Announcing a Major Needleprint Needlework Competition * A Mirror To My Art

And a first prize of £500 because 2012 is a special year for us! We shall be publishing Volume 2 of the Micheál and Elizabeth Feller Needlework Collection; are hoping that the Ashmolean Exhibition of the Collection will be scheduled for the end of 2012 (if not then, it will be 2013); it is also the year of the London Olympics; and we are hoping that for Her Royal Majesty this Diamond Jubilee year will be an annus mirabilis at last. Many of you know that Needleprint was founded with 3 aims to: open up the world of needlework, by making images of needlework more accessible; conserve needlework collections for generations to come; and promote needlework. So today, I have great pleasure in announcing this major Needleprint needlework competition that will have a first prize of £500 (or dollar, euro, yen equivalent). The objective is to design and stitch a cover for a handheld mirror - the sort of mirror that's a size you might pop in a handbag. Design notes, sketches and drawings will be judged together with the finished item. There will also be an under 16 prize - and a tutor's prize - for anyone setting up a class to facilitate making the mirrors. The closing date for the competition will be 14 September 2012 and judging will take place in October 12. More details will follow soon and we'll set up a dedicated blogspot for the competition.

Do start thinking now - and just to prime the fount of your imagination - here is a late 17th century needlework handheld mirror of oval form, one side depicting James II with a crown, orb and sceptre, which sold for £2,875 inclusive of buyer's premium recently at Bonhams. But don't be afraid - this is open to all needleworkers wherever you are, and you can use cross stitch, temari, sashiko, quilting, knitting, crochet, stumpwork.....anything with a needle. I hope you will experience great pleasure and excitement in discovering what you can achieve with your needle and your mirror will be a true reflection of your art. Click on the flying angel below to be kept up to date with competition news.

JUDGING PANEL

The judging panel will include Micheál and Elizabeth Feller and there will be a special Micheál and Elizabeth Feller Prize for Inspired Stitching.

Competition Notes For Entrants

WHO CAN ENTER?
A Mirror To My Art is a needlework competition open to everybody of all ages anywhere in the world. Entrants need to register by 21 May 2012.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
Just click here to register.

WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE?
The objective is to create a stitched cover for a handheld mirror of a size that would fit into a purse or handbag.
This can be an attached cover - or a separate case/covering. The project must also include design notes and sketches.

TRADITIONAL OR CONTEMPORARY DESIGN?
You decide.

HOW IS IT TO BE MADE?
The work must be achieved by a needle using thread/yarn.
Examples: embroidery, cross stitch, applique, stumpwork, quilting, knitting, beading, crochet, needle-lace, temari, sashiko etc.

WHEN HAS IT TO BE FINISHED?
The closing date for the competition is 14 September 2012.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY FINISHED PROJECT?
On or before this date entrants will email 5 images of their project to Needleprint: 3 images of the stitched project (one of which must include the stitcher themselves with their work); 2 images of project notes. More exact details of how to address the email and image sizes etc will be posted at a later date.

WILL MY PROJECT BE RETURNED?
A shortlist will be announced on this blog and entrants on the shortlist will be invited to send their entries for final judging. Entries will be returned after judging at Needleprint expense. Additional postage insurance can be requested and paid for by the entrants.

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?
A first prize of £500 will be awarded to the winner.

A £100 Lily's prize for the under-16s winner.

A £100 tutor's prize for a tutor running a course to facilitate entries (more details to follow.)

At least £300 runner-up prizes including The Micheal and Elizabeth Feller Prize will be awarded and allocated on merit.

HOW WILL I KNOW THE RESULTS?
Judges decision is final and winners will be announced on 30 October 2012 on this blog.

CAN PRIZES BE PAID IN LOCAL CURRENCY?
Prizes will be paid in Sterling, or Dollar/Euro/Yen equivalent by cheque for UK entrants or via PayPal for overseas entrants.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?
If you have any queries about the rules - please email by clicking on the flying angel below.

Click here to go to the Needleprint Main Site.