KINDNESS – COMMUNITY – CREATIVITY

Our Story

A picture of Katherine Lile in her booth in front of her rope baskets at a crafter's fair in 2013

Since 2015, The Mountain Thread Company has welcomed friends into a working studio and shop located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This shop is an extension of what we are most passionate about - creativity, community, and mountain culture. The Mountain Thread Company invites you into the connections of family, friendships, vibrant community, and stunning geography.

The Mountain Thread Company specializes in coiled rope basketry, a technique that brings together artists and appreciators of all skill levels! Visit us for an inspiring journey into handcrafted products. Whether you choose a one-of-a-kind basket made in our studio or decide to make a rope project yourself, you are invited to share your own creative journey and inspiration with us!

OUR PLACE

The exterior entrance to The Mountain Thread Company shop in Blowing Rock, NC

Find The Mountain Thread Company in the village of Blowing Rock, located in northwest North Carolina. Close connections with the beauty around us and a strong appreciation for Appalachian heritage fuel our passion for this place in all seasons.

A visit to the mountains lends itself to admiration of the natural world, inspires creativity, and opens the mind. It is a one-of-a-kind place and we are proud to call these mountains home. Feeling inspired? Get directions and hours to help plan your next visit. We hope to see you soon!

COMMITTED - CARING - CREATIVE

WHO WE ARE

It is our mission at The Mountain Thread Company to inspire, equip, and cultivate a creative community that loves sewing rope! We thrive on building a community that fosters and celebrates unique creative expression. We believe we are doing that one customer, one project, one new idea at a time.

the team

Whether you visit in person or order online, you’re bound to connect with one of our friendly team members. Betsy, Dawn, Karen, Janet, Rachel, Lauren, Allise, Annie, Bailey, and Katherine make the magic happen! We’re here to answer your questions, cheer you on in your own crafty endeavors, and help you find a project or product that is just right for you. We love what we do, and appreciate that you give us the opportunity to do it!

Portrait of Katherine Lile seated in front of a wall of colorful fabrics at The Mountain Thread Company - Headshot by Alicia Green of EddyLine Creative, LLC


Katherine Lile, Founder & Owner

Katherine Lile is a fourth-generation quilter and maker who surprised everyone - especially herself - when she returned to her hometown and opened The Mountain Thread Company in 2015. Just as sewing has been an important part of her story, she believes that everyone has a story to tell and that creative expression is a beautiful way to do so!

Her favorite pastimes include sewing (of course!), gardening, and coming up with new puns.