About Kate Altman

Kate has been working with textiles her entire life, teaching various needlearts for over 30 years. She has owned both a fabric shop in Brooklyn and a yarn and needlework shop in eastern Long Island, where she taught students of all ages everything from sewing and quilting to knitting to needlepoint and embroidery.

Her work is rooted in a love of color, creativity, and helping people learn new skills to make things they truly enjoy. In her Vineyard Haven studio, she likes to keep her classes small so she can give plenty of individual attention.

When not teaching, you’ll find Kate working on a new garment, stitching up a free-style needlepoint design, hand-sewing a patchwork quilt, or whatever excites her creativity at the moment. She loves to share her joy of stitching.

The Vineyard Haven Studio

Kate offers instruction for both beginners and more experienced stitchers in many kinds of needlework, including:

  • Needlepoint

    Embroidery

  • Cross Stitch

  • Hand sewing

  • Visible mending techniques

  • Machine sewing

Most classes include materials with simple projects and clear instruction. She also offers 1:1 lessons.

The studio is located at 19 Main Street in Vineyard Haven (downstairs between the book store & dress shop), just a short walk from the ferry. Surrounded by independent shops and restaurants, it’s easy to turn a class into a full day in town, especially if you are visiting for a day trip!

 

FAQs

  • Not at all! Some classes are designed for beginners while others are for more experienced stitchers. Skill levels are noted in class descriptions. Please email us if you want more specific information.

  • Yes! Private 1:1 and custom group sessions are available. Please email us at hello@TheStitcheryMV.com to discuss options if there is something specific you’re interested in learning or setting up!

  • Kate is currently focused on teaching and making her own art. She has retired from doing commissioned work.

  • We can comfortably accommodate six students at one time in the studio. For larger groups, a lovely nearby alternate location can be booked. Please inquire for details.

  • We can arrange private lessons outside of the studio space for kids of any age or group size! Please stay tuned for lessons at the Vineyard Haven Public Library when they reopen during summer 2026.

  • Some classes will be offered on evenings. If you’d like a private lesson during evening hours, please contact Kate and we’ll set something up that works for you.

  • The studio is not a traditional retail shop, but does offer for sale basic supplies related to specific workshops, including blank canvas (mesh), stretcher bars, needles and important tools. We also have a selection of DMC threads and Appleton wools.

  • Our 2026 Studio Sale dates are: June 13, July 11, September 12 and October 10. Please stop by 10-3, or catch us by chance. (Kate is usually working most days!) Please email us if you’d like to make an appointment to shop, or just to take a look at what we have.

  • We are here all year-round!