On Friday, I took the day off and went to the Kentucky State Fair.
Mr. Martini and I had a great time. There was food (including fried green tomatoes, a lamb sandwich, and more we’ll get to later).
But for me, the main objective was to see my knitting entries in the display case. Like this one:
Wait, did you see that? Here’s a closer look:
That’s my February Lady Sweater, with the Third Place white ribbon on it! Woo-hoo!
I won’t lie, since I had no idea I’d won a ribbon before seeing the case, I did a little jig right there in the aisle. I received a hearty congratulations from a passing fairgoer, which was really sweet. I’m still a little shocked, but really, really happy!
As for my socks, well…
There they are, but they didn’t win anything. Considering that the winners were elaborate fair-isles, cabled knee-highs and a pair of argyle socks, I’m not too surprised or disappointed. But still, don’t they look nice all laid out and displayed like that? I’m still super proud of them.
After we checked out the other knitting categories, I looked at a few of the quilts, including the winners. They were spectacular.
I absolutely love how they display them in these huge cases. It really sets them apart from everything, and the quilters don’t have to worry about sticky fingers on their prized pieces.
Speaking of sticky fingers, we also tried some classic fair food while we were there:
On the left is a deep fried Twinkie, and on the right is a deep fried Snickers. This was something we wanted to try at least once, and figured there was no time like the present.
We each took a couple of bites, claimed them somewhat tasty but weird and way too rich, and then promptly got rid of them. Now we can say we tried them, and don’t have to wonder what they’d be like.
All in all, it was a great day. I’m sure we missed a lot, but we saw everything we wanted to see (except the animals – my allergies wouldn’t let me – boo!). The fair runs through Sunday the 29th, so if you’re in the area, I definitely suggest checking it out!
In other news, I have officially entered items in the Kentucky State Fair.
The socks and my February Lady sweater have been tagged and dropped off at the Fair. The drop off was completely painless, and I won’t see these items again until I go to the fair next week. I’m not expecting any ribbons, but am still very excited to see my projects there.
Note: They could, indeed, be deemed inadmissible for a variety of reasons (wrong category, etc.), but I’m really hoping that’s not the case.
These are becoming the most-photographed socks I’ve ever made. And (fingers crossed) there’s one more shot of them I’d like to take – next week, in the display case. Can’t wait!
One of the reasons I haven’t been sewing as much on the weekends is because I’ve been working hard behind the scenes on new items for the shop. I’m having so much fun making buttons and magnets and pushpins I just can’t seem to stop!
Here are a few of the latest items:
Blue Green Leaves and Vines Pushpins – I reallly love these colors together!
A gift set of six pushpins and six magnets in shades of spring green with delicate flowers;
A set of magnets in my favorite shade of plum with black scrolls and flowers; and
Some funky, colorful owl magnets!
These new items, along with about 15 (!) others are in the Sweeter Lemon shop right now (including some sewing buttons, as requested). Just in time for back to school teacher gifts or locker adornments!
But keep watching, because I have even *more* in the wings, ready to make their debut soon!
I have to admit something – I’m a horrible decorator.
I’d like to say that it’s because all of my adult years have been spent in apartments. That it’s because I moved so much, so I never got a chance to decorate. Or any of another myriad of reasons.
The truth is? I’m just not good at it. That, plus I don’t know where to start.
So when I saw that Sew Mama Sew was giving away a copy of Joel Dewberry’s Sewn Spaces
And as luck would have it, I won a copy!
It’s really a lovely book, filled with projects and ideas for adding fabric projects throughout your home. I immediately found a few projects that I absolutely loved, including:
These fabric and appliqué pictures with etched glass accents;
These adorable bird sachets/ornaments/pincushions; and
these thick, cushioned chair pads.
Along with these items to fancy up your house, the book also includes a few more practical items like a tote bag, pajama pants, and the like.
I’m really not sure which project to tackle first! But I’m hoping this book will help me get started decorating our home, which still has many, many bare walls and is in desperate need of warming up with fabric.
Thanks again, Sew Mama Sew!
