Entering a Skein Competition
by Pegg Thomas
The first and foremost concern of entering any competition is KNOW THE
RULES. I know, I know, I know… all caps look like shouting but I
just can’t stress this enough. Nothing is more frustrating for judge
and competitor alike than disqualifying a gorgeous skein of yarn just because
it is entered incorrectly.
When entering a contest, you want to show your best work and present
it in the best way. You want to catch that judge’s eye right off the
bat! Here are several suggestions for doing just that. But remember…
know the rules! Some of these suggestions are not possible at all contests.
Be sure you are working within the show’s guidelines at all times.
Washing Your Skein
After you’ve skeined your yarn off the bobbin, whether single or plied,
you should give it a nice gentle washing. Spinning oils added in commercial
roving are going to be felt by any judge handling your yarn. You
don’t want that! Even home prepared fibers will pick up a little
“umph” from a nice washing. Avoid using any hair conditioners, softener
or other additive in the final rinse. Some people, including judges,
can be allergic to these things. The other drawback is the fragrance,
if the judge doesn’t like it, it won’t help you make that good first impression.
Perking Up Your Yarn
Washing yarns and letting them drip dry or laying flat to dry, gives
the yarn a flat sided look. You don’t want the judge to have that
as a first impression. So you need to handle your yarn and give it
a bit of a “fluff.” For wool yarns this is done by running the yarn
through your hands several times and giving the skein a few good snaps.
If you have a fiber that will bloom, like angora or mohair, you want to bring
out the bloom in the yarn. One simple way is a blow drier, set on high/cool
and used only on fully dried yarn. (But make sure you have plenty
of ties loosely around the skein so you don’t end up with a mess!)
Making Your Skein
After washing, your skein needs to be re-wound into a fresh skein.
Double check your rules! Many competitions have certain size requirements
as far as how long the skeins can be and/or how much they can weigh.
Many competitions also have a set requirement for the number of ties to
be used to secure the skein. Most people use lengths of the spun yarn
as ties. There is nothing wrong with that. But consider using
something a little more eye catching. Maybe a nice matching or contrasting
ribbon, nothing gaudy, just a narrow ribbon, would be a good tie for your
skein. If you’ve used some glittery fiber in your skein, metallic
embroidery floss makes a nice tie. Just remember that you want to
show off your skein, not over power it. Always tie your skein loosely,
don’t strangle the poor thing!
Information Cards
Here come the rules again! Most contests require you to include
an information card with each skein. They differ greatly so you have
to pay attention to the details on this part, but usually they include
things like, fiber content, method of preparation, end use of the skein,
etc. Some contests require a second card for your personal information,
name, address, etc. Some contests ask for that on the back of the
content card.
Listed below are some links to current contests. I’m not sure how
long these links will be good, but if they are not, do a Google or Yahoo
search for “skein competition” and you’ll be surprised at how many are out
there. Happy contesting!
http://www.lambzown.com/skein_competition_information.htm
http://www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/skein.htm
http://www.fallfiberfestival.org/arts.htm
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