Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

Vision Statement “The MAAS Board will lead in revitalizing our rural communities”  Mission Statement “The MAAS Board will provide Manitoba Agricultural Societies with the vehicles and opportunities to develop and promote vital rural communities.”

 

Standards for Judging Handicrafts and Quilting

General Score Card for Judging

6   Points   General Appearance, Impact, Color 11   Points   Creative Design   4   Points   Workmanship 21   Points   Total

Merit is given for originality, innovative use of new ideas and fresh interpretations of traditional designs and/or techniques.

(6) General Appearance, Impact, Color

• Article is neat, clean, tidy, free from markings

• Dimensions are accurate

• Frame suits design and technique

• Borders are equal on sides and top, wider on bottom edge

• Fabrics are on grain

• Article is ready to use

• Materials, time and money spent in making article is justified by its beauty, usefulness and durability

• Colors look attractive together and suit design and use of the article. Up-to-date styles and new products are encouraged

(11) Creative Design

• Size and shape suits use of the article. Materials chosen are appropriate for its use. Design principles are satisfied

• Balance - both sides of the design have equal visual weight. Large/bright object close to centre balances smaller/duller object further from the centre. Heaviest objects are near the bottom

• Rhythm - repetition of shapes or colors draws eye around whole object

• Harmony - all aspects (line, shape, color, size, texture, idea) go together

• Proportion - size of parts of design are in proportion to the whole object and each other. Design is not divided exactly in ½ to ∕3

• Emphasis - focal point of design gives eye a place to stop

(4) Workmanship

• Has the article been crafted using reasonable standards of quality workmanship? Does the quality of work affect the appearance and/or usefulness of the article?
  

Workmanship for Various Media

Calligraphy. Legibility most important. Letters slant uniformly. Letters even in size and in most cases, width. Sides of letters straight and parallel to each other. Letters sit on the lines.

Ceramics. Painting accurate, attractive. Brush marks do not show. Decals undamaged, no ridges on edges. Seamlines removed. Glazed completely and evenly. Glaze free from bubbles, cracks, crazing, pitting, lumps on bottom.

Christmas Tree Trims. Charm. Variety of media. Collection shares one common thing. e.g. color, theme. Each piece judged by standards for that media.

Crochet, Knitting, Tatting (Broomstick, Hairpin and Bobbin Lace). Even tension and stitch size. No holes or mistakes. Yarns joined at seam edges only. Yarn ends worked in. Edges do not ripple. Edging in proportion to overall size of garment. Trims neatly, securely attached. Blocked neatly, not overpressed. Elasticity of cast-on and cast-off knitting stitches. Seams flat, not bulky. Seams do not bulge or pull. Fronts and shoulders stabilized, if necessary.

Fair Isle Knitting. Two or more colors used together with yarns carried over no more than three stitches before securing
Machine Knitting. Complexity of pattern
Tatting. Rings even, picots uniform, new threads joined with square knots
Terveriffe (Needlemade Lace). Geometric, units usually circular, overhand knots, radiating lines from central point ie: "spoke-like"
Filet Crochet. Openwork mesh of chains and doubles, fill in chain space with doubles to create solid blocks. Lace-like

Découpage. Glued picture(s) onto a background and finished with layers of varnish - print suitable to size of article. No ripples or bubbles in print. Varnish smooth, even, no bubbles or drips. Modge Podge similar but fabric strips used to cover an article (often plastic or paper mâché base). Varnish to finish.

Dyeing

Silk Painting, Gutta Method. Large areas and background have no rings or lines. Dyes restrained by gutta. Attractive shading. Gutta removed completely
Batik. Cracking does not obscure design. Free from accidental drips
Tie-Dye. symmetry of design, visible fold resists

Embroidery. Neat, even hand stitches (except for special effects in creative stitchery). Ends securely fastened or worked in back of stitches. Transfer marks not visible.

Chicken-Scratch. Circular stitches do not go through fabric; yarn is not carried behind white gingham squares. Background fabric not puckered from too tight stitches. Threads cut invisibly in cutwork areas. Accuracy in keeping to design important, especially in counted thread, hardanger, etc.
Candlewicking. Heavy soft thread evenness of french knots, backstitch, outline and satin stitches
Crewel. Variety of stitches with crewel wool on linen fabric. Yarns may be cut and brushed
Hardanger. Drawn thread embroidery, usually white cotton, linen, silk thread on white fabric. Blocks of parallel satin stitches, worked closely over 4 threads of fabric, right angle turns - stitch in common hole in corner - basic outlines composed of right angled designs. Interior threads are closely cut to satin stitches. Accuracy very important

Fabric Baskets, Boxes. Must hold shape when used. Construction sturdy, durable. Trims, decorations, lids and handles, if used, are attached securely. Symmetrical. Lids fit. No glue visible.

Floral Arrangements. Mechanics of arrangement hidden. Unblemished flowers and foliage. Table centrepieces low enough to see over. Accessories do not dominate arrangement.

Handbags, Tote Bags, Wallets. Accurately sewn. Handles securely attached. Lining, if used, attached securely. Usable size and shape.

Kitchen Accessories. Potholders, appliance covers, etc. Durable fabric. Potholders padded adequately to be safe, usable and washable. Trims securely attached. Stitching straight and secure.

Leatherwork. Lacing even. Ends worked in. Bevelled edges preferred where two sides joined together. Accuracy in carving or tooling design.

Machine Embroidery. Accuracy in sewing design. Thread ends finished off. Tension adjusted so stitches look smooth on top. Stitches even. Background not puckered. Shading attractive, carefully done. Use of stabilizer fabric (ie: stitch and tear) acceptable.

Macramé. Even tension. Straight horizontal and diagonal lines. Firm edges. Even loops. Ends worked in invisibly, securely. End of work knotted before making tassels.

Needlepoint, Pettipoint, Bargello, Cross-Stitch. Stitches done on canvas-like fabric. Denelope canvas is woven with pairs of thread running vertically and horizontally. Mono canvas woven so 1 thread equals 1 mesh. Two types of mono canvas: Regular - junctions are unstable. Interlock - the junction of mesh is secured with tiny thread wrapped around mesh. Mesh count equals stitch size.

Petitpoint. Mono canvas size 18-40, stitches all one way, background not filled
Bargello. Straight vertical stitches, mono canvas. Stitches may cross one or several threads. Overall zigzag like pattern is formed
Needlepoint. Mono canvas 8-14 count - stitches all one way, usually a wool yarn, background filled in as well
Cross-Stitch. Aida fabric/canvas - 8-32 count. All top threads travel the same direction, background fabric compliments the design. Watch for even thickness of thread, no visible wearing or fuzziness of thread, smooth surface, canvas not showing, no shadowing of darker threads through light. Blocked and matted straight

Painting, Drawing. Skilful use of media and tools. Perspective accurate. Shading gentle. Good contrast between lights and darks. Appropriately framed. Oils never under glass. No accidental spots of paint.

Padded Frames, Book Covers. Fabric stretched smoothly. Trims not overpowering. Clips on curves and gluing not visible. Corners not bulky.

Pottery. Even thickness of walls. Thrown are usually symmetrical. Stability important, especially for tall pots, lips and edges uniform and smooth. Lids fit. Handles straight, usable size, attached securely. No fingerprints. No cracks. Glaze even, no bumps, bubbles, crazing, pitting.

Ribbon Embroidery. Adds dimensional effect, common designs; flowers, butterflies, silk ribbon will not stand-up to wear, ideal for wall hangings, pictures, boxes, etc. Stitches wrapped, whipped, knotted and braided stitches are more durable and suited to clothing. Loop and plume stitches are delicate - better for pictures. Consider color and tones, types of fabric - Victorian when used with velvets, satins, taffetas. Use of trims and variety of threads, ie: silk, metallic or variegated add to effect. Polyester ribbon is available for use on garments.

Rugs. Must be flat. Edges must not ripple.

Latchet Hooked. Loops same height unless varied for emphasis. Binding or taping edges recommended. Punch hooked backgrounds follow design outline. Ends pulled to top and trimmed to pile height. Backing not visible when lying flat
Braided. Even braiding. Joining stitches secure. Ends worked in

Smocking. Depth of pleats even. Tension of threads even. Even stitch length. Thread ends fastened.

Stained Glass. Structurally sound, no cracks. Pieces fit together tightly. Soldering even width with few bumps. Copper foil tape applied so same amount shows on both sides of glass. Beading around edges smooth and rounded. Boxes square with well-leaded hinges. Lids open smoothly. Lamps wired safely.

Stencilling, Screen Printing. Smooth, clean edges. Paint has not run under stencil. Accurate placing of stencil or screen. Shading skilful.

Textile Painting. Includes fabric paints, glitter, shiny, puff, metallics and liquid embroidery. Fabric color often integral part of design. Fabric should not appear scrubbed. Free from streaks, blobs, missed parts, mistakes. Edges smooth. Shading gradual. Stamped pattern not visible. Squeeze-on paint lines smooth and joined invisibly.

Tole Painting, Rosemaling, Folk Art Painting. Brush marks do not show. Skill in painting. No bubbles, hairs, or bumps. Smoothly sanded background. Skilful shading. Control of brush in accuracy of lines, shapes. Traced lines don't dent wood. Textured paint, trims and accessories often used to produce a certain effect ie: country, victorian stains, washes and pickling; all techniques which impact on overall project - soften, age or antique.

Toys. Safety most important for children's toys - no buttons, wires, pipe cleaners. Ends of threads secured. Pile runs same way on both sides. Fur pile pulled out of seams. Firmly stuffed into all corners. Soft sculpture shows character. Mobiles balance correctly. Bright colors important for baby items.

WEaving. Dimensions even. Firm, straight selvages. Even tension. Yarn ends worked in. No mistakes. Balanced warp and weft. Even beating of wefts. Seams suitably finished, not bulky.

Wheat Weaving. Undamaged heads. Symmetry. Joins invisible. Trims complement weaving and are securely attached. Braiding even. Straws not flattened. Matching color and size of straws and heads. Uniform sides.

Woodwork. Smooth. Free from brush marks, hairs, lumps, bubbles, dust particles. Previous finish completely removed. Driftwood well cleaned. New wood finished, if necessary, before finish applied. New wood filled, if necessary. Screws and nails countersunk and filled. Construction sturdy.

Quilting

The art of the "Quilt Sandwich" encourage the creative side of the exhibiter or quilter. Be open to new and different techniques - creative use of trims or a new twist on an old design. Whatever technique a quilter has selected, ask yourself; what skill level have they achieved? If mitered corners are chosen are they accurate? If square corners are done did they end up square? Hand and machine quilted articles can be easily judged in the same class. Ask yourself as a judge, how many decisions did the quilter make?

This quilting scorecard can be easily used with garments, wall hangings or any other quilted item.

(50) Design and Artistic Merit

(25) Design and Overall Effect

• Pleasing impression

• All parts of design go together

• Unity of components

• Visual impact; neat and clean

• Lies or hangs flat

• Original design and innovative adaptations of traditional designs

(15) Use of Colour

• Harmonious

• Colours suitable to design and function of quilt

• Colours arranged for balance, rhythm, harmony, emphasis

(10) Use of Fabric

• Good quality
• Prewashed fabric
• Suitable to design and function of quilt
• Innovative use of fabric, trim, or embroidery
• Variety in texture and scale of prints

(50) Workmanship

(25) Piecing, Appliqué, Finishing

• Piecing

  • Points sharp, secure and accurate; curves smooth

  • Intersections meet evenly and lie flat

• • Construction smooth and well-stitched

  • Cleanly presses open with no thread showing

• Border and Sashing Strips

  • Straight, even; pieced seams inconspicuous and balanced

• Binding

  • Neatly and securely stitched, front and back; uniformly filled

  • Appropriate to design of quilt top; bias binding a true bias

  • Curved corners flow smoothly without puckers; square corners at 90°

  • Finished edges secure, flat, durable - may be bound, turned and stitched together or turned to the back or to the front and stitched

  • Batting extends into borders; quilt edges not rippled or pulled

• Appliqué
  • Edges finished smoothly; consistent stitches; reinforced concave corners
  • Hidden stitches - thread blends with appliquéd pieces
  • Visible stitches - coordinating or contrasting thread
  • Shadows showing through appliquéd pieces visible where appropriate
  • Zigzag stitches closely packed and even; mitered corners accurate
• Filler
  • Evenly distributed; suitable to technique used

(25) Quilting

• Hand stitches uniform, even in length front and back

• No knots or thread build-ups; 8 stitches per inch or more

• Thread ends hidden

• Design marking lines not visible

• Thread tension even; free from puckers and wrinkles

• Spacing of quilting appropriate to type of batting chosen and function of quilt