My Lake Co Fair Results, Part Three

Ok, since I've been asked ... yes, the fairs can be a fun thing to participate in. Each fair does things a bit differently. I am not sure how to locate the fairs in different geographical areas. I am certain some fairs have limitations, like "have to be a resident of the county", "have to be 18 or older", etc. Those guidelines are clearly stated in the premium booklets. I enjoy putting entries into the variety of categories. I do this for fun, to meet new stitchers, chat with stitching buddies, and try to inspire others to pick up their needles & fibers. By my nature, I'm not a competitive person. It doesn't matter about who wins what, what the judge does (or does not do!), crabbing about the judging is all part of the fair experience. My goal is to get some extra $$ to cover my annual EGA national, regional & chapter dues -- and, SAN-Q magazine subscription. Each ribbon has cash awards: $5.00 for 1st, $4.00 for 2nd, $3.00 for 3rd. If I ever am awarded a sweepstakes rosette or grand champion ribbon for my stitching, I'd probably faint! My stitching projects are usually items I enjoy doing and there are tons more stitchers out there creating more challenging projects than mine.

Buzz My Grapes Tabletopper and BellpullDesigned by Claudia Dutcher, Dutch Treat Designs, c.2000
I used DMC perle Coton #5 553, 327, 840 (2 skeins), 801, 729, 2052 (4 skeins); DMC perle Coton #12 3042 nun edge. I added bee buttons ... which is not recommended by C.Dutcher b/c they may get in the way of whatever you are placing on top of the tabletopper. I added them anyhow b/c I don't usually place items where I sewed on the buttons. Now, does that make sense? The buttons are Item #JAB-1101W from Just Another Button Company, Distributed by Norden Crafts, Ltd.

The Sanctuaryc.C.A. Zittel, The Drawn Thread, 2001
I joined a Stitch-Along Group for this project, sponsored by House of Stitches. We were taught the variety of stitches (I think 26-27 stitches) by Sharon Henderson. The group met monthly from 2004/Nov thru 2005/August. Between you & me, I would not have been able to do this without Sharon's assistance. She was able to show us the stitches, provide tips, and continue to encourage us along the way!
Design 170 W x 222 L. I used Weeks Dye Works Bordeaux, Cadet & Thyme. 21 colors of Anchor Floss [which I won't list here!]. I stitched this on 32-count lambswool linen. The photo angle is odd b/c of the glass.

Tiny Stuff: Flying Hare Pin/Ornamentc.1997 Sandra Sullivan of Homespun Elegance Ltd.
This pin is stitched with Anchor Floss #374, 1001, 359, 905, 862, 852 - on Zweigart 28-coung Cashel Raw Linen. The three small charms are available from Homespun Elegance. I confess to be a Homespun Elegance junkie. And it all started with the Tiny Stuff patterns. I probably own them all -- the small cards, Tiny Stuff I-II-III. I tend to stitch the Tiny Stuff ones [no telling why] more than the larger Homespun Elegance pattern leaflets. I keep all the small cards together in a cosmetic case, with linen, floss, charms ... in my car!! [sigh] nuf said.

Bargello Candles StockingA design by Lois Caron published in McCalls Needlework December 1977Freebie on the Caron Web Site
I used Watercolour Far Horizons + Rose Quartz, Caron Snow, gold Kreinik metallic & DMC #5 Perle Cottons (bright pink & white) on 25-count white Lugana.

Congrats to Deb L for the Best-of-Show rosette on her L&L Angel. I saw the pattern she is using for next Summer -- another gorgeous design : ) In addition to Deb, congrats to the other NANI ladies who entered in Lake & Porter Co Fairs -- Carol C, Mary C, Sue D, & Elaine H. Looking forward to having Melody M add some entries next year.

The Stitcher's Garage Sale, held on Saturday, was wonderful. I'm not sure how much money was raised for the American Heart Association. Wish more people would have stopped by. More on that in another post.

Thx for all the kind words re. our power issue & the storms, etc. We had more storms last night & still have our power on. We are fortunate as others are without power again ... or without power still. I heard 3200 without power in Lake Co & 500 without power in Porter Co.

My 2007 Porter County Fair Results, Part Two

Ground Hog DayBent Creek online freebieComments by Judge: Very sweet pillow - love the beadwork. Cute, muted country colors, nice-

Stitched with Week's Dye Works Cocoa, Charcoal, Putty; DMC floss 501, 814, 930, 822; Mill Hill beads (42014) for the eyes on 16-count Old Rose Aida.

Mystery Samplerc.1991 Jana P. KerrComments by Judge: Pretty, delicate. Beautiful back. Excellent workmanship-
NeedleArts June 2005, Lesson I: Cross Stitches & Marking Stitches
NeedleArts Sep 2005, Lesson II: Double Running Stitch
NeedleArts Dec 2005:
Lesson III: Pulled Four-Sided Stitch & Satin Stitch
Lesson IV: Irish Stitch (& a little Blackwork, too!)
Lesson V: Four-sided stitch, Herringbone Stitch, Reversible Cross Stitch, & Satin Stitch
NeedleArts Mar 2006:
Lesson VI: Interlacing, ladder & Italian Hemstitching
Lesson VII: Floral Borders, Smyrna Crosses, Rice Stitch & Eyelets
NeedleArts June 2006:
Lesson VIII: Pattern & Damask Darning
Lesson IX: Hardanger Embroidery
NeedleArts Sep 2006:
Lesson X: Small Eyelets, Standish Stitch, Montenegrin, & Long-armed Cross Stitch
Lesson XI: Blackwork Border & Queen Stitch
NeedleArts Dec 2006:
Lesson XII: Four-sided, satin, & Faggot Stitches
Lesson XIII: Blackwork Motif (single running stitch)
Lesson XIV: Cross Stitch over one linen thread
Lesson XV: Finishing

Stitched on Zweigart Banding (cream) #7009-003 with: DMC floss 3053; DMC perle cotton 12 ecru & DMC perle cotton 8 ecru; Anchor floss 1035, 1034, 1033, 897, 895, 893, 681, 888, 887, 1387; AVAS 1714, 1716, 1011, & 4622; Silk Mori 0434. Bellpull hardware - 10cm #512410 x 2.

Bargello Pine Trees StockingLois Caron - online free patternComments by Judge:Very nicely done inside & out. Nice precise stitches. Like untraditional color choice - Rope trim add the finishing touch -

Stitched on white 25-count lugana with navy watercolour; evergreen watercolour; metallic (scrap on hand); perle cotton #5 blanc; perle cotton #5 pale green; Snow.

Until tomorrow ... for the final pictures : )

La-D-Da & Fair notes

La-D-Da's Tiny SamplerStitched with DMC floss 3052; 356; 932; 930; 420; 433 on 18 count ivory Shaker Linen. stitch count 53w x 56h. Special Thank You to Anita for her post re. this pattern!!! I did not have enough 433 & 420 for the lettering per pattern, so I randomly alternated the floss colors in the alphabet. I admire these designers having an 'eye for color' as it seems to be a challenge for me!

Porter County Fair July 19-28
--I am a volunteer for 'check-ins' on Sunday from 4-7. Hope to see some of my stitching friends & get a good look at all the Home Ec entries.

Lake County Fair August 3-12After finishing the stitching of La-D-Da's Tiny Sampler, I decided to clear off my desk & pull out my fair entries ... seems, I still have three things to finish-finish:
I'd like to get my beaded button complete AND my peyote necklace completed [I have most in a box, not in the photo]. The stocking is a freebie from Caron's web site -- pattern link HERE. I stitched it a few years ago, decided to make a cord & attempt the lining next ...

--On Fri., 3 Aug at 3pm, NANI will be demonstrating needlework on the Heritage Stage. I'm looking forward to this! I plan to demonstrate cross stitch & possibly the Queen Stitch. Lucked out as the Hot Wheels races are that morning/afternoon. One of Alex's favorite events.

--I have a couple things at House of Stitches for frames. I hear The Gilded Cage is ready to be picked up. That is one of my fair entries : )