San Mateo County Fair Visit

Rainbow pencil roll
Rainbow pencil roll

My entry did not win any prizes, but I enjoyed visiting the Fair anyway. My visit was too short, but fun.

I only entered the pencil roll. Next year, I will enter Old Town. I am pleased with how it came out. I am not sure what it was up against, so cannot determine why it didn’t win. I’ll find out more when I get the judge’s comments back.

Jaye & Julie, San Mateo County Fair 2025
Jaye & Julie, San Mateo County Fair 2025

The big event was Friend Julie and I sitting at the BAM table and talking to people. The goal is to add members. I shamelessly talked to almost everyone. I even went up to people and talked to them if they were nearby. We told them about the guild programs, such as community quilts. I showed a few people our challenge quilts. We also handed out cards showing all the info about the guild. For part of the time our DHs joined us. It was a good time and if I weren’t working I would do it again.

2025 San Mateo County Fair mare & foal
2025 San Mateo County Fair mare & foal

Before Friend Julie and her DH arrived, we walked around and looked at the different non-textile exhibits. My favorite was the mare and her foal. It was so relaxing to watch them, though the mare looked completely stressed out. The Chincoteague books** came to mind as I spent time with them.

When we, first, went into the barn, the baby was sleeping. We watched for awhile, then we wandered around the barn to look at the other animals. No chickens this year. Bird flu, I am guessing. When we circled back to the mare and foal, the foal was on his feet having a snack. It was adorable and made me think about the relationship of animals and humans. I haven’t had a pet in awhile and would be hard pressed to find one that would be as great as my childhood cat, Spooky.

BAM had an exhibit of challenge quilts. The theme was “Hip Not to be Square”, which was a reaction to last year’s judging. One judge commented each time a quilt was not square. I am curious to see what the judge’s said about this year’s un-square quilts. I didn’t make a challenge quilt this year, but the guild had a GREAT response to the challenge. I loved seeing that not all were hexagons!

Preeva's Mariner's Compass
Preeva’s Mariner’s Compass

I was particularly interested in Preeva’s solution for hanging her round quilt.

The quilt is truly round. That yellow fabric is a kind of extended sleeve. I thought it was a clever idea.

 

Improv with Help from Friends
Improv with Help from Friends

Cyndi put the quilt that she and Tim worked on while we were having a Sew Day at her house. I love the name, Improv with a Help from Friends. She gave me credit, too, which was very kind since I only started giving my opinion when they were well on their way to finishing. 

I am so glad this turned into something great. The quilting works well. I am even more pleased that Cyndi got an Honorable Mention!

Lee Ann's Cozy quilt
Lee Ann’s Cozy quilt

Guild members really cleaned up. In addition to Cyndi’s Honorable Mention, Lee Ann won a ribbon for her Cozy quilt. A number of guild members are making or have made one of these quilts. I only know of Lee Ann finishing hers.

 

 

 

Blooming 9 Patch by Julie McAuliffe
Blooming 9 Patch by Julie McAuliffe

One of my favorite (random by non-guild members and friends) quilts in the Fair, though it is sooooo hard to choose, was this Blooming Nine Patch by Julie McAuliffe. I think I really love the colors.

Julie is a friend of my SIL#3 and used to be the organizer of the Home Arts for the Fair. I always say hello to her and remind her of the connection when I see her. I invited her to come and visit the guild as she sat at the Pacifica Quilt club table. Who knew there was a Pacifica Quilt Club? I might go check it out.

Brains, Brawn & Beauty by Elizabeth Savoy
Brains, Brawn & Beauty by Elizabeth Savoy

I only had time to quickly look at the Fine Art on my way to sitting at the BAM table. Julie pointed out this dress to me.  It is Brains, Brawn & Beauty by Elizabeth Savoy and made from newspaper. The details were really cool looking. 

I would have liked to have spent more time with the quilts and looking at the Fine Art, but maybe next year. I really had fun sitting at the BAM table and talking to people, so that was time well spent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.