Knitting peep Kim and I always attend the first day of the Minnesota State Fair (this past Thursday), and this year was no different. The day started with torrential rain, thunder and lightning (!). As I prepared to leave the house, I honestly thought we were nuts. However, by the time we got there, the rain had stopped and the weather was wonderful.
We timed it perfectly to be at the Creative Activities Center right as they opened the doors. It is always fun to see everyone’s entries. I must admit that I had the shock of my life.
When we entered the building, there was my Nightingale sweater, front and center wearing a sweepstakes ribbon! I have not yet posted about this project — keeping it under wraps since last October when I first cast on. It was a “holy grail” project, years in the planning/months in the knitting, and will get a post of its own when I pick it up from the fair (I forgot to take good pictures before I took it in!).
Next, Kim and I hunted for my Frosted Ferns — and discovered that it too had won the sweepstakes. Wow. I was stunned.
Elizabeth of York and my Raspberry Beret also took blue ribbons. I was surprised that my little hat did so well! And E of Y was so much work that I was really pleased it scored a blue. I also entered some other items:
Maestro in the upper right corner took 5th place — it looks like someone took it off, wadded it up and threw it onto a pile of other sweaters. Actually, it looks like my bedroom! Moving clockwise, my Ojo de Dios scarf took 2nd, and last was my Sweet-o-fude with a 3rd. I was very happy that they got ribbons.
It was very exciting to see that both Kim and Jimmy won ribbons for their creations. Kim made this gorgeous Christmas stocking for her new grandson, so it has very special meaning. Many of you will recognize Jimmy’s world famous DNA Sweater, which took 2nd place! Yay, peeps!!
What an amazing year. It is humbling and gratifying to get recognition for something that you love to do!!
PS – a friend alerted me to the fact that my sweater was shown on the local news in a story about the weirdest* contests at the fair. I think I should be insulted! 😉 You be the judge! My sweater is on for a mere flash at about the one minute mark.
*They DID say weirdest, but now it says unique. I think they got grief for it and changed it!
