The Creative Activities building is always one of my top destinations at the MN State Fair. I love looking at all of the amazing things that people do; the pies, the pickles, the jam and jellies, the beautiful quilts and most of all the knitting. There are some amazing artisans out there. It always provides a lot of inspiration and I find I'm energized to start my next project.
However, I'm always perplexed by the judging. Like this year, the sweepstakes winner was an afghan, yes it was gorgeous, but it was also very simple, the other first prize winners looked like they required much more skill. To each their own I guess. It just shows me that it doesn't have to be ridiculous to be a winner.
Lessons I learned about winners:
1) Blocking, blocking, blocking. All of the winners were blocked to perfection
2) Finer yarns do better. Most of the top finishers were made using sport weight or smaller yarns
3) Fair Isle first. Good color work seemed to do quite well. I saw more color pieces with ribbons than cable pieces.
Of course every year is different, depending on the judges and the entries. What will it be next year? All I know is next year I'm in. What shall I make?
