Sunday, August 24, 2014

The County Fair

If you read my post on August 6th, you know I entered two items in the county fair - a first for me.  I honestly had no expectations of earning ribbons.  (My eldest son told me he thinks I was the only one that thought so. He's sweet.) 

We attended the Clackamas County Fair on Saturday, August 16th, and I found my purse.



Then, I found my stocking.

Needless to say, I was happily surprised.  I shared the news on the CQI Yahoo! group, but had to wait to say anything here. 

Several months ago, I decided to give the purse to a dear family friend.  She spent years volunteering at the aquarium in Newport, Oregon, so the under-the-sea theme was perfect.  She also introduced me to embroidery through cross-stitch when I was in high school.  And, she gifted my sister and I with our first sewing machine, with the condition that we actually use it.  (The motor finally died about 2 years ago.  I still have it and plan to have it repaired one of these days.)  After picking my items up at the fairgrounds last Monday, I mailed the purse to my dear family friend - with the blue ribbon still attached - and thanked her once again.  Apparently, it was the perfect gift.  She loves it - which warms my heart.

I would love to encourage everyone to make an item to submit at their local fair.  It was such a fun experience.  The Hobby Hall is always my favorite place to visit.  And, I frequently find quilts and other items that I like better than the ones adorned with ribbons - so even if you did not earn a ribbon, others would have the opportunity to enjoy your work.


You might be surprised by the results.

If you do enter a piece in your local fair, I would love to hear about it!

12 comments:

crazyQstitcher said...

Congratulations Renee. A well deserved win as both purse and stocking are great.
I love the tree and the jellyfish too.
A kind thought to gift the purse to your mentor and friend to show your appreciation of her input.

Janie said...

Wonderful, what a fun experience!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

so wonderful. Your work is more than worthy of being a winner!

Anonymous said...

Knew your work was blue ribbon worthy! Love the purse and stocking. :) Maybe next year I'll remember to think about entering something in our local fair.

Annet said...

Congrats!

Wendy said...

Well done! no surprise to me that you won, definitely well deserved.

Renee said...

Thank you! I am just thrilled that she was so touched by the purse. :)

Renee said...

Thank you, Janie! It was fun. :)

Renee said...

You are too sweet! I love the work you have done on your block through Kathy's class!

Renee said...

If you make an entry, I definitely want to hear about it!

Renee said...

Thank you, Annet!

Renee said...

Awww... Wendy, you are so sweet. Thank you!