Entering Your Quilts & The Judging Process

[@silkecliatt606]

Ever since I read that some quilters research in advance who the judges are going to be and then create a quilt along the lines of what the judges "like", I have had no desire to enter my quilts in a show. This presentation has changed my mind in the sense that it seems valuable in itself to share one's work without expectation that others might consider it a winner.

[@lisakoehler1719]

I give credit to those who enter quilts. I could not. I just know that the quilts I have inherited from family members are not 'perfect' They were made by women who used what they had to keep their children warm. I cherish every missed stitch , crooked line, mismatched points and yes even some ugly fabric. These were made by hands that loving touched, held, cooked for and took care of my grandparents and parents. I just wish I could hold those hands today once more and say how much I love them. So if you see a quilt and you purchase it please just think of what that person was thinking about when they sat there putting so much work into it. I quilt. While quilting I think about my great grandmothers and grandmothers. I wonder what they would think with all these new tangled gadgets when they had only needle, thread, fabric & scissors. So yes show quilts are very beautiful to look at but how many get to cover a child's little body to keep it warm and be loved? When I make a quilt I picture a child dragging it around the house and curling up with it. That's a beautiful quilt!

[@susanbuckingham4981]

Yes, it hurts if you don't get into a show and it hurts if you DO get into a show, but don't win anything. That said, what I have found is that the comments made by the judges help you to improve your work and a positive comment goes a long way to give you confirmation that your work is important. The elation of getting into your first show, whether you win or not, is like walking on a cloud! I will take a break now and again, but then I get back on the horse and submit again.

[@bm4114]

The thought of someone judging my quilts makes me so anxious. Every stitch I make I think what if some judge saw this messed up line of stitches, or this botched knot, or this wonky edge. I have to put it out of my mind and just continue on.

[@annas.r.p.5835]

I do not want to make a QUILT SHOW quilt ... but I want to learn how to make a better quilt

[@annford]

Paula Nadelstern says "dont take it personally", but I dont understand how you cannot. Putting yourself, your work, out there to be judged is a very personal thing. And yes, that does keep me from entering any shows.

[@annamarieflanegan6393]

Hi Ann, That's just such a pity, because others are not getting to see your efforts! It's certainly not about getting a prize, but learning from your experiences as a quilter! Often critiques are most informative and upbuilding. You also get a lot of positive feedback from your friends - so, I would take that first step, be brave and find out about what your positive points are and how to improve on your own quilting!!!

[@crazy4doxies440]

I entered an art quilt in our local show in the judges category ( our show is public voting) and the critiques were both helpful and also one was wrong in that I was marked down for ‘improper use of border’ and it was an art quilt with no border! However the judge was a well known and talented long arm quilter so I was also given points for my machine quilting. So you never know. I appreciated the comments and love that quilt!