INSIDE LOOK: Sunshine Needlepoint in Ybor City
To witness the resurgence of needlepoint in action, simply step inside the new Sunshine Needlepoint store in Ybor City.
We were there in the middle of the day during a typical week, and it was bustling with people — not just women spanning all generations, but dutiful husbands too. In an age when screens seem to dominate our focus, it was nice to see people putting the technology away, reconnecting with this age-old art form and meeting fellow enthusiasts in real life.
This is the whole point of Sunshine Needlepoint, and why Heather Barrow and her longtime friends Elizabeth Lee and Courtney Lang tell us they opened their brick and mortar store. They did it to give people a chance to slow down, go analog and create something really beautiful with their hands — and, if the science is correct, take advantage of the brain-boosting benefits too.
What inspired Sunshine Needlepoint?
Heather Barrow: Sunshine Needlepoint grew out of a longtime friendship and a shared love of needlepoint, design and community. We wanted to create a modern needlepoint studio in Tampa that felt colorful, welcoming and approachable for both longtime stitchers and complete beginners.
Opening in Ybor City felt especially meaningful because of the neighborhood’s history rooted in creativity and artistry. As Ybor continues evolving into a creative destination filled with local businesses and people who appreciate handmade collectible pieces, we felt like a needlepoint shop fit naturally into that energy.
When did each of you first learn how to needlepoint?
Heather Barrow: Needlepoint has been part of all of our lives in different ways. Elizabeth learned from her mother when she was young and has stitched ever since. Courtney grew up surrounded by needlepoint thanks to her mother and grandmothers and started stitching herself in high school. I learned needlepoint and sewing from my grandmother growing up, then rediscovered needlepoint more recently during recovery from a surgery.
Even though our paths looked different, we all connected over the feeling of slowing down and creating something by hand.
For those who are unfamiliar, what exactly is needlepoint, and is it hard to learn?
Heather Barrow: Needlepoint is a form of hand embroidery stitched on a painted canvas using fibers like wool, cotton or silk threads. Most people start with a basic tent stitch, which makes it surprisingly beginner-friendly.
A lot of people assume needlepoint is difficult or old-fashioned, but it’s actually very relaxing and approachable. You don’t need to be artistic to enjoy it, and many people are surprised by how calming and rewarding it becomes once they get started.
Why do you think it has regained popularity? What feedback do you hear from your own customers?
Heather Barrow: People are craving hobbies that help them slow down and step away from screens. Needlepoint gives you a creative outlet that feels relaxing but also rewarding because you’re making something by hand. We also think the designs have evolved a lot. Today’s canvases feel colorful, modern, playful and personal.
A lot of our customers tell us stitching helps with stress and anxiety, or that it’s become part of their nightly routine after the kids go to bed. We also see younger generations embracing it socially, friends stitching together, mothers and daughters learning together, even people bringing projects on trips or to sporting events. On opening day, we even had several younger passengers stop in (with their luggage) before heading to Channelside to board their cruise ship.
Tell us about the canvas designs! They are all so beautiful and locally inspired.
Heather Barrow: Thank you! A lot of our inspiration comes directly from Tampa and Florida life. We pull from the colors, history, landmarks and details that make this area feel special, everything from Ybor City and Gasparilla to citrus, coastal colors, palm trees and vintage Florida charm.
We want the designs to feel artistic and elevated while still being fun and approachable. The architecture and history in  Ybor also inspire much of what we create.
What can people create out of their needlepoint canvases?
Heather Barrow: Almost anything! Finished needlepoint can become ornaments, pillows, acrylic trays, coasters, handbags, key fobs, belts, stockings, framed artwork, door hangers and more. That’s one of the things people love most about it: You’re creating something both beautiful and functional that can become part of your home or a meaningful keepsake.
You also teamed up with local artists. Tell us why that was so important and what that means to you.
Heather Barrow: Supporting local artists has been important to us from the beginning. Through Sunshine Needlepoint Collective, we partner with artists to translate their work into needlepoint canvases, which allows us to offer designs that feel original and deeply connected to Florida and Tampa.
We’re also excited to partner with local museums, businesses and iconic Tampa brands to bring their stories and identities into the needlepoint world. The Columbia Restaurant sign and Sangria Pitcher canvases are two of our most popular canvases. We can’t even keep them in stock. There’s just something special about turning places and brands people already love into hand-stitched pieces that feel personal and collectible.
What are some basic tools someone would need to get started with needlepoint?
Heather Barrow: The basics are actually very simple: a canvas, thread, needles, a needle threader, scissors and a project bag to keep everything organized. One of the nice things about needlepoint is that you can start small and build your collection of supplies over time.
Will you be offering classes or other get-togethers?
Heather Barrow: Definitely. Community has always been a huge part of our vision for Sunshine Needlepoint. We plan to offer beginner, finishing, canvas painting and advanced stitching classes, along with stitch clubs, private events and casual get-togethers where people can bring their projects and stitch together. We want the shop to feel more like a creative gathering space than just a store.
What makes the needlepoint community so special, abroad and even here in Tampa Bay?
Heather Barrow: The needlepoint community is genuinely one of the kindest and most welcoming groups of people. People love helping each other learn, share ideas and celebrate creativity, and it’s a hobby that naturally creates connections across generations and backgrounds.
We’ve already seen that here in Ybor. People are excited to gather, learn something new and build friendships around a shared creative outlet. As the neighborhood continues evolving into a hub for local creatives and small businesses, we’re excited to create a space where people can slow down and connect with one another.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Heather Barrow: We’re very grateful for how supportive Tampa has been already. Opening Sunshine Needlepoint has been a labor of love, and it’s been so rewarding to see people of all ages excited about stitching.
We feel especially lucky to be part of Ybor City during such an exciting period of growth and creativity for the neighborhood. Our goal is to make needlepoint feel approachable, inspiring and joyful while introducing a whole new generation to a hobby they’ll hopefully love for years to come
Visit Sunshine Needlepoint at 1702 N. Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa. sunshineneedlepoint.com