The Exemplary 2026
1st Place, Non-Professional Non-Original with Instruction
Judge’s Choice
The Betsy Robb Award
Popular Choice

This design was from https://alisoncoleembroidery.com.au/.

When I first saw this design, I was impressed by the purity of colors – red, gold, and black. I was able to stitch this piece from stash, due to the restrained colors. The ground was satin, and the materials used included Kreinik kid, substitution of Eterna silk for a finer texture for the flower, with Japanese and English goldwork threads substitutions.

To retain the minimalist look I chose a plain black wood frame. I picked a top black mat with black core, and a bottom red mat with reverse bevel. This eliminated the white cores that would otherwise show and impose a fourth color from the mats to the piece.