Melitastitches4fun's Blog

2025 National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) Assembly, Opening Banquet, The Exemplary, and The Needleworks

The Opening Banquet was enjoyable, especially because I was seated next to Debbie Stiehlar. She’s a hoot! Someone asked about Bill, and I mentioned that he really only enjoyed one banquet, and that was when someone gave a hilarious talk at ANG Seminar. Then, I realized it was probably Debbie, and she’s actually going to repeat a version of it at this closing banquet. Debbie suggested that I text Bill and have him come in for it after dinner. I encouraged Debbie to consider publishing the talk since she’s retiring. And said she might just do that. I hope so. Had I known she’d be retiring, I probably would have taken her class!

I also met one of the judges who has written several of my critiques. Come to find out, she reads my blog and was glad to see that I appreciated her thoughts. I do enjoy getting critiques even though I may not agree with everything. I never mention the judges’ names and won’t start now!

It was great to spend time with Chris Louden and meet her friend Kathy at the Opening Banquet too. I can’t remember the names of the other 2 ladies at our table and even though tables are round, I find it hard to connect across the table.

The two Best in Show (Japanese piece and a stumpwork piece) was announced along with the Challenge winner, a lovely Temari ball. I’m sure they’ll be posted soon since Jennifer Reifenberg was busy photographing the pieces.

Diane Herrmann is retiring her Walking on the Water’s Edge as a teaching piece. It will remain available for purchase to benefit the National Academy of Needlearts. Nice!!

The business meeting was short enough. The one speaker had a reason for not using a microphone, but since I couldn’t hear her, I don’t know what it was! I was enjoying my carrot cake and trying not to laugh out loud at Debbie’s side comments.

My earrings didn’t win anything, and after seeing the other pieces exhibited, I totally agree. I really didn’t expect to. I just wanted to contribute something to the Ruby challenge portion of the exhibit. I’d like to see if anybody is interested in a class to stitch these. Goal #13 accomplished.

Wow!! Speaking of Debbie Stiehlar, her beaded basket lid was amazing. Each piece was prettier than the last. She had several stunning pieces. There was an owl that looked ready to take flight. There are so many amazing pieces. It’s was overloading my ability to take it all in which is why the classes for next year didn’t register.

I had a nice chat with another judge, Patricia Trector, who writes regularly in Needle Pointers and is being recognized for her lifetime achievements this year. Congratulations!

We had an excursion to The Needleworks and met Lisa, another young owner. I got threads to start on my background.

I drove a couple of classmates back to the hotel, got a short nap, and headed to Merchandise Night. It’s a small event for an hour. I got Dawn Donnelly’s book (more about that another time).

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