The National Academy of Needle Arts (or NAN) is "an organization devoted to the advancement of embroidery as an art form." The Academy focuses on edutional advancement opportunties for teachers, judges, artists, designers, authors, and technically proficient embroiderers. NAN was established in 1985.

The website includes The Exemplary, a showcase of outstanding needlework by embroiderers at all levels; complete information on NAN's certification program for teachers and judges; sample articles from past issues of NANthology, the organization's quarterly newsletter; and, of course, membership information.

There's also a section devoted to some enticing free patterns, including a series of seasonal trees offered in both canvas work and surface embroidery, small enough to fashion into brooches. If you're interested in taking classes, the site provides information about the annual Assembly for Embroiderers, a seminar open to all students of embroidery. (The 2008 Assembly was held in March; check the site for news of next year's seminar.)