Kristine Kingston Designs creates distinctive hand-painted needlepoint canvases that expertly blend classic elements with a contemporary aesthetic. While drawing on timeless motifs, I'm known for using vibrant, sometimes unexpected, and modern color combinations – think bright pinks, lively greens, and bold blues – to give my designs a distinctly fresh and lively feel, appealing to both traditional and modern stitchers. I often hear my designs are fun to stitch!

Creativity runs deep in my family. My great-great-grandmother owned a dress shop in Baltimore in the early 1900s, crafting beautiful gowns for local women. My great-grandmother crocheted exquisite Afghans (one still graces a chair in my bedroom!), and my grandmother was a talented crewel embroiderer, needlepointer, and seamstress – she even made my prom dresses! My mom taught me cross-stitch as a teenager, and I made the leap to needlepoint in my 20s after a memorable visit to Erica Wilson on Nantucket.

In 2024, Jason Leitzman had the opportunity to step in to the needlepoint world by purchasing NPJ Designs, formally known as Point to Point. With a background in operations management and years of visiting needlepoint stores with his wife Carrie, Jason decided to dive right in.Blue Waters Needlepoint was started with the idea of bringing a variety of designers and artists work to canvas. Jason has taken the opportunity to purchase the Signature Series by Needlepoint by Laura, brought designs from artists Sally Evans, Laura Loe and Samy Halim to the line; and has recently launched the sought-after Carrie Out Needlepoint Kits designed byZoë Pischke Jones.Jason is looking forward to releasing new designers in the years to come and enjoys being a part of the craft that has been loved for centuries.

Cheri Specht is the founder and designer behind Wisteria Designs Needlepoint. A lifelong needlepoint enthusiast with decades of stitching experience, Cheri creates hand-painted canvases inspired by coastal living, historic architecture, gardens, and meaningful traditions.

Following a successful career in executive leadership, Cheri pursued her lifelong passion for needlepoint by launching Wisteria Designs in Spring 2026. Her heirloom-quality collections combine timeless elegance with thoughtful details and beautiful embellishment opportunities and are best known for the signature Heritage Sailboats and dimensional designs.

Cheri divides her time between Florida and the New Jersey Shore, embracing a true “beach-to-beach” lifestyle with her family and three beloved dogs, including two playful Bernedoodles.

Cheri is excited to join the Larchmont retreat and looks forward to sharing her passion for needlepoint, creativity, and creating heirloom pieces that will be treasured for generations.

Staci Nash is co-founder of Nash and Daughters Needlepoint, which she owns with her daughter. Staci is a needlepointer of more than 30 years and enjoys working as a needlepoint instructor and stitch guide writer. Before founding Nash and Daughters, she had a rewarding professional career as a CPA. Staci loves to travel with her husband, cheer on the OKC Thunder, and spend time with her grandkids.