Last year was my first ever quilt show and I showed my very first quilt. I wasn't sure why I was doing it really. I don't feel a need to be judged. I felt my opinion is all that mattered but I had joined the local quilters guild and they were begging people to display so the show would be nice and big. I went ahead and entered my quilt and figured in for a penny, in for a pound and said sure to judging as well. We could choose to be judged or not and members encouraged me to be judged and said it would give me some feedback so I could improve my skills.
This was the first show I had ever even seen! I was really taken by all the vendors and raffles, and the displays. The quilts were all so beautiful! I started getting a little excited to see my quilt hung up with all the rest, but I patiently wandered the rows taking in all the colors and beautiful designs.
I was shocked when we came to my quilt there were ribbons hanging on it! I had no idea that ribbons were presented. I only expected a written critique. It was really wonderful and people came over to congratulate me and tell me how much they liked my quilt! It felt good to be recognized for my hard work.
So far as why enter? I would say, it's nice to be a part of something like this. It shows the talents and creativity that abound in your community. It gives you a chance to see for yourself where you stand with your level of talent and what you might aspire to be. The judging sheet gives a more detailed scrutiny of your workmanship showing areas that were noticed and those that really weren't. In my case I was overly critical of my quilting knowing that my stitches were uneven and the lines not perfect. The judges didn't seem to notice. I felt encourage to continue and will be excited to have a quilt to enter in this years show.