2009 Knitting and Crocheting Contests

People who have a knack for knitting and/or crocheting as well as for competing in contests will be excited to learn of some knitting and crocheting contests during 2009. Several of these contests are dedicated to nonprofit organizations, so individuals will be knitting for a meaningful purpose as well as for entertainment. It is not just about winning a contest but also about sharing your gift of knitting and crocheting with the world. Three of these contests are listed below:

The "Neck's" Best Thing Scarf Contest

This contest is dedicated to the Orphan Foundation of America that provides financial assistance, mentors, and care packages to orphans who have been accepted into colleges. The "Neck's Best Thing" is an extension of the Foundation's "Red Scarf Project" that is described on their website http://orphan.org. All scarves entered into the contest will be donated to this foundation to be included in the care packages. This contest is hosted by the third annual Mall of America Knit Out and Crochet eventthat will take place at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN on Saturday, February 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, February, 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in 2009. The events at the Knit-Out include fashion shows, demonstrations, and prize drawings. A brief description of the contest guidelines are to knit or crochet an original, unisex red scarf that is a maximum of 60 inches long and five to eight inches wide. The scarves may also contain other colors such as black, navy, or gold, and it is preferred that the yarn be light bulky, DK, or worsted. The deadline for submitting the scarves, at the Knit-Out's Information Booth, is no later than 1 pm on either of the days as the winners will be announced at 3 p.m. during both days. Directions to the Mall of America are available at www.mallofamerica.com. This contest is further detailed on http://www.craftyarncouncil.com and http://orphan.org.

Vanna's Choice Contest

The Vanna's Choice contest is sponsored by the Lion Brand Yarn Company at Michael's craft stores. This contest simply involves mailing a photograph of your creation within the categories of afghan, baby, fashion, or craft that must be made with Vanna's Choice yarn or Vanna's Choice Baby yarn. Lion Brand judges will select 32 winners on the basis of balanced creativity and workmanship. The grand prize winner will receive a trip to California to meet Vanna White and an invitation to be a guest audience member of the game show Price is Right. First place winners will receive $1,000, three second place winners will receive $500, and four third place winners will receive $100 Michaels gift cards. The deadline of this contest is February 1, 2009. Further details of this contest may be found on http:// vannaschoice.com.

TKGA Pattern Design Contest 2009

The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) contest is sponsored by Yarnmarket.com. Participants may choose from over 700 yarns from yarnmarket.com to create garments in the categories of Women's Fashion, Men's Wear, Children's Fashion, Baby's Fashion, and Accessories. The garments must be an original creation which means no duplication of patterns. The entries are initially judged from photos that must be mailed with a limit of three per person. They are judged on appeal, use of stitches, color, and material as well as workmanship and appearance. The entry deadline is March 11, 2009. Winners are announced at the Knit and Crochet Show in Portland, OR on May 14-17. Finalists are notified by April 1 and must be TKGA members. They must then submit the actual knit creation by April 14. Further details regarding this contest may be found on www.knitandcrochetshow.com and tkga.com.

There is definitely something for everyone who is a knitter or crocheter. The "Kneck's" Best Thing Scarf Contest is great for knitter's or crocheters who live in Minnesota or who like to travel since the scarves must be submitted at the Knit-Out event; the Vanna's Choice Contest is also great for someone who desires to travel (in case he/she wins the grand prize of a trip to California) but is also good for non-travelers (for first, second, and third, prize winners); and the TKGA Pattern Design Contest is ideal for knitters who may or may not like to travel and who is very original.

Sources

www.craftyarncouncil.com/knitoutbrochure.html

www.knitandcrochetshow.com/springshow.asp

www.mallofamerica.com.

orphan.org

tkga.com

vannaschoice.com