Meet Jinny McAuliffe, the owner of Stitch Style Needlepoint!
Meet Jinny Barney McAuliffe, owner of Stitch Style Needlepoint!
Jinny learned to stitch from her mom as a little girl. She vividly remembers sitting in her mom’s lap, guiding the needle through the canvas with a little help. In the carpool line, she would sneak stitches on the project tucked into her mom’s purse. Little did she know that 20 years later, she would run a needlepoint business of her own!
Jinny began her career as a needlepoint teacher and stitch guide author, teaching at trade shows and local shops across the country. She launched her needlepoint canvas line in 2021 and strives to make stitching easy and approachable for needlepointers of all skill levels.
Read on to get to know Jinny!
How long have you been a needlepoint designer?
I’ve worked in the needlepoint industry for the past 12 years, including with some of its biggest companies, and I’ve been designing canvases for the past six! It’s been so much fun to have creative direction and build something that’s entirely my own.
How long have you been a stitcher?
I don’t really remember sitting down to learn. Growing up, my mom always had a needlepoint project in her hands, so I was constantly around it. She’d stitch in the pickup line, at appointments, and during sports. I think I learned by osmosis!
What’s your favorite stitch?
Double Nobuko! It can be a little tricky at first, but once you get it lined up, it’s really easy.
What’s your favorite thread to use?
I couldn’t possibly pick just one! Planet Earth Essentials, Petite Silk Lame Braid, and Neon Rays Plus are all go-to threads for me.
Where’s your favorite place to stitch?
Curled up on our sofa with a big blanket and a family movie or a good TV show! (We're currently watching the new season of Slow Horses on Apple TV).
What are your three favorite designs in your collection?
Hot Air Balloons, Hydrangea Mailbox, and the Baby Animal Parade.
Oh and the new Travel Stamp collection has so many fun destinations! It's so fun to commemorate a trip in needlepoint.
What’s your favorite project you’ve ever stitched?
Our family’s Christmas stockings! I was talked into designing a stocking for my son after he was born—I’d originally planned to stitch another designer’s canvas—but I’m so glad I did. It sparked a whole new collection and challenged me to design on a bigger scale than I ever had before. Since then, I’ve designed stockings for my husband and myself, too!
What does your ideal day look like?
Grabbing an iced coffee and heading to the playground with my son and husband! Then an afternoon nap and some time catching up with friends on the phone.
Shop Jinny’s full line of canvases here.
