Over the years I have entered everything I've made in the local county fair. I wanted to promote entering and to be sure the categories continued in the fairbook. I didn't worry about winning ribbons, etc. I usually got something but not always.
At a small fair like ours, we have only one judge who does everything. We feel lucky if she even knows what bobbin lace and needle lace are. We can only hope for basic good work vs poor work judging skills. We know we won't get a trained lace judge. If these judges have a written list of criterium for a particular class, the judges usually read it very carefully so they can do the best possible with something they might not know well. If a list is developed, I'd submit it to my fair and it would most likely be welcomed. Since I became Superintendent, I don't enter (with minor cheers from my lacing friends who don't have to compete with me anymore).<G> I usually recognize every piece entered because I saw it being made. I have been able to alter the classes to fit the lace being made today. To keep small and big from competing, we have 3 sizes of motif/doily classes and 3 widths of edgings. For the beginners, we have a bookmark class. We also have 3-D, hankies, accessories, fans, picture, original design and 'other'. I pick and choose what I put in state fair because the competition is greater. They have a special judge for lace. I expect more critical judging at that level. I got Best in Class this year so will have to enter as a Master for the next 3 years. It's a pretty ribbon but no money award. A suggestion -- If you have ideas for desired classes at your local fair and want to change or increase the existing classes, contact your local fair SOON. Many fair books go to press in January. Alice in Oregon-- cold and frosty - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
