The 2026 NAN Exemplary

Melita went to this year's Exemplary, which is what the National Academy of Needlearts calls their yearly seminar exhibit, and won ribbons!  MAJOR ribbons!  Here is her report.  Eventually NAN will put photos of the 2026 winners on their website but it's too early for that yet.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/13/2026-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly/

NAN has updated their website with the winners and their artistic statements.

https://gallery.needleart.org/2026-exemplary-ribbon-winners/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTRljNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3NGUzWVVpaHJ6NlBZY1F6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtvLEmURQ25fz0jRpdGtR3i4QA7rm35gODb_tmlWlcuvYETWxiFlE3Q5PJYx_aem_PEKORQqa9vS-n6fhZJSq8w

UPDATE:  The People's Choice winner for 2026 was an Alison Cole goldwork poppy stitched by Helen G.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1458739096292936&set=a.562869925879862

Good luck to Mary Alice Stinton who took a tumble at NAN.  I think she's fine, just needed to go home to recover.  

UPDATE #2:  Barbara Richardson won the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1477788584387987&set=a.562869925879862

UPDATE #3:  Here are the winners in the Original Design category!

https://www.facebook.com/nationalacademyofneedlearts/posts/pfbid08s73hKkzFc4uRsp4ZeKhvNhS8P9h7Jc1LybZztYyXKquJ5fYH7hGEvmUs6MphLoPl

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

2025 National Academy of Needlearts Winners

The National Academy of Needlearts has updated their website with a list of winners from their 2025 Exemplary.

https://needleart.org/gallery/exemplary-gallery/2025-exemplary-ribbon-winners/

Once you click on a photo, you can then use the right side arrow to move through the listing of winners in that section, see their work, and read a bit about it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 23, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

2024 National Academy of Needlearts Winners

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) has announced their 2024 award winners.  If you click on each thumbnail photo, you'll see a closeup and be able to read about the piece.  If there are more than one ribbon winner in a category you can click on the right side arrow to see them all.  Click on the X at the top right hand corner to return to the summary page.

https://needleart.org/2024-exemplary-ribbon-winners/

UPDATE:  Celeste Chalasani has completed the Teacher Cum Laude program to much acclaim.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=943909474442570&set=a.562869925879862

https://needleart.org/teacher-cum-laude/celeste-chalasani/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN's Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to

The National Academy of Needlearts has awarded their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dawn Cornish Donnelly!  Congratulations!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=901795471987304&set=a.562869925879862

You can get to know Dawn a little and see some of her needle art on the NAN website.

https://needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/dawn-donnelly/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 18, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Exemplary Winners 2023

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) has started posting the 2023 award winners on their Facebook page.  First, here are the first place winners in the Professional Original category.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=678161771017343&set=a.562869925879862

Here are more first place winners in two more categories.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=678161771017343&set=a.562869925879862

More winners!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=704671088366411&set=a.562869925879862

If you want to see all the winners, check the NAN website.

https://needleart.org/exemplary/2023-exemplary-ribbon-winners/?fbclid=IwAR0CzSqa2NVhRyL3-haKp-EEUFQWlWWK6JWIfxNfXA3hCOlNXDovDqsTRrA

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 30, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN's 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Granted

The National Academy of Needlearts has announced that the 2023 winner of their Lifetime Achievement Award is Lynn Payette.  If you click on the tiny tree trunks image in the upper left corner of the collage of her works, you can view all 26 designs in a larger format.  They do take a while to load, however.  Be patient. The show is worth the wait.

https://needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/lynn-payette/

I'm impressed that most years NAN gives this award.  There are truly an amazing number of needle teachers and artists among us.  Take some time to explore the links to see them all.

https://needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/?fbclid=IwAR2UqyyOVn5sazefPR_jpZZGpaO9ltOQTLuFmQ7FvIq45GZdOebGGM4a-Ig

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 8, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik Wins!

Guess what company won the Small Business Administration's "Small Business Exporter of the Year" Award in both West Virginia and in the Mid-Atlantic Region?  Krenik!

https://www.facebook.com/Kreinik.Manufacturing.Company/posts/pfbid0ZeB3aTsPZVdNw18Y8okuPf5CzoeTwJhjy7vNCQZnc2fdKMjbT1aDiDwksgasLDFWl

Congratulations to the hard working folks who create wonderful things for us stitchers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Living Treasure: Elizabeth Bozevich

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) occasionally gives the Living Treasure Award to people who have contributed mightily behind the scenes at the organization.  This year the award has been given to Elizabeth Bozevich, who belongs to NAN and gives her expertise to the organization.

https://www.facebook.com/nationalacademyofneedlearts/posts/pfbid013d4BHmS8YH3ZgddeSrNhTuRTrdtYcCibF7jeVYoRuegmdFKHocJH4SNuRE7j5Kgl

Why does that name ring a bell?  Elizabeth is also the editor of Needlepoint Now magazine.

Congratulations!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Master Teacher (NAN)

The Nantional Academy of Needlearts (NAN) just awarded Dianne Herrmann her Master Teacher's Certificate.  You have to do various things to achieve this certification, including creating an expertise piece.  You can read about Dianne's design on the NAN website. It's quite a story!

https://needleart.org/2022/08/02/weaving-hope-kem-iyebal/?fbclid=IwAR3fT3aEHevhss2u0xcHW4_tEYnQ08jAC6K4YdizLaa91fxuB4KLMlZxfQk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG Seminar 2022 Award Winners

I've been collecting photos of pieces that won ribbons at the ANG 2022 exhibit.  

Cynthia won!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5800869166597996&set=a.509405429077756

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5800879763263603&set=a.509405429077756

Jan won!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2022/08/01/ang-seminar-update/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5323447871065661/

Melita won!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2022/07/31/ang-2022-seminar-and-the-presidents-award-for-a-spring-sampler/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2022/08/17/ang-presidents-award-ribbon-for-a-spring-sampler/

Eileen Bergen Aird won the State Award for this lovely Barbara Elmore piece.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5780751021936375&set=a.626139447397584

Eileen Aird won a ribbon for her NYC stocking from DJ Designs.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=476400534493393&set=a.462659739200806

Lisa Roccoforte-Eddo and Mary Alice Stinton of the San Diego Chapter of ANG won the Founder's Ribbon and the Shirley Fetteroff Halloween ribbons.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0pppVGVEcqSjNDV4UFy6m8NxEf76B5Q1dWmycfygLc83Sm7irYJUYDPcMwKSp2hqFl&id=120869301326082

Lisa also won ribbons for her Glitzy Accessories set.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5329282110482237/

Vicky won two ribbons for her stunning purse.

http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/finally/

Denise Fischer won a ribbon for this charming JudyAnn fox and chipmunk with a pumpkin.

https://www.facebook.com/JudyannNeedlepoint/photos/gm.5321338441276604/599307895234377/

Congratulations to everyone whose stitches or designs won ribbons.  Competition is very fierce at the ANG Exhibit so you know your work is something extra special.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 3, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Best in Show Woodlawn 2021

In Stitches (a counted thread, knitting and needlepoint shop) close to Woodlawn Plantation) is thrilled to announce one of their employees won Best in Show for this cross stitch design.

https://www.facebook.com/521595701209417/photos/a.2024522157583423/4164451796923771/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 4, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Great (and Unusual) Needle Minder

Doris wins the Smart Cookie Award for August with this repurposing of a Nite Ize magnetic LED Marker into a needle minder.  Doris found it at Eddie Bauer.  It clips onto fabric (or your canvas) and is held with a magnet.  It has a light as well.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214470594578545&set=p.10214470594578545&type=3&theater

Doris has a dog that will eat anything dropped on the floor so she is worried about a bottom magnet falling off a pair of needle minders.  This solves the problem very nicely!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Winner, Another Book

Sandy Arthur has had a busy week! She's teaching at ANG's Seminar in New Orleans AND she just published a new booklet on stitching hair!
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2016/09/mercy-ang-seminar-come-and-gone-what.html

AND she just won ANG's Literary Award.  For the second time.  I am seriously impressed.  

Can Do Hairdos became available September 1st.  Sandy's been teaching a class on threads, stitches and techniques for stitching hair for a while now.  You can read the class description at the bottom of this class page on her website to get an idea of what's in the book.
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/f2f-needlepoint-classes-with-sandy-arthur

Amy Bunger is already taking orders for Sandy's book through her online shop and Facebook.  She says the book is 32 pages and is small enough at 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 to carry in your project bag or tote.
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/a.195572410453744.51323.189965167681135/1329810953696545/?type=3&theater

If your favorite shop isn't carrying this you can order directly from Sandy's Duo Designs website once she's home again from New Orleans.  It's not available just yet--Sandy has to get home, unpack, do laundry and then she will update the website.  Stay tuned!
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/

Congratulations on the award, Sandy.  Can I have your autograph?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Judges Speak

Melita's original design called "Gentle Waves" went to Myrtle Beach and the ANG Seminar Exhibit this year. She got lots of great feedback from the judges which I think you'll find interesting.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/gentle-waves-2/

Kudos to Melita for coming up with an original design and sharing it, then talking frankly about her successes and failures. That's how you become a better stitcher, folks!

By the way, Cathryn won two ribbons for her wool flowers purse.  Ridgewood posted photos on their blog and I knew you'd like to see it.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-winning-needlepoint.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 18,  2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Much Deserved Recognition

Kreinik has received a much-deserved award from the State of West Virginia, which is where their manufacturing facility is based. Read all about it here.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2015/07/kreinik-manufacturing-receives-governor.html

I think I'll call today Kreinik Appreciation Day and stitch something with one of their great threads.  Who'll join me?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 27, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadles Wins!

I just discovered Threedles won third place at the January TNNA show for Best New Product Display with their new counted canvaswork piece "Cathedral."  Congratulations!
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2015/03/cathedral.html

You can see "Cathedral" and Kurdy's other new 2015 designs on her website. Click on the photos and you'll see alternate color ways she puts in her charts for each piece.
http://www.threedles.com/06012011/2015/2015Designs.html

If you are intrigued, here's the home page.  Pour yourself your favorite morning (or evening) beverage and take a browse.
http://www.threedles.com/06012011/default.htm

If you are new to Blog, you may not realize I have a tab about all the counted canvaswork designers with places to see and/or buy their work.  There is also a link to shops that carry lots of needlepoint charts, by the way.  If your favorite designer or shop that carries a ton of charts isn't listed, let me know by either leaving a comment here or emailing me at chillyhollow@hotmail.com.  I don't count very well so this is an area I am not all that knowledgeable in.  Your help will be invaluable!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Beth Robertson Canvas Embellishment Award

I found the notice below on the ANG email list this morning, so I am repeating it here for those who aren't members.

The Board of Directors of ANG is honored to announce the “Beth Robertson Canvas Embellishment Award”.

This Special Award ribbon commemorates the many contributions Beth Robertson has made to the needlework community and to ANG. It will be given annually at the ANG Seminar Exhibit to the entry in the Painted Design Without Stitch Guide category that the judges decide exemplifies the best use of stitches, threads and colors to enhance a painted or stamped canvas.

The very first “Beth Robertson Canvas Embellishment Award” will be presented next year at the Carolina Splendor seminar in Myrtle Beach.

Donations to this award will be placed in the Endowment Fund with the income used to cover expenses associated with the awarding of the ribbon. Donations may be sent to the American Needlepoint Guild, Inc., 2424 American Lane, Madison, WI 53704-3102, made through the ANG website “Donate to ANG” tab or made by calling (608) 443-2476. Please consider a donation to honor Beth and her contributions to the art of needlepoint.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 3,  2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

First Place Ribbon at the California State Fair

The California State Fair just awarded a first place ribbon for her "Kimono Revisited" to Mary Frances Po.  Congratulations!   (Many thanks to Needle in a Haystack for letting us know of their customer's latest big win!)
https://www.facebook.com/needleinahaystackshop/photos/a.10151984852036674.1073741825.98255356673/10152206891006674/?type=1&theater

Here is a bit about John Waddell's version of the Maggie Lane/Ietje Jackovich chart.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SNS_Kimono/info

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodlawn Winners from 2014 and 2012 UPDATED

Since March 31st was the last day of the Woodlawn needlework exhibit, I did a little Googling to see if anyone has reported on the Best of Show winner. I came up with two hits--apparently the 2014 Best in Show winner was a "blackwork" piece.  There are no any photos of it I can find but you can see one of the blue ribbon winners (in the Surface Embroidery catagory) here.
http://www.paperstitch.net/2014/03/02/woodlawn-2014/

I also stumbled across a photo of the 2012 Best in Show winner, which is a charming embroidery piece.  I actually saw this in person the last time I made it to the show.  The embroidery details among the letters and the flowers are very charming--they include a tiny snail, butterflies, a dragonfly, a lady bug, etc.  Click on the photo for a slightly better look.
http://www.heraldstandard.com/society/local-needle-arts-teacher-wins-best-of-show-award/article_a5037f10-c9ad-50a4-8807-65e8e571ba35.html

Congratulations to all those who entered and all those who made it to the show!

UPDATE: I found a list from Woodlawn of all the folks who entered in 2014 with a list of any ribbons they won.  Apparently this was published in a program, presumably the one they hand out to visitors to the exhibit.
http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2014-Entry-List-for-Program.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Glimpse of Catherine's Works at Woodlawn

Catherine Jordan has posted a group photo of the pieces she entered at Woodlawn. Each piece won a ribbon: two first places, two second places and a third!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=744021642275331&set=a.107432302600938.13420.100000025059624&type=1&theater

You can see which won what on Catherine's website.  Some of us may be lucky enough to take classes from Catherine and learn how to make this magic!
http://www.catherinesdesigns.net

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.