One interesting thing about punchneedle is it's unique history.  Here's the short version.

During the reign of Peter the Great in the 17th century, the Russian Orthodox Church was going through a period of change.  A new leadership made reforms, mostly to worship rituals, that some rejected.  Those opposed to modernization split from the church. They were severely  persecuted, first by the reforming leadership, then by the Tsars.  These 'Old Believers' were scattered into remote areas of Russia and around the world. 

Some settled in America.  There are several clusters in the U. S., but the largest concentration of 'Old Believers' in the U. S. is near Portland, OR.  In some ways, they are like the Amish.  They stick to mostly to themselves, and reject many things in modern culture.  Some of their more unique ways include:

•  They don't use our (Gregorian) calendar in favor of the Russian Orthodox calendar (Christmas comes two weeks later).
•  They worship in 'Slavonic', a Russian dialect.
•  They don't like to eat from plates or use other implements that have been used by a 'non-believer'; ironically, they do frequent fast-food restaurants that have disposable utensils and plates.

The technique of punchneedle embroidery is an art form started and perpetuated by their reclusive culture. For centuries, the 'Old Believers' have made embroidered embellishments, mostly for their clothing.  Russian Punchneedle has been taught for many generations to the present day. 

 Can't find a shop... buy online at www.punchneedlepatternsplus.com