Haven't ever entered a quilt...have been to several shows, one very large, couple midsize...and one very small here in TX...the smaller the show, the more critical they are...and biased...like they know a quilter, and no matter what else...that quilt gets the biggest prize ($7.00), but still.
I think that some of the really larger shows do have to look at every little detail...so many near perfect quilts...you have to find a way to eliminate some.
But, for those smaller shows...I also think the judges are trying to show they are good at what they do.
Don't take it to heart. Look at what they said...sit back, quilt in hand...were they correct, had it not been your quilt, would you have seen the same things on the binding?
I don't know that I'll ever enter a quilt in a show, large or small...I may...but just not sure...mainly for the fact that I know my quilts aren't perfect...I make quilts because I want to try a new pattern, technique...and usually not the most perfect. Others tell me they are..but I am just aware that judges are very picky (have to be) ...and if I see my faults...they probably will also.
One thing I hate...to see a less than perfect quilt (and not as pretty) win over a beautiful quilt because of one tiny thread left, etc...but mostly because the first quilt is by a friend or guild member...or is just more local. If you are going to judge...I think it should be done in a blind judging session...and if you see a quilt and KNOW who made it...excuse yourself from commenting on that quilt.
Originally Posted by glassnquilts
I entered three of my art quilts in a local small town show. There were 200 quilts and I did not expect to win, but the judge's comments were very critical of my binding. Very little was even said about the quilts themselves. I know it is a small town and maybe more traditional but it has really hurt my self confidence in my quilting. Anyone else had this experience.