Well, I went to the Royal Adelaide Show on the weekend to see what I could see. So many people! Such weird food! So many rides! So much award winning fleece! I could only wish there was a way to buy one. But the show is not set up to facilitate this.
I discovered what happens when you approach a creature as curious as an alpaca quietly and rest your camera on the edge of the enclosure.
A very warm and gentle whuffling….
There were many glorious animals…
There was a big exhibit called “Women of Empire” with Australian women from World War one represented by a banner about their lives and a period costume. I was delighted to find Vida Goldstein (suffragist, pacifist, parliamentarian) represented.
Not only is she campaigning against war and conscription here–look at that lapel!
And her rather fine tie and button.
Far from being a pacifist, next I discovered a woman who wanted to be a soldier so badly that she impersonated one, more than once. Maud Butler. Here she is dressed as a boy.
And here is something like what she would have worn, including the women’s shoes that gave her away. She didn’t get her wish.
Somehow this made it all the more funny when five minutes later I was hailed by some firefighters who were selling one of those fundraising calendars with lots of partially clad men in it. ‘I know it wouldn’t be for you, sir…’!
My quilt was hanging among many extremely splendiferous examples of the art. Here is one of the major prize winners:
Just look at that stitching!
The cookery and craft sections were full of all kinds of outrageous… I always find the egg artistry section a thing of amazement. Here are the tea cosies! I had a lovely chat with an award winning knitter in the over 80 category who happened to be wandering about knitting a sock and admiring the view. One of my species, I thought. I showed her my sock too.
Of course, there were also a lot of examples of elegance. Here is one of the winning entries in the apiary categories:
I had a lot of trouble capturing decent images of anything indoors and behind glass, but I had a very fine time tracking down the entries of my friends and guildmates.
In the foreground, the glorious spinning perfection entry of one of my friends, and in the background, mine. And below, here’s the newspaper yarn, in the ‘best in show’ cabinet!
Local & Bespoke 
A great selection of photos. Some lovely examples of novelty spinning and quilting, too! Hope to see the work in question on Sunday.
LikeLike
I hope you enjoyed the show, Jo. So much to see and admire and giggle over! Thanks for your lovely comment.
LikeLike
Oh, well done on the newspaper yarn!! The show looks amazing too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your kindness!!
LikeLike
was that second for your yarn, as well as best in show for the newspaper yarn well done
LikeLike
Thanks, Elizabeth–yes, second in the ‘spinning perfection’ and prizes in dyeing and spinning too… 🙂
LikeLike
Great photos…people are so industrious. I think the show is about one of the only times one gets a glimpse into so many crafts and hobbies. It is uplifting to take in its splendour. I bought my husband the most magnificent pair of socks from the Guild stand. A most wonderful greeny yellow – like they were dyed with sour sobs ? Since reading about your socks I have bought him 3 pairs at various markets. He is feeling quite spoilt. I bought myself a new beret too…in deep greys and black. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy this cornucopia of human endeavour aren’t we. Apparently the longest running Royal show in the world too! Thank you.
LikeLike
Glad to hear you found gold at the Guild stall and enjoyed the show! I agree–the diversity and splendour of all that craft and care is one of the pleasures. It’s one of the reasons I enter–just to be part of that. I love the animals too, so much more diversity than we usually see, and such careful tending. Your husband is a lucky chap!
LikeLike
So nice to see your quilt there!
And a ‘best of show’ on your yarn!!
Congratulations!!
LikeLike
Thanks a bunch!
LikeLike
Oh, there is nothing like a show and you have shared the best bits. Congrats on the ribbons especially for the newspaper skein, that is nothing short of miraculous. It needs a showcase always.
LikeLike
Thankyou so much! The show is such a random assortment of weird and wonderful. Always an entertainment.
LikeLike
congratulations – well deserved! Now if only there were a ribbon for guerilla-gardening and neighborhood/environment beautification….
LikeLike
You are too sweet! Thanks!
LikeLike
Those fire fighters must get around they were at the Brisbane Ekka too! Well done on your ribbon….. the competition can get pretty fierce at the Royal Shows.
LikeLike
I wonder if they were the same firefighters, or this is just a common fundraiser?? Love the EKKA. Thanks, Wendy!
LikeLike