For those that don't enter, consider doing so when you have the opportunity. The ribbons are second to seeing your work hanging for you to admire. Often times I see it so much better and surprise myself at how good it does look!!!
This is so true. I have not entered any fairs. My local fairs don't display them in full but I have entered local quilt shows and I couldn't agree more. Seeing your work hanging in a setting where you can take it all in at once, to a degree you can't really do at home, is such a thrill. And it does make you take off those shackles of self criticism. I am much less critical of my own work since showing. To me it is 90% of the fun to just see it hanging amongst it's peers so to speak. Yes winning a ribbon is a huge thrill too but to me it is just so much extra icing.
Congratulations on your wins and thank you for your encouraging words to those quilters who are still dragged down by the chains of self doubt and criticism. I think they will feel much better without them. It is freeing to quit judging yourself unworthy.