MSR Skein Contest

The Maine Spinners Registry holds a handspun skein contest every year at the Fiber Frolic. The dates for the next Frolic, typically in early June, will be posted on the Events page as soon as they are announced. This page will include information on how to submit skeins for judging and the rules of the contest, which have been updated for 2025. 

Entering skeins is a great way to get feedback from an expert on your 

yarn spinning technique!

The divisions and rules for the competition are:

Wool and Other Protein Fibers
Division 1: Fine – 2 oz. skein, spun fine (sport weight or finer)
Division 2: Medium – 3 oz. skein spun medium (worsted weight)
Division 3: Bulky – 4 oz. skein spun bulky

Other Fibers: Cotton, Tencel, Soy Silk, Ramie, Linen, etc.
Division 4: Fine – 2 oz. skein, spun fine (sport weight or finer)
Division 5: Medium – 3 oz. skein spun medium (worsted weight)
Novelty – any fiber blend

Division 6: – 2 oz. skein

Novelty yarns differ from other yarns by having deliberately introduced irregularities in their construction, such as variations in thickness and unevenly combined component threads, forming loops, projections, slubs, etc., which provide texture in the final fabric. Color effects are often involved. Submission must include information about fiber used and the proposed end use of the yarn.

 Rules
1. Yarn may be singles or plied
2. Judging will be based on twist, good hand, and overall quality
3. All skeins must be made by the exhibitor
4. Skeins should be tagged with a card.
Listed on the card must be:
– Division
– Sheep breed, other animal, plant or synthetic fiber identification
– Intended use of yarn – socks, shawl, mittens, etc.

Submitting Entries: Entries may be mailed in or dropped off at the fair.

Mailing entries: please ship skeins to the following address by May 12th. If you would like entries to be mailed back, include a self-addressed, postage paid envelope with your entry.

  Mail to:

Yolanda Burrill

394 Jones Rd

Garland, ME  04939

Dropping off entries: Entries will be accepted between 9-10:30 am Saturday and will be displayed from 11 am Saturday through 2 pm Sunday. 

Returning entries: Unless contestants provide a self-addressed, postage paid envelope, entries must be picked up at the Frolic by 3:00 pm on Sunday. All entries that do not have an adequate return envelope and are not picked up by 3:00 pm on Sunday will be considered a donation to the Maine Spinners Registry and will be included in the next Registry gift basket.