If your screen time is too high and you’re looking for an analog activity to even things out, Sunshine Needlepoint (1702 N Avenida Republica de Cuba) is about to become your new favorite spot. The modern needlepoint studio opens its brick-and-mortar storefront in Ybor City on May 2, bringing an old-school craft that’s refreshingly cool again to the historic neighborhood.
Sunshine Needlepoint’s online store is already up and running, with fun and funky designs ranging from espresso martinis and Frank’s Red Hot sauce to Gasparilla-themed ships and pirate flags. They include everything from instructions to video tutorials, so you can get started on the basics while waiting for the Ybor location to open its doors.
Canvas designs via Sunshine Needlepoint
Not your grandma’s needlepoint (but she’d love it)
Sunshine Needlepoint specializes in colorful, playful canvases that feel relatable and fresh. You can browse online by collection, including a Florida category that locals will instantly identify with (and obsess over). Designs include a stitchable Columbia Restaurant sangria set, Tampa Theater marquee, La Segunda rainbow cake, and, of course, a raccoon riding an alligator. Florida, but make it needlepoint.
The shop also carries a wide variety of supplies (think threads, scissors, project bags, and books) that make it easy to go from “That looks fun…” to “I made this!” without a deep dive into niche craft knowledge. And if you’re brand new? No problem. The website features pages of beginner-friendly video tutorials designed to help newcomers pick up a needle without any intimidation.
From left: Sunshine Needlepoint founders and a finished canvas; images via Sunshine Needlepoint
Patterned for creatives to come together
The three founders of Sunshine Needlepoint are longtime friends whose love of stitching grew into a bigger vision: a modern needlepoint studio rooted in creativity and community. They design pieces based on shared experiences, and they’ve worked hard to create a space where stitchers feel encouraged, connected, and very welcome—whether you’ve been stitching for years or are just thinking about picking up a new hobby.
When the storefront opens, Sunshine Needlepoint plans to host in-person events like stitch-ins, trunk shows, and special shopping experiences designed to bring people together over hoops and threads. There will also be classes ranging from beginner-friendly introductions to technique-focused workshops, so keep an eye on the website for announcements and more details.
Enjoy the process, one stitch at a time
Sunshine Needlepoint opens its Ybor City storefront on May 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., promising to be a stitch above the rest. It’s a place to slow down, make something by hand, and maybe discover a new favorite way to unwind. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for stitching inspiration and upcoming events, and be sure to tag them when you finish your next piece!