2026 Judges’ Statement

How pleased and honored we have been to view and judge the entries for the 63rd Woodlawn Needlework Show, the longest and largest continuously running national needlework exhibition in the United States. Congratulations on a stellar show. We are especially thrilled that the number of entries into the show has returned to pre-COVID levels. We are grateful to all of those who make the show possible: Nelly’s Needlers, who administer the show; Deb Kempton and Paula Philbin, who co-chair the show; Heather Johnson, Deputy Director of Finance and Operations for Woodlawn, who oversees arrangements; and the National Trust, which supports the show.

Together, they surmounted overwhelming obstacles this year when the weather created extreme difficulties, causing untimely delays for participants to deliver their pieces, the postponement of judging, and consequently, the resulting compressed time to display the pieces. The Nellys rose to the challenge with grace and aplomb, and mounted a stunning show. We so appreciate their dedication to and their love for this show, and to those who participate by entering their work. We share in their enthusiasm. We were delighted to see so many entries this year, delivered despite the weather.

This year’s entries wowed us, and we marveled at the creativity, the range of techniques displayed, the variety of approaches taken within each category, and the attention to detail that met us at every turn. So many pieces reflected the thoughtfulness of the stitcher in both design and execution. Consequently, the high quality of the works made it exceptionally difficult to determine which ones would win awards; so many pieces that did not receive a ribbon stood up well under extremely stiff competition, indeed some of the best work from across the country. We appreciated both the traditional work and the pieces that were more cutting edge. This year’s original work was particularly noteworthy, and we were pleased to see an increase in the number of those works.

We would encourage you to think that you are competing against yourself, not someone else. That is, that you keep improving your work with each piece, and resolve to enter your best work in exhibitions. At the same time, we would also urge you not to be afraid to experiment, to try a new technique, a new approach to your work, or something that might be a bit “out of the box” for you. In both cases, you don’t know the work that is inside you until you push yourself.

We understand, too, that there are a number of first-time entries this year and applaud those who have begun sharing their work with a wider audience, for in sharing work, we all get to learn and be inspired, both as embroiderers and viewers.

Finally, we would ask embroiderers to remember how they first got started stitching. Was it through a family member, a friend, a workshop, a youth program? We invite you to share your joy in stitching with the people you know and to teach others what you have learned. Take someone under your wing. Pass on that knowledge as the opportunity arises.

It is indeed an honor and a privilege to view the works submitted and to judge this wonderful exhibition. We look forward to seeing more of your work and wish you well in your journey.

- Cheryl Christian, Margaret Frederick, and Carole Rinard