State Fair Blue Ribbon Yarny Goodness

I was at the Iowa State Fair over the weekend.  THE best state fair in the country.  Well, one of the top 5 anyway.  You know I had to see all the squishy, yarny goodness that were entered for a Blue Ribbon.  For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, the State Fair is held once a year and is a HUGE deal if you live in the midwest like I do.  Folks enter all kinds of competitions for the coveted Blue Ribbon.  Animals, flowers, miniature houses, photographs, woodworking, quilts, sewing etc.

Above, you will recognize from Ravelry, this gorgeous pattern by Tanya Beliak.  This won two ribbons, Best In Show and that coveted Blue Ribbon for 1st Place.

 You can also see, above, the Dreambird Shawl (the black shawl that looks like it has orange feathers) by Nadita Swings.  It, too, won a ribbon.  I also love the orange and black stunner in the middle!

 I am not a quilter, but I so admire them.  Look at all the beautiful colors!  The intricate detail of the quilt on the easel was unbelievable!  The photo does not do it justice.

 The chair above is needlepoint.  I have done many a needlepoint project along with knitting and crochet.  The detail on this entry was a joy to look at and admire.

I just had to share the above pic of the piglets!  Look at all those newborn squealers!  I'm not sure what's up with that little spotted piggy in the center, but isn't he/she just THE cutest?  

On a personal note...the above photo was taken in 1974 when I was in 8th grade and living in Des Moines, Iowa.  That's me, on the right, with my besties!  It was '50's day at the Jr. High...Middle School to you younger folks!  Here we are, together again in the below pic almost 40 years later.  

I haven't seen these two since I moved away in 1975.  We are older and wider, but fell right back into our groove like no time had passed.  Laughing, quite loudly, and reminiscing about things we did and places we went.  I would say something like....what ever happened to....and we would all say his name, first and last, at the same time, clutching our hands to our heart, remembering how we drooled over him in Jr. High.  

It was a great life back then and I cherish it today as some of the happiest years of my life!

Have a great week,

Sheila

Yarn tip!

* Circular needle cord in a twist? Dip the cord in hot water to soften and straighten them out!