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 the Spring of 2006, Michele Herron purchased the store from Gail Gunder, beginning a new chapter in the life of The Bristly Thistle. In June of 2009, Michele and her husband Chris opened a second shop on Amelia Island, Florida. The Amelia Island store, with a devoted group of local stitchers, quickly became a great success.


After a couple of winters living on the Lake Michigan shore and summers spent apart, Michele and Chris decided to close the Michigan store and devote themselves to the Amelia Island store full time. Together with their shop dogs, Morgan and Gracie, they have expanded their business by bringing in nationally recognized teachers, building a loyal clientele all over the world through their online store and constantly adding new designs and products. They strive to provide the best products and services and to introduce new techniques and products.

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