Kelly was so kind to submit the article below for The Bug Blog! Just a side note – Kelly lives in Dothan and visits The Bug when she can along with her friends Marian Hall and Suzanne Wilson! Kelly also brought her Red Ribbon piece to share with her Montgomery friends…It is stunning!
Woodlawn Needlework Exhibit
This year marked the 47th year of America’s oldest and largest needlework show/exhibit. There were 800+ entries from all over the United States and other countries. It is truly a multinational exhibit.
Woodlawn Plantation was part of George Washington’s holdings until he gifted it to his nephew Lawrence Lewis upon his marriage to Martha’s granddaughter Eleanor “Nelly” Custis in 1799. Nelly was an ardent needler and acquired her skills from her grandmother. Many of her needlework pieces are a part of Woodlawn’s permanent collection.
The annual exhibit is held each year during the month of March. Entries are received in early February and require the entire month to get the entries and the plantation ready for the exhibit. The entries are judged by certified judges and first, second, third place, and honorable mentions are awarded in predetermined categories. These categories include cross stitch, canvas work, smocking; original, adaptation, and commercial patterns. Entries may be taken to the Plantation in person, through stitch shops in the area, local EGA/ANG chapters, or by mail.
I first entered the exhibit in the mid 80s and thought I was “hot stuff”….until I actually visited the exhibit. I was truly humbled but at the same time inspired to further master my craft. My next entries were in 1999 and 2000 with a blue and red ribbon. This past year I entered again and received a red ribbon. My entries are traditional samplers which I have designed. Presently I have another sampler in the works but don’t know if I will have it done in time for next year as it is rather large. For some unknown reason small projects never enter my sampler-addicted mind.
I urge anyone to enter their pieces and enjoy the experience. If you can visit the exhibit you will have an experience that you will not soon forget.
by Kelly Cook
For more info Woodlawn
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