A Merrick Institution: The Needlepaint Nook Stitches its Way Into Merokeans' Hearts

The explosive colors of thread in The Needlepaint Nook is one selling point for the comfortable atmosphere of the store in Merrick Mall.

Another may be the warm greeting bestowed by owner Janice Tillis when you step through the door. Or it might just be a love for needlepoint that brings customers in.

But whatever the case, Tillis' passion for what she does comes through to her customers—most of whom she calls by name—in the cozy nook she has owned for the past 13 years.

"I love helping people," Tillis said. "I love stitching and love the environment."

In business for 36 years, The Nook, Tillis said, is the longest running needlepoint store on Long Island.  As a former customer, Tillis basked in the atmosphere and ambiance that previous owners had established. So, when it came time for the owners to retire, she gladly accepted an offer to buy the store.

"It is a really nice business to own," Tillis said. "A business to be broadened and expanded."

The Nook displays a variety of needlepoint on the walls of the store produced by the employees. Customers can replicate the in-house designs or create their own project to their liking. The light, wood tables that sit in the middle of the store allow customers to work one on one with employees on their creations.

"It's so rewarding to take a person from the beginning to end of their needlepoint," Tillis said. "Customers like that fact that the store is user friendly."

The store's employees also show a great passion for needlepoint. Manager Pat Mielniczuk has been with the store for the past 25 years. The rest of the workers, including the part-timers, are all previous customers of the store.

"Everybody here has shown expertise and excellence in needlepoint," Tillis said. "They are all helpful to the customers."

Patrons are able to browse through the vast variety of threads, beads and hand painted canvases, or just sit and stitch with the women of The Nook. Dawn Santonicola, who has been coming to The Needlepaint Nook for "quite a while," recently completed one project and came looking for something new to start.

As long-time employee Diane Piras helped Santonicola, another customer, Wendy Steinert, opened the front door to The Nook.

"Hi Wendy," Tillis said immediately. 

While the employees of The Nook are friendly with the customers, they also maintain a professional atmosphere when working with them. Tillis pointed out certain frames for a completed project Steinert was looking to send out and Piras was busy shifting through the perfect threads for Santonicola.

"All of us enjoy working with people," Tillis said. "I love when people are proud of what they have done."