Designer Showcase Winners Announced

DESIGNER SHOWCASE WINNERS

The Counted Thread & Embroidery Group of TNNA is proud to announce the winners in the New Designer Showcase contest for the Winter Trade Show in Phoenix.

Winners are:

• Debbie Booth, My Big Toe Designs
• Erik Shipley, Ship's Manor
• Kurdy Biggs, Threedles
• Maegan Jennett, NeedleWorkPress.

These designers will be displaying their talents in Booths 1233, 1332 and 1330.

The winning entries were selected based on their portfolio and presentation of their designs, biography, resume, and marketing plan. Entrants were required to be members of TNNA and the CTE Group, and to have not previously exhibited at any TNNA sponsored show. The judging panel included a retailer, a publisher, a manufacturer, a distributor and a designer.

Debbie Booth from My Big Toe Designs is from Idaho, and includes Swarovski crystal needlework accessories in her design line, along with inspirational, elegant and whimsical counted thread designs.

Erik Shipley of Utah, combines fable, history and love of family with needlework in his cross stitch designs. Since August, 2010, Ship's Manor has translated Victorian romance, birdhouse mishaps and even a town seen through a keyhole to needle and thread.

From Colorado, Kurdy Biggs offers counted canvas designs in multiple colorways with large format, step by step instructions. Threedles' colorful designs include bead embellishments and intricate stitches to delight and excite stitchers.

Maegan Jennett for NeedleWorkPress blends whimsy and nostalgia to create fun-to-stitch heirlooms. Vintage-inspired, her counted thread designs are at home on linen or canvas. From Arizona, Maegan's theatrical lighting and makeup design background brings an appreciation for light and color to her projects.

Each showcase winner received a stipend to help defray expenses in addition to the booth space. Dena Lenham from Kreinik served as chair of the contest, receiving the contest entries and assembling the judging panel.