Durham Fair: Yes, it was made by a “man” …

The Durham Fair in Connecticut is my last fair of Competition Season 2019.  And when I discovered that their photographic entry requirements were reduced from four entries to three per person, I was kinda okay with it … but it made me more interested in entering another category.

You know … one of the stitchery categories that my burlap bags have appeared in over time.

So later this year, I will enter the following artworks in their photo competition –

WASHINGTON COUNTY, 2:30 A.M.

Despite this picture getting snuffed at the New York State Fair, I did receive a blue ribbon at Altamont for it.  And it’s on display at the Big E, although I do not know if it earned any silk at that location.  That being said … how in the world am I going to let this picture go by at Durham?

THE MAHARI STREAM

Another picture that didn’t get into Syracuse, The Mahari Stream did earn third place at Altamont, and it – like Washington County 2:30 a.m. – is on the walls of the New England Cetner at the Big E.  Maybe it earned a ribbon, maybe it didn’t.  But I still think it’s strong enough to get some love at Durham.

And finally …

INFRARED HORIZON 787

I realize that this picture hasn’t received as much love as I would have hoped … but the Durham Fair seems to love my experimental photos, with my four blue ribbons at that competition coming from splitfilm photos and camera-warranty-violating images.

So that takes care of my three.  Now for the stittchery.

I think I can enter this artwork in the sewing category, I’ll just have to physically schlep it to the Fairgrounds on drop-off day.  It’s only a two-hour drive, not a big deal.

FORT ORANGE DAIRY & FEEDS

Hey, this thing took a second place ribbon in the arts and crafts building at Altamont, which is the best result so far for my burlap stitching endeavors.

Now I just have to find a category for it.

Search, search, search …

Okay, here’s the needlework category … and now let’s find the subgenre.

May as well enter the “various” subgenre.  There’s no “burlap bag restitched” category at Durham.

And then I saw it.  Category VN12 – “Article made by man.”

Oh.

Well…

Now here’s the thing.  I konw PLENTY of men who work with stitching and yarn and embroidery.  One of my best buds, Aaron Bush, even has a blog on my blogroll that discusses the fun of male knitting and yarn-spinning.

But “Article made by man” – Are we saying that men are not as proficient in stitchery as women?  Are we saying that in needlework, men are the tuba of the brass band?

You know what?  I don’t care any more.  I’m going to see if I’m eligible for this category.

(unzips)

(looks down)

zips)

Yep, I’m eligible. 😀

All right, so four entries-  three photographs and a burlap stitching project – will make their way to Connecticut later this month.

This ought to be fun.  I’m now kinda curious as to what “men” produce when it comes to stitchery.  Are they expecting a quilt that honors the life and times of Dale Earnhardt?  Maybe a blanket suitable for draping over the moose head at the hunting lodge?  Oh, I know, I know – it’s gotta be a baby blanket with Rob Gronkowski’s face imbroidered into the yarn!  Yeah, that’s it!!

Yeah … as you can tell … I’m having entirely too much fun with this.

Which, in the end, is fine by me. 😀