๐งต Appalachian Stitch & Style: The Sullivan County Tennessee Fair Embroidery Showcase
๐ A Celebration of Heritage and Artistry
The Sullivan County Tennessee Fair is proud to present its inaugural “Appalachian Stitch & Style” Embroidery Showcase. We invite all residents of Sullivan County and the surrounding Tri-Cities and Appalachian region to demonstrate their needlework talents! This contest celebrates both traditional and contemporary embroidery, honoring the rich history of textile arts in our region while embracing modern creativity.
From traditional hand-stitched sampler patterns to innovative machine embroidery designs, we welcome all skill levels, from beginners to experienced masters.
๐๏ธ Contest Details & Schedule
Venue: Sullivan County Fairgrounds, Piney Flats, TN
- Entry Form Deadline: ๐ All participants must register online by July 18.
- Digital Delivery Of Item Deadline: ๐ July 25th A digital image of completed pieces must be delivered to the designated email box by 5 PM on July 25th
- Judging Dates: ๐ July 26th – 31st Judging will be conducted by a panel of local and regional textile art experts, 4-H leaders, and community artists.
- Public Exhibition Delivery: ๐ All winning pieces must be delivered to the grounds by 5 PM on August 2nd. Ribbons will be placed on displayed items.
- Item Pickup: ๐ Pieces may be picked up between 10 AM and 6 PM on Sunday, August 9th . Pieces must be picked up physically. Pieces not picked up within 30 days may be donated to a local non-profit.
โ๏ธ Categories of Entry
Participants may enter one piece in each of the following categories, with separate divisions for adults and youth.
Adult Divisions (Ages 16+)
- Hand Embroidery – Traditional: Cross-stitch, crewel, traditional samplers, and other historic/traditional techniques. (Judged primarily on technical precision and adherence to traditional styles).
- Hand Embroidery – Contemporary: Freehand designs, modern patterns, thread painting, mixed media on fabric. (Judged on originality, creativity, and artistic execution).
- Machine Embroidery: Projects created using a sewing machine, primarily focused on digitized designs, applique, and precision. (Judged on digitized design quality, stitching quality, and final construction).
- Functional Art: Embroidered items that are usable, such as a quilt block, clothing piece, throw pillow, or bag. (Judged on the integration of embroidery into the final product).
Youth Divisions (Ages 15 and under)
- Youth Needlework: Focus on introductory work, simple cross-stitch kits, or basic hand-stitching.
- Youth Embroidery: Projects can be traditional hand, contemporary hand, or basic machine embroidery. Youth are encouraged to enter their own original designs or well-executed kits.
๐จ Judging Criteria
All entries will be judged on a 100-point scale:
- Technique & Execution (40 points): Technical precision, consistent stitch length, correct use of materials, and general cleanliness and finish.
- Design & Creativity (30 points): Originality of the design, creative use of color and texture, and overall artistic impact. (Kits will be judged primarily on execution and a unique presentation or framing choice).
- Complexity & Difficulty (20 points): The intricacy of the piece and the skill required.
- Presentation & Framing (10 points): Neatness of mounting, quality and suitability of the frame or final product presentation, and cleanliness of the final piece.
๐ Prizes & Recognition
The following will be awarded in each division/category, with special major awards:
- Blue Ribbon (1st Place): ๐ฅ
- Red Ribbon (2nd Place): ๐ฅ
- White Ribbon (3rd Place): ๐ฅ
๐ Important Rules & Guidelines
- Residency: Open to residents of Sullivan County, TN, the wider Tri-Cities area, and the Appalachian region. (A specific local-county rule can be added, e.g., “Must live/work/own property in Sullivan County or the contiguous TN counties”).
- Original Work: All entries (with the exception of designated “kit” items) must be the original work of the entrant. Original designs must be stated and will be weighted accordingly during judging.
- Kits: Kits are welcome in general categories but must be clearly labeled as such. The execution of a kit is still eligible for top-tier technique scores, though original work will receive more creative points. Kits are not eligible for “Best in Show” unless exceptionally unique in final execution.
- Condition: All entries must be clean, odor-free, and well-finished (no loose threads, appropriate backing/mounting).
- Submission: All pieces must be labeled securely on the back with the entrant’s name, division, and category. An entry form (digital or physical) must accompany each item.
- Limit on Entries: 1 entry per person per category.
- Fairโs Right to Refuse: The fair reserves the right to decline any entry for reasons of size, subject matter, or quality, and to make final determinations on category classification.
- Security & Liability: All reasonable care will be taken of exhibits, but the Sullivan County Tennessee Fair, its organizers, and sponsors are not responsible for any loss or damage. Entrants are encouraged to consider personal insurance for valuable pieces.
- Entry Fee: NO FEE
- Email: If not uploading pictures of pieces at the time of entry, please send to [email protected] by the deadline July 25th.