Under the ownership of the late Jan O'Donohue, Scarlet Thread, a fixture in Old Town Fairfax, was regarded as one of the premier shops for cross-stitch enthusiasts. When Jan decided to retire in the summer of 2005, she sold the business to Sara Leigh Merrey, designer and principal of the Merrey Design line of contemporary cross-stitch charts.

Sara Leigh reopened Scarlet Thread in Vienna, Virginia, a location offering easier access and parking for customers. She also expanded the range of fine needlework supplies to include crewel, drawn thread, hardanger, needlepoint, and punchneedle.

Small classes and individual instruction are available, along with workshops and lectures by visiting designers. A natural gathering place for needleartists, Scarlet Thread is available for get-togethers and regular meetings of stitching groups. Customers are welcome to drop in any time with their needlework and join Sara Leigh at the work table.

Since opening in October 2005, Scarlet Thread has rapidly gained a reputation for warm and knowledgeable service, a diverse selection of high-quality materials, and a sincere appreciation for fine needlework and those who craft it.