MSR Skein Contest

What's NEW for 2026 MSR Skein Contest Participants?

Updated rules (highlighted below), clarified divisions, option to mail skeins, NEW judging format, and NEW skein card requirement that includes all the info you need to include, as well as a more in depth look at our spinner's skill and process.

The Maine Spinners Registry holds a handspun skein contest every year at the Maine 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 2026.

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

yarn spinning technique and knowledge!

Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced and Millspun are all considered and judged according to skill level,

as long as the yarn was made by the individual who is entering!

You are NOT required to be a member of the MSR to enter, everyone is welcome!

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. ALL SKEINS MUST HAVE AN OFFICIAL MSR ENTRY FORM FILLED OUT - download available to print on this page

5. To keep entries anonymous, and judging fair, we ask participants to please drop off entries in a paper bag, or other non-see-through disposable bag.

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

See also, mailing instructions below

Pick-up/ 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 prize/gift basket.

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

SKEIN CONTEST JUDGES FORM

JUDGES FORM

This is the updated official judging form for the 2026 (and on) MSR Skein Contest for the Maine Fiber Frolic.

Yarns will be scored by a panel of 3 judges. These scores will be subtotaled per sheet, then tallied for a final combined score!

We encourage participants to look this sheet over to understand how your yarn will be judged. This also gives potential entrants an opportunity to look up any unfamiliar terminology to help advance their spinning vocabulary and yarn construction understanding.

2026SkeinContestJudgesForm.pdf

Skein Contest

OFFICIAL Entry Card

ENTRY CARD NOW REQUIRED:

Skein Contest Entry Card

DIVISIONS

There are 6 divisions to choose from for the competition. They are as follows:

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

Division 6: –Novelty – any fiber blend 2 oz. skein

Note: Novelty yarns differ from other yarns by having deliberately introduced irregularities in their construction,

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.

What are YOU spinning for the 2026 MSR Skein Contest?

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