ALPACAS OF MINNESOTA
AOBA Certified Alpaca Fleece Show
May 8-10, 2009
Fourth Annual Fleece Show

Alpacas of Minnesota is hosting our fourth annual AOBA Certified Alpaca fleece show.

Our Fleece Show will again be held in conjunction with Shepherd's Harvest. Everyone is invited to visit Shepherd's Harvest in Lake Elmo, Minnesota and see all the great alpaca fleeces in the competition.

For the first time there will be an alpaca fiber arts competition. Knitters, crocheters, weavers and felters, here is your chance. Articles must contain at least 50% alpaca. Below are the rules and entry forms for the alpaca fiber arts competion.

Also there will be a retail booth. Here the Alpacas of Minnesota members will be selling their fleeces, roving and yarn. Fiber artists be warned: bring a drool cloth! You won't be able to resist the luxury of alpaca fiber!

Full fleeces shorn between April 25, 2008 and May 8, 2009 can be entered in the fleece show. Alpaca Breeders: please plan on showing your best fleeces. Below are the rules and forms needed to enter the Alpaca Fleece Show.

For more info on this show, or more about alpacas and their fleeces come to: www.alpacasofmn.com

Alpaca Fleece Show

• This is an AOBA Certified fleece show all rules and guidelines must comply with the 2009 AOBA Show Division Handbook.
• For membership information or to join the Show Division in lieu of paying the non-AOBA Show Division member fee of $75 per show fee, contact the AOBA Office at 615-834-4195.
• All fleeces entered in the Show must be from alpacas registered by the Alpaca Registry,Inc. (ARI).
• Copies of ARI registration certificates must be included with entries.
• Owner of Record for Entry to Show Forms are accepted if properly executed by owner shown on ARI certificate.
• Color Check is required as part of fleece check in and fleeces may be moved to a more appropriate class.
• Limit of three fleeces per owner (individual(s)/farm/entity) per breed type (Huacaya and Suri), per age division, per color designation.
• Entries must be postmarked by April 18, 2009 and received by April 24, 2009. Entries postmarked after that date will be returned.
• Fleeces will be combined into color groups according to show size under AOBA Color Combining rules (same as halter) See chart in the current AOBA Show Handbook
• No refunds, substitutions or changes allowed after April 24, 2009.
• Mail-in fleeces accepted. Fleeces mailed back only if appropriate fee in enclosed with entry. Not responsible for lost or damaged fleeces.
• NOTE: Color Championships require 10 for huacaya and 8 for suri.
   
  

  ENTRIES WITH INCOMPLETE INFORMATION OR INCORRECT PAYMENT AMOUNTS WILL BE RETURNED FOR CORRECTION PLEASE CHECK YOUR ENTRIES CAREFULLY.

Fleece Show Entry Rules as a Word Doc.
Fleece Show Entry Rules in PDF format.
Fleece Show Entry Form as a Word Doc.
Fleece Show Entry Form in PDF format.
Fleece Show Entry Tag as a Word Doc.
Fleece Show Entry Tag in PDF format.
Fleece Exhibitor Disclosure as a Word Doc.
Fleece Exhibitor Disclosure in PDF format.

2009 Shepherd’s Harvest Fiber Festival
Alpaca Fiber Arts Competition

Fiber Arts Rules
Fiber Arts Judge: experienced guild member

Fiber Arts Competition

Fiber Arts Divisions:
	Fiber Artist Beginner Youth – Age 18 and younger, working in the Fiber Art for less than 1 year Fiber Artist Beginner Adult – Over 18, working in the Fiber Art for less than 1 year Fiber Artist Intermediate (Working in the Fiber Art for more than 1 year). Fiber Artist Advanced (Working in the Fiber Art for more than 2 year and has received a score of 90 or greater within a given class).
Fiber Arts Categories
	All handwork – 100% handspun yarns with 100% handmade construction, and/or 100% hand-felted Partial of non-handwork – Use of commercially spun yarn and/or knitting machine made construction Partial or non-handwork – Less than 100% hand-felted
Fiber Arts Groups
	Woven Felt Knit Crochet Lace
Fiber Arts Classes
	Accessories – Any technique – Gloves, scarves, socks, and other small wearable items such as jewelry Shawls – Any technique Hats – Any technique Garments – Sweaters Garments – Vests Hearth & Home – Any technique – Art and Toys (pictures, wall hangings, statues, etc.) Hearth & Home – Any technique – Home Furnishing (rugs, pillows, Afghans, etc.)

Rules

1. All Entries, in all classes, must consist of 50% or more alpaca fiber.
2. All Fiber Arts items must be one-of-a-kind items crafted by the exhibitor.
3. A maximum of 1 entry per division/category/group/class per exhibitor.
4. Items must have been completed between May 9, 2008 and May 1. 2009.
5. Each item must be accompanied by written description that provides construction details. The construction description requires, but is not limited to the following information: fiber preparation, fiber content, techniques used, pattern designer, yarn used and intended use. This description will be included in the points for judging. Written description shall not exceed a 3” x 5” card and must NOT contain identifying information, including but not limited to alpaca name, individual name or ranch identifying information. NOTE: Description cards containing identifying information will be removed and NO points for written description will be awarded.
6. No substitution at the show.
7. Judging Criteria: Items will be judged by experienced fiber artist with points given for visual appeal, design, color, texture, craftsmanship, cleanliness, cohesiveness, consistency, tension, gauge/stitch size, correctness of finish, structural durability, selvedges/joins, correct needle size or correct set, finishing, notions, blocking, final finishing, handle, creativity & innovation, construction description and intent.
8. Ribbons will be awarded in each division/category/group/class.
9. Classes may be combined if less than 4 entries per class are received.
10. The judge or Fiber Arts Show Superintendent may change the category/class of an item at his/her discretion.
11. Entry Fees: $10 per item of Fiber Arts Entry. This fee includes $3 AOBA fee.
12. The Entry Form and Fees should be sent to Shepherd’s Harvest Alpaca Show. Items to be postmarked no later than April 18, 2009.
    Mail Entry form and payment postmarked by April 18, 2009 to:
               Kit Almich, North Country Alpacas, 30224 Lexington Rd., Le Sueur, MN 56058
13. Items maybe mailed to Kit, postmarked by May 1, 2009 or delivered to the Alpaca Fleece Show at Shepherd’s Harvest on Friday May 8, 2009, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
14. Items must be left on display until 3:00 pm Sunday, May 10, 2009. Items will be mailed back to you for a fee.

    Alpaca Fiber Arts Competition Information as a Word DOC
    Alpaca Fiber Arts Competition Information in PDF format
    Alpaca Fiber Arts Competition Entry Form as a Word DOC
    Alpaca Fiber Arts Competition Entry Form in PDF format
    Alpaca Fiber Arts Competition Entry Tag as a Word DOC
    Alpaca Fiber Arts Competition Entry Tag in PDF format