Winners of the 24/25 Members’ Challenge

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2024/25 Members’ Challenge. The theme was ‘Colour Rhythms’.

After selecting the winners of each individual award category, the judges then consider them for the award of The Constance Howard Award for Most Outstanding Piece​. This year, there the winner for this award is Alyssa Robinson for her piece: A Very British Obsession

The winners of each individual award were:

• Julia Caprara Award for best use of colour: Fiona Gill Echoes of Earth Song
• Beryl Dean Award for best hand stitching: Zoe Childs The Nightingales’ Love Son
• Valerie Campbell-Harding Award for best use of machine stitching: Alyssa Robinson A Very British Obsession
• Margaret Nicholson Award for best composition: Janine Pound Musical Colour Wheels
• Jane Lemon Award for drama and creativity: Suzy Ager Kingfisher Kinesis
• Artistic Director Award for Innovation: Catherine Hill Flowers, Leaves and Berries
• Janome Award for Inspired use of machine embroidery stitches: Janine Pound Musical Colour Wheels

The Janome award for the Inspired use of machine embroidery stitches is new for 2025. Deborah Shepherd, Janome Creative Director said: ‘In considering the award title we reflected on questions we often get asked by customers and one of the most common is “Why would I need all of those stitches.” We would be love to think JANOME machines have inspired some creative use of these stitches to inspire others’. Many thanks to Deborah and Janome for their sponsorship and support.

Congratulations to all entrants: the range of work submitted encompasses a variety of techniques, makes interesting use of stitch and colour, and imaginatively interprets the theme.