Having only ever been to one show, maybe everyone does this, but our fair breaks up the entries into categories. As in, they have different classes for quilts done on domestic machines, short arm and long arm machines. They have the same for wall hangings. That way my quilt done on my domestic isn't being judged against someone's long arm masterpiece.
I show my horse in a sport called dressage where we get a written score sheet and comments from the judge and I would love to get that on my quilt, as well.
I show my wall hangings because I like to see how my work stacks up against others. Last year, we pinned 3rd at the county fair, which I was thrilled with.
Watson