Sheep-to-Shawl Contest

Rules

Teams

Due to space considerations, the number of competing teams will be limited to eight. One back-up registration will be accepted, in case a team cannot compete as planned. Each team will consist of 1 shearer, 3 spinners, and 1 weaver. Please note: the shearer may not assist in the wool preparation or act as a helping member of the team during the contest. Youth teams (where all three spinners and the weaver are under 18 years of age) are welcome to compete, and they will have different guidelines for their shawl. A booklet of information and helpful hints is available. Please email for a copy.

Sheep

Each team will provide its own sheep with health papers. See Animal Health Regulations. Any team needing help in finding a sheep should ask the committee for referrals. Each team is responsible for arranging to have their sheep at the shearing area at the beginning of the contest and is also responsible for making arrangements to pay the sheep breeder for the fleece.

Warp

Each team will provide its own warped loom. The sett should be no less than 8 epi (1600 to 2000 yds/lb.). Natural colored or hand-dyed warp may be used, but no commercially dyed wool will be allowed.

Weft

Hand carders and wool combs are allowed; drum carders are not. The weft yarn may be no thicker than 3 times the diameter of the warp end.

Shawl Design

Any weaving pattern may be used; however, the shawl must measure a minimum width of 22 inches sleyed in the reed. The judges will check this width during the contest. The woven length must be 70” min/76” max. There is to be a fringe of 5” min/7” max on each end. The shawls will be measured after removal from the loom, before washing and judging for aesthetic appeal. All edges must be finished by the end of the timed period. Removing knots to re-tie or alter the finish after measuring will not be allowed.

Time

Each team will be timed from the beginning of the shearing until the shawl is off the loom with fringes finished. There will be no pause in timing after the shearing. In addition, the spinners may not start their work until their shearer is completely finished. The contest is limited to 3 hours. A team that fails to have its shawl ready for measurement within that time will not participate in the prize money, although it may have the judges’ evaluation of its work after the other shawls have been judged.

Auction

After washing and final judging, there will be an auction of all the shawls. Each team will receive the proceeds from the sale of the shawl less 10% given to the MD Sheep and Wool Festival.

Scoring

This scoring point system will be used:

Team Work

Costume, 5 points

Sign, 5 points

Spirit in contest situation, 5 points

Craftsmanship

Shearer, 15 points

• No second cuts
• Final appearance of sheep
• Control of sheep

Spinners, 15 points

• Fleece selection, color, cleanliness and count
• Uniformity of preparation, size and type of yarn produced
• Ability to keep weaver supplied

Weaver, 15 points

• Even edges, minimal draw-in
• Even beating
• No threading or treadling errors

Finished Shawl

Finishing details, 10 points

Aesthetic appeal, including drape, hand and appearance, 20 points

Time

First finished, 10 points,
Second finished, 9 points, etc.

Deductions for measurements outside of standards

Length - 5 points

Width - 5 points

Fringe - 5 points

Prizes

Teams will receive appropriate ribbons and proportional share of $1000 prize money. Other non-monetary prizes may be awarded as available.

Jane Hyland Memorial Award to the Best Spinning Team - $150

Registration

Registration will be accepted beginning March 1, 2013. Please send team name, members’ names (indicate the captain or responsible person), address, contact phone number, email (if available) with a registration fee of $10 to:

or email the above information to d_acorn@yahoo.com.

Make checks payable to: Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. There will be a $25 charge on any checks returned for insufficient funds.

A final reminder, please be sure your team list is complete with the shearer’s name and the source of your sheep (name optional) included. Teams cannot be registered unless all of these conditions are met.