Dyeing To Stitch

I am a new stitcher and recently found this shop. The ladies that worked there help me find the right supplies that I need to enhance my skills. They were super helpful and encouraged me to comeback if I needed help with my project. I left feeling very inspired!

this store is packed to the brim with beautiful work all over the walls, trees, tables, and counters. i was disappointed to hear these items were not for sale considering they were quite frankly overflowing in some areas. originally i visited the store looking for needlepoint supplies as i want to learn, but figured i could still get something since i cross stitch too. after one of the employees heard i wanted to needlepoint she did kindly give me information on a local needlepoint store. that may have been my only pleasant interaction. the staff seemed a little elitist and honestly rude. i considered it being a generational thing or maybe an off day but i think it more of leans towards just not being friendly to younger/beginner cross stitchers. i even heard comments being made by staff about me photographing some of the work on the walls. i’ve never felt more unwelcome in a shop before.

I was fortunate enough to visit Dying To Stitch twice during our stay in Norfolk VA. The ladies at the shop were amazing. If I had questions about patterns, floss or fabric they were so helpful. The completed projects on the walls definitely influenced my purchasing of more patterns lol. So many patterns to choose from. Not to mention the variety of floss and linen. Oh speaking of linen - I got my hands on a beautiful piece of green linen (Arboreal by Cedar Run). I don’t have this particular color in my linen stash so I was very happy with this purchase. If you cross stitch and you’re in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area I highly recommend that you stop by and visit Dying to Stitch. You will not be disappointed!!!

The shop itself is lovely—well-stocked with beautiful models, a wide variety of floss, and inspiring samples. It’s clear they care about their craft and have curated a great selection. Friends and I were in Virginia Beach for a stitching weekend and we chose the location so we could go to Dyeing to Stitch. However, our experience with the staff left us disappointed. On our first visit, we asked about fabric (which was tucked away), and an employee told us that she would bring it out for us - we asked to see the 40 ct and she brought it out for us to browse. We looked through it and made a purchase - in fact we all made several purchases of fabric. The employee helping us wasn't particularly friendly, but never mentioned any policy about handling fabric When we returned the next day, the owner told us we were wrong to have touched the fabric and that only she was allowed to handle it. Her tone was unexpectedly very rude - it was shocking to be spoken to like that. The experience left us feeling terrible about our purchases in this shop and ruined what had been a very positive experience in the shop and a lovely stitching weekend with friends. We understand shops may have specific policies, but clear communication and kindness go a long way—especially in a creative, community-oriented space like this.

Three friends and I drove hundreds of miles to Virginia Beach for a girls’ weekend of stitching and shopping. We were eager to shop at Dyeing to Stitch. It is a beautiful shop with many charts, a fair amount of R and R fabric, and lots of models on the walls. We spent approximately $800 total on purchases. On Saturday we decided to go back and buy more fabric and floss. As we entered the store, the employee who had previously served us got up from the table where she was stitching and whispered to the shop owner, “They’re back.” It was obvious that she had had a discussion with the owner about us. One friend and I approached the fabric cutting table. The owner, a large and imposing woman, said to us in a loud, commanding voice, “I am the shop owner. She (referring to the employee) was way too nice to you yesterday. This is the way things work in my shop. I stand here (behind the cutting table) and you stand over there (on the other side of the table). You tell me what you want, and I cut it.” In other words, don’t touch my fabric. I was stunned. I felt like a child who had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. I am a needlework enthusiast, and I have shopped in hundreds of shops over the last 50 years. I have never been treated in such a rude and arrogant manner. Cross stitch is a tactile craft, and the feel of linen and floss in your hands is of utmost importance. Our fatal error on Friday was that we had gone “behind the table” and touched the fabric. We had broken the unwritten rules. My regret is not that I touched the fabric, but that I spent a dime in this shop. I will never shop with them again. I will never buy a piece of R and R fabric again. I will warn stitching friends of the demeaning and condescending treatment that may await them at Dyeing to Stitch.

Perfect little gem to find plenty of patterns, cloth, and threads for cross stitch! Employees are very helpful too. As a new cross stitcher I was helped with all my questions about getting the right size linen.

Recently visited this store. We were treated very awkwardly because we are not over the age of 50. The way the owner spoke to her employees was absolutely unacceptable. The employee was helping us and chatting about things we needed, while the owner talked to people who were clearly her friends. She got upset when a phone wasn’t being answered. Answer it yourself while your employee helps people. Theres a much better cross stitch store in Williamsburg. If your reading this do your self a favor and go there.

The inside is fairly quaint with a large selection of stitching patterns and threads. However, the pricing of items leaves a lot to be desired, you can definitely find better deals online or at larger stores unfortunately.

This is a nice cross stitch shop. They have a table where you can stitch and of course all the fabric, floss and patterns to get you going. My spouse has been coming here since the 90's so this isn't a passing fancy. When we are in VA Beach we make an effort to stop and shop.

Discouraging of customers interests despite being a craft store, said they did not have materials I then found easily on my own. Basic, ageist; their beautiful rainbow thread display was the warmest employee.