On Show!

My self-designed broomstick lace slouch beanie
in the cabinet at the Royal Adelaide Show 2019!
[Photo: D.M.]

I nearly didn't make it to the 
Royal Adelaide Show this year
even though my work was entered 
and on display!



For the second year in a row, I lost a week of my life to a lurgy that happened to coincide with show week.

It was so disappointing to be laid up in bed when the original intention was to visit the showgrounds.

Fortunately, generous friends took photos on my behalf when they attended the annual spring agricultural and horticultural show–the biggest in South Australia.

It's tricky to take photos there too because of the glare of fluorescent lighting against the glass.  Many thanks to my lovely friends who were just as excited as I was to see my hat on display. I am lucky to have so many gorgeous people in my life.

The hat was displayed at the top of the cabinet with the rear 'seam' facing up for all to see.
It's not really a single seam at all. The hat was made in the round,
joining at the end of each round before turning for the next.
[Photo: L.C.]

This broomstick lace beanie was worked in the round from the band up to the crown. The lace loops were staggered between rounds to make the beanie 'slouchier' because stitches worked on the bias can achieve a better 'drape'.  

This also meant that the joins of each round were staggered too. For the uninitiated, one might suppose there is a very crooked rear seam (but there is no single seam). Fortunately, the multicolours camouflage the irregularity.  The finished 'slouchiness' is more important so this staggering of broomstick lace loops is a design decision I am willing to wear!* 

Look at all the crocheted loveliness in the cabinet.
[Photo: L.C.]

The display from 'a wheelie point of view'.
[Photo: G.L.]

WAIT A MINUTE!

What is that blue hanging there?

Is it attached to my beanie?

Broomstick lace slouch beanie designed by Jodiebodie.
First Prize, Royal Adelaide Show 2019
Class no. 439: Hat or Cap, crocheted.

Wow!  How lucky to be a winner.  How frustrating to be stuck in bed.  

Meanwhile, I wondered about the competition. What were the other hats like?  Who else won prizes?  Will there be familiar names from the Beanies to Berets exhibition?

The last Saturday of the show was my last chance to get there.  I was still unwell but at least I could get up and about (at long last) to use the small window of time and energy on Saturday morning.

Second Prize (unnamed entrant)
Class 439; Hat or Cap, crocheted.

There was just time to get in, see the textiles and get home again.  I found the Second Prize winner (red ribbon) but could not find the Third Prize winner  (white ribbon) on display. 

Second Prize was awarded to a beanie which looked like it was made with crocheted slip stitches.  It used short rows to shape the crown. It appeared to be seamed with a straight seam at the back (if my memory serves me correctly).

When I collected my beanie, I learned that there was no Third Prize issued because the entries did not meet the standard.  That was disappointing and surprising news because I expected better competition. On the other hand, I am grateful that the judges are maintaining the integrity of the show's standards.  

I'm told that the judges liked my beanie because it was 'different'.

That's not all …

Do you remember my post about the Sydney Royal Easter Show earlier this year?

HERE'S ANOTHER SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT:

 

Highly Commended Prize, Sydney Royal Easter Show 2019
Open Craft Class 128: Adult Crocheted Accessories.
Can include hats, mittens, scarves and socks.

I was keeping the Sydney Royal result a secret until I had tried my luck with the Royal Adelaide.  Unfortunately, I never got to see my beanie on display in Sydney or get any feedback on that entry but I was absolutely thrilled that it even got displayed, so the winning of ribbons is a bonus.  I was not expecting to win anything from Sydney.  

At the end of the day, it's a bit of fun to discover how my work is received by experienced crocheters and textile experts. It's an opportunity to see other people's amazing work, to learn, be challenged and be inspired.   

Why don't you join me next time?

What shall we enter next year?

Two ribbons from two shows in 2019!

*See what I did there? Pun intended.

Related Posts on Lupey Loops

"Showtime!", 13 April 2019: https://lupeyloops.blogspot.com/2019/04/showtime.html

"Royal Adelaide Show Results 2017", 17 October 2017: https://lupeyloops.blogspot.com/2017/10/royal-adelaide-show-results-2017.html

"Guessing Game Answer", 30 June 2017
https://lupeyloops.blogspot.com/2017/06/guessing-game-answer.html

"Beanies to Berets Exhibition & Sale Now Open!", 25 June 2017: https://lupeyloops.blogspot.com/2017/06/beanie-to-berets-exhibition-sale-now.html 

Links

Sydney Royal Easter Show (3–14 April 2020): https://www.eastershow.com.au/   

EKKA–Royal Queensland Show (7–16 August 2020): https://www.ekka.com.au/

Royal Adelaide Show (4–13 September 2020) : https://www.theshow.com.au/

Royal Melbourne Show (21 September–1 October 2020): https://royalshow.com.au/

Perth Royal Show (28 September–5 October 2019): https://www.perthroyalshow.com.au/