Blue Ribbons
Our friend Gerry Stacey, more years ago than I care to remember, complimented my thread crochet by suggesting that I should enter something in the Maryland State Fair because I was sure to win. What a nice thing to say, I thought, and even a good idea.
As you know, though, I never get around to things quickly although I usually do finally get around to them. This year a few things happened that led to getting around to it: 1) I remembered early enough in the year to look up details like entry classifications and deadlines; 2) I thought about what pieces I might choose first (from the many, many completed items in the crochet bin) that could stand up to competition; and 3) I was feeling like I could really use some personal validation by winning something in some contest of some sort. For the crochet I settled on the Prince George's County Fair, largely because the fairgrounds are closer, since we live in Prince George's County.
And so, with more drama and anxiety than really necessary I prepared a couple of the pieces I liked the most and took them on Tuesday, 2 September, to the fairgrounds, which is also known as the "Equestrian Center" in Upper Marlboro, MD. (As you can guess from the names, horses and tobacco are, indeed, of cultural interest around Upper Marlboro.) Finding where to deliver the goods was a lot harder than it should have been–it's not like the fair organizers have never done this before–but I did manage and successfully delivered the two precious objects. The ladies taking in the exhibits for the "Home Arts" division were quite nice and said nice things, too.
This past Sunday Isaac and I met our friends Byron and Lisa at the fairgrounds to enjoy the oddly satisfying retro experience of the county fair (although there was no tractor pull). It turned out to be quite a popular place to visit and there were people enjoying themselves everywhere. Along with all the exhibits, which included the traditional 4-H entries of home-grown vegetables and home-cooked cookies and pies, there were carnival rides and horses, too.
Walking around amidst the booths, nearing the home-arts exhibits, I was biting my fingernails, of course. Fortunately, Lisa ran ahead and brought back the good news: 2 blue ribbons! Here is photographic evidence, captured mere seconds later:
The piece on the left, made with beadspread-weight cotton (size 10), is a rectangle measuring about 24" x 36". The piece on the right, made with smaller cotton thread (size 20), is a circular tablecloth about 48" in diameter. Sometime I'll try to take some pictures that actually show off the patterns of the pieces, but–since it may take me awhile to get around to it–perhaps you get the idea from this photograph.
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on Wednesday, 10 September 2008 at 15.46
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Wow, congratulations, these are beautiful and certainly blue-ribbon worthy! I am the WORST crocheter in the world, as opposed to my mother who is amazing. She has tried, repeatedly, with the patience of a saint, to teach me — but I am just not learning. :(
on Tuesday, 16 September 2008 at 19.55
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I am much impressed. Much!
on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 at 20.30
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Melanie, I bet I could teach you, but it may simply not be something you feel compelled to learn right now. Like physics, crocheting is not for everyone.
Joe, thanks very much for visiting and letting us know about your blog–and leaving the nice compliment, of course!