In October 2012, Threads celebrated the 12th Association of Sewing and Design Professionals Member Challenge in Novi, Michigan, at the American Sewing Expo. For this latest challenge, participants were asked to demonstrate mastery of the use of lace in an ensemble.

Lace was defined as an open-worked, ornamental textile formed into patterns by a network of threads; it did not include embroidered fabrics like eyelet. Awards were based on the overall garment design and the successful and appropriate use of lace in design and technique.

Judges selected finalists from photographs and written descriptions of the garment and the inspiration. Nineteen finalists were asked to bring their garments to the ASDP conference for in-person judging; the judges selected four winners and the audience chose its favorite, shown in this article from Threads #166.