Nelly’s Needlers

Nelly’s Needlers was established in 1975 to help in the preservation of Woodlawn through the pursuit of fine needlework. This group of dedicated individuals has raised and donated more than $1,000,000 to help preserve Woodlawn as a historic property through a variety of needlework-related activities. These funds have allowed for the enhancement of visitor amenities, contributions to special capital improvement projects, and the continued growth of the Woodlawn Endowment Fund.

 Woodlawn Needlework Show and Sale

Woodlawn holds a unique, month-long needlework show every March. Nelly’s Needlers coordinates this event, working closely with Woodlawn in the preceding months to collect, display and tag each of the hundreds of hand-stitched items from around the U.S. and other countries. For sale during the show, Nelly’s Needlers bakes thousands of ginger cookies, made from scratch in Woodlawn’s kitchen using Martha Washington’s own recipe.  

Throughout the show, Nelly’s Needlers operates Nelly’s Café, preparing and serving lunch to more than 100 people daily. Many customers return year after year to enjoy both the needlework show and our specialty lunches and desserts, and, of course, the cookies.

Nelly’s Needlers hand embroider many items that are sold in the Woodlawn Gift Shop, and offer a yearly raffle of unique hand-stitched items.

Needlework Seminars

Fine needlework skills are often passed down from generation to generation, and hand-stitched items are often a stitcher’s long-lasting legacy. The appreciation of fine needlework is shared across cultures, and stitchers often delight in sharing their talents and learning from one another.

Each summer since 1980, Nelly’s Needlers have sponsored needlework seminars for children aged 9-15. Members of our group design and teach projects in four needlework categories: hand sewing and quilting, needlepoint, crewel embroidery, and counted thread. Students work in small groups and receive individual attention and encouragement from their teachers.

Nelly’s Needlers also sponsors needlework seminars for adults. Outside experts are brought in to teach various needlework techniques, and inspire needleworkers on all skills levels from beginner to expert.

Join Us!

Nelly’s Needlers is an active group of stitchers that has much to offer the needlework enthusiast, whether you are a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between. Share your passion and use your skills to support this historic home.

We are an inclusive group that welcomes and respects all individuals from different backgrounds, identities, religions, and abilities, with a desire to help foster the needlework traditions we have come to love and enjoy, and support Woodlawn.

Attend one of our general meetings where you will meet other needleworkers, stitch new or existing projects and plan upcoming events. We meet on the second Monday of each month in the Underwood Room at Woodlawn. Email us at nellysneedlers@gmail.com to let us know you are coming. You may also complete the online form; the Nelly’s Needlers Membership Chair will contact you.

Rather than charge dues, Nelly’s Needlers serve by contributing yearly volunteer hours and meeting attendance—a minimum of 50 hours per year, and attendance of at least three of the monthly meetings. Members may accrue their volunteer hours by working during the Needlework Show or Café, helping at the twice-a-year Children’s Workshops, working during needlework seminars, contributing to raffle projects, and by hand-stitching needlework items sold in the Woodlawn Gift Shop.

Still have questions? Email us at nellysneedlers@gmail.com, and a Nelly’s Needler will contact you.