2014 4-H Trade Show was a tremendous success!
We are excited to have the Collegiate 4-H Members assisting this year with our exhibitor booth and scavenger hunt. Alpaca trivia was very interesting to all that participated.
Alpaca was listed in the wool category competitions. The "2015 Alpaca, Fiber of the Future" service project was approved by the Texas 4-H State Board.
http://fcs.tamu.edu/clothing/4h/community-service/2015-alpaca-wool-contest.pdf
Utilizing Alpaca- A Natural Fiber
2015 4-H Alpaca Wool Challenge and Community Service Project
Overview
A new statewide wool contest and community service project will unite alpaca wool producers with 4-H Clothing and Textiles 4-H youth. 4-H participants will take a sample of yarn provided by Alpaca producers combined with other yarns of their choosing in order to create a knitted, crocheted, or woven item of clothing or textile that can be used. The item can be constructed by either an individual or a group including 4-Her’s, adult leaders and community members who would like to assist the youth in the making of the project. Items will be judged at the same time as the 4-H Quilt Challenge Quilts. Unused wool skeins must be returned if a project is not entered.
Categories:
? Accessories-
Examples: pairs of socks, pairs of gloves, leggings, jewelry, scarves, hats
? Clothing-
Examples: vests, shirts, sweaters, skirts, shirts, ponchos
? Non-Wearable-
Examples: throw blankets, lap blankets, table runners
Purpose: The alpaca wool challenge and community service project will provide youth with the opportunity to use their skills gained in the 4-H clothing and textiles project to complete a knitted, crocheted, or woven item of clothing or a blanket. The items will then be donated to a charity.
Objectives:
? Demonstrate the principles and elements of design in yarn crafts.
? Set goals to accomplish the construction of a knitting, crochet or woven project.
? Construct an article of clothing or blanket of good design, appropriate yarns, and quality workmanship.
2014-2015 Alpaca Wool Challenge Contest Awards
Awards: Blue, Red, and White awards will be given to entries based on the scoring criteria.
Best of Category Awards: One Best of Category Award will be presented to one entry in each category.
2015 Alpaca Wool Challenge Rules
1. Participation Age: The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Alpaca Wool Challenge is open to any age 4-H Club member. All quilters need to be registered on 4-H CONNECT.
2. Eligibility of Quilts: All quilts must have been made by 4-H members between the dates of June 1, 2014, and the time of entry. All work must be done by the exhibitor(s). Adults may assist in the design and construction through demonstration only.
3. Number of Entries: 4-H members may participate in the creation of one (1) item to be judged either as an individual or as part of a group.
4. Alpaca Wool items can be entered into one of the following categories:
a. Accessories- pairs of socks, pairs of gloves, leggings, jewelry, scarves, hats
b. Clothing- vests, shirts, sweaters, skirts, shirts, ponchos
c. Non-Wearable- throw blankets, lap blankets, table runners
5. Entry Fee for items to Be Judged: A fee of $15.00 item must be paid for each entry. All entries paid by check must come from the County/Club checking account and made payable to the TEXAS 4-H FOUNDATION. The contact person will register the quilt under their name. In the registration process, there is a place to enter all of the names of individuals in the group.
6. Entry Deadline: By midnight on April 15, 2015, all registrations must be submitted on 4-H CONNECT. All club/county checks must be received by April 21, 2015. Items need to be mailed in to be judged. The deadline for delivery is May 1, 2015.
Mail items to:
Angela McCorkle
MS 2251
578 John Kimbrough
Bldg. 1536, Room 145
College Station TX 77843-2251
7. Disqualification of an Entry: An entry that does not follow the rules or category guidelines will automatically be disqualified. Disqualifications forfeit all entry fees. A general form letter specifying the reason(s) for disqualification will be sent to the county after Alpaca Wool Challenge judging. Reasons for disqualification include:
? Item of extremely poor quality
? Item does not meet category criteria or entered in incorrect category
? Entry fee not paid or only partial fee paid
? County did not select/certify quilt to represent county
? Item was NOT entered into the 4-H CONNECT system
? Entry was not certified by county office in timely manner
8. Release of Liability: The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation and/or its employees/agents involved in the contest will not be held liable for missing, mislabeled, or non-displayed items . By entry, the 4-H member accepts this release.
9. Announcement of Results: Results will be posted on the Texas 4-H website after judging.
10. Display and Future Rights Use Rights: By submitting an entry to the contest, the 4-H member grants permission to the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation, and any other public or private agency authorized by the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program, the use and rights associated to the use of the quilts in promotional publications and other media without compensation. Certain photos of quilts may be used for 4-H program and marketing purposes. By entry, the 4-H member accepts these conditions of display and future use.
11. Judges: Judges will determine the placings. Their decision on all entries is final.
Alpaca Wool Challenge Questions and Answers:
Q. What if you have a local cause that you want to support?
A. We encourage you to create items for local organizations. This year you will have the opportunity to have items made for a local charity judged at the state level.
Q. Where do I get my challenge wool?
A. The Alpaca Wool Challenge provides one challenge wool skein for those interested in creating a garment or blanket.
Each individual or group that creates an item will provide additional of the wool to complete their project.
Q. Can adults help youth?
A. Yes, this project is to encourage youth, adult leaders, and families to help in this creation of the project item.
Q. How many people can participate?
A. We have a limited number of skeins available. Participation is on a first come, first serve basis.
Q. What size of a blanket? A. One alpaca wool skein will be given for each entry; all other fibers will have to be provided by the contestant.
Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating