

• Julie Baggett
  Inspired by her grandmother and Katie Howell, Julie creates timeless needlepoint pieces for her home and ornaments for her children. She also manages the shop's website and assists with office operations.

• Anna Conley

• Isabel Corley
  Isabel began stitching more than 20 years ago when her first child was born. She has stitched nearly every type of canvas and always keeps a large project—and at least one small one—in progress. She often jokes that needlepoint is cheaper than both therapy and golf!

• Jessica Dyess

• Crissy Fairly
  With more than 30 years of stitching experience and a keen eye for beauty, Crissy is a key part of sales, trunk shows, social media, and buying for the shop.

• Abbey Freeman
  Abbey picked up needlepoint three years ago as a way to unwind, and it quickly became a full-blown passion. She especially enjoys welcoming new stitchers and helping them discover the joy of the craft.

• Emily Huntley

• Ginny Johnston
  Ginny's creative journey began with English smocking before leading her to needlepoint. She loves helping customers create treasured pieces and also manages the shop's social media presence and assists with office operations.

• Lillie Kilpatrick
  Lillie discovered needlepoint during her senior year at Auburn and has been hooked ever since. She loves stitching ornaments, especially travel rounds that commemorate her favorite trips. Her favorite part of working at the shop is connecting with stitchers throughout the Birmingham community.

• Diane Orso
  With 20 years of experience in needlepoint retail and a passion for stitching ornaments for her eight grandchildren, Diane brings warmth, wisdom, and expertise to coordinating the shop's finishing services.

• Katie Purvis ("Katie P")
  Encouraged by her family and inspired by her wedding venue, Katie P discovered her passion for needlepoint and brings both creativity and organization to the shop every day.

• Leslie Robinson
  Leslie's love for needlepoint spans generations. She enjoys painting, stitching alongside her daughters, and helping customers choose the perfect thread colors for their projects.

• Dawn Smoke

• Ellen Tucker
  Ellen's creative journey began with embroidered hand towels and later evolved into a love for both needlepoint and knitting. She brings charm, enthusiasm, and expertise to her role in sales.