Retreat Information Details
Meet our retreat teachers below:
Wendy - Springgate Needlepoint
Wendy will be teaching beading & ribbon work classes
Wendy is the designer behind Spring Gate Stitchery — but more than that, she’s a lifelong creative, community-builder, and naturally curious person who’s always been drawn to learning how things are made. That curiosity is what first led her to needlepoint, where a love of art, craftsmanship, and design quickly turned into designing canvases of her own. Inspired by everything from historic craft traditions to stained glass, vintage Americana, Chicago architecture, and modern color stories, her work blends thoughtful design with a fresh, playful perspective.
When she’s not painting canvases, Wendy is usually exploring new restaurants around Chicago and attempting to recreate her favorite dishes at home, spending time outside with her dachshund and black lab (an unexpectedly iconic duo), or planning her next outdoor adventure. She loves skiing in the winter and camping, cycling, and gardening through the summer months. Whether she’s stitching or hosting community events, Wendy loves creating spaces where creativity, craftsmanship, and connection all come together.
LeighAnne Tucci - Leighannestitches
LeighAnne will be teaching odd shape finishing & stand up finishing (class participants should have prior basic finishing skills)
LeighAnne Tucci is the creative force behind LeighAnne Stitches, a needlepoint instructor and finisher based in Long Beach, NY.
Whether she is teaching a new stitcher or giving a project the perfect finishing touch, LeighAnne is committed to helping others enjoy and elevate their needlepoint journey. You can find her on Instagram at @leighannestitches.
Brooke Bifulco- The Painted Stitch
Brooke is the owner of The Painted Stitch, a needlepoint brand dedicated to creating design forward canvases. What began as Brooke’s lifelong love of painting and her passion for needlepoint has grown into a vibrant business where her artistic vision comes to life through canvas and thread.
A painter and designer for many years, Brooke merged her artistic background with her needlepoint hobby. That spark led to the launch of The Painted Stitch—debuting with mini sailboat canvases and quickly evolving into beloved collections such as the Eras Tour costumes and mahjong series.