For those curious to find out more about this year's Hand and Lock Embroidery Competition, a list of the official finalists has been issued. You can access it though their site:

http://www.handembroidery.com/news/hand-lock-prize-for-embroidery-2009/#more-1338

You can see each of the finalists' work (including mine, of course) and comment on the selection.

The top prize includes $10,000 plus $2,000 worth of Swarovski Crystals. Also it includes, but it is not limited to a free workshop at the Hand and Lock Embridery.