The Orange County Fair

I entered my striped crossbody bag in the fair this year, which kinda makes me giggle every time I say it.  My dad entered some of his paintings, so I got all inspired and entered my bag. Plus, the entry fee was only $5 and it came with a free ($11) ticket to the fair, so to me it was too good of a deal to pass up. I wasn't really invested in actually winning anything.  It was a pleasant surprise when I got my entry packet at the registration drop-off to have already received an awesome screaming bright orange Participant ribbon.

We went to the fair today to go see my bag.  I almost didn't see it, it was kinda tucked in a corner.  I'm glad I didn't plan on winning, since the bag that won in our division was a vintage beaded knit design with the flippin' tiniest thread ever.  It totally deserved the win...  I am going to have to up my game for next year!  LOL!!!

This year there was a yarn bombing event at the fair.  It was super cool.  They solicited everyone that entered in the yarn-y categories to knit or crochet 10"x16" pennants to add to the event.  Of course I had to participate!  Here's the pennant I made:

The stars are on both sides, since I didn't want my sewing stitches to show through.  

I got a lovely surprise when I dropped the pennant off at the front gate.  I had apparently gotten registered in time to get a free ticket for participating!  So, Jake and I used my two (2!!) free tickets, and since Mims is 5 she got in free anyway.  Yay for Yarn!!!  I was also super excited to get my awesome sticker!

It was fun to see the yarn bombing groups working in the main square of the fair.  They were working like crazy to get all the pennants stitched together.  They had created really colorful and fun covers for the benches in the square, and they had covered  two cow and pig sculptures nearby. We had to wait around for a couple of hours for my pennant to make it on to a garland and get hung in the trees.  So we went to check out the Fine Art Pavillion where we saw that my dad had received an honorable mention for one of his pen and ink pieces!  Then we shared a funnel cake.  Finally, we checked back with the yarn bombing group and my pennant was with the group that was going up into the trees.  I was so excited when I watched it being hung up.

So, if you're going to the Orange County Fair anyway, go by and check it out.  You can also go see my Striped Crossbody Bag (the pattern is available on Craftsy for $1) in the Home Arts Pavillion.  Oh, and a little heads up to anyone that might go:  Wear sunscreen!  There's not much shade, and virtually no shade in most of the eating areas.  I am bright tomato red tonight, and we weren't there that long...  Of course, I AM half vampire... Jake is joking that I'm "The Girl on Fire" tonight.  Ah, Hunger Games humor...

xoxo

btw, I got another picture for the Dynamo Gallery!!! I love seeing what you guys have done!  If you'd like to add your own picture to the gallery, please send photos to CrochetDynamite(at)gmail(dot)com.  I'd love to show off what you've done!!  (And, if you've got a blog or site, I'd be happy to link your picture to it! Just send me the link in your email.)
xo Jaime