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
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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
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Nancy Barton
A needlepointer since nursing school, Nancy excels in helping customers select canvases and threads, and coordinating finishing services. -
Julie Baggett
Inspired by her grandmother and Katie Howell, Julie creates timeless needlepoint for her home and ornaments for her children. She also manages the shops website and office operations. - Anna Conley
- Isabel Corley
Isabel began stitching when her first child was born more than 20 years ago. She has stitched nearly every type of canvas and always keeps a big project—and at least one small one—going at all times. She loves to joke that needlepoint is cheaper than both therapy and golf!
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Crissy Fairly
Crissy’s 30+ years of stitching experience and eye for beauty make her a key player in sales, trunk shows, social media, and buying for the shop. - Abbey Freeman Picked up needlepoint three years ago as a way to unwind, and it has since become a full-blown passion. She especially loves welcoming new stitchers and helping them discover the joy of the craft.
- Emily Huntley
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Ginny Johnston
From English smocking to needlepoint, Ginny’s creative journey led her to Magic City Needlepoint, where she now helps others create treasured pieces. She also manages the social media presence and 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 mark her favorite trips. Her favorite part of working at the shop is connecting with stitchers throughout the Birmingham community.
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Diane Orso
With 20 years in needlepoint retail and a passion for stitching ornaments for her eight grandchildren, Diane brings warmth, wisdom and expert coordination to our finishing services. -
Katie Purvis ("Katie P")
Encouraged by her family and inspired by her wedding venue, Katie P found her passion in needlepoint and brings organization and creativity to our shop. -
Leslie Robinson
Leslie’s love for needlepoint spans generations. She enjoys painting, stitching with her daughters, and helping customers choose the perfect thread colors. - Dawn Smoke
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Ellen Tucker
Ellen’s journey began with embroidered hand towels and evolved into a love for needlepoint and knitting. She brings charm and expertise to her sales role.