Kreinik Designer Amy Law and I went to the 25th anniversary needlework exhibition at the Belle Grove Plantation, a National Historic Landmark built in 1797. It was the perfect setting for this juried show, featuring 174 pieces of stitchery from all over the country. Cross stitch, needlepoint, quilting, knitting, lacemaking, crocheting, embroidery, smocking, and rug hooking were displayed throughout the Manor House. Needlework judges Ann Caswell, Suzanne Davis, Bob Kelly, and Linda Pool awarded ribbons to many of the projects (Best in show, Best in Miniatures, Best in Counted Thread, etc). The ones featuring sparkling Kreinik threads caught our eyes of course, and the many designs stitched in silk, metallic, and real metal threads fit right into the historic setting.

In this beautiful setting, I could easily imagine the mistress of the house, and maybe even the children, doing needlework in the parlor. On the day of our visit, school children were there, learning about architecture, needlework, and children's games from the home's 200+ years of occupancy. The exhibit also sponsored a Needlework Bookstore, so that when I was inspired by all of the beautiful stitchery I could easily find a project to make at home. The exhibit was definitely inspiring – we stopped at a needlework/yarn shop on the way home.

Belle Grove is located in Middletown, Virginia, near the site of civil war battles and Shenandoah National Park. If you have a chance to visit a needlework exhibit in your area - go! Celebrate the needle arts, bring a friend, and support the public display of stitchery. You will be inspired to pick up your needlework and keep the tradition.