Originally Posted by
Watson
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
Our local guild show does that, too. We have shows every other year. All quilts are sorted into categories -- I believe our 2014 show had at least 12 categories. I don't think there were separate ones for LA vs. DSM, but they definitely broke out by art quilts, wearable quilts, applique, hand quilted, hand quilted + hand pieced, custom quilting design, all-over or pantograph design, embroidery, tied quilts, small quilts/wall hanging, etc.
I remember there were different ballots for guild members vs. non-guild members, but don't recall what the difference was. I know it's a major fundraiser for our guild so I plan to enter one for our show this fall, but I'm not really sure that having viewers vote is any better than having judges pick. Sometimes it becomes about people voting for their friends and/or who can bring the most paying guests to the show. Ah well, what are you gonna do?
