Once again, it has been awhile since the state fair happened. I’m doing a little better than last year considering it’s only been weeks rather than months.

Like last year, I submitted an Armenian needlelace doily and a cross stitch sampler. My doily won its category and I got a special award from the Chesapeake Region Lace Guild. One of the guild members left me a very nice note with my ribbon. I’m going to attend their next meeting and hopefully join the guild after that.

The eagle-eyed may notice that my doily is surrounded by tatted pieces. There was a mix up and I accidentally registered for tatting instead of bobbin/needle lace. I was surprised they didn’t move my entry but it worked out in the end.

There were so many beautiful lace entries this year. Another CRLG ribbon went to a stunning bobbin lace flower with metallic threads. It’s inspiring me to make use of more color in my own lace. Below it is a floral piece made with extremely fine thread. I certainly don’t need another hobby, but seeing this bobbin lace tempts me.

I love doilies, and I have a soft spot for ones with a round linen center. I haven’t actually tried this myself, but it’s on the list for things to experiment with. The scalloped edges on this one are very pleasing.

Unsurprisingly, competition was stiff for cross stitch. Pomegranate Quaker got an honorable mention.

I didn’t get many pictures of cross stitch entries because it was hard to get close enough to see them properly. It’s fun to recognize charts in the wild though. Modern Folk Embroidery seems to be very popular in Maryland. This blackwork piece caught my eye – it’s a very well-deserved first place.

I have a few additional favorite from other categories. This needle felted squirrel was incredible, as were its neighbors in the background.

I loved this ladybug brooch. It has so much detail packed into such a small piece.

It’s hard to choose a favorite quilt, but I think this illusion quilt is my pick this year. I love geometric designs and the hand quilting adds a lot to it.

The flowers were beautiful as well, but I missed them at their peak. I went to the second weekend this year, but I think in 2024 I’ll try to go to the first weekend like I have in the past. I still got a picture of a nice dahlia.

Stay tuned for next year’s fair entries. I’m currently leaning towards not doing a cross stitch entry and focusing on finishing my Kieran Foley shawl instead. I have a new doily in progress, and I may or may not do a second lace entry.

If you read this far, have a nice fall and try not to get covid.