You may wish to consider getting your feet wet at a smaller juried show first. The competition is very stiff at all shows and AQS recently changed their rules that makes it even harder to ribbon. Like stitch regulated quilting is considered computer aided quilting so you will be judged against computer generated quilting if you free hand but use a stitch regulator. Winners are eligible to ribbon at all AQS shows (before a winner at say Lancaster, would not be eligible to win at another AQS location like Paducah in the same year, now not so). But quilt judging is very subjective. What one judge likes another may not. It is fun to en ter just to see your quilt hanging there. Entering a smaller show gives you a better feel for where you are lacking when you receive the judges comments.
Some smaller shows are Vermont Quilt Festival and Lowell Quilt festival that I know of off hand. There are probably more.
Guild shows are a great way to start too as well as fairs. Although I don't know of very many juried guild shows and fairs are not juried.
Last edited by feline fanatic; 09-01-2013 at 10:46 AM.