So say the judges

The judges' scorecards are in and here are the results for my entries in this year's California State Fair -- booyah!

• Wind on a Wheat Field Haapsalu Shawl
  
  Wind on a Wheat Field
  Project details on Ravelry
  

  2nd Place, Division: Knitting,
  Class: Knitted Wearing Apparel
  Judge's Comments: Lovely, lacy design. Border adds to overall design. Piece shows good tension and attention to blocking. Well-done [sic].

  
  
  
• Mixed Tide Shawl - original design
  
  Mixed Tide shawl
  Porject Details on Ravelry
  

  Honorable Mention, Division: Knitting,
  Class: Knitted Wearing Apparel
  Judge's Comments: Good color choice for a "tide" pattern. Better blocking would "show off" pattern more clearly. Well done for a challenging technique.

  
  
  
• Crackle Sac
  
  Crackle Sac
  Project Details on Ravelry

  2nd Place, Division: Other Fiber Art,
  Class: Any Other Fiber Art
  Workmanship: 20
  Level of Difficulty: 19
  Design: 19
  Appropriate Pattern or Technique: 19
  Creative use of materials or fabric: 18
  Judge's Comments: Very good job! Weaving, making bag, matching pattern on seams! Well done.

  
  
  
• Merino, Baby Camel, Silk Handspun Yarn
  
  Lisa Souza Merino, Baby Camel, Silk Top 2-ply handspun
  Project Details on Ravelry

  Honorable Mention, Division: Other Fiber Art,
  Class: Any Other Fiber Art
  Workmanship: 19
  Level of Difficulty: 18
  Design: 17
  Appropriate Pattern or Technique: 17
  Creative use of materials or fabric: 18
  Judge's Comments: Luscious hand to this yarn--nice job!

  
  
  

Going to the fair

My entries for the California State Fair are packed and ready to go to Sacramento.


Going to the fair

Here's what they look like out of their plastic bags--


Lisa Souza Merino, Baby Camel, Silk Top 2-ply handspun


Crackle Sac


Wind on a Wheat Field


Mixed Tide shawl

Per my previous experience, I have no idea how these pieces will do so I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I'll let you know what the results are later this month. Wish me luck!

Wind on a Wheat Field - FO

I realized that the last photos you saw of the Estonian Haapsalu shawl was of it blocking on the bed, but you never saw the finished shawl as it should be seen. Here it is, modeled by Wendy.


Wind on a Wheat Field
Project details on Ravelry


Wind on a Wheat Field

HKF - Wind on a Wheat Field

It's Hand Knit Friday! What hand knits are you wearing today?

It's too warm for knits today, so I have a different kind of hand knit Friday for you. Here's what my bed is wearing today:


Wind on a Wheat Field
Project details on Ravelry


Wind on a Wheat Field

I finally summoned the courage to block the Haapsalu shawl and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't run out of pins and it fit on the bed... sort of. It's hanging off the end by about 6 inches. The edging turned out better and more beautiful than I imagined.

The first comment I received was, "It's like wind on a wheat field." Perfect! That's its new name.

Before blocking

It's been a while since I've blogged about my knitting projects. That's partially because I've been busy with work, and it's also because this was my WIP:


Haapsalu shawl

This morning I finished sewing on the edging and now it's ready to be blocked, but I'm not sure I'm up for it. The king size bed might not be long enough for this one.

First, second, and "not this time"

The  results are in from the California State Fair Creative Arts competition!

Paper Roses 2-ply handspun
Details on Ravelry

Handspun Yarn: 1st Place

Blend of colors with slight sparkle, evenly woven, soft hand, nicely presented. A beautiful skein -- Congratulations!

Haapsalu Shawl - Silvia
Project details on Ravelry

Knitted Wearing Apparel Adult: 2nd Place

The degree of difficulty, delicacy, and accuracy of technique and finishing--all indicate that you have mastered your craft.

Hedera Jacket
Project details on Ravelry

Knitted Wearing Apparel Adult: Did not place

Well knitted and constructed--comfortable to wear. In a highly competitive class.

True to form, I'm obsessing over the sweater that will be coming back. It didn't even get an Honorable Mention. Ugh. I need to accept the decisions and move on. Thank GOODNESS the other two placed and placed very well! I'll definitely be eyeing the sweaters that got ribbons when I go to Sacramento in July, because that's just the way I am. :D

California State Fair
July 12-28
1600 Exposition Blvd
Sacramento, CA

How do I rate?

More specifically, how do my State Fair entries rate? I'll know next week. The folks at the California State Fair posted this on their FB page:

The Creative Arts judging took place yesterday, May 22nd, and the results are being processed. A link to the results will be posted here as soon as they are ready. Exhibitors will receive copies of their scorecards by mail in the next week. We had a lot of fantastic entries this year, and are excited to see the exhibit!

*gulp*

Every year I try to keep my expectations low, but it's difficult. All of the hours and work that go into creating the entries make them very personal. Every year I hope the judges appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship, while I pray that they don't see the flaws that I know are there.

Without further ado, here are this year's entries for the California State Fair--


Hedera Jacket
Project details on Ravelry


Haapsalu Shawl - Silvia
Project details on Ravelry


Paper Roses 2-ply handspun
Details on Ravelry

It's like a cloud

Glorious!


Haapsalu Shawl - Silvia


Haapsalu Shawl - Silvia
Project details on Ravelry

It's as light as a feather, yet surprisingly warm. I love it. The Estonians have a wonderful tradition. If you're interested in Haapsalu shawls, I highly recommend getting a copy of this book if you can find it: The Haapsalu Shawl by Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi.