Canvas Conversation: Amanda Silva of Goodpoint Needlepoint

Amanda Silva is the founder of Goodpoint Needlepoint. After seven years as a corporate retail merchant for a number of fashion brands, including Gap, J. McLaughlin and Draper James, she has translated her love for classic design into needlepoint canvases. A veteran needlepointer, Amanda loves the meditative, anxiety-calming nature of stitching and the satisfaction of creating an heirloom object.
Amanda's mission is to make this lifelong hobby accessible to as many new stitchers as possible. You can follow Amanda's stitching on Instagram at @goodpointneedlepoint.

Continue reading for my Q&A with Amanda below.
Favorite needlepoint project This is so hard to choose, but I’d have to say either my Pip & Roo New England canvas that I had finished as a box pillow, or the Loch Ness Monster (“Nessie”) canvas from my collection that I had finished as an ornament.

On your needlepoint Wishlist. The Thorn Alexander Thistle Backgammon Board is my dream project. I’d also love to stitch a Little Stitches belt for my husband!

Dream stitching spot. So many! The outdoor patio at Edson Hill in Stowe, Vermont is especially peaceful and beautiful though. It’s where I got married, and it remains one of my favorite places ever.

13 or 18 Mesh Canvas. 13!

Last book you read and liked. I love to read, especially Romantasy, and I really enjoyed the newest from Deborah Harkness, The Black Bird Oracle. It’s part of the All Souls series, which is one of my favorite series.

Favorite flower. Peonies in the Spring / early Summer and Dahlias in late Summer / Fall 

Guilty pleasure. Naps! I have the Thorn Alexander Nap Queen canvas in my stash - never have there been truer words!

On your nightstand. A bit boring, but a pile of books I want to read, a 30oz Stanley Tumbler (the 30oz is far superior to the 40oz IMO), L’occitaine hand cream (it’s the best!), and most likely, some rogue orts.

Currently listening to. Taylor Swift 95% of the time. I would LOVE to attend The Eras Tour this Fall with the new TTPD set added!

Currently watching. My husband and I have recently enjoyed the Tour de France documentary series on Netflix and The Bear

If there were more hours in the day I would. Have no weeds in my garden, read more books, stitch more canvases and have more playtime with my 2 year old son.

Favorite places to shop. I love visiting the Sister Parish shop in Litchfield, CT. They have fantastic fabric remnants available for purchase that are perfect for finishing needlepoint projects. I also love poking around at Portobello Road in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s such an interesting mix of books, gifts and art. 

Favorite Instagram follows. @nan.philip @shorelinestitcher @megbusacca @thebookcanvas

Can’t leave the house without. Water or an iced tea!

Coffee or tea. Tea!! Preferably iced and unsweetened.

Favorite holiday to celebrate. I love Christmastime. It feels so magical, and I love bringing out cherished ornaments each year and decorating my home for the holiday. My son was obsessed with our Christmas tree last year, and now that he is a bit older, I’m excited to see the holiday through his eyes.

Wardrobe staples. My Fall uniform is typically dark wash jeans, an oversized button down shirt (I love AYR and J.Crew!), and a pair of smoking slippers or loafers

Creative inspiration. Comes from so many places, but a lot of my designs are inspired by my favorite travels and hobbies. I also love reading (and collecting!) coffee table and design books. 

Best piece of advice. I did a training program at Gap Inc. after college, and one of the leaders told my class, “Focus on the job you’re doing. Don’t let where you want to go get in the way of where you are now.” That has always stuck with me, and is especially true in the current social media environment where comparison is so easy. 

Life mantra. To quote The Little Engine That Could, “I think I can, I think I can.”

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