Kathy commented on my last post and asked a number of questions about the Minnesota State Fair and the judging that takes place. I don’t have a lot of answers! I have recapped my response here — check out her original comment to see it in its entirety.
“Do the judges scorn on worsted weight yarn?”
I don’t think it’s scorn or bias, but fingering weight projects take more knitting time and effort to complete.
“Could you please share other biases you’ve figured out or at least suspect?”
If you a member of the Minnesota Knitters Guild there is a wealth of information on their website. Last year they posted a letter from the state fair judges that goes into far more detail than I can offer. It is chockful of information, but too long to include here (plus, I am not sure I would be allowed!).
“The first time I entered I thought I would get a more robust critique to really help me become a better knitter. Wrong on that one, but I do realize the judges need to move quickly. Honestly, I think the process is more subjective than I would have believed before entering. Are the judges accomplished knitters? I think the evaluation sheet is too vague and or allows for subjective responses.”
I don’t know who the judges are or their backgrounds, but I do believe they are knitters. I think there has to be some subjectivity on their part. I have yet to crack the code! I have worked really, really hard on projects that get nothing. Like my Endicott Scarf this year and Jul last year (though Jul did get a blue ribbon in seniors this year which felt like vindication!). I really don’t have a clue. I don’t think only skill is involved, there is also a lot of luck. I have received a bit of helpful criticism over the years and have learned from it. This year I did receive specific positive comments.
In a nutshell, I don’t know as much as I should after entering for over 40 years!
Happy Knitting
Susan Rainey
