Replies

1. 
   Marian_ | Jul 26, 1999 07:41pm | #1

   *
   The Mississippi State Extension Service's web site has a document for evaluating a garment that might help:

   http://www.ext.msstate.edu/pubs/is1477.htm

   I imagine that each competition's organizers would assemble some list of rules or guidelines for the judges to use--otherwise, who would agree to judge? Have you tried asking for the rules?

1. 
   Mary_Gobet | Jul 28, 1999 01:25am | #2

   *I have found that even with a set of rules the judging is strictly personal preference. If there is not a specific catagory for your item then you run the risk of having it judged on a loosely structured criteria and you just may lose, though your talent is very evident. Case in point. . . I made a VERY elaborate historical costume gown with all the research attached and hand beading with antique beads. Provided my own dress form to display it on. But since there was no costume category for adults (only children) I had to list it in the "Other" catagory. It was judged along with items like shorts sets and capri pants. And gues what won. The capri pants and cropped top out of cotton. No embelishment or skill in making it, compared to my gown. I went to the judging board afterwards and was told that unless there was more interest in adult costumes they would not add that catagory, that I should have put it in wedding gowns. Why? it was not a wedding gown . Sigh. I no longer submit items to fairs.

1. 
   carrie | Jul 31, 1999 06:08pm | #3

   *I have been entering items for about the past 4 years, and while it feels so good to get a ribbon, it is the comments on the judging sheet I am after. I feel I am a competent sewer, but still have alot to learn. Their comments have helped me improve on the little things like understitching, pressing techniques, and buttonholes that I wasn't paying enough attention to. Of course the judging may come down to personal preference from one outfit over another, provided the workmanship is equal. How else would they choose? I hope you will enter something, not for the glory of winning, but to learn and improve. Besides, you just may meet some other sewers and gain a whole new circle of friends!

1. 
   Carol_T | Aug 09, 1999 05:47am | #4

   *The most popular county fair in our area has switched to a system that awards every entrant a ribbon; first, second, or third, and frankly, I think it's based more on the personal likes and dislikes of the judges than on the workmanship. I'm not sure how meaningful it is to award "first premium" to 30-40% of the items in competition. I notice this more with the quilts than with clothing. Perhaps it's more apparent because I've been to juried quilt shows, and I've seen winning quilts there.