Hillis awarded DAR lifetime achievement

Sue Hillis, an accomplished, prolific and influential cross-stitch designer, was recently recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution as an American Heritage Woman of the Arts.

The Keepsakes team was proud to be a part of this recent recognition of Hillis, who has been designing popular cross stitch patterns since 1976.

Hillis was nominated for this lifetime achievement award by Tiffany Niehaus of the Clough Valley Chapter of the DAR, Barbara Hils, owner of Keepsakes, and by another influential and esteemed designer, Cecilia Turner of Heart in Hand Needleart.

The American Heritage Woman of the Arts award is designed to recognize worthy women at the community level for outstanding achievements in the non-performance arts. These include fiber arts design and creation. The recipient is expected to have contributed to her artistic field in an outstanding manner beyond mastery of technique.

At the ceremony held at the Evendale Cultural Arts Center, Barbara Hils read her nomination letter. In part, she said, "(Sue) has kept her library fresh and up-to-date to attract new generations of stitchers. Her use of color creates depth and dimension, which has continued to influence her designs...Cross stitch is alive and well and thriving because of designers like Sue Hillis continuing to share their talents with us."

Cecelia Turner also read her nomination of Hillis. "Sue Hillis is a 'life force.' She exudes an energy for life and for her craft that draws you in close. She is humble about her gifts, but ready to share them when asked. Sue's love of needlework has never been stymied by life's circumstances...Never one to copy anyone else's style or technique, Sue's artwork is immediately identifiable. Her choice of a bright palette of threads brings joy to every stitcher that delights in working her patterns.

Sue Hillis Designs, Inc. evolved in 1976 from a simple request: a cross stitch pattern for a Williamsburg, Virginia landmark. Sue, a self-taught stitcher, wife, mother of three, and master "doodler/artiste," accomplished the task for a neighbor and friend. Within a month, her first book, Historic Virginia, was complete. Within a year, five more books had been added, as well as a studio, wholesale warehouse, and an office staff.

Over 400 publications later, Sue continues to be the sole designer and owner.