I received an anonymous letter in the mail this week, and it troubled me a great deal. Though couched in a certain amount of flattery, the letter writer’s purpose was to discourage me from entering my knitting in the fair. His/her reasoning was that as a “professional†I should consider myself ineligible to participate and that to continue to enter my knitting would be unfair and unethical.
I would prefer to respond directly to the individual by letter or phone. Unfortunately, because she (I’ll stick to “she,†though I don’t know the writer’s gender) did not provide her name, I will address the letter through this blog, the only public voice I have. What troubled me most about the letter was that it felt like a personal attack, which I feel was based on inaccurate information and false assumptions. Â
First of all, I am not a professional knitter by any stretch of the imagination. I work full time in a large metropolitan hospital, managing the staff education department. Knitting is my hobby.
In my forty plus years of knitting, I have been published twice for my knitting designs. Both cases resulted from contests held for NON-professional knitters. Â
The first was a contest for Knitters Magazine in 1999. Previous afghans had been designed by professional knitting designers. This was different: they held an open contest for their readers to submit aran afghan squares.  My design was selected along with 23 others. I did win the contest, which was one of the highlights of my knitting life. The booklet containing all 24 squares is still in publication; I receive no “royalties†or income from its publication.Â
The second instance was also a contest. In 2000, the editors of what is now Simply Shetland contacted knitting shops that distributed their yarn and asked them to solicit designs from their customers. My design for Rosemary’s Song was accepted. Again, I was ecstatic — until I heard that the factory that made the yarn (Dunedin) burned down. Bummer. Years later, the design was reworked in different yarn and published in Simply Shetland 2 (2005). I was asked if I could also design a hat because they needed a small project as a filler piece. I designed the Aubrey Cap.  Again, I receive no royalties or income from sales of the book.
In 2006, I submitted a couple of designs to Simply Shetland, and they were rejected. I reworked one of those designs, the Lace Tam, and submitted it to a knitting magazine, along with a couple of other ideas, and they also were rejected.  Hmmm – I do not fare as well against “professional knitting designers.” Because the tam was already knitted up and the pattern written, I thought I could put it on my blog as a pattern for sale. The volume of sales is a mere trickle.  Most patterns on our blog are free.Â
I have never worked in a knitting store, and I do not sell my handknits. No one would pay me what they are worth in terms of my investment in time and materials!
Â
If the above describes a professional knitter, then heaven help us! I would be living on the streets, sleeping on my piles of UFOs, if I had to rely on the paltry “earnings†I have made from my design “career!â€Â It would be wonderful to be able to make a living as a knitting designer, but I just do not have the time (or apparently the talent). I find far too many exciting projects designed by others to take the time to design my own, though inspiration may strike in the future — who knows?
I do teach knitting classes. I started teaching classes as a way to find and connect with other knitters and to share my passion for knitting. This was before my Thursday knitting peeps and blog came about. I love to teach knitting, but I do it to support my yarn habit, not my family! It is totally unreliable as a source of income — I don’t have the time to teach very often, and the classes are cancelled on a fairly regular basis. Â
Teaching a few knitting classes does not make me ineligible to participate in the fair. I know several people who regularly teach classes and enter items in the state fair. I know people who work in knitting stores, teach and write/sell patterns, many of whom enter items in the fair.   This type of income is called “hobby income†for a reason. Many people support their expensive hobbies with a little pin money. It is clearly not my means of livelihood. When I claim this on my tax form, my accountant just shakes his head and laughs because the amount is well, laughable.
I know I won a lot of ribbons this year — no one was more surprised than I. One of the main things the judges look at is technical expertise. I have learned a lot from the judges’ comments over the years. I work really hard to perfect my knitting technique, through a great deal of trial and error, and continue to learn and refine my craft. When do you get “there?â€Â I dunno — I’m certainly not there yet, mes amies. There’s a lot to learn and new heights to reach.
I did stop entering my knitting for a few years, but the fair was just not as fun to visit. So I started entering again. Sometimes I have a good year and, just as often, a not-as-good year. Each year, different things are entered by an array of extremely talented people. It is always fun to see which projects get the ribbons. It’s like opening presents at Christmas for me.  It is a fun and exciting time, no matter where the ribbons fall.
I’m sorry to bend your ears for this long. I had a lot to say and no one specific to say it to. I do feel blessed that I have been able to find a meaningful outlet for my creativity and to feel successful at a hobby I truly love.
I know many of you support me and I appreciate that support more than you know. I do not want that support to be directed against the anonymous sender of the letter. I will assume her intentions were honorable, though misinformed. So please refrain from making comments against her. I also do not assume that I will have changed the writer’s mind, but I hope I gave her something to think about.Â
…And, please consider signing your name next time.
Â
Susan I support you entering your items in the fair 100%! I look forward to seeing not only your beautiful knitting but others as well every year at the fair. Frankly I look at it as a way to step up my own game and challenge myself to try and beat “the best” in knitting in the Twin Cities area! Please don’t stop teaching and don’t stop entering. We still have so much more to see and learn from and with you!!
Comment by Kim LaBerge — August 28, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
I will just say that this is one of the reasons anonymous letters are almost always a bad idea. If only you had been given the opportunity to have a chat with the sender, perhaps everything could have been smoothed over, but now you will never know unless the sender writes again. This was a lesson that was also brought home to me during my recent visit to Mpls, due to an anonymous letter, presumably from a parent of a HS soccer player, sent to the coach. The other danger in that situation was that everyone assumed they knew which parent sent it, and perhaps they were right, or perhaps not.
And thanks again for being so welcoming when we came to your knit night! We felt right at home and had a fine knitterly time.
Comment by AuntieAnn — August 28, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
Well, I can see how it could be intimidating to see so many examples of such consistently high quality work from one person. But, on the other hand, it is after all a competition, in which people are meant to show their best work, and the judges are meant to award based on workmanship alone. I suppose maybe that letter writer was discouraged, if s/he was up against you in the competition. I’m not sure the letter was particularly appropriate, even if it hadn’t been misinformed on the subject of professional versus amateur. I think I, like Kim above, would have challenged myself to enter something, next year, that would kick some Rainey butt!
: )
Comment by Shannon B — August 28, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
I will certainly say that I am jealous over your many ribbons (and so many of them First Place!) at the Fair this year, but I will not say they were not earned. I know that competition at the State is often fierce, and the judges have commented on my pieces regarding the volume of high quality submissions (I once scored 97 and received 4th place). I sure would love to see you stop entering the fair, so I’d have less competition! 🙂
It is my understanding that the professional is not eligible to enter, however it is also my understanding that (in any field) a ‘professional’ is one who derives his/her regular income from whatever it is. So you would need to earn enough money to live on in order to be considered professional. So, as much as I “hate” the competition — keep entering!
Comment by Amy — August 28, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
Your other commenters have left reasoned and insightful responses. I second the idea that an anonymous note is never a good idea. And while I think that communication via the internet is fraught with difficulty, I will also say these two words. Sour. Grapes. There. Learning from mistakes is one of life’s great lessons, and you’ve learned it. To take the judge’s criticism to heart and improve your craft is a great thing. I for one hope you keep on keepin’ on.
Comment by Ann — August 28, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
Somebody is just jealous.
And cowardly.
Comment by Kathy W — August 28, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
Susan,
Your knitting is the greatest inspiration to me! Your expertise and skill have shown me what is possible – changes and improvements to published patterns that I would never have considered. In fact, I commented today a friend that last night as I was following some cast-off instructions that seemed less than ideal, I found myself thinking, “What would Susan Rainey do?”
Your fair post was delightful and a great deal of fun to read. I’m glad you won’t let a misinformed anonymous letter writer dissuade you from your great contributions to the rest of us!
Comment by Ali — August 28, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
Amen, Sister! Keep on knitting, and keep on entering in the fair. Just, maybe, stay away from the afghan categories in 2008 – my blankie wants to win. 😉
Comment by Shelly Kang — August 28, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
Hopefully this person was simply uninformed, and had an extra stamp and time on their hands. It’s a shame you would have to defend your privilege to enter your beautiful work in the fair to anyone.
Comment by Cathi — August 28, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Don’t be discouraged! You should be proud of your work and thus should keep entering the fairs! I’m sure that your work inspires many more people than it offends. As long as you are abiding by the rules of the fair, there should be no problems!
Comment by Minty — August 28, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
I am so sad that this has taken up so much of your mental time. I have been knitting for 36 years now (started very young) and expertise just comes with practice….like your’s.
I just have to tell you that I love your knitting and you and your sister are inspirations!
Comment by Mary — August 28, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Susan- It might come as a surprise to many people- not just your mystery writer-
that many “knitting” authors are NOT professional knitters.
I hope this in no way deters you from the spirit and fun of entering your knitting
at state fairs. I strive for excellence because it’s a passion, and as you say, I’m
sure you yourself were surprised and delighted at all the ribbons you won.
Give it the benefit of the doubt- and look to the source (whoever the source may be).
Keep the faith.
Comment by Lorraine — August 28, 2007 @ 8:06 pm
Jeez louise! Shame shame shame on her/him/whoever. Jealousy is a green-eyed monster that only brings out the ugly. You have inspired me on numerous occasions and I thank you over and over for sharing your hobby with us. You have truly sparked a need in me to challenge myself. Once again…. sure wish my Panera was closer to your Panera!
Comment by Michelle — August 28, 2007 @ 9:04 pm
Well, that ticks me off. As a once considered “professional” because I owned a store, I loved to see the entries at the fair, and know what the yarn looked like sitting on a shelf waiting for a Susan to come and bring it to life. You are a wonder to me as to how you juggle work, family, and your knitting passion. Keep it up and don’t pay any attention to someone who is jealous of a great talent.
Comment by Patricia Meyer — August 28, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
I’m the needlecraft superintendent at our local county fair. And I can say that we LOVE to see high quality items entered. It creates interest — not only in the fair, but also in the craft. Having someone like you to enter truly beautiful items that are executed precisely, is just what fairs want to have entered. Just sounds like jealously. You just keep on entering.
Comment by Kerin — August 28, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
Oh, Susan! I am so sad that someone would have sent you a letter like that! I’ve been ecstatic over your ribbons and have urged friends on KnitU and other lists to look at your blog and see your gorgeous work! Please don’t let this deter you from basking in your success! You deserve it! Your pieces are exquisite! Thanks for all you do to inspire us all! I applaud the way you defended yourself-the writer didn’t deserve such consideration. I’m already looking forward to seeing what you enter next year! Hugs, Vel
Comment by Vel — August 28, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
Your prize-winning entries are an inspiration. The Oregon sweater which won the Sweepstakes ribbon was breath-takingly beautiful. I know you must have worked very hard on your entries, and they deserve great respect from the knitting community. I guess the person who wrote to you felt inadequate to compare your knitting to her own. Well, my advice to her is: “Read, practice techniques, take classes, and enter next year. You may surprise yourself.” And finally, to quote EZ, “Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises.”
Elizabeth Risch
Comment by Elizabeth Risch — August 28, 2007 @ 10:22 pm
Oh! don’t pay attention. I know it is easier said than done but you are 150% correct. It is envy and jealousy. Don’t let them spoil the joy of the ribbons. What you are is an excellent knitter with great sense of color and attention to detail. Congratulations x 100 on each and everyone of the ribbons 😀
Comment by Laritza — August 28, 2007 @ 10:33 pm
I don’t understand these people … if they think they have a righteous cause, why don’t they let people know who they are?
You have every right to be frustrated by letters like that. And you have every right to keep entering competitions …winning or not.
Comment by Agnes — August 28, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
Delurking to say: you go girl.
Congratulations on the ribbons, you rightfully deserve them! Your knitting is absolutely gorgeous and an inspiration. I’ve just started the Oregon vest and I hope mine is half as nice as your cardi is.
Comment by Nicole — August 28, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
No matter how hard you try, or how well you do, or what field of expression you choose, there will always be someone who is either offended by something, or objects to something, and will try to shut you down. Why this is, to me, is a great mystery, but it is inevitable and must be overcome. A very wise person once told me that the only way to deal with these offended people is to smile, make a slight bow of your head, and thank them for offering their wisdom to you. I did just that once, and by golly, it worked. They went away in peace.
Hang in there. I love your blog. I check in every day to be inspired by the absolutely beautiful work you do.
Comment by Pat — August 28, 2007 @ 11:05 pm
Please ignore the anonymous letter. I love your website and check regularly to see what the sisters are up to! You are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the glorious work.
Comment by Karen S — August 28, 2007 @ 11:25 pm
Yuck. Susan, I hope the bad taste this anonymous letter must have left soon dissipates. Your blog and the amount of detail you and Sally provide in the entries stand out and make it very plain that you are both generous knitters as well as very talented ones. Here is a virtual toast to your well-deserved prizes!
Comment by Laura — August 28, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
I think it’s all about the fact that your work was recognized for its excellency and craftsmanship and all that you’ve put into your hobby, which gives your knitting that air of professionalism. You earned those ribbons and maybe the competition is intimidating to anonymous. Perhaps anonymous was misinformed. In any case, please continue what you do. It’s fun to read about and amazing to see. It’s also motivating to know that someone else is absorbed in her hobby and constantly searching to perfect it. By all means, keep trying to earn money doing it as well! There is no crime in trying to get your designs published! Keep teaching those classes, spreading the joys of knitting.
Comment by kellistarr — August 29, 2007 @ 12:31 am
Why do ‘they’ have the need to remain anonymous? He/she is obviously not winning either at the competition level, or the personal level. The tone of your response reconfirms the generous spirit you display; my cries for assistance have never gone unanswered. An unintended consequence of the writer’s letter is that it has provided us with a glimpse of you and how you do respond to a challenge. Continue to inspire.
Comment by WendyM — August 29, 2007 @ 1:18 am
Piffle to the anonymous grump.Don’t let that twerp take away your pleasure at all your ribbons. She’s probably such a mediocre knitter that she can’t stand awesome competition.
Comment by ruth — August 29, 2007 @ 2:09 am
I’m sorry that you’ve been treated so poorly by this anonymous person. I admire your work and am continually amazed at your output. Do you ever sleep? :o) Congratulations on your well deserved prizes.
Comment by Eve — August 29, 2007 @ 2:55 am
I found your site a little while ago but haven’t commented on it yet. I thought this was a good occasion to do so and to tell you that I really admire your work. You really are an example to me and in fact I recently started my first cardigan in many years after seeing the ones you made. So is that a compliment or not 🙂
Please do ignore this person, who is not worth you troubles if he or she is not couragious enough to talk to you in person.
Comment by Marianne — August 29, 2007 @ 3:27 am
Don’t bother, this is only a jealous person !!!
Comment by Dominique08 — August 29, 2007 @ 4:30 am
I’m sorry that you had to receive a letter like that. Your items were beautiful and certainly deserved to win.
Comment by Heather B — August 29, 2007 @ 5:56 am
So sorry you had to even read a discouraging letter like that. This blog is such an inspiration — one of the truly positive, helpful, and encouraging spots out there. You and Sally show us how to work through knitting problems, and try new techniques with a little shot of confidence. So, please don’t let anyone steal your joy. You worked hard over the years to improve your skills and you certainly earned each and everyone of those ribbons.
Comment by Wendy O'C — August 29, 2007 @ 7:13 am
Hi Susan. It is terrible that you had to deal with that. He or she is merely jealous of the quality of your knitting. Clearly it far exceeds their own. I hope you are not discouraged from entering your knits in the state fair. 🙂
Comment by Jen in CT — August 29, 2007 @ 7:39 am
Oh good grief! You are handling it in a much more level-headed manner than I would. I don’t think the reader realizes that what she is saying is, essentially, that people who are good at their hobbies or who have been doing them a long time, should not enter the fair in order to provide more opportunity to those who are not as talented. Which, is pretty much the opposite of what a State Fair is all about.
There is a reason that there are so many repeat winners in pies, jams, livestock, etc. The people who enter State Fairs work incredibly hard on their hobbies for no pay. These are people with jobs and families and responsibilities outside of their hobby. They stay up late. Knitter’s frog over and over again to achieve a perfect garment. Bakers bake the same pie over and over until they have a perfect one for the judges. Entering a State Fair is not a casual thing.
Comment by liz — August 29, 2007 @ 8:12 am
I was at the fair yesterday and it was clear in all the categories who the best pieces were. The judges do not have to award ribbons if the work doesn’t merit it – it your items weren’t there there would be fewer top prizes. I have also heard this same arguement in the foods section of the fair as well.
Comment by Connie — August 29, 2007 @ 8:19 am
This blog is a testament to fine knitting and a great taste. It must be an enormous amount of fun to enter your finished work into a competition such as a state fair, for the very reasons you mention. That you have taken the comments of the judges over the years to perfect your craft is illustrated in the winning pieces you’ve created. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing next year’s winners.
Comment by Gale — August 29, 2007 @ 8:30 am
It is a little intimidating when you look at the list of winners and see Susan Rainey, Susan Rainey, Susan Rainey BUT you deserved every one of the ribbons. You share all your secrets with us and I am learning a lot from you and Sally. In fact the sweater I submitted, and won the Blue with, was an inspiration from you and Sally. I never would have thought of adding the edging on the bottom of the ribbing if it weren’t for you. You also have helped me improve my finishing techniques.
Thank you and keep up the great work.
Comment by Michele with 1 L — August 29, 2007 @ 8:39 am
I don’t enter fairs much – I’m kind of a last-minute kinda gal and fair entry requires planning. That and most of what I knit goes to clients so I have little to enter. I would hate to think that other knitters would begrudge my entry because my skills are worthy of a ribbon.
Isn’t that the whole point? Finding the best local craft-/trades-person?
Should Grandma Edna stop entering her cherry pie because her crust is so consistently flaky and her filling just the right blend of tart & sweet that it wins every year? I think not.
Enter your Fair & may the best knitter win!!!
Comment by Wannietta — August 29, 2007 @ 8:54 am
I know it feels like a personal attack. So sorry. Keep entering — you deserve every one of those ribbons. No one with any integrity would want to win by having the competition drop out. It would be an empty honor if we could only win by excluding the best work. I have learned so much from your blog. One of these days, I may even have the nerve to enter a competition myself and learn the hard way just how difficult it is.
Comment by Astrid — August 29, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Nicely said. I hope you enjoy the fair this year, and for many years to come.
Comment by Stacy — August 29, 2007 @ 9:07 am
Makes me want to visit MN and see what is on display. My local fair (Topsfield MA) has quilts, but I don’t recall knitting. Enjoy your ribbons!
Comment by Cath — August 29, 2007 @ 9:21 am
I can echo all the sentiments above. As well, I commented on Shelly Kang’s blog that defining professional knitter is a slippery slope,(but then I read what was said about making your actual livelihood from the craft, and that seems a bit more clear.) In terms of teaching, someone can teach an entry level class, while still learning and taking higher level classes themselves. I did have a thought, which actually stems from a costuming competition rule at a star trek convention I attend. There could be a “masters level” group, which is comprised of people who have won a certain number of ribbons in the past. Then they are competing on perhaps a more level playing field. Although as someone else mentioned, just because you did not have an entry in the category in which I am competing, does not mean that I will get the ribbon. A ribbon is not awarded if there is no item to meet the standards. I love your blog and your work, keep it up.
Comment by Lee — August 29, 2007 @ 9:22 am
Such cowardice –
I completely enjoy seeing your work, and think it’s wonderful for you to have your years of honing
your craft recognized – I always thought that was the point of entering your work in a fair… I guess the important thing is to carry on with what makes you happy, because there will always be someone complaining about something – so sad…
Comment by Deirdre — August 29, 2007 @ 9:24 am
i applaud your fair entries! by entering all your lovely handknits in the fair, just think of how many knitters and NON-knitters are able to see how exciting handknitting can be.
Comment by vanessa — August 29, 2007 @ 9:29 am
I love good strong entries in the fair. Your work is beautiful and interesting. You share your knowledge and skill to all of us who read your blog or take classes from you. Keep entering, your skills challenge all of us to do better work and to think beyond what we think our skill levels are.
thank you for continuing to share with all of us….
Comment by Sharon — August 29, 2007 @ 10:09 am
It seems that this person is trying to pay you a compliment. They feel your knitting is so good, it is of professional grade!
I think it is unfortunate that the writer didn’t sign their name. I doubt that the intention was mean, but may be in result to your knitted items doing well, and theirs not. (I hope that is not the case.)
On a more serious note, I would share this letter with the fair officials, it is possible that other received a similar letter. If that is the case, the writer might be known to them.
I say, keep up the good work, and pay no mind to the negative folks. There will always be someone with a negative remark ready to flow from their mouth.
Comment by Courtney — August 29, 2007 @ 10:13 am
Susan —
Pay no mind to someone who is so afraid of her (his?) own opinion that she’s not brave enough to sign her name.
The quality of your work is of “professional” caliber, but high quality work is not a criteria for disqualifying. Indeed, we want to see more good work, keeping the quality of competition high and inspiring.
So, you go, girl! Keep on inspiring us towards high quality and lovely work.
Comment by Linda D. — August 29, 2007 @ 10:16 am
What a shame. Don’t be deterred from entering your knitting in the future. And yes, I agree with Courtney in comment #45… share the letter with the Fair officials.
Hugs
Comment by Michelle — August 29, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Oh piffle on the cowardly Scrooge. You’ve obviously set high standards for yourself and have worked hard to meet them. Your awards are so well deserved! And in the process, you’ve encouraged many others (myself included) to aim a bit higher as well. Thank heavens for people like you who lead by example.
Comment by Karen R. — August 29, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Enjoy your ribbons, you earned the, you deserve them, such a coward to not sign there name obviously they knew their thoughts were shallow, hateful and spiteful. As one you has been into crafts for many years, I hate to see this happen to someone so obviously talented. I hope you won’t let this keep you from designing, knitting and entering your lovely work – wherever and whenever you desire. I am always inspired by your blog and the items you knit.
Comment by Barbara — August 29, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Hello Susan!
I have never visited your blog before, but my husband must have “googled” your name since we almost feel as though we should know you. Your name appeared A LOT in the results pages from the State Fair competition. This was the first year I’ve ever entered anything, and I couldn’t believe I actually won a blue ribbon in the child’s hand knit/texture category. Needless to say I was pretty tickled especially after I saw how many ribbons you won! I was surprised that no names are attached to the pieces. I’d love to see all of your winners, but it’s hard to figure it all out. Did they used to put names on? It seems like I remember that, but maybe not. Anyway, congratulations on your great work. Someone asked me what I would charge for the sweater I entered. I think the materials came to around $75.00. I wish I’d kept track of my hours. It was sooooooo time consuming. At any rate, I’d probably have to charge $500.00 to make it at all worth it! I don’t know anyone who’d be willing to pay that for a child’s sweater, and I really don’t want to sell it anyway. I’m giving it to a friend who has 4 little granddaughters. I’m going to make them wear it with the blue ribbon attached. (just kidding)
Best regards!
Comment by Peggy — August 29, 2007 @ 10:39 am
You are a gem, a gift, a genius, and an all around wonderful human bean. DO NOT LET ONE IDIOT’S cowardice bring you down. You have helped me (I still owe you coffee) and countless others to become better knitters. Professional knitter, eh? So, do you knit sweaters for people and have them pay you $50 for your effort? I think not. Sheesh. Some people need to get a life. Ya know, jealousy and cowardice go hand in hand, don’t you think? Besides, if someone wants to be a better knitter (so as to compete with you, for example), perhaps they could spend their knitting time more productively, rather than sending you anonymous and personal attack letters…Congrats on all your lovelies. Someone compared professional athletes to amateur athletes. Ok, again, I reiterate, you DO NOT knit for profit, as far as I know. As a knitting teacher for 25 years myself, I know how much effort goes into preparing for a class. I teach beginning and intermediate knitting classes. Does This make *me* a professional knitter? I think not. Your blog (along with Sally) is an example of your generosity of spirit. There is a plethora of knitting help/advice on here, and as far as I know, it is given gratis. You published a couple of patterns you say? Well, congrats to you on *that*. YOU ROCK!!!!! Shelley Hermanson, proud member of the Minnesota Knitters’ Guild.
Comment by Shelley Hermanson — August 29, 2007 @ 10:43 am
I think that our society has come to a very judgmental place. Maybe it’s all the voting off the island, last man standing kind of events that draw our attention and falsely leave us feeling as if we are “the boss of you”. People feel as though they can ignore someone’s feelings or privacy and comment on everything. It’s the bullies that are taking over our world. I struggle in raising my children to be accepting and tolerant of others, to have them not feel as though their opinions are more important than others.
The person who wrote you should have addressed any concerns to the Fair officials and not to you. And it should have been done in a general manner, not naming any names and when the officials told them to knock it off, he or she should have.
Your work is wonderful and you deserve to be judged on your product like any other craft person.
Comment by Joan — August 29, 2007 @ 10:48 am
Hi Susan,
This is the first time I’ve left you a comment though I lurk here all the time and even have a link to your page on my blog. I find your knitting so inspirational! I see your knitting and think to myself, “can’t wait until I’m that good”. Please keep it up and keep sharing your knowledge.
Mary
Comment by Mary — August 29, 2007 @ 11:03 am
Susan-
Honestly some things never change even as we grow older. I was a 10 year 4-H member in Indiana and it was a huge part of our community here. My entire family was involved in 4-H all my brothers had projects and we did really well every year at the fair. We worked really hard to have top notch exhibits – and lots of our entries went on to the State Fair every year. WE (my brothers and I did our own projects) our parents did not do our projects. Only to go to the fair and hear others say “well they always win because their parents spend a lot of money on their exhibits and do it for them”. You know this was really hurtful to hear when we had worked so hard and spent time sewing or refinishing furniture when we would have rather been swimming with our friends. All these years later I understand how you feel and I just bristled up when I read your post. Like you said you learn a lot from the judges comments and you understand what they are looking for and it helps make you a better. It all boils down to jealousy- and no matter how old you are jealousy can really make people say (write) and do ugly things. And it still stings!!!! I love to see the things you knit- you inspire all of us to do what we love and that is to create beautiful things with our hands. I feel very fortunate that you are willing to share your knitting knowledge- humor and advice with all of us through your blog. I can’t wait to see what you exhibit next year. Who knows maybe I will even exhibit something at the Indiana State Fair!!!!
Comment by Tonia — August 29, 2007 @ 11:03 am
Susan
Delurking for the first time! You are an inspiration. Do not be deflated by someone who is envious. I learn and am inspired by you are your sister……
Comment by karen — August 29, 2007 @ 11:26 am
Ah, the magical word ‘professional’. So often brandished to punish rather than praise.
If you have truly worked at your knitting for 40 years…by god, you SHOULD be winning prizes. The fact that you not only appreciate accolades but are so willing to share your skill with others is just gravy.
You know, perhaps you ARE a professional – you take pride in your work, recognize that there will always be more to learn, and are willing to give and accept help to/from others.
Hmmm. I’m betting you even enjoy seeing the quality work of someone else ‘win’ over your own.
Please just keep on doing what you do. If you have to have a label, let it be Knitter.
Comment by SheKnits — August 29, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Clearly, the letter was spurred by jealousy and fueled by misinformation. You and we know that you are not a professional in the usual sense of deriving your livelihood from your knitting. You ARE a professional in the quality of your knitting and the professionalism you display in both your work and this blog, but those are NOT things that should disqualify you from entering the state fair competition. I and many others aspire to someday knit as well as you and your sister. You are both inspirations to the rest of us. Knit on!
Comment by kmkat — August 29, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Wow. An anonymous letter is pretty low. If you think your opinion is worthy, then your name should always be attached to it. I guess it’s easier to be hurtful when you don’t have to own up to it.
I would think that regardless who made something, that the judges award the ribbons based on the workmanship of the item. If someone is annoyed because your entries consistently beat hers, maybe she needs to look at her own workmanship and skills. Maybe if she improves those, she would improve her chances of winning a ribbon. And maybe, just maybe, she needs to work on improving her way of looking at the world. It’s not just about her, after all.
Comment by Sandra — August 29, 2007 @ 11:54 am
Only cowards send anonymous letters. You deserve your ribbons and I’m sure most of the knitting community would be standing behind you! That letter writer should spend less time picking on you and more time working on his/her skills!
Comment by Cheryl — August 29, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Susan,
Your work is amazing, and I can’t imagine why someone would feel the need to send you hate mail! And to be cowardly enough not to sign it. My mom actually entered for the first time this year and won (she’s Peggy, comment #50 above). Like she said, we were so impressed after seeing how much you had won! Keep up the good work–we look forward to seeing your items in future state fair exhibits. 🙂
Comment by Erin — August 29, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Thank you for entering your fair and sharing your enthusiasm and expertise in knitting with others by displaying it and by teaching. Frame those ribbons and enjoy!
Comment by Deborah Robson — August 29, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
Don’t let this get you down! You are inspiring! This is my first time commenting on your blog and have only recently found it. I entered my county fair for the first time this year with the Cap Shawl from Victorian Lace and took home a Reserved Champion!! It makes you feel so good to win! After all the hard work!
Comment by Dawn — August 29, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
I have only recently found the world of knitting blogs and yours is inspirational. I pop in most days to admire and be energised by your knitting. This person is jealous and also has such low self esteem that not only are they too cowardly to sign the letter, they do not even believe even themselves, they have no faith that with practice and dedication they can become such a good knitter that they could one day win….
Comment by Sharon — August 29, 2007 @ 1:15 pm
Susan, good luck next year! I can’t wait to see what you’ll enter. I love this blog. 🙂
Comment by Tamara — August 29, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
Your work is beautiful and has often inspired me to make something I have never tried or to do something better than I previously knew how. I’m sorry that your letter writer was anonymoius because those type of letters are awful to receive, because you cannot respond. Fortunately you have the blog to respond on, and hopefully she will read it. Many years ago I won a ribbon at our state fair for some needlepoint I had done. I haven’t yet mustered the nerve to enter my knitting. Maybe I will next year (I’m too late this year). Congratulations on your ribbons and keep on entering.
Comment by Doris — August 29, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
It is just this type of nit picking that probably ended crafts at our local fair. When the crafts ended so did my much look forwarded trips to the fair. Keep your head high and keep on entering. How can we learn if we don’t see the best along with the worst. I have been knitting for 60 years and still take classes whenever I can. If you don’t win a ribbon just keep on trying. Look at the winners entries and learn from them. When I see beautiful knitting it brings me joy and I can learn from every choice of colour and style. Keep up the good work. Happy Knitting!
Comment by Margaret E. Davis — August 29, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
Susan, I think in this case, someone was just jealous of your lovely knitting. I’m glad that you entered into your state fair and even gladder that you won so many ribbons. You’ve inspired me to enter my state fair (Michigan) next year. I plan to go there this weekend to “scope out the competition” as it were so I know how good I need to get in order to have a shot at a ribbon. I think the person that wrote this should use your knitting/prize winning as motivation to better their craft. I know if I got beat out in a few categories I would probably be bitter for a while, but I think eventually I would say to myself, “Well, now I know who I need to be better than to win!” Please don’t stop entering in your fair, you (and Sally) do wonderful work.
Comment by Jason — August 29, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
Hope this doesn’t stop you from entering a whole lot next year! For every person who misunderstands and think it is unfair, there are lots who will be inspired to try better.
Comment by Marina — August 29, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Well, my dear friend, do not even give this letter another thought. There will always be people who wish to detract from another’s joyous occasion or accomplishments. But in the end, it is they that suffer from the inability to find happiness in unexpected places. (At least I always repeat that to myself because it sounds so good, right?) 😉
I’m sorry someone felt they had to do this. I think your pieces and your blog and everything you share with other knitters are a great gift. Thank you. 🙂
xoxoxo
Comment by Romi — August 29, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
I’ve entered things in the fair a lot over the years and have won many ribbons. Our fair defines professional as anyone who has taught knitting, been published, or sold their knitting-regardless if they’ve earned anything doing it. That makes me a professional. They have the entries divided up between professional and amateur. That way the playing field is a little more balanced. They also have a separate entry category for youth and senior citizen. Entries are judged on workmanship. If none of the entries are blue ribbon worthy, none are given.No one should be awarded prizes for shoddy workmanship.
I won a lot of ribbons this year. I entered 5 knitted items and won 4 blues and 1 red. I also entered a crocheted item that took Grand Champion (which was a shock because it was my first try at this particular type of crochet), and 7 beaded items that resulted in 5 blues, one red, and one white (which was a surprise cos it’s my first time with the beaded stuff). I worked hard on all my projects-ripping and redoing until they were as good as I can do them.
Ignore the anonymous letter! It is a cowardly act to not sign their name, and does not warrant attention. It puts you in the position of being put down without being able to defend yourself. That’s what makes them feel superior. If that isn’t cowardice, I don’t know what is.
Comment by The Beadknitter — August 29, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
I just wanted to agree with the wisdom of those above me, and say that you and your sister show the rest of us what is means to dedicate oneself to a craft. You’ve inspired me to knit lace, intarsia, and take on projects that challenge me. You do infinitely more for us by keeping on than by giving up.
Comment by Sarah — August 29, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
I love your knitting and look forward to guessing which pieces are yours each year. You do beautiful work and have a wonderful blog–this entire community supports you! Don’t let this idiot make you feel bad. I enter in other areas of the fair and there are always people who are upset at the ribbons awarded (unless it is to them, of course).
Comment by Delores — August 29, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
I don’t believe this. How terrible! Susan, keep entering. Your knits are beautiful and you deserve each and every ribbon you earn!
Comment by melissa — August 29, 2007 @ 4:42 pm
Boy, do I hate anonymous letters. Not because they are cowardly or weak, but because, as you noted, it makes it hard to respond in a polite and civil fashion, to right wrongs and correct misconceptions. Here’s this person sending you a letter and they aren’t even accurate!
You are exactly who the fair is for. An enthusiastic hobbyist with a wide scope of expertise and experience. I wonder who they think should enter?
Comment by Stephanie — August 29, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
I read no comments so as not to influence my own. Anonymous letters for the most part, are anonymous for a reason, but I digress. I hope the person who sent it also reads your blog. One should expect and respect the right of feedback when directing a person’s actions or stiffling them. Good luck at the fair. And thank you for sharing this.
Comment by Carol — August 29, 2007 @ 6:35 pm
How sad… -one person ended up making you so upset after being so thrilled with your ribbons..You deserve these ribbons and as you read this you know your readers agree.. and support you…
Comment by katomliz — August 29, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
Clearly, not all ‘wet blankets’ are knit… or crocheted or quilted. Hmph.
I agree with the benefit of notifying the fair organizers of either the vagueness of their categories, or the attempts to squelch competition. (They can decide which it was.) It might be sporting not to enter a bazillion items EVERY YEAR (!), but that’s up to you.
Comment by PainterWoman — August 29, 2007 @ 8:27 pm
I loved seeing your work at the fair. I hope you continue to enter!
Comment by June — August 30, 2007 @ 6:59 am
Susan,
We’ve met a couple of times…I had a chat with you about your Bohus sweater while waiting to meet Stephanie Pearl McPhee at her book signing…and also at the Sheep Festival on Mother’s Day weekend. I saw all of your award winners at the fair and was so thrilled to see your work in person and to know that it was work done by someone I’d met. I am so pleased to walk up to the first knitting display, turn to my husband and say, “Oh, look! That’s Susan’s!!”
Ignore Anonymous. Keep knitting. Keep entering beautiful work in the fair competition. It is inspiring to be able to look at beautiful things (made me want to go home and knit!).
Comment by Karen — August 30, 2007 @ 8:14 am
Hi Susan,
I’ts sad to know that there are knitters out there that can’t accept real talent as a reality. Professional/smofessional! I’ve taught knitting to hundreds of women and children in the US and Guatemala and I can assure you I don’t ever and will never consider myself a professional. You have shared your talent with others and that’s what God intends for us to do. Submitting entries in the fair is exactly the same. You share your talents with others to inspire them to do good and better work. Isn’t that what we were put on this earth to do? I saw your work at the fair. It is truly inspirational and (if I might dare say) a challenge to beat next year. Yup, when I look at your work I think to myself, If I try my very, very best I could do just as beautiful a job as you do. That’s why we have the challenges at the fair. I’ve entered my work at the fair in the past and I know the thrill of seeing purple and blue ribbons hanging on my work too. That’s the fun of entering the fair in the first place! You keep up the challenge to all of us to do the very best job we know how to do and we’ll all see great ribbons because of you. Thanks for being just who you are.
God bless you.
Comment by Rosanne — August 30, 2007 @ 11:13 am
The anonymous part of the email is cowardly. As for myself, I teach a beginning knitting class once a month at my LYS. The rules of the San Diego County Fair required my entries be submitted in the ‘professional’ category. It was mish mash category with little opportunity for anyone to shine, since there were about 10 hand knitting categories and one for any items made by alleged professionals. The folks in charge of the Home and Hobby exhibit at the Fair declared that if ANY money was made from your knitting, you are a professional. Sigh, here I am still taking classes and learning new techniques, but the Fair has already labeled me. Once a professional, always a professional.
Comment by Tania Marshall — August 30, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Our fair has about 100 categories, then there are all the hand spun hanks and knitting, and you can enter as many items as you wish – however after 3 blue ribbons in a single category over the years they ask you not to enter that category again – then if you win enough blue ribbons in enough areas you get asked to be a judge – another time consuming volunteer activity – and that the judges even take the time and consideration to write comments is well worth the time to read them and work on improving your skills for next year.
Comment by shirin — August 30, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
Just keep knitting and keep entering! Phooey to anyone who objects. I think it is remarkable that you won a ribbon for every item you submitted. That doesn’t happen without real merit.
I went to the Fair yesterday and admired your items. My tam won third place in the category that yours took first, and while I couldn’t examine it closely I feel certain you deserved it. I wish I had won ribbons for all my items but I won one blue too so I won’t complain. 🙂
Success always brings detractors, but also admirers. I am in the latter camp. I hope to meet you in person sometime, you are an inspiration.
Comment by Deepa — August 30, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
Ignore ’em they are jealous! You and your sisters knitting is absolutely gorgeous and such an inspiration. I check your blog everyday and have learned so much from you. Congratulations on the ribbons they are well deserved!
Comment by Redsoxgal — August 30, 2007 @ 1:25 pm
Argh! The fact that you are very good at your hobby does not make you a professional not to mention the fact that the letter is unsigned renders the opinion baseless. What kind of person has the nerve to impugn your integrity while exhibiting none of their own? Just ignore them.
Comment by Carrie K — August 30, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
You are such a fabulous knitter and you should be proud of the work you have done and the recognition it received at the fair. I’m only sorry that I never checked out the knitting booth when I lived in the TC and would go to the fair. Work like yours might have inspired me to take up the needles long before I actually did.
It’s really too bad that someone had to try to hurt you to make themselves feel better.
Comment by anmiryam — August 30, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
Whoa, that’s like asking a rancher not to enter his cattle in the fair because they are a professional rancher….
Comment by Jocelyn — August 30, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
I am 100% with you. I don’t understand how someone so coward to write anonymous letters has the nerve of discussing what is ethical and what is not. Who does she think she is???
Comment by Luisa — August 31, 2007 @ 8:16 am
Susan
I am sorry that the letter upset you, the person should have signed it but sometimes people are scared. I too live in MN and did enter the fair. And I didnt place, which I didnt expect to as I am trying to get better and wanted to see where I was…though I got really great feedback on my sweater.
I did see all of your beautiful things and they were amazing. The best in their category. However having said that I do feel that you are a professional. Our knitter’s guild hires you teach at our yearly thing with other top rank National Professional Knitters. I dont think there is any wrong with being a professional, as it is a privledge not a right for us, not all knitters will get to the level where you are. But especially in the Minn/ ST Paul area you are well known and respected in the knitting community. So this fact alone considering the judging pool of where the judges come from should make things not on a level playing field.
And the State and Local fairs to me are a place for people to get recongintion for their craft, to have a postiive experience and to grow. I understand that you dont support yourself fully by knitting and you have a full time job, that isnt the point. Your skill level and set is above others and it is unfair for the people who are competing against you. I dont think you shouldnt enter though if you want to, as the STate fair has no rules to stop you from doing so.
I think the frustration is in there should be a professional cat in crafts and the other areas. I know my opinion is one that is against the grain here. And I am sorry. I dont want to offend and or upset. And I did enjoy your things immensely. They were amazing. I just felt bad for the others in your categories as they never had a chance.
I hope that you can understand my opinion and where I am coming from. I just want to be honest, as you have taken the time to share your point of view which I do get…honestly I do. I just can also get where the letter writter is coming from though she should have signed the note.
Casey
Comment by Casey Mazzio — August 31, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
So you shouldn’t be allowed to enter your knitting in the State Fair because you’re a good knitter? Isn’t that why you *should* enter your knitting? I just don’t get it, but I do hope you will continue to submit your work! Besides I think it will reflect well on other knitters. When a non-knitter sees your lovely work they’ll think, ‘wow, I wonder if all knitters are this good.’ 😉
Comment by beth — August 31, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
I read your blog for your and Sally’s beautiful knitting but also for the glimpses I get of your lives and personalities. Part of what I like about you was exemplified by your letter — it was well-reasoned,calmly and courteously stated. And the end where you ask that your supporters not blast the letter-writer — perfect and classy.
As for the debate over whether you should enter or not because of your “status” I believe the Fair should be allowed to set its own guidelines for entrants and if you meet those, you can enter.
The suggestion re a Master’s category I think that would discourage people labeled such from trying new things and entering them to see where they are as people have said in the comments. I almost think a “Knitting for less than five years” category would be more welcoming — although probably impossible to police.
Comment by Harper — September 1, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
I stopped reading the comments when I got to #50 and realized that they went to over 91. Hmmmm … I sense that your fan base is soundly behind you. I would be disappointed if you DIDN’T enter in the fair, because you are THAT good and you should be awarded for your hard work. Keep entering and don’t stop until you’ve bought a lovely mountain home and a Mercedes with all those knitting related “earnings”. ha ha ha.
Comment by Marti — September 1, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
Susan, I am a Mpls knitter who, sadly and embarrassingly, didn’t know who you were before I went to the fair. First I saw all of your beautiful items, and commented “I want to make that. And that. And that.” (who made the cabled sweater? I want to make that, too) Then I went over to where the winners were listed and saw your name at the top of every list and my thought was, “I want to be her.”
I am glad you entered all of those beautiful items because they inspired me to get on my butt and knit like crazy that night. You are the One To Beat, what an achievement! Be proud and let the others catch up!
Comment by Kerry — September 2, 2007 @ 8:43 am
I hope the letter has not lessened your enjoyment of your much deserved ribbons. Please keep entering your beautiful work and sharing it through your blog.
Comment by Susanna in Seattle — September 2, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
Hear hear!!
Comment by Nicole — September 2, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
Whoever wrote that letter is a bully. Hold a ceremonial burning of said nasty letter, enter the fair and hold your head high. The lengths people will stoop to!
Comment by Carol — September 3, 2007 @ 10:56 am
It’s just incredible that someone would write a letter urging you to not enter your projects at the fair. Your reply was a good one.
Personally, I am amazed at what you knit and how fast you do it! Keep on doing what you’re doing. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Comment by Kay — September 4, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Just wanted to offer my support – I’m pleased to see so many did. You are the ‘Marjory Johnson’ of knitters. The knitting community should be proud of you and supporting you, as your work is incredible and worthy of all the prizes!(I think that person is jealous).
Comment by Susan Seltz — September 4, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
First of all – I see no reason for you to explain yourself. You love to knit, you are proud of your knitting, and you have a darn good time helping other people better their own knitting techniques. More power to you sister! Second, Don’t Get Discouraged. Keep having a good time. You and your blossoming technique will only help foster more healthy competition and allow others to step it up to levels they didn’t even know they had. Keep at it – get those creative juices flowing.
Comment by Elena — September 11, 2007 @ 12:43 am