Mindy’s Needlepoint Factory

I was in town and only had a few moments to look around, so naturally *this dude* stopped by a fabric store slash knitting supply shop. Like you do.
I mean, if you’re into any kind of needley thing – from knitting to crochet to needlepoint – this is your holy place. Every square inch of wall and counter and shelf is covered in cute. Embroidery floss, patterns, yarn, and on and on. Buttons (so many buttons!) and colorful fabrics; it’s a rainbow with every shade of interesting and vibrant color and texture.
That might sound disorganized, but they’ve really spent some time making little sections that help you to at least stay focused on what you’re after, or find what you’re looking for. The nice lady there was kind enough to answer my questions (I’m not exactly her target demo, I think) and when I asked her name she sorta smiled and said, «Mindy.» Good to see that THE Mindy is involved. My guess is, this is a place with a lot of regulars.
Traveling lightly, I didn’t buy anything. But would I maybe come back for a needlepoint pattern and rekindle my childhood hobby? It’s cross (stitched) my mind.

The selection of lovely, unique clothing, trims (ribbon of every kind), and needlework supplies is astounding. Mindy’s is a banquet of color and texture. Mindy herself and her staff are helpful and welcoming. They love this stuff, too! The store is optimally located in the 5^th Street Market, an assemblage of eateries and wonderful shops. I can only say «Go!»

This place! It’s MAGICAL! It’s got an amazing selection of supplies and patterns and such. The historic furniture they are on are beautiful. There are just layers and layers of needlepoint and cross stitch… things… everywhere and you can spend an entire afternoon in the shop looking through everything. Mindy is super nice and helpful, and her shop has a very good stock of Mill Hill products if you like the beaded cross stitch stuff. It’s pretty much my one of my two favorite cross stitch /​needlework shop in the Northwest at this point.

Mindy’s has a wonderful selection of stuff but, alas, it’s all quite expensive. That didn’t stop me from buying a bunch, though, and leafing through a book, I got an idea for a new project. It’s a great toy store, and I found exactly what I needed. The owner and staff were nice, and the location is very convenient. If you have time or need a large quantity, you might do well to look online but for unusual pieces and a pleasant shopping experience, go to Mindy’s.

They were so nice here. I was trying to finish something for a kid related school project, and we were out of time and on the other side of town. I called and asked if they had flower shaped buttons. The person helping used her phone to take photos, texted them to me, I paid for them over the phone and she put them in a safe place for me to pick up after the store closed. Such great customer service. Please go and check them out. They were great. (Project was also a success!)

It’s a great shop and I LOVE to shop here but it’s so EXPENSIVE! I understand that needlepoint kits and all are expensive but I looked around on-​line and found some considerably cheaper (the same exact thing!). But other then that I LOVE to walk around and look at all the needlepoint kits! :)

Goodness gracious. I could get lost in here for DAYYYYYYYYSSSSS.
The thing that got me initially jazzed is that they sold the Charlie Harper needlepoint templates. I’m attempting to make my own templates (bought the book and lots of tracing paper) so I didn’t purchase any, but it was great to see.
Amazing amount of notions as well– interesting buttons, ribbons and embroidery floss.

«WOW!» That was my response as I walked into Mindy’s. A woman who came in the door right behind me had exactly the same reaction. «WOW!» Accolade in stereo, as it were.
Tucked in a corner on the second floor of the 5^th Street Market in Eugene, with convenient parking in the Market lot, it must be that Mindy’s is well known to locals. But I simply stumbled on it during a 5^th Street Market visit. Thinking I would have been the poorer to have missed Mindy’s, I thought a «heads up» Unilocal review worthwhile for other visitors too.
There are racks of ribbons, some truly remarkable, that left me wishing I had the imagination to figure out how to use them. There are scads of skiens of yarn. There are fabulous flosses and threads in thrilling colors. Not to mention the bazillons of beautiful buttons that somehow I didn’t take a picture of. (The sales lady in the store said the owner was making jewelry out of buttons these days — what a GREAT idea.) Nor did I capture in photos any of the limited number of really unique, ethnic flair, clothing items. Maybe because my husband was «tapping his foot» impatiently. ;-)
Once upon a time I used to do needle craft work and I sewed so I probably could have come up with lots of ways to use the treasures inside Mindy’s. And to help along those looking for a project, there were all kinds of kits and needlework canvases.
I don’t know if the owner does mail order or not, but if you’re looking for something for needle crafts or ribbon work and Mindy’s doesn’t have it, it probably doesn’t exist.
As footnote, I note in the Unilocal header that «yes» is offered for wheelchair access here. While it is so that a person using a wheelchair could get in the door of the shop, because aisles are tight, it is quite likely my friends who use wheelchairs and who are also needlework fans would not be able to shop the entire store. Moving things aside to create 36″ clear aisle ways, per ADAAG standards, would solve that problem. Walking around the store with a wooden yardstick to measure aisle widths is any easy way to measure access… if the yardstick fits, so will a wheelchair. ;-) Just a thought as a way to increase equal access and customers too!

This small shop is magical! Beautiful ribbons and unusual buttons is what draws me in but they have many needlepoint kits and products. There was a demo going on one of my trips. The owner and staff are always pleasant and knowledgeable. I leave with a spring in my step excited about starting yet another new project.