Isle of Wight Embroiderers

Chairman’s Challenge

Chairman’s Challenge 2026/27

Inspiring Wight

This year’s Chairman’s challenge will be part of a group project to produce a series of images (cards) inspired by the island and showing a range of embroidery techniques. The completed cards will be collated into a journal that can be put on display.

  • The finished piece should be no more than 6×4 inches or 15×10.5cm + 1/2 inch or 1cm border for sewing the finished work into the journal (standard postcard size).
  • It can be either portrait or landscape format.
  • You can take patters from books, kits or illustrations that you interpret in your own way. If you use a kit, please acknowledge the designer/kit origin.
  • Any stitch/stitches can be used. A minimum of 3 different stitches should be used.
  • The image should reflect something inspired by the Isle of Wight, not an illustration of a landmark or tourist venue. Images can be traditional, contemporary or abstract but must clearly illustrate your idea and the island connection.
  • A short written explanation of your inspiration should be attached. No more than 40 words and either handwritten or no larger than 14 font text.

Chairman’s Challenge 2025/26

Lesley was the worthy winner of this years Chairman’s Challenge with her exquisitely embroidered cushion

There were many beautiful and interesting entrants!

ENTRIES AND WINNER OF CHAIRMAN’S CHALLENGE 2024/25

All the entries to the 2024/25 Chairman’s Challenge were absolutely magnificent! It was wonderful to see such a variety of techniques and styles on display. Congratulations to everyone who took part!

“The winning bag was created by Gail Llewellyn and shown here by the judge. It was beautifully upcycled from denim jeans and clearly impressed the judge with its clever design and stunning embroidery. A wonderful example of creativity and sustainability combined. Congratulations to Gail!”

The 2023/2024 Chairman’s Challenge was chosen at the February meeting. There were many wonderful embroideries submitted to be judged, (pictures below), but the winning piece was truly fabulous.

It was a mixture of snowflakes, stitched onto Silk, embellished with beads, with Brocade ends to create a wonderful table runner. The winner wishes to remain anonymous.

The other entries are below:

The 2023/2024 challenge was based on Snowflakes

  • You have 20 different snowflakes, but not all are true snowflakes.
  • Choose all or a minimum of 4.
  • You are allowed to enlarge any/all designs which will help to use different stitches.
  • You can use any fabric and threads.
  • You are not allowed to use Stem Stitch, Back Stitch, or Running Stitch
  • As a suggestion your work could be made into a book cover.
a4-snowflakes-1Download