I have entered 3 quilts [one per year] in our local fair. The first year , received a second place ribbon. I didn't come to listen to the judging. The next two years I went.Each quilt got a blue ribbon.
At our fair, you are able to set at the judging table[ mute] and listen to all items being judged.Yours and everybody elses.What a great learning experience this is.
Originally, I thought my quilt would be judged up against another quilter who has won 'Best of Show' like 4 times. In this fair it was not like that[ only when it came time to pick the item the judge enjoyed most].Oterwise my quilts earned the ribbon they recieved. All items recieved ribbons.Experienced quilters and all inbetween. The judge didn't know who did what and looked over produce and commented on several things;points matching, how flat the item layed, was she pressd as each seam was completed,how short were the stitches on the binding; was it wavy. This was so very interesting;and what great fun.
Don't be scared,just enjoy being able to share your love of quilting.
It takes all of us to put on a show.