Our Location

Southern Cross Needlework store is situated at 94 Melbourne Street East Maitland 2323.

The building is Victorian and has undergone a thorough renovation, which includes painted cornices and stencilled murals below the hanging rails. The quilts and embroideries meld well with the era of the building giving it a charm all of its own.

East Maitland is part of Greater Maitland one of the most historic towns in the early settlement of NSW. The ships used to berth at the wharves at Morpeth and use horse and cart to transport newly arrived settlers west towards East Maitland. The junction with Melbourne Street and the New England Highway used to be one of the busiest in early NSW, with travellers heading north and west into the new Hunter Valley.

Caroline Chisholm used to accompany her small band of young women to East Maitland where they were housed in an inn ( which is still standing today) less than 500 metres from where our shop is located. From there the young women were assigned to settlers to work as housemaids, cooks and assist in businesses where appropriate.

Many of these young women were obliged to hand sew and mend items belonging to the household.

Today our enjoyment of embroidery and patchwork is by choice and for our own enjoyment. Why not come in to the shop and browse?

Currently the store is open Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm Saturday 10am - 1pm unless class is being held where we will close 3.00pm - 3.30pm.

All kits are available and samplers line the walls to show the finished articles. The store also carries selected patchwork fabric from America and Japan, which are incorporated with our embroideries. An added bonus is giftware, homewares and a small gallery.

Our address is:

94 Melbourne Street

East Maitland 2323
NSW
Australia

Come and visit us. You will be made most welcome. Ask about our classes.