I didn't know there were contests. I usually only visit the Main Board and don't venture off too much. I am also a newbie so I am no where near the skill level that a lot of these amazing women are. I am also scared off my too many restrictions, IE being to new to participate or the contest is too complicated for a newbie.

I didn't know there were contests either. I've only been quilting a bit over two years, so I suspect that the contests might involve stuff I haven't tried. An "advanced beginning level" contest might interest me.

Dina

Okay, now that I know they exist, I found the contest information easily. I also realize I have no business entering contests! What beautiful quilts! Maybe someday...

Dina

I have only been on here for a month, so I haven't investigated the contests yet..Pretty new at this but will give it a try!!

Thanks for all of your comments. I hope to hear a few more.

As for the sizes I dont' see that as a problem as I will not be limiting the size any more. But if you enter a big quilt as opposed to a small quilt - ie: a lap size or crib size- the appeal to people will vary because of the size.

I will always include the restriction of the item not having been shown before. something that has been oohed and aahed over would have too big of an advantage over someone who is showing theirs for the first time. We don't want anyone to vote because of favoritism. we want votes based only on the merit of the quilt or entry.

So no size requirements but we WILL continue to have the Not Shown Before rule. It makes everything fair for everyone.

I posted the first 6 contests so there was 6 months between the time I announced the list of contests and the entry time for the last contest.

I do like the idea of a Newbie contest and I like the idea of a quilt block contest. someone else had suggested to me to do a 10 Min Block contest and/or a hand quilted square contest. Something to think about too.


Keep the ideas coming everyone! I'd really like to tailor this so it has a better following.

I second the ideas for scrappy or doll quilts. I like to make small things in between projects because it uses scraps and doesn't cost much. I do like the idea of some beginner contests too. I've been quilting less than a few years, and it can be a bit intimidating looking at all the awesome things made on the board. :-) I like the challenges so far, it's nice to try new things. I'm looking forward to entering more contests if it continues.

Rhonda,

I like the contests and would love to see them continue. I've gone back and looked at the contest lists several times through the year hoping I'd have something in the works that would fit in, but so far no luck. Even when I've been working on the right type of quilt, it hasn't been the right size, or I'd already posted a picture on the board, or I haven't finished in time. I've been watching closely to see what would be posted this year in hopes that I could plan ahead far enough to get the right type and size of quilt done at the right time to enter. :thumbup: I do a variety of quilts; queen size, baby quilts, charity lap quilts, or wall/art quilts, but usually have a specific purpose in mind so I'm usually pretty set on the size before I start a project. I've got two queen size quilts in the works waiting to FMQ right now, but I think I got excited and posted pics of both those tops before I realized the contest rules. I can certainly understand why contest quilts shouldn't have already been posted though...

I also do quite a few quilted bags and other "accessory" type items. Since they are faster to complete, it's more realistic to think that I could start and finish one of those during a contest period. I know lots of others make these kinds of things too, so maybe a few contests with smaller items might be worth a try again. (I know you had a bag/purse contest last year and I just totally MISSED it.)

I have to say that I have very much enjoyed viewing and voting on the quilts that were entered in the contests though. Please give it another try this year, maybe with a little less restriction, or even just different restrictions. Do you think it would be fair enough to specify either the type or the size, but not necessarily both for a contest or two to see if more people might participate?

Also, having a "beginner" category might encourage more new quilters to enter. Of course then you'd have to define "beginner"... Personally I'd like to see more focus on FMQing on domestic type machines. So many of us are considering, learning, or continuing to develop that skill and I'd love to encourage folks to show more of their FMQ work. (I have TREMENDOUS admiration for hand quilters, but know I'll never have the time to do it, and like so many others, a long arm is just not in my budget.)

I hope some of my ramblings here are somewhat helpful, and most of all, I hope you know I appreciate all you do for this board!!!

Edit: One more thing I wanted to add after seeing your posting that went up while I was typing this one... I know 6 months sounds like a lot of time to know about a contest, but unfortunately it often takes me 6 months or more to finish a large quilt from the planning stages to the finish. I work full-time and can't spend as much time quilting as I'd like. :D So, if we could have contests planned out a little farther in the future it would help me be prepared to enter.

How about adding a domestic machine FMQ'd block too?

I also am another one who posts my projects as i complete them, and when I look at the contest board, I see 11 threads and only about 5 or 6 weeks between contest announcement and deadline??? My thought was that I'd never have anything in that time frame ( I hand quilt) I have a dresden plate started, but it'll be a while before it'll be finished.

Rhonda, you stated you put a 6 month notice out there, where would I find that?

It also sounds like posting a "Look over on the Contest Board" thread on the Main board might be in order.???

Most are too advanced for me right now. I've promised my two grandsons a quilt and I work so sloooow it will be a while before I can participate unless it's something I can do that's relatively simple.

Rhonda, I do appreciate all you do here. You're such a giving person and one to be greatly admired.