The Bristly Thistle

For over 30 years, The Bristly Thistle has offered our clientele a beautiful selection of hand painted needlepoint canvases, threads and supplies. The expanding needlepoint industry continues to introduce exciting new artists, canvases, threads and embellishments, making stitching even more fun.

In 1989 Gail Gunder became the caretaker of this special business. The shop has grown thanks to our loyal customers who return to Lake Michigan summer after summer, as well as the continued support of our ever-growing year-round population. Our success over the years is also due to the talents, knowledge and hard work of Tracy Brines and Vicki Wager who are happy to help you start or finish your needlepoint projects.

In the early 80's, Gail decided to try her hand at designing under the name Gaelyn. The Bristly Thistle is known for carrying her exclusive canvases that feature our beautiful local scenery as well as her imaginative designs. "In my designing I've tried to fill in items not found at market" says Gail. "I was a stitcher before I became a designer. I'm blessed with the talent to visualize a completed canvas well before the brush touches the paint." In addition to designing canvases, Gail also completes much of the store's finishing. "I enjoy the confidence of our customers. Most just drop off a project and say 'do your magic'."

In the Spring of 2006, Michele Herron purchased the store from Gail, beginning a new chapter in the life of The Bristly Thistle. Gail continues to create her unique canvases under her nom d'artiste Gaelyn. In March of 2008, the store moved to its new location at 322 Bay Street and added a stitching and classroom area.

Recent newsletters:March 2008 | May 2007 | May 2006 Or, you can keep up to date by subscribing to the Bristly Thistle Needlepoint Blog.

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PETOSKEY MICHIGAN

The picturesque town of Petoskey, Michigan, located on Little Traverse Bay, was named for the Ottawa Indian Chief Pe-to-se-ga. Since the 1870's, passenger trains, steamships and now, automobiles, have brought thousands of summer visitors from cities like Detroit, Columbus, Indianapolis and points beyond. Visitors to Petoskey and the nearby Bay Harbor, Bay View and Harbor Springs come to enjoy the beautiful Lake Michigan scenery, our wonderful summer weather, the colors of fall and our many winter activities, including snow skiing.

The historic Gaslight District of Petoskey is home to many wonderful shops (including The Bristly Thistle), galleries and restaurants. A number of the charming buildings in the District date from the late 1800's. Pennsylvania Park, nestled in the downtown area, hosts numerous concerts and arts and crafts fairs during the summer months. Year-round, Petoskey offers a multitude of activities and sights to enjoy.

Looking for a place to stay in the area? We have a cabin on Lake Michigan we rent by the week from June through October.