SKILLS EVALUATION DAY 2024
RESULTS
Eleanor Matthews - Jo Williams
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Shetland Challenge - Gilly
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 Lesley Neate - Joanna Davidson
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Use of Dye - Sue Thompson
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Ted Selwyn Trophy for Chairs Challenge
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Tapestry Award - Liz Cowling
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Coldharbour Award - Jackie Hitchin
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Jean Field - Liz Cowling
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Natural Dyeing
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Edna Gibson - Gilly
Cathy Noble
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Synthetic Dyeing - Joanna Davidson
Tiro Award - Joanna Davidson
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Cathy Noble
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Categories
Lesley Neate Award: best use of the colours of natural fleece
Joan Boardman Award: article knitted or crocheted from handspun yarn
Edna Gibson Award: spinning - skein of handspun yarn
Eleanor Matthews Trophy: an item using yarn spun using a drop spindle
Shetland Challenge Trophy: knitted shawl from own handspun shetland fleece
Coldharbour Award: an item woven on a multi shaft loom
Jean Field Award: item woven on a non-shaft loom
Tapestry Award: Item woven on a tapestry frame
Natural Dyeing Trophy: samples of yarns or a single piece of fabric dyed with natural
Synthetic Dyeing Trophy: samples of yarns or a single piece of fabric dyed with synthetic dyes
Use of Dye including Decorative finish: item showing use of dyeing and /or showing a decorative finish
Margaret Avery Award: item which show excellent finish using any core skill
2024 Challenge -Ted Selwyn Trophy: The challenge is to take 100g of fibre, which you then divide into three. Process each of these three sections in a combination of different ways
Joyce Cooke Trophy: members' choice
Tiro Award: for an item made by a Guild member with less than one year's experience in his/her chosen craft
Judge's Choice: most outstanding entry from all categories
Lesley Neate Award: best use of the colours of natural fleece
Joan Boardman Award: article knitted or crocheted from handspun yarn
Edna Gibson Award: spinning - skein of handspun yarn
Eleanor Matthews Trophy: an item using yarn spun using a drop spindle
Shetland Challenge Trophy: knitted shawl from own handspun shetland fleece
Coldharbour Award: an item woven on a multi shaft loom
Jean Field Award: item woven on a non-shaft loom
Tapestry Award: Item woven on a tapestry frame
Natural Dyeing Trophy: samples of yarns or a single piece of fabric dyed with natural
Synthetic Dyeing Trophy: samples of yarns or a single piece of fabric dyed with synthetic dyes
Use of Dye including Decorative finish: item showing use of dyeing and /or showing a decorative finish
Margaret Avery Award: item which show excellent finish using any core skill
2024 Challenge -Ted Selwyn Trophy: The challenge is to take 100g of fibre, which you then divide into three. Process each of these three sections in a combination of different ways
Joyce Cooke Trophy: members' choice
Tiro Award: for an item made by a Guild member with less than one year's experience in his/her chosen craft
Judge's Choice: most outstanding entry from all categories
CATEGORIES DEFINED
Below are the categories and the skills criteria for each. We have reviewed and, we hope, clarified, each category. There are two new weaving categories and one extra dyeing challenge. We have also re-named the ‘Any other item ’ trophy in memory of Margaret Avery, a life-long crafter who was skilled in each of the three core skills of spinning, weaving and dyeing. This trophy will be a niddy-noddy, which the winner can use and enjoy for the year.
Below are the categories and the skills criteria for each. We have reviewed and, we hope, clarified, each category. There are two new weaving categories and one extra dyeing challenge. We have also re-named the ‘Any other item ’ trophy in memory of Margaret Avery, a life-long crafter who was skilled in each of the three core skills of spinning, weaving and dyeing. This trophy will be a niddy-noddy, which the winner can use and enjoy for the year.
- You may enter as many categories as you like, but only one item in each category
- Your item must fit the criteria and have been completed within the last 12 months.
- If you have won in a category, you may not enter something into that category the following year.
The Lesley Neate Trophy
In memory of Lesley Neate who was a talented member of the Guild and who specialised in spinning fine and even yarns, using natural wools.
This trophy is awarded to the person whose finished item:
- Demonstrates skill in making best use of the natural colours of fleece
The Joan Boardman Trophy
Joan was a very active member and a past Chairperson of the Devon Guild. She encouraged members to learn and to improve their skills.
This trophy is awarded to the person whose finished item:
Joan was a very active member and a past Chairperson of the Devon Guild. She encouraged members to learn and to improve their skills.
This trophy is awarded to the person whose finished item:
- Uses either their own prepared yarn from hand-prepared fleece, natural or dyed or commercially prepared tops.
- Demonstrates skills and creativity in selection of colour, design and fibre
- Is either knitted or crocheted. An entry may also be a pair, if gloves, socks or similar.
The Edna Gibson Trophy
In memory of Edna Gibson a former member, was an excellent spinner and knitter.
This trophy is awarded to the person who prepares and spins:
In memory of Edna Gibson a former member, was an excellent spinner and knitter.
This trophy is awarded to the person who prepares and spins:
- a skein of yarn, of no more than 100 grams in weight.
- It may be as plain or as fancy as you wish.
- You may use any fibre that it is possible to spin, plain, ‘designer’, textured or with inclusions.
- It can be any thickness, within the 100-gram limit. Demonstrate your imagination and skill.
The Eleanor Matthews Trophy
Eleanor was a skilled spinner, particularly with a spindle. She was also known for her expertise in knitting and for creating garments without the aid of a pattern, this skill was partly due to dyslexia.
This trophy is awarded to the person whose finished item:
Eleanor was a skilled spinner, particularly with a spindle. She was also known for her expertise in knitting and for creating garments without the aid of a pattern, this skill was partly due to dyslexia.
This trophy is awarded to the person whose finished item:
- Is entirely composed of yarn which you have spun using a drop spindle.
- The choice of item is entirely up to you as is the fibres or combinations of fibres you include.
The Shetland Challenge Trophy
In 1993 the oil tanker Braer sank off Shetland causing extensive pollution to the area. Joan Boardman (president of the Devon Guild at the time) wrote a letter of commiseration to the Shetland Guild, and as a result a party from the Devon Guild visited the Islands. The tray was presented to them as a memento, and the challenge was born.
This challenge alternates between Shetland Lace one year, and Fair Isle the next. A pattern is provided each year. For 2024 it is a lace pattern, which is published on the website. The item must be knitted with your own hand spun yarn, which must be Shetland wool. Originally, it would have been hand spun from your own prepared fleece. Now, commercially prepared Shetland fibre is also permitted, but it must be made clear on the entry form which has been used. Please include with your entry a small sample of your starting fibre (fleece, roving etc) and a small length of your spun yarn,
The challenge is to spin a Shetland yarn which is well spun and suited to the pattern. SEE Events Page for more details.
In 1993 the oil tanker Braer sank off Shetland causing extensive pollution to the area. Joan Boardman (president of the Devon Guild at the time) wrote a letter of commiseration to the Shetland Guild, and as a result a party from the Devon Guild visited the Islands. The tray was presented to them as a memento, and the challenge was born.
This challenge alternates between Shetland Lace one year, and Fair Isle the next. A pattern is provided each year. For 2024 it is a lace pattern, which is published on the website. The item must be knitted with your own hand spun yarn, which must be Shetland wool. Originally, it would have been hand spun from your own prepared fleece. Now, commercially prepared Shetland fibre is also permitted, but it must be made clear on the entry form which has been used. Please include with your entry a small sample of your starting fibre (fleece, roving etc) and a small length of your spun yarn,
The challenge is to spin a Shetland yarn which is well spun and suited to the pattern. SEE Events Page for more details.
The Coldharbour Mill Weaving Trophy (Weaving Category 1)
This trophy is awarded to the person whose finished item:
• Demonstrates skill in weaving using a multi-shaft loom (4 or more shafts).
The challenge is to make a finished piece. The choice of fibres and the size of the finished piece is up to you. The threads used do not have to be of your own spinning.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NOW TWO FURTHER WEAVING CATEGORIES
This trophy is awarded to the person whose finished item:
• Demonstrates skill in weaving using a multi-shaft loom (4 or more shafts).
The challenge is to make a finished piece. The choice of fibres and the size of the finished piece is up to you. The threads used do not have to be of your own spinning.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NOW TWO FURTHER WEAVING CATEGORIES
The Jean Field Award (Weaving Category 2)
Awarded for skill in weaving on a non-shaft loom, for example Peg, Rigid Heddle, Pin, Brinkley, Tablet, Saorie and Inkle.
The challenge is to create a finished piece. Your entry demonstrates your skills in weaving technique, choice of design and fibres used. The choice of design and fibre is up to you.
Awarded for skill in weaving on a non-shaft loom, for example Peg, Rigid Heddle, Pin, Brinkley, Tablet, Saorie and Inkle.
The challenge is to create a finished piece. Your entry demonstrates your skills in weaving technique, choice of design and fibres used. The choice of design and fibre is up to you.
Tapestry Weaving (Weaving Category 3)
Awarded for skill weaving on a tapestry frame.
The challenge is to create a finished piece. Your entry demonstrates your skills in tapestry weaving, including your choice of design and fibres.
Awarded for skill weaving on a tapestry frame.
The challenge is to create a finished piece. Your entry demonstrates your skills in tapestry weaving, including your choice of design and fibres.
Natural Dye Trophy and Synthetic Dye Trophy
There are two identical trophies, one each for Natural Dyeing and Synthetic Dyeing.
Each trophy is awarded to the person who enters:
Either:
There are two identical trophies, one each for Natural Dyeing and Synthetic Dyeing.
Each trophy is awarded to the person who enters:
Either:
- a single skein or multiple skeins up to a total of 100 grams. Labelled with the dye (s)/dye stuff(s) used.
- A single piece of fabric (up to one metre/yard square) or up to 6 smaller pieces no larger than 6”/15cm square. Labelled with the dye (s)/dye stuff(s) used.
- You can use a single dyestuff or combination of dyestuffs, mordants and modifiers.
Use of Dye and/or Decorative Finish
This category is for an item including accessories and garments which have been dyed and/or have a decorative finish using dyes, plant materials or natural colouring materials. Techniques for this category could include natural or synthetic dyeing, Shibori (tie-dye), resist techniques, space dyeing, ice-dyeing, printing and Botanical/Eco-Printing either on their own or in combination.
The challenge is to demonstrate both creativity and skill in the use of dyes and/or decorative finishes in a finished item.
This category is for an item including accessories and garments which have been dyed and/or have a decorative finish using dyes, plant materials or natural colouring materials. Techniques for this category could include natural or synthetic dyeing, Shibori (tie-dye), resist techniques, space dyeing, ice-dyeing, printing and Botanical/Eco-Printing either on their own or in combination.
The challenge is to demonstrate both creativity and skill in the use of dyes and/or decorative finishes in a finished item.
The Margaret Avery Trophy
This trophy is in memory of Margaret Avery a skilled, all-round crafter. It is awarded to the person whose finished item:
This trophy is in memory of Margaret Avery a skilled, all-round crafter. It is awarded to the person whose finished item:
- Demonstrates good skills one or more of the core skills of spinning, weaving or dyeing. Eco-printing may also be included.
- Any form of any of the core skills can be included to stand alone or in combination with other skills and techniques.
- Please include details of skills and techniques used on a label for the judges information.
Chairs Challenge – Ted Selwyn Trophy 2024
Ted Selwyn is remembered for his skill and willingness to keep member’s spinning wheels working and in good condition. The trophy was made by Ted.
This challenge is set and judged by Judy.
The challenge is to take 100g of fibre, which you then divide into three. Process each of these three sections in a combination of different ways. Show variety and ingenuity in the dyeing, preparation, spinning and plying to produce three very different skeins of around 30g each. You can select fleece, top, roving or other form of wool which can be spun as your starting fibre.
Chairs Challenge – Ted Selwyn Trophy 2024
Ted Selwyn is remembered for his skill and willingness to keep member’s spinning wheels working and in good condition. The trophy was made by Ted.
This challenge is set and judged by Judy.
The challenge is to take 100g of fibre, which you then divide into three. Process each of these three sections in a combination of different ways. Show variety and ingenuity in the dyeing, preparation, spinning and plying to produce three very different skeins of around 30g each. You can select fleece, top, roving or other form of wool which can be spun as your starting fibre.
The Members Choice/Joyce Cook Trophy
This highly coveted trophy is voted for by members on the day as their favourite item entered across all categories. It is awarded to the person whose finished item gains the greater number of votes.
This highly coveted trophy is voted for by members on the day as their favourite item entered across all categories. It is awarded to the person whose finished item gains the greater number of votes.
The Tyro Trophy
Awarded to a member with less than one year’s experience in the craft of their competition entry, the winner will be chosen from across all categories. Please mark your entry form to show that your entry is in a skill you have been learning for less than one year.
Awarded to a member with less than one year’s experience in the craft of their competition entry, the winner will be chosen from across all categories. Please mark your entry form to show that your entry is in a skill you have been learning for less than one year.