October 26, 2026, marks five years since I opened Crossed Hearts Needlework & Design.
Five years! Some days I can hardly believe it.
When I opened Crossed Hearts on October 26, 2021, the date was no accident. The following day marked the anniversary of my brother's death, and I was still learning how to navigate a world without him.
I wanted to create something meaningful. Something that represented hope, renewal, and the possibility of finding joy and purpose again.
Crossed Hearts became that something.
What began as a little dream has grown into a business that means more to me than I could ever have imagined. There have been wonderful days, challenging days, and more than a few days when I've wondered how I was going to get everything done.
As many of you know, Crossed Hearts is a one-woman business. I'm the person selecting the designs, maintaining the website, ordering inventory, cutting fabric, packing your purchases, and answering your questions. And sometimes, life outside the shop needs me just as much.
This past year, especially during my mother's hospitalization and recovery, many of you showed extraordinary patience and kindness. While I was juggling hospital visits, doctor's appointments, family responsibilities, and keeping Crossed Hearts running, you offered understanding, encouragement, and grace.
Recently, I came across some of the thoughtful messages you had left during that time. I hadn't even realized some of them were there.
I want you to know how much those words meant to me.
I may not always have the opportunity to respond personally, but please know that your kindness has not gone unnoticed.
Every order, every returning customer, every encouraging message, and every bit of patience you've extended to this little business has helped make these five years possible.
I'm so grateful that you've chosen to spend some of your stitching time with Crossed Hearts.
As a small anniversary thank-you, I'll be including a little gift with qualifying purchases during our anniversary celebration. It's one of my favorite stitching tools, and I hope you'll enjoy using it as much as I do.
As Crossed Hearts begins its sixth year, I'm looking forward to continuing to grow, discovering wonderful designers, and making this little corner of the needlework world an even more special place.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for your kindness, your encouragement, and your support.
Most of all, thank you for helping a dream born from a season of loss become something filled with hope.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Shelly
Crossed Hearts Needlework & Design
Celebrating five years, October 26, 2021 – October 26, 2026.