Axios Austin
April 10, 2026
1 big thing: Needlepoint makes a comeback
Editor's note: This story was written by University of Texas student Darby Tippit for Axios Austin.
An Austin needlepoint store that's been around for nearly 50 years is drawing a younger crowd as Gen Z turns toward analogue hobbies to beat screen fatigue.
Why it matters: Needlepoint, along with hobbies like knitting, sewing and quilting, have seen a rise in popularity as younger generations find crafty, offline activities to ditch their phones.
Zoom in: Nic Turchan, an employee of The Needle Works, says the new year brought a growing young customer base, including high school students.
- "I'm in my 30s," Turchan tells Axios. "But there's a lot of people my age and younger coming into the store."
By the numbers: Searches on Etsy for "needlepoint canvas" are up 172% in the last three months, compared to the same period last year, according to Etsy data provided to Axios.
- Among Gen Z shoppers, searches for needlepoint bags are up 550% in that timeframe.
Between the lines: Turchan says needlepoint could be trending with younger audiences because it's a historically popular creative outlet.
- As someone with ADHD, Turchan says hands-on crafting keeps the mind busy.
- "You definitely can't hold your phone and needlepoint," Turchan says.
Zoom in: Needle Works customer and University of Texas student Gabriella Zavala picked up the hobby last July after finding it more productive than screen time — and a way to create pieces she can use.
- "I just finished this cowgirl, which I'm going to turn into a pillow," Zavala says.
- Zavala has noticed more young women in the needlepoint store, and she's eyeing the Austin Stitch Club as a way to needlepoint with the growing community.
What's next: The surge is big enough that a new store, Hibiscus Needlepoint, is planning to open this spring.
How it works: Needlepoint is easy to pick up if you start by learning the basics, Turchan says.
- The Needle Works hosts beginner needlepoint classes. The next one is April 15 ($25).
- Find new events on the Austin Stitch Club's Instagram.
2. Charted: 😬 Small businesses losing optimism
Small-business confidence in Texas is slipping slightly, in line with a broader national slowdown.
Why it matters: Small businesses play a key role in the daily lives of Austinites.
The big picture: The U.S. Chamber's Small Business Index fell to 67 nationally.
- The South, including Texas, landed at 67.1, also slightly down from 67.5 last quarter.
Zoom in: 53% of owners nationally cite inflation as their top issue.
- 37% plan to invest in the year ahead, down from 44%.
Stunning stat: Just 28% say the economy is in good health, down 10 points.
What's next: Lingering uncertainty could weigh on hiring and investment decisions.
3. 🤠 The Roundup: Wrangling the news
4. Our Friday news quiz
5. 🌶️ 1 hot sauce in space to go
NASA sent five hot sauce varieties on Artemis II, which is due to splashdown today, deeming the spicy staple an essential item.
Why it matters: Even in space, flavor matters.
The big picture: Tabasco, Sriracha, Cholula, Frank's RedHot and Heinz Hot Taco Sauce are on board, according to Victoria Segovia, a public affairs specialist at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
- She says NASA doesn't endorse any of the brands.
How it works: Hot sauce serves practical and behavioral health functions in space, Segovia says.
- "In microgravity, astronauts often experience less acute olfactory senses due to fluid shift — similar to having a mild congestion — which can dull flavor perceptions," she tells Axios.
- "Spicy and bold" condiments help enhance taste, she says.
How they choose: The hot sauces are selected in collaboration with astronauts and NASA's food scientists at the Johnson Space Center Food Lab, she said.
- Condiments on Artemis II are typically in single-serve packets, she said.
💭 Our thought bubble: With no Salsa Doña from Tacodeli on board, the astronauts are missing out. Next time they should take a rocket ship to Austin.
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