Knit to This
Set!
Humans will find a way to compete at almost anything. For this, I am thankful, because our innate drive to win a first prize ribbon leads to some might fine story-telling. For which, I’m sure, the story-tellers could win all kinds of ribbons.
Set! follows competitors in the table setting division at California’s annual Orange County Fair.
Do you like intrigue? Long-standing grudges? Bright-eyed newcomers? All are there—and we get to follow half-a-dozen contestants as they define their tablescape vision and accumulate all of the bits and bobs needed to make it come to life.
It’s both creative and practical, tablesetting. The contestants also need to satisfy the strict judges, who definitely know the difference between a soup spoon and a dessert spoon as well as how many centimeters each needs to be from the edge of the table.
Not all plans come to fruition, which is what keeps the narrative churning along. The right crystal goblets are hard to find. Wine bottles break when it’s least convenient. Plus, it’s impossible to get fake blood at Michael’s in the spring.
But the documentary is not a how-to. Instead it’s a character study of the very human humans who have chosen this lifestyle. Some come from a place of privilege. At least one will break your heart. All, however, are taking a risk with their creative selves, as one competitor says.
It’s that risk that we can all identify with, no matter how inclined we are to vie for a prize at the county fair.
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Oh my gosh, this is hilarious. I lived in Orange County for years and no idea this fair competition existed.
(Note: if you click on the link in the article it will take you to the video).
Thanks for the heads up about the link in the article, Nancy! This documentary looks like it will be quite interesting.
Does anybody knit the placecards, though?
I didn’t think so.
[pockets ribbon]
haha Kay!
Haven’t seen the video yet, but when I saw how many centimeters from the edge, the first thing I thought of was Mr. Carson.
Hi Adrienne, I just wanted to let you know that I spent a very happy afternoon today with this film and my Christmas socks that I’m trying to finish for tomorrow. I’d never have found it without your article and I loved it, thank you.
It’s a perfect bite, right? Drama but not too much and a glimpse into something most of us wouldn’t even have thought was a thing.
You are more than welcome. And GO SOCKS!
OK I did just watch it and it did just break my heart dammit. So mad at one person! The unmitigated gall!
Wait which one?
I watched already. Can you reveal without a spoiler?
There are so many candidates for gall.
Me too! Absolute outrage!
Another fine thing you MDK gals got me into this year! That was interesting, who knew????
This documentary is absolutely fabulous. It is flawless. Anyone who does any sort of art will get this vibe immediately. The drama, the details I didn’t know I cared about, the passion, the heart. 11/10
Oh my goodness. Flashback to my childhood: the ladies at the local women’s club used to have an annual table-setting tea. It must have been a fundraiser. In my memory, there were probably 20 tables? Each table was set by a different group with different theme; they were fancy and funny and creative and charming. As a child, I especially loved the petit-fours we got to eat as we toured the tables… What a distant, fond memory. I’ll be watching this doc shortly.
I first learned about this watching Bob’s Burgers. It’s fun to think about.
I saw a video on competitive bed making. From the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and stuffing the duvet cover and laying it on the top. I think it was a Japanese competition. Fascinating to watch since it takes me forever to get the fitted sheet on without the corners on the other end coming off.