Needlework Exhibition at Woodlawn

This morning, I took my annual trek north to Alexandria, Virginia, to visit the annual Needlework Exhibition at Woodlawn, a National Trust Historic Site.  The exhibition is sponsored by Nelly's Needlers, a volunteer auxiliary which works year-round to raise funds for this historic site.  Woodlawn was the home of Eleanor (Nelly) Custis Lewis, one America's foremost needleworkers.  The exhibition accepts entries from around the country - I think that there were nearly 650 pieces submitted this year.  The Needlers thematically organize the pieces throughout the house (so, for instance, all of the Christmas-themed entries were together in one room), and volunteers share interesting information about individual items.  Three certified judges award ribbons for Best in Show, Outstanding Original Design, Outstanding Miniature, and more.  I can't imagine how long it takes them to review the entries and make decisions about awards!  I wasn't allowed to take any photos in the house  (which really didn't surprise me, given the age of the facility), but I thought this snap might help convey the sense of the day.  Next year will be the 50th exhibition - I hope that *everyone* who reads this post will consider submitting an item in the show!

And it was a beautifully glorious early summer day - blue skies, moderate temperatures, and low humidity.

After the exhibition, I went up the road about 1/4-mile to one of my favorite LNS, In Stitches.  I have been patroning that business since, well, practically forever.  Every time I step through the door, I'm overwhelmed by the diversity of items that they manage to get into their space.  Just because I didn't prepare an extensive list of "things I need to buy next time I'm near In Stitches," that certainly didn't stop me from buying some stash!  The fabrics, in particular, were a great find - it's a bit hard to tell, but the two dark colors are actually shades of green - WDW overdyes.

I'm thinking ahead to exchanges at Stitching at the Beach PALS in October - starting early to put some things away for the Grab Bag exchange!!

Until then, though, I've got lots of projects to work on, including several for a Patriotic exchange that I'm participating in this month.  So, off to take up my needle and sew!

Becky