I’m looking at the 2007 Arts Schedule here, and under “Special Arts Regulations” it says this:
9. Exhibits (with the exception of quilts, weaving and spinning) which have been washed will be disqualified.
Huh? Do they really mean that? I had been planning on giving the Cabled Jacket of Doom a gentle hand wash and then a blocking, but it sounds like they’re saying they’d boot me for that. What’s the problem with washing, anyway? All my stuff is covered in cat hair!
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5 responses to “Easter Show Quandry”
That has always been the rule. I don’t get it either. Maybe you should contact them to clarify. What’s the difference between wetting and blocking (whch you have to do with lace) and washing?
A-ha! I just rang them. The lady I spoke to was nice but didn’t even know what blocking was. Apparently, the reasoning behind the rule is that the garments aren’t supposed to have been worn. So when I mentioned that one of my pieces was covered in cat hair, she was like, “Sure! I mean, if the piece is soiled, you can wash it.” So I might risk a mild hand wash on the cardigan when it’s finished.
According to Veronica at SSK last week, if they can smell detergent on it you’re booted. So, hand wash in water only or detergent that doesn’t smell.
Maybe they’re surreptitiously outlawing anything felted??
Blocking it totally an american thing! I’ve mentioned it to older women and they’re like *blank stare*.