Written by We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025-26 Members’ Challenge. The theme was ‘Feast’.
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 Nikki Parmenter for her piece: Feeling Fruity (Featured above)
The winners of each individual award were:
- Julia Caprara Award for best use of colour: ASTRID DUDGEON for ‘LAST TO THE FEAST’
- Beryl Dean Award for best hand-stitching: LISA STEED DAVEY for ‘BIRDS EYE VIEW’
- Val Campbell-Harding Award for best machine-stitching: ARAN ILLINGWORTH for ‘DOGS DINNER’
- Margaret Nicholson Award for best composition: LESLEY WOOD for ‘FISH SUPPER’.
- Jane Lemon Award for drama and creativity: LIZ ELLISON for ‘LOBSTER FOR DINNER’.
- Artistic Director Award for innovation: NIKKI PARMENTER for ‘FEELING FRUITY’.
- Janome Award for Inspired use of machine stitches: JANINE POUND for ‘TUKALYA BONSE’
Many thanks to Deborah Shepherd, Janome Creative Director 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.
These, along with all the other entries, can all be seen in our flipbook:
The theme for the 2026-27 Members’ Challenge is ‘Extraordinary, Innovative Architecture - an immersive response to new materials, shapes and revolutionary use of space’. Members can find the brief and the entry forms in our members’ area.
Members Challenge 26/27: Architecture – Embroiderers’ Guild .
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Pieces from previous Members Challenge events can be found by visiting our Members’ Projects and Challenges index page