UPPER MIDWEST ALPACAS
AOBA Certified Alpaca Fleece Show
May 7-9, 2010
Fifth Annual Fleece Show

Upper Midwest Alpacas (formerly Alpacas of Minnesota) is hosting our fifth 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 second 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 Upper Midwest Alpacas 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 24, 2009 and May 7, 2010 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.uppermidwestalpacas.com

Alpaca Fleece Show

• This is an AOBA Certified fleece show all rules and guidelines must comply with the 2010 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, 2010 and received by April 24, 2010. 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, 2010.
• 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.

2010 Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep & Wool Festival
Alpaca Fiber Arts Show

Fiber Arts Rules
Fiber Arts Judge: experienced guild member

Fiber Arts Competition

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

Rules Fiber Arts Competiton

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 10, 2009 and May 1. 2010.
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. Fees should be made out to Upper Midwest Alpacas and sent no later than April 18, 2010.
    Mail to:
    Kit Almich
    North County Alpacas
    30224 Lexington Rd.
    Le Sueur, MN 56058
13. Check in at Fleece Show: Friday, May 7, no later 1:00 AM
14. Items must be left on display until 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 9, 2010..
15. Written authorization is required for someone other than the Exhibitor to pick up the item.

    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