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.
Bothwell SPINin & Fibre Festival
4 5 6 March 2011
Competitions for 2011
The Longest Thread
The Bothwell Highland Championship
General Competitions:
Class 1 Accessorize!
Hats, socks, gloves, bags, slippers.etc - any TWO matching pieces. Knitted, crocheted, felted, woven hand-dyed and hand-spun or commercial fibres. Let your imagination take over. Don't forget to tell us why you have chosen the particular items as well as the fibres, techniques, dyes, embellishments etc. Please also include a sample of the original fibre.
Class 2 Creative Fibre
Wild and fanciful yarns - spin your own creative skein. The skein may be composed of any fibre or mix of fibres, fancy yarns, ribbons, cassette tape, cotton wool (if you can spin it - you can use it) and should weigh at least 50grms or be at least 50metres long. Construction of the yarn, etc are left up to the maker. A brief statement as to what inspired your choices plus fibres, additions, etc must accompany the skein.
Class 3 Seasons
We could call this Wearable Art - but we want you to express yourself - be it classical or fanciful. In Tasmania we have four distinct seasons giving us great range of ideas. As in the Accessorize! section, the method and fibre are up to you. It must however be in keeping with the seasons and be wearable, as this garment (or garments) will be featured in the Fashion Parade. Again tell us what the fibres are, the method(s) used, and the inspiration behind the creation. Along with a sample of fibres used, we request that a type written explanation of the exhibit be supplied also, so the compere can do your creation justice!
Juniors
Class 1J For Kids Only - Knit any Article
a Under 10s
b Over 10 (Under 16)
Knit any article. This must be your own work. Use any type of yarn - hand-spun or shop bought. Include your name, age, and address and tell us about yourself and when and how you learned to knit on your entry form .
Class 2J Spin a skein - Mary Simon Perpetual Trophy
Spin a skein of wool - using a natural fibre and either a drop spindle or wheel. Skein should weigh at least 50gr or measure 50m or more.