When Jan opened the original Pins & Needles (pinsandneedles.com), she had just welcomed her second child, Briana, into the world. Little did she know that Briana would one day help run the very business that was born alongside her. Since 1988, when both Briana and Pins & Needles came into existence, the shop has undergone significant changes. From expanding into new locations to eventually consolidating into one impressive store near Cleveland, Pins & Needles has grown into a vibrant hub of creativity and community.
Today, with over 20,000 square feet of space, Pins & Needles is a thriving destination for sewing enthusiasts. Their classroom area is expansive, accommodating dozens of sewists at a time. Every day, you’ll find multiple in-person classes taking place, often two or three simultaneously.
A Haven for Education and Inspiration
Pins & Needles is renowned for its diverse range of sewing workshops, a fact frequently mentioned by customers during the Local Quilt Shop Contest. As Sally, a devoted customer, put it, “Their education, classes, and programs just let your imagination run wild. So many projects, so little time!” This shop is a place where inspiration and education go hand in hand, and many customers have taken note of the variety of classes offered by both local and national educators.
One standout instructor they host is Elissa Ziccardi, a favorite among many for her creativity and talent. The continuous stream of workshops ensures that there’s always something new to learn, whether you’re a seasoned sewist or just starting out.
But Pins & Needles isn’t just about classes. The retail half of the store is a treasure trove of supplies for all your sewing needs. From a wide variety of fabrics and embroidery supplies to an extensive collection of ByAnnie patterns, they’ve got it all. And if you’re in the market for a new machine, look no further—they carry a range of sewing, embroidery, and quilting machines, including top brands like Baby Lock, Brother, Bernina, Pfaff, Janome, and Grace.
Jan Brostek, the owner, began her journey in the sewing industry with machine sales—it’s even how she met her husband. She has continued this legacy by ensuring that Pins & Needles offers a variety of machine brands, both for sale and for servicing. The team at Pins & Needles is dedicated to empowering sewists with the skills and resources they need to pursue their passion, no matter what direction it takes them.
Through the collective efforts of the Brostek family, Pins & Needles remains a beacon of inspiration and support for sewing enthusiasts on their creative journeys.
When you visit
While you’re in the area, make sure to explore Playhouse Square, the vibrant theater district in downtown Cleveland, where you can catch a Broadway musical tour year-round. No visit to Cleveland would be complete without a trip to the West Side Market, housed in a historic train station and offering fresh local produce and goods.
Cleveland’s landmarks, including the Terminal Tower, the Key Bank building, and the outdoor chandelier at Playhouse Square, all add to the charm of the city.
