In most schedules for spinning and weaving there is usually a statement All skeins to be washed free of grease. Spinning entries should show a consistency/evenness of yarn diameter along with a consistent angle of twist suited to the end use stated.

An example of a spinning class
A specimen of fine hand spun wool, hand prepared and plied. Not less than 50gms. State purpose. Include fibre sample.

This class requires a yarn made from at least 2 (easiest) singles spun from fine wool which has been hand prepared (meaning commercially prepared wool top is not acceptable.) Hand prepared: easiest way is to use hand carders or a drum carder. Fine wool is usually between 18/19 micron or less and is most commonly fine merino. The washed skein needs to be over 50gms (so either wash your fibre before spinning and weigh out at least 52/54gms to be able to remove short cuts etc during spinning - or spin at least 60gms of unwashed fibre to allow for loss of weight with washing. The fibre sample needs to include at least two staples - this could be washed or unwashed.

Stating purpose - requires the potential use for such a yarn such as knitted fine lace collar, or knitted lace wrap which would require more yarn.

An example of a weaving class
Hand woven floor, travelling or knee rug. Entrants to supply a sample and description of each different yarn used. A description of weave used relevant to the end use of the rug is required.

Even though the class does not require it, a short statement of the selection of colours relevant to the weave and total design of the rug would assist the judge.

Present your entry in a professional manner - no unmended weave errors, finish off yarn ends, ensure the rug is the planned size all over, not bundled up and creased from transport and cover any sewn on label of the makers name. If made specifically for someone according to their own colour preferences just state that to assist the judge.

Felting
Many shows provide only one class for felting which can be - flat felting, 3 dimensional felting, nuno felting using a background fabric which can be partially covered with felt or totally covered with felted wool, needle felting and felted knitted articles such as bags. Some other shows offer two classes - one for wearable felt garments including hats and the other for non wearable felted articles such as floor mats, bags, dolls and jewellery.

The felt needs to be of a suitable thickness for the specific use and felted so that it will not pill with use nor fall apart. The use of colour and quality of design along with an appropriate thickness or thinness is most important. Ensure a professional presentation by stating the planned usage of the felted article, a brief relevant reason for the shape and highlighting any special feature or structure as a clear, small label attached to the article (easy to read).

Braids and woven bands
Require the selection of suitable yarn, the evenness of pattern and edges, end finishing (preferably weft woven in and not hemstitched.) Ends must be secure and allowance made for properties of both yarn and fibre when used. A neat, clear label stating the fibres/yarns used and the end use of the braid or woven band needs to be attached. A useful reference for both Braiders and judges is Byways in Handweaving by Mary Meigs Atwater.