I consider quilt shows just big Show and Tells. The first time I entered, I put my quilts in the Not to be Judged category, since there really isn't a competitive bone in my body. I entered 3 quilts. When I walked around and looked at all of the other quilts, I realized that mine were as good as many of the quilts and that my quilts deserved to be in a judged category. They actually felt left out. That was 6 years ago and I had just learned to quilt. I have entered my quilts in judged categories since then, in the "quilted on a domestic" category, because I quilt my own. I had been told that SITD wouldn't ever win a ribbon. Didn't matter, I just entered anyway. Surprise, I have won ribbons. Last year I won 5. The time before, I won 3.
We have a show this weekend. I really don't expect to win any this year. But ya never know. My 7 quilts will be happy just hanging with the 138 others that have been entered. (Obviously, our show isn't huge, but it still is fun.)
My message I guess is to try not to be nervous. Just have fun.
Dina