SPINin DATES: 1, 2, 3,MARCH 2013

don't miss out, put these dates in your diary
remember to organise fares, accommodation & time off work

Throughout  the history of Bothwell's SPINin competitions have played an important part in  the event's programming in the way competitions have done in festivals, fairs and fetes down through the ages. What sets The Bothwell SPIN competitions apart is that they have, by-and-large, been to do with 'fibre people' putting themselves up against their peers, demonstrating their prowess and, typically, all of this in search of something illusive as often as not, some special quality or skill

The SPINin has come to be an occasion where textile artists, makers, designers, fibre producers and others have  come together in Bothwell from all over the world to test the bounds of their skills and the materials they work with. If they cannot attend in person they send their work or contribute  in some other way –and they do so with a sense of fun to be a part of the fun.

Nonetheless, The Bothwell SPINin's competitions are contested seriously albeit in a spirit of fun and collegiality. But more to the point, entrants 'compete' in an atmosphere of   the celebration of people's making skills and a deep respect  for the materiality of the fibres they choose to work with.

This has brought people together in various ways and often from unlikely places. Thus the competitions are more about people's participation, their seeking something extraordinary, their ability to demonstrate something exceptional much more than anything else. And, all  of this somewhat more than being a winner as in their own way  every participant is a winner if they share in the fun.

Please note that the conditions of entry that apply below refer to those competitions linked to this page. For other competitions please  check for variations to avoid confusion.

Winners  are found but somehow that's a byproduct rather than an end in itself. Nonetheless, some rules and conditions need to be set.

• The Longest Thread

• The Bothwell Highland Championship

• General Competitions:

Entry Fee:  $10.00 per entry.  Payment by Cheque, Direct Payment or Credit Card.  International entries by Direct Paymet or Credit card only.  Please do not send cheques.

If sending garments for competition, but not attending, please state whether you wish a suitable model to wear the entry in the Fashion Parade.

WATCH THIS SPACE ........

Bothwell Highland Championship
Friday 1st March 2013

Teams for the Championship will be drawn on the Thursday before the SPINin at the "Meet and Greet" at 5.30pm.  The idea of electing team member in this manner is to enable you to meet National and International spinners and knitters and thus carry on the SPINin's Friendship theme.

Please submit you name for this draw and join in the fun.  There will be prizes, wheel plates and a perpetual trophy awarded.  (see forms)

Rules: 

1. No entry fee

2. Only 2 spinning wheels per team may be used

3.Unscoured wool will be supplied, any other equipment including No 8 (4mm) knitting needles, darning needle, scissors  and a whistle to attract attention is to be supplied by the competitors.

4. Teams will comprise four people, who will prepare, spin and knit a  given shape including the " Bothwell Bobble", in a set time, usually around 45 minutes.

5.  A maximum of 300 points will be awarded to each team.  Points are given for spinning, knitting, finishing and                     conforming  to pattern. A penalty of 1 point per minute will apply for teams finishing after the time limit bell.

6.  Wool and pattern will be distributed at the start of the Championship.

7.  Stewards will inspect empty spools for normal length leader threads before the start.

8.  Preparation of wool not to start until after the bell.

9.  To finish, pin the supplied number to your "Bothwell Shape", blow the whistle, and hand your finished piece to the     timekeepers.

10.  Judges decision will be final