Vta County's only needlework shop - thread, canvas, xstitch, beads oh my!
Welcome to A ThreadGarden and BeadTime. We offer an extensive selection of high quality stone and glass beads, sterling silver findings, freshwater pearls, and books.
In addition,we've added needlework supplies. Our fabulous selection of fibers includes a large selection of Rainbow Gallery fibers, Gloriana, Silk and Ivory, Threadworx, Vineyard Silk, Dreamhouse Ventures, The Gentle Art, Crescent Colours, Weeks Dye Works, Access Commodities - Soie d'alger, Accentuate, Bijoux, Gilt Sylke Twist, NPI, YLI, Edmar, and Anchor, Thread Gatherer, Caron Collection, overdyes and silks, as well as a variety of needlework supplies. AND we have a fetish for fine scissors and needlework accessories.
If we haven't got it, we'll be happy to get it especially for you!
There is always a place to sit and play and we'll offer you our expert assistance to get you going! The teapot is always on and we usually have something to munch.
Classes are offered in beadweaving, stringing, knotting, wire work, and a variety of needlework techniques.
Experience the fine arts of beading and needlework!
Keywords: supplies, Brazilian, needlepoint, cross stitch, threads, beads, findings, stone, pearls, classes, books, wool, silk, cotton, rayon, canvas, linen, seed beads, patterns, charts, painted canvas, framing, Rainbow Gallery, embroidery, instruction, needlepoint, cross stitch, ribbon, sterling silver, findings, fire polish
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Michele' and Steve started BeadTime in a crafter's mall in Oxnard in the fall of 1996 and moved the shop to Ventura the following year. After many years in Ventura, we've moved our business to Camarillo, just off the freeway at Santa Rosa Road.
What is your primary product or service?
A ThreadGarden is a full service needlework shop and BeadTime offers a fabulous hand picked selection of glass, stone, and freshwater pearl beads. A vast selection of bead and needlework books, tools, findings, and sterling silver round out our selection. Of course we offer classes as well!
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I have always been involved in the needle arts. My great-grandmother began my education before I entered school. As an adult, my hobbies included many forms of needle arts, clothing design, and quilting. Beadwork became part of my repertoire when I combined my sewing, designing and quilting skills in the realm of wearable art. Of course I needed custom jewelry to wear with my designs.
The store came about as I found a market devoid of the high quality materials appropriate to the creation of art. Our products are hand selected for beauty, quality and variety.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Quality products and personal service are the hallmarks of our business. We encourage our customers to work in the store so they have assistance when needed. We open packages to check colors, sizes, and compatibility. My partner, Billie and I are both skilled in the needle and bead arts.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location is enough! Though we've expanded our business to a much larger location, I cannot imagine having two or more shops.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are off the 101 Freeway at Santa Rosa Road Exit.
Northbound: exit at Santa Rosa/Pleasant Valley Rd and turn right. Proceed to the first light - Verdugo Way. Turn right on Verdugo and proceed exactly 1/2 mile. We are on the LEFT side of the street. There is a large white X just in front of the driveway to the parking lot. Suite F is at the very back of the building.
Southbound: exit at Santa Rosa/Pleasant Valley Rd and turn left at the end of the ramp. Proceed to the second light - Verdugo Way. Turn right on Verdugo and proceed exactly 1/2 mile. We are on the LEFT side of the street. There is a large white X just in front of the driveway to the parking lot. Suite F is at the very back of the building.
What type of payments do you accept?
We are happy to accept personal checks. We honor Visa, MasterCard and Discover and debit cards on purchases over $20. Of course we love cash, even when it is from the coin jar!
Which areas do you service?
Our customers live in a huge area from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, with the greatest concentration from Santa Barbara to Agoura. We have regular visitors from Arizona and some who have moved thousands of miles away continue to shop via telephone.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
When you drop in to the shop, you are most likely to meet Billie and Michele.
Billie is my partner and friend of many years. She is a bead and needlework maven of great skill not to mention an all 'round fabulous person. She has been my support through thin and thinner!
What are your hours of operation?
I am not a morning person so we don't open until 11am. We're closed Sunday and Monday.
Tues - Fri: 11am-6pm
Sat: 11am-5pm.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Thank you, I've learn something every time I come in.
Contact A ThreadGarden / BeadTime:
