Each conference gives awards to outstanding entries in the fashion show, juried show, open show, and guild booth displays. Many of these awards are made possible by donations from ANWG member guilds. Some guilds sponsor awards given in the name of a member they wish to recognize or memorialize, while other guilds make a cash donation to be used for a more general award. Some people may elect to individually sponsor a specific award.
Here’s a list of awards given out at previous conferences. The list of awards available for the 2027 conference will be posted later this year.
Want to help fund an award? Donate today!
Open Show Awards
People’s Choice Awards.
Juried Show Awards
Best in Show
People’s Choice
Judge’s Choice
Best interpretation of conference theme
Most innovative or inspirational from an historical weaving source, 20th century or earlier
Best use of conference colors
Best collaborative item
Best craftsmanship in a scarf, shawl or woven fabric
Best craftsmanship in a small accessory
Best craftsmanship in a tapestry or wall hanging
“Tow the Line” Special award for use of 70% tow or line linen
Best use of wool, alpaca, or silk from a handspun skein
Most creative use of atypical or recycled material
Best Design
Complex Weaver’s Award
Best design in a band or braid from an inkle, kumihimo, band or card loom
Best craftsmanship and design in 4 shafts or less (4-shaft, 2-shaft, rigid heddle)
Best craftsmanship and design for over 4
Most innovative example of surface design
People’s Choice
Spinning
Skein – spindle spun
Skein – wheel spun
Wearables
For the Home
Best Interpretation of conference theme
Best Interpretation of conference colors
Weaving
Woven on 4 or fewer
Woven on more than 4
Wearables
For the Home
Wall Hangings
Best Interpretation of conference theme
Best Interpretation of conference colors
Excellence with Complex Structure
Other
Felting
Dyeing
Basketry
Tapestry
Wearable
Best Interpretation of conference theme
Best Interpretation of conference colors
Fashion Show Awards
Best in show
Best garment made of handwoven fabric with 4 shafts or fewer
Best garment made of handwoven fabric with more than 4 shafts
Best garment made with felted fabric
Best garment made with handspun yarn
Best Handwoven Shawl
Best scarf or shawl made with handspun yarn
Best garment construction
Best overall garment design
Best scarf or shawl handwoven with 4 shafts or fewer
Best scarf or shawl handwoven with more than 4 shafts
Most innovative garment (unusual materials, structure, color and/or design)
Best interpretation of conference theme
Best use of conference colors
Judge’s choice
Conference Colors Exhibit Awards
Best in Show
Best of Conference Colors Exhibit Weaving
Best of Conference Colors Exhibit Spinning
Best of Conference Colors Exhibit Felting
Best of Conference Colors Exhibit Other Fiber Art
Guild Booth Awards
Best in Show
Best interpretation of conference theme
Best interpretation of conference colors
Most creative
Best booth by guild with 30 or fewer members
Judge’s Choice
People’s Choice