Do you know the story of Goldilocks?
There’s a needlepoint version of it – me! When I decided to launch Daisy’s Needlepoint Kits, I needed a reliable and affordable finisher to turn my stitched canvases into cushions.
I started with a lovely local needlepoint shop. Their prices were fair, so I gave them one canvas to check out the process… which took 3 months. That wasn’t going to work when I had a lot of canvases to finish for an upcoming photo shoot.
Next, I found an upholsterer who was a lot faster but, her speed came at a price that was out of my budget. I felt like Goldilocks. Would I ever find the happy middle ground?
I was wondering this while flipping through an old needlepoint catalog I had lying around. And that’s when I found Cindy Hills, aka Needlepoint Finishing by Cindy. Cindy’s service was just right. She offers super quick turnaround times on needlepoint finishing services at reasonable prices. Working with her is as simple as completing a form, sending along payment and canvas, and before you know it, you’ll be holding a finished needlepoint cushion.
Cindy offers her customers the option to choose the fabric color and material, or send your choice of fabric. Even better, she has the option for “Cindy’s choice”. With this option, Cindy always checks in before she starts cutting to make sure you’re happy with her fabric choices. From there, she’s off to finish your needlepoint project, right down to including the pillow form!
NEW DESIGN! City Grid available now.
Making a cushion sized canvas is a real time commitment in and of itself. If you’re looking for someone who can turn your work into a finished decor piece you can admire for years–hopefully before your next birthday– Cindy HIlls is a great choice.
I asked Cindy a few questions about her finishing work below; enjoy!
1. What made you choose focusing on needlepoint?
I actually fell into needlepoint finishing a little unexpectedly! I started as an employee at Ehrman Tapestry in their U.S. office, where I was filling customer orders. My boss at the time found out that I knew how to sew and suggested that we offer a pillow finishing service. That suggestion ended up changing the direction of my career! I began finishing customers’ needlepoint pieces and discovered how much I enjoyed taking their beautiful stitching and turning it into a finished piece they could use and enjoy.
2. How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been finishing needlepoint for more than 25 years. It all started while I was working for Ehrman Tapestry, and over the years, what began as an additional service became my specialty. Since 2011 alone, I’ve finished more than 20,000 pieces, which is still pretty amazing to think about!
3. Tell me a bit about your background.
My background with needlepoint finishing really began at Ehrman Tapestry. I originally worked in their U.S. office filling orders—it wasn’t a sewing position at all! Once my boss learned that I knew how to sew, she suggested adding a pillow finishing service. I started finishing pieces for Ehrman customers, and from there my experience and love for the craft continued to grow. Eventually, that journey led to Needlepoint Finishing by Cindy, where I now get to work directly with stitchers from across the country.
4. Do you work with clients only in the US?
Yes. Needlepoint Finishing by Cindy currently works with customers throughout the United States. Pieces are shipped to me for finishing and then carefully packaged and shipped back to the customer once they’re complete.
5. Do you have a favorite shape or style?
It’s hard to choose a favorite because every piece is so different! I really enjoy seeing the variety of designs that customers send me and figuring out the finishing details that will complement their stitching. Whether it’s a knife edge, boxed style, or inset, I love seeing everything come together in the finished piece.
6. What is the most popular item you sew?
Definitely pillows! They make up the majority of the pieces I finish. Even after doing thousands of them, there’s always something different—a new design, shape, color combination, or finishing detail. Seeing a stitched canvas transformed into a finished pillow never gets old.
7. Does business pick up at any particular time of year?
Yes! The months leading up to the holidays are especially busy. Many customers want their needlepoint finished in time to decorate their homes or give as gifts. We always encourage customers to pay attention to our turnaround times and holiday deadlines so they can get their pieces to us early enough.