Sometimes it is only a whisper, other times much louder. But there, in the recess of your mind is a picture, a picture that may only be half formed but must be put to fabric. You know what you see and it only needs just the right thread, just the right stitch for others to see also. And so the journey begins, a journey filled with discovery, as stitch-by-stitch you bring a design to life. Discovery of the texture and depth of the materials used, the almost visceral reaction of some threads and others that are just, eh? A stitch tried and discarded for another pattern until at last, there it is, what you first saw in your mind has now come alive.

If Art in its many forms brings joy to the heart, then the needle arts are amongst the highest form of art for all of the joy it brings.

To those whispers that became songs...

Needle Artists by the Sea sponsored a judged needlework show, the first biennial, Shoreline Stitchers’ Showcase in June 2006. The categories included needlepoint, silk and metal, lace, surface embroidery, clothing embellishment, counted thread, mixed media, beading, petit point and Japanese embroidery. This first show was an unqualified success with an astonishing amount of entries.

Shoreline Stitchers’ Showcase May/June 2008 was another successful show attended by many and enjoyed by all. The judges commented that you would have to visit the Victoria and Albert museum in England to view a more outstanding example of needlework. Showcase 2010 continued this tradition of timeless excellence with 109 Exhibitors showing 285 pieces. For the first time and we hope, not the last, volunteers from Beacon House, of San Pedro, CA, assisted in setting up tables, chairs and lattice for display purposes. The Committee is especially thankful to these men and to the army of other volunteers who provided support and assistance to the Shoreline Stitchers’ Showcase.

Shoreline Stitcher’s Showcase 2012 will be held Saturday, April 28, and Sunday, April 29, 2012, at the auditorium at the South Coast Botanic Garden located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes, CA, the phone number for the Botanic Garden is 310-544-6815. This venue has the advantage of lots of close parking, easy access for drop-off and no stairs or elevators. We will have areas separated from the Botanic Garden for our own admission, boutique and opportunities. Entries are being accepted now and the entry form must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2012.

If you want to volunteer or have a specific question, please call the Showcase Chairman, Mary Fleming. We welcome volunteers to provide support and assistance during the show.

Showcase hours are 10:00 - 4:00 Saturday and 11:00 to 3:00 on Sunday. Admission is $8.00 for adults and $2.00 for children 8 - 12 years old. (Showcase admission does not include separate admission to the Botanic Gardens.)

Questions??? Contact showcase staff at: shorelinestitchersshowcase@gmail.com

Click here to download a synopsis of Shoreline Stitchers’ Showcase Exhibit Categories & Classes.

Forms for entry to Showcase 2012 are now being accepted and must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2012. Click here to download the entry form.

Best of Show 2010 – Judges Choice & Judges Personal Choice, Janet Mitchell Fischel
“Black & White Harlequin” by Maxine Gadd, Stitched by Lorraine Bowman

Best of Show 2010 - Popular Choice & Judges Personal Choice, Kathy Matthews
“Elizabeth, A Portrait” Designed & Stitched by Gay Ann Rogers

Best of Show 2006 by Rachel Watkins
“A Quiet Moment” by Rachel Watkins
A tour de force of silk and metal work using Japanese embroidery techniques.