Mary Vague of the Cornwall Branch recently invited embroiderers to take part in a competition to help raise funds for the new centre for embroidery. Competitors were invited to design and make a pincushion no bigger than 4 inches overall in any medium, theme or technique.

For Mary, it felt like Christmas or her birthday when the pincushions started arriving from far and wide. Each day a little parcel or padded envelope would arrive and Mary would have the thrill of opening it, turning back paper and then tissue to reveal a little treasure. Every one unique, every colour of the rainbow, every technique, stitch and design. Every one a small masterpiece beautifully worked and finished with perfect cords and tassels.

Eventually, Mary had 41 entries. They were judged by Jane Rowe, who is well-known internationally for her beautiful embroidery and excellent teaching. Jane was delighted when she first laid eyes on the pincushions, but soon it was time to get tough and start whittling them down to the winners - not an easy task. Jane was first and foremost looking for quality of work, innovative ideas and practicality or spike-ability!

The results are;
1st prize - Valerie Thomas - Plymouth - Blackwork
2nd prize - Heather Campbell - St Austell - pincushion inside a walnut purse
3rd prize - Rowena Light - Okehampton - needlelace and stumpwork
4th prize - Barbara Mears - Leckhampton - a mass of wool bullions
5th prize - Veronica Hall - Cheltenham - Canvas work
6th prize - Eileen Tregaskis - Falmouth - Stitched hand made felt
Most unusual/ witty - Angela Brealey - Salisbury - pincushion like a dress ring

The winners all received a lovely prize very kindly donated by The Paper Shed, Truro Fabrics, the Silk Route, Stef Francis, Coats Crafts UK and The Cats Whiskers.

After judging, each competitor received another competitor's pincushion chosen randomly to keep as a memento. What a super surprise and a unique chance to own a piece of someone else's work!! Many, many congratulations to everyone for their brilliant entries.

Also, congratulations to Mary for giving us a lot of fun and, at the same time, raising £245 for the new centre.

Eileen Richardson
Cornwall Branch