Exploring the Needle Life Workshop: A Local Treasure in Wanju
Discovering Local Attractions: A Visit to the Needle Life Workshop, a Gift for the Hometown Love Donation Program
Reporter: Jo Ah-ra, Wanju County Blog Reporter
Wanju County is home to several vibrant spaces where young people are actively engaged, especially around the local market.
Today, I visited the Needle Life Workshop, located on the second floor of the Samnye Market Youth Mall, to meet artist Choi Yoon-mi and find out about the gifts being produced for the Hometown Love Donation Program.
What is the Hometown Love Donation Program?
This program allows individuals to donate to their preferred local government, which then uses the funds to enhance the welfare of local residents.
Location: 6 Sam Bong-ro, Samnye-eup, 2nd floor, Room 106
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Sundays, open on the 3rd and 8th of each month)
Q) Please introduce yourself, artist Choi Yoon-mi of the Needle Life Workshop.
Hello. I have been representing Needle Life since 2019, sharing the joy of handmade creations.
Our workshop specializes in one-on-one sewing classes and various external lectures. I am also active as a village school instructor, offering a wide range of programs, including traditional mother-of-pearl crafts and rattan weaving, connecting with many people in the Wanju area.
Our main products include lovingly crafted fabric items such as aprons, bags, and pouches, as well as mother-of-pearl mirrors and keychains, along with charming handmade goods.
Q) You mentioned that people can meet you through a variety of programs, including one-on-one classes. How can one participate in Needle Life workshops?
We offer sewing classes, mother-of-pearl craft classes, and rattan craft classes.
The sewing class includes a structured curriculum (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and one-day classes to complete desired projects. Reservations are required.
Tips: Due to the nature of our one-person workshop, we have many external lectures and training sessions, so prior reservations are essential. You can communicate directly with the artist for a more tailored learning experience.
The rattan craft class involves weaving rattan to create baskets or lampshades. The time required varies depending on the project, so we recommend a phone consultation before booking.
The mother-of-pearl craft class allows participants to create various items such as mirrors, keychains, jewelry boxes, reading rings, and lacquered spoon sets. Different techniques are available, and reservations are made through phone consultations.
Q) I heard that your works can be received as gifts for the Hometown Love Donation Program. I noticed products featuring famous locations in Wanju inside the workshop. Can you explain the items made for this program?
By the end of 2025, Needle Life was selected as an official company for the Hometown Love Donation Program and will begin meaningful activities in 2026. We have carefully prepared a "Hand Towel Set Featuring Wanju" to convey the beauty of Wanju to donors.
This set was inspired by our desire to bring the local beauty closer to daily life, allowing users to recall Wanju's attractions every time they use the towels.
Instead of simply embroidering a tourism brand logo, we created unique embroidery designs representing Wanju's landmarks, such as Samnye Bibijeong, Hwaamsa Temple, and the Daedunsan Cable Car. Our goal is to incorporate Wanju's attractions into everyday items so that people can experience Wanju even at home.
The gift sets come in two configurations: a set of two hand towels and a set of four. We use domestically produced materials to enhance quality, and the handmade embroidery adds curiosity and anticipation about Wanju's attractions.
For those unfamiliar with Wanju, we hope to create joyful memories, and for Hometown Love donors, we aim to evoke the charm of the region through our products, encouraging them to visit again.
In the future, we plan to continue researching and introducing practical and beautiful products that remind people of Wanju, beyond just towels.
Q) The embroidered Hwaamsa Temple and the vividly colored Daedunsan Cable Car are impressive representations of Wanju's attractions. What message would you like to convey to the residents of Wanju and those interested in the area?
The small workshop that started in the Samnye Market has grown alongside the region, embroidering the landscapes of Wanju. For me, Wanju is not just a workspace but a valuable foundation that inspires me.
Creating something by hand is a precious gift, allowing me to focus solely on myself amidst a busy routine.
To all who love Wanju and visit our region, I hope you feel the warm comfort conveyed through our fingertips. Please knock on the door of our charming workshop in Samnye Market.
We will add a little sparkle to your daily life. Thank you.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/wanjugun/224194668417
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