Separate Novice and Advanced quilt judging categories?
We just finished up our county fair and an interesting question was brought up. “Would it be feasible to have a separate beginner category and an advanced category perhaps in the lap/throw quilt category?” We already have 3 separate age classes. The example given was if you have several quilts entered in one category, how does the beginner quilter compete against the advanced quilter in the same age class? The comment was “The beginner quilter will never win or get a ribbon”. How would you differentiate between a beginner quilter and an advanced quilter? By the number of years involved with quilting? By the quality and workmanship? I have seen many wonderful works by beginning quilters and some not so great work by people who have quilted for years. Does the exhibitor decide which level they want to enter in? Would you then need a beginner and an advanced category for each type of quilt, (i.e. table runners, throw quilt, bed quilt, wallhanging, etc). Right now we have about 18 different categories and take in about 45-50 quilts total.
I want to give due diligence to the question so would like your thoughts about this. Thank you!