Every neighborhood has those special residents who quietly infuse creativity, tradition, and heart into the community. In Crestmoor, one of those gems is Stacy McHugh, whose embroidery business has been threading beauty into people’s homes—and their most meaningful memories—for the past 24 years.

What began as a hobby has grown into a deeply personal, word-of-mouth business that keeps Stacy’s home humming with creativity. “I’ve always loved crafting,” she says, a passion that traces back to her childhood. Her grandmother, originally from Ireland, practiced intricate lace-making, and Stacy grew up surrounded by delicate handiwork, fine textures, and the magic of turning thread into art.

Stacy’s embroidery journey started modestly with a single-thread machine and a desire to make beautiful things. Her first creations were napkins and placemats—classic, timeless pieces she still cherishes. In fact, she still has an entire closet full of them, available for anyone looking to elevate their dining table with something handmade and special.

Stacy believes that napkins and placemats can make any table feel warm, intentional, and inviting—a little detail that transforms a meal into a moment.

Through all the years of learning, experimenting, and growing her craft, Stacy has had the unwavering support of her husband, Jerry. Whether it’s helping her navigate new equipment, encouraging her to attend training conferences, or simply cheering her on through every new creative challenge, Jerry has been a constant and enthusiastic partner in her journey. Their teamwork and mutual support have been a quiet but powerful thread woven into the success of her business.

What started simple quickly blossomed. Today, Stacy works with a state-of-the-art 10-needle machine, allowing her to create richer, more intricate designs than ever before. She regularly travels to conferences in places like California and Atlanta to deepen her knowledge, especially around the design software that makes modern embroidery so versatile.

Her dedication shows in every piece she makes, from personalized home décor to heirloom-level keepsakes.

Over the years, Stacy has embroidered countless items, but a few commissions hold a particularly special place in her memory. One was for a woman whose granddaughter had just graduated from medical school. Stacy embroidered both the names of the grandfather and the granddaughter on the grandfather's old medical bag —a beautiful way of linking generations through shared purpose.

Another unforgettable project involved transforming a late father’s shirts into custom pillows. Stacy carefully stitched the father’s own quotes onto each one, creating gifts filled with comfort, remembrance, and love.

These are the moments that remind Stacy why she started all those years ago. Her work isn’t just decorative—it’s deeply personal, full of meaning, and stitched with intention.

Stacy now shares much of her work on Instagram at @thetailoredtabledenver, where her designs showcase the warmth and craftsmanship she puts into every piece. But word of mouth remains her biggest source of business—a testament to her reputation, her artistry, and the relationships she’s created through her craft.

Stacy’s embroidery is more than thread and fabric. It’s storytelling. It’s memory-keeping. It’s the kind of craftsmanship that reminds us of the beauty in handmade things—and the people who make them.

If you ever find yourself wanting thoughtful, customized pieces—or simply a beautiful set of napkins to elevate your next dinner—you don’t need to look far. One of Crestmoor’s own has been stitching something special for nearly a quarter century, and she’s just getting started. Email her at smchugh@sanjuanbasin.com.