I love my local country show. Each year I wait eagerly for the competition schedule to be published so I can plan what crocheted items I’m going to enter. As the entry date gets closer I get a little apprehensive that I’m not going to get it all done, but before long my entries are neatly folded and ready to be unpacked, displayed and judged.
This year I set myself a personal challenge of entering all the classes in the “wool or substitute crochet” section of the Chinchilla show (except for the over 70’s class – I’m a bit too young!). I’m proud to say that I achieved my challenge and I improved my crochet skills by making something I wouldn’t have otherwise made – a baby’s jacket, bonnet and bootees set.
On show day I was amazed to find that I got a first prize in each class, as well as a second, a reserve champion and 3 champion awards! My smile was a mile wide when I discovered this!
Entering crochet items into the show is not all about winning awards. I hope my creations spread some beauty and joy throughout my local community and that I can inspire someone to pick up a crochet hook (or use another craft) to create something beautiful themselves.
Anyhow, here are some happy snaps of the knitting and crochet section of the 2014 Chinchilla Show.
My grey-blue River Walk Wrap (on the right) was a big hit. I also made the yellow cardigan in the centre.
This is the 3 piece baby set that I made.
My cabled cushion cover (right) is made from chunky wool and it feels soft and squishy
My “night sky” throw rug (top right) is crocheted from hand spun merino and silk it was a joy to make.
My crazy chevron rug was a winner.
I aspire to be able to create something as beautiful as this using crochet cotton.
Now that the Chinchilla Show is over for another year I’m looking towards the Brisbane Ekka. My nominations are in and I’ve got a scarf and a throw rug to make before the end of June. Time to get hooking!
What items do you enter into your local show? Do you want to enter but are not sure how to go about it? Feel free to ask any questions you have, I’d love to be able to help.
Cheers,
Lynda.
P.S. You can find my round up of last year’s Chinchilla Show here.