Local textile artist, Sandra England, of 306 Holland Road, is no stranger to taking home the prize when it comes to winning ribbons for her handiwork at the State Fair, and this year is no exception. Sandra won five ribbons at the North Carolina State Fair this year including a best of show and a blue ribbon for her handiwork in designing and constructing a machine knitted blue and green sweater in the Adult category.

Her other winners included a blue ribbon for a hand spun skein of recycled denim; a blue ribbon for a hand spun/hand knit earth tone afghan made from a New Zealand fleece a blue ribbon for a hand knit Aran style sweater, and a white ribbon for a hand beaded/hand knit blue cell phone purse.

“I am so honored to receive these awards,” Sandra said as she looked over her items that are on display in the Education Building at the fairgrounds. “I’ve been knitting for over 20 years, and I still get excited each time I create a new piece. Whether I’m designing something for a client or making something for one of my grandchildren, I just love to knit. It’s so relaxing. To receive these awards is really icing on the cake for me,” she said.

Most of the pieces that Sandra designs and creates are hand spun. What is so special about hand spun yarn? Handspun yarn is yarn made from raw fiber that is washed, carded, and spun manually, one skein at a time, instead of by machines in a factory, Sandra explained. Many knitters feel that it is the best possible yarn to work with because it truly makes the piece you are working on unique – down to the very fiber of the thread. Because each fiber is different, it gives each yarn a unique nature -- like nothing you can buy in a traditional store.

If you are planning to visit the fair, drop by the Education Building and see Sandra’s pieces as well as the many others who submitted their handiworks. And with the holiday season just around the corner, why not consider giving some unique gifts this year? Give Sandra a call at 552-0301, or email her at sandeng@ix.netcom.com, and let this recognized local talent design something terrific for you! Or, simply purchase one of these award-winning beauties. Sandra says she will sell the pieces, but sorry folks, the ribbons stay with her!