View Your Work Through a Judge’s Eyes

Embroidery is a relaxing and fulfilling endeavor that allows us to express creativity, engage in a meditative process, and produce exquisite works of art. As fulfilling as it can be, however, sometimes it’s enormously frustrating, ranging from how to work a particular stitch to how to tame a particularly recalcitrant thread. That’s when input from a qualified professional can get you past the difficulties so you can enjoy even greater satisfaction from your stitching.

NAN’s certified judges can assess your work and provide a written explanation of their findings. Stitchers at any skill level can benefit from an evaluation of their work, including:

  • feedback that’s validating, with guidance about what you’re doing right and what you might improve
  • expanded knowledge and skill development
  • a deeper appreciation of needlework as a creative process
  • increased confidence in your abilities
  • greater connectivity with others who share your passion.
  • a better understanding of what you want to accomplish in your embroidery.

There’s no need to ship your work to us; simply provide digital images. The cost is $40 per assessment.

How to request a needlework evaluation

  1. Take at least two digital photographs of your project following the guidance below: one with and one without the frame/finish. Additional photographs – for example, closeups of specific areas – are encouraged.
  2. Download the submission form (Microsoft Word format). Complete all fields/questions in the form and save to your computer’s desktop.
  3. Attach the completed form and photographs of your work to an email message and send them to evaluation@needleart.org. 
  4. NAN will send a PayPal invoice to your email address. Follow the instructions in the email for payment of the $40 fee by credit card.
  5. Monitor your email inbox for communication from NAN staff; they may have questions before composing and sending you your evaluation.

If you have not received acknowledgement of your submission within 7 days, send a follow-up email to evaluation@needleart.org. Once your payment is received, you can expect to receive your evaluation within 2-3 weeks depending on the project.

Tips for taking photos of your work

  • The camera on most smart phones is sufficient. Use the highest resolution available on your device so that we can zoom in and see detail.
  • Take photos straight on to your piece – in other words, hold your device parallel to the surface of your work.
  • Fill as much of screen as possible with your project. 
  • Avoid strong shadows on your project. Lighting from the sides of your project is better than overhead or directly at it. Natural light is best.
  • Crop the images if needed. It’s easy to crop images in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, and re-save them as new image files.
  • If the project is three dimensional, send images of front, back, and sides as appropriate.

Photography resources: