Stitches & Stowaways brings eclectic handmade goods to Richfield

by Laura Straub

When customers visit Emily Savioli at her shop, Stitches & Stowaways, she hopes they leave with a smile and, of course, some of her handmade goods or a new crafting skill.

“I genuinely feel that all of my customers become friends,” she said. “I want customers to walk through my shop and enjoy the sense of nostalgia and whimsy, while knowing they are supporting not just my small business, but also the small businesses of all the makers within my shop.”

Her eclectic shop opened in November 2020. At Stitches & Stowaways, Savioli stocks painted and up-cycled furniture, vintage décor and handmade gifts.

“When you come into my shop, you will find hand-poured soy candles, handmade quirky fabric makeup bags, Ohio shaped pillows, vintage barware, handmade headbands, local photography, beautifully painted furniture pieces, handmade signs, quirky T-shirts, handmade soaps, an organic skin care line, hand-knit baby sweaters, dog bandanas and bow ties, just to name a few things,” said Savioli. “We also are a retailer for Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint.”

According to Savioli, her shoppers especially love her candles, shower steamers, makeup bags and pottery.

Savioli expanded her shop in February, after just a few months in business.

“The additional space has allowed us to add more local artists’ and makers’ work to our shop, as well as gave us a space for a classroom,” she said.

With the new classroom space, Savioli can offer furniture-painting classes, a giant finger knit blanket class, private knitting classes and private sewing classes. She’s adding new classes to her schedule all the time.

“The most popular class we are offering right now is our giant blanket,” said Savioli. And there’s no knitting experience required.

Stitches & Stowaways is the perfect endeavor for Savioli, who’s says she’s always been a very creative person.

“My grandmother taught me to knit and sew when I was very young,’’ she said. “In 2013, I started painting furniture and just fell in love with the process. Prior to opening the shop, I was a vendor at many local vintage and handmade markets. I have always wanted a retail location to be able to showcase my talents and to showcase other local makers.”

When Savioli first started looking for that perfect retail location, she didn’t have a specific space in mind. But when she saw a “space available” sign in the Stagecoach building window on W. Streetsboro Rd. she knew it was the perfect spot for her.

“The building has so much character and absolutely fits the style of my shop,” Savioli said. “The response from the community of Richfield and the surrounding communities has been overwhelming. It has been a wonderful welcome.” ∞