Continuing Quilting Board Quilt Contests
 

Over the last year I have posted several quilt contests for our members to enter and enjoy voting on.

But the entries are not very many. I know everyone enjoys the voting but I would like to see more than 5 entries. We are not a small forum! I would like to see more involvement

So I need to know if anyone is still interested in entering the contests.

Let me know what you think. I am more than happy to choose some types of contests that are popular for everyone but I do need some ideas of where to go with this if we continue.

1. I can post 4 - 5 contests to be done over several months like I did before
2. I can post just one contest at a time with a 3 month window

One problem is people aren't seeing the info for the contests. I need to get more people involved if we are going to continue

So suggestions are welcome and then I can take this to Patrice and we can decide how to proceed.

Thanks everyone and I hope to hear some good constructive ideas!! Rhonda

i love the contests.. i love seeing what everyone creates. However I am guilty for not 'joining' my skill level is no where near what ive seen on the QB... So maybe, how about a 'newbie' contest? just an idea.. Im not a newbie either just figured it would be a great way to get the newcomers out of their shell..

how about a before and after contest.. post a pic of their very first one then the their latest one??

To be honest, I think some of it is all the restrictions. I know there were a couple I would have considered but the size restriction was the hold back.

The last one I allowed anything any size but it had to be Kaleidoscopes. We had 5 enter if I remember right. There have to be some restrictions or it wouldn't be a fair contest.

I didn't even know that there were contest this year. I thought I saw some last year. So I think the big issue would be informing the entire group.

I didn't even know about contests. I agree that an easy one would be great and more people would enter...especially newbies to quilting (and me with 20 years). Even tho I've quilted for years, I'm hesitant to try new things. Something fast and simple is what I would do!!! And maybe with larger blocks instead of a bunch of little blocks. Something fun and scrappy.

I have enjoyed looking at the entries for the contests, although I have not entered any. Perhaps some of these have been done before, but here are a few ideas that would tempt me personally... scrappy, doll quilt, applique and even a block contest. That one really would be a draw as it is only one block, a person could be tempted to stretch out of their comfort zone. Just some thoughts.:o

I know for me, it has been a lack of time. The contests I remember looking at had a restriction about it being a quilt that hadn't been posted on here before. Since I post pictures of all of mine as soon as I make them, I didn't have any already made that could be entered, and no time to make a new one just for the contests.

I've enjoyed looking at the one's that I've seen - although I'm sure I've missed some (you mentioned a kaleidoscope - didn't see that), and when I've seen them I've voted. I don't think I've seen all of them.

I think the main reason I don't see all of them, might be the same reason others don't. My QB "usuage" is exclusive to hitting "What's new" and scrolling through the topics there. I don't go to individual forums. So if it's not "new" when I'm on board, I just plain don't see it. I know I've missed a few things by using the board this way (specifically contests and boomerang groups that I would have liked to join).

When I have seen the contests I have not had the opportunity to participate unfortunately. I think my biggest problem is that once they are announced the deadline comes up too quick for me. I'm not a fast quilter and I've usually got a project (or two, or three!) going on at the time. So time mostly has not allowed me to participate.

I would even like sponsor a contest ... with a prize! I have one already planned in the back of my head and had approached Patrice about it quite some time ago when I still new to the board. She had recommended that she prefer that we wait until I was an established member of the board (which I think I am now) and I nodded in agreement and completely understood her recommendation. So perhaps I'll get off my butt and put my thinking cap back on and sponsor a contest.

As for participating ... time will tell. All the planets need to be aligned right I guess (meaning my own quilting projects need to be accommodating).

Sue

I too sometimes don't "find" the contests. Then when I do the size thing has always been at play for me. I prefer to make something I can really use once the contest is over.

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.

Here is the original post for the Quilt Contests. I posted this on 7 - 31-2011.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/quiltin...t141680-5.html

I am listening. So any more thoughts on this would be appreciated. I am learning and gaining some new insight. So keep it coming.

I don't make big quilts I am more of a miniaturist so I don't always have a handle on what it takes to make big quilts.
Tho I have done a few years ago that were Queen size and Twin size.

My only concern for Doll Quilts is there is a Doll Quilt Swap so is that fair to use the idea for a contest? BTW there is a size limit on the Dolll Quilts in the Swap.

I saw the contests listed up until March of this year but nothing past that and I didn't see a new post listing any new contests for this year.

Firstly, thank you for all you do to make this a better community.

To the questions:
I usually miss contests because I usually only look at 'What's New'.

When I do see a contest, I usually dont think of entering because
1- I am time poor
2- I am not very skilled and would expect to get few votes, which would make me sad. It is hard to 'put yourself out there'.


What would make competitions more attractive to me would be smaller items and contests not 100% based on sewing skill, such as 'design and make a block'.

To be even more demanding..... If I did enter, what I would value hugely would be a '2 compliments and a comment' system. I don't think a whole string of 'lovely work' is going to help me develop. I would love to hear 'lovely colours, good points, would be better with more contrast' or 'great contrast, cute design but the green shouts at the red a bit'.
In other words, I am looking to grow, not to win.

I've only seen one so far, so I must be missing something too...not sure how this all works sometimes, but I find the idea interesting!

Here is the link to see all of the threads pertaining to the Contests over the last year

http://www.quiltingboard.com/quiltin...-contests-f21/

Scissor Queen - When the site was changed it disrupted the contests. Patrice was too busy for about a month and couldn't deal with it. So the last two didn't happen when they were supposed to. I changed the enter date for the Applique to accomadate the site changes. We didn't have anyone enter so it never happened.

then I set up the last one Kaleidoscopes for March. Since we didn't have any entries for the Applique contest I was reluctant to set up any more contests til I had time to think this through. So this is why I am asking for your opinions now. So I can make some decisions for continuing the contests.

We did have some beautiful entries in all of the contests except the Applique one of course. I would like to continue.

Can a broad PM ( like can be done with email) be sent out to all board members by either you or Patrice as to when each of these are starting, or is the system too restrictive?

to my knowledge that isn't a possiblity. On the old site I had the activity pages to use but this site doesn't have that. I can check into it again and see if there is something. But I doubt it. If there was I would use it for my Quilt Block Swap. Thanks for the suggestion tho.

In what section of this board are the contest posted. I usually only read "What's New" area.

How about Paper Piecing

I generally only read the Main board and the Vintage Sewing Machine board. I occasionally go to the others. I just joined in January and nothing that went on this year appealed to me. If I had already been a member and seen the list when it was formed I might have done one or two of the first ones.

Like everyone else, it is timing. I couldn't do one right now because of the graduation gifts I am making and all the dresses I am altering for prom and graduation. I wouldn't give but I think we have to accept there will be highs and lows in participation. JMHO

Mary

I don't always see the contests but have begun looking more carefully now. I would certainly consider entering if it is something I think I could do well enough. I love the '30's look and/or scrappy and would jump on those for sure! I do intend to watch more closely.

I've held back posting my last couple of projects in hopes i'd be able to do a contest. It seems like i always miss out on the ones i'd enter because i don't realize one is going on. Now my son is born i'm afraid i won't be able to enter and i should just post my old projects from the last year; once i get the adaptor for my camerato mac upload. I appreciate your efforts rhonda. I've had trouble figuring out the new look of the site too. I'm still used to the old look i guess :(

I'm a newbie to not only quilting but to TQB. I found the panel contest entry via a QB e-mail, but find that many of the contests seem to have "disjointed" links, meaning that they are found by accident.

I see the post on the main board page for contests and challenges, but I don't see the panel contest entered on that page. Maybe I'm missing it?

If i'm reading correctly - it sounds like between the Board changes and life, that many people don't know about the quilting contests. If that's the case, then the question that needs to be answered is How does the message get out?

And yes, the current board w/ the contests only has 11 threads on it and there just didn't appear to be enough time to complete an entry.

Anyone else see it differently?

Okay here are my thoughts on this so far

Size restrictions will be understood by what kind of contest it is. As in a doll quilt will be small not a queen size quilt etc. I won't put any numbers to the size.

As for timing I am thinking of setting up a list that would be for 12 months. Possibly with 2 months between contests instead of a monthly thing.
Info for each contest could be posted again right before that contest is to start. That posting would be a reminder that it is coming up soon.

I will discuss with Patrice some ways of getting this more noticed.

Now here is what I have for ideas. I would love to get more suggetions to add to the lists.
Do you want to see contests that are technique in nature or are type in nature? or maybe alternate between the two.


Type of Project

Doll Quilts
Table Runners
Hot pads
Miniatures
Accessories
Kid Quilts
Mug Rugs
Wall Hangings/Tabletoppers etc

Techniques

scrappy
10 min block
applique
handquilted square
FMQ square
Traditional Pieced
Paper Pieced
Bargello
Kaleidoscope
Half Square Triangles
Rhonda's Cut Down Method
Design a Quilt Block
Strip Quilts
Quilt Block
One Patch Block Quilts

Rhonda~It looks like you've got a good list of contest possibilities going there! I like the idea of having them posted out for 12 months as it gives us more time to get things ready. I also would like to see contests alternate between types and techniques because I think it might encourage more people to enter.

It is so nice of you to go to all this work on our contests; thank you!

I sooo appreciate all your comments and suggestions. I need them to help me improve. I really want to try this again for another year and see how it goes.

As for getting the contests more noticed -

To keep it in the recent topics the threads need to be posted on. So if you are interested in helping then watch for the threads and post if you would. This way it will stay active and be seen better.
I will try to post more often about the contests to get some threads into the recent posts.
I am going to ask Patrice if we can get something about the contests in the newsletter that goes out every week.

Once you know about the contest threads then you can click on subscribe and you will get notices when something new is posted on that thread.

Any other ideas?

I would love to join some of the contests but every time I've looked they were past ones or it was the kaleidoscope and I was no way ready to tackle that. If there was a better way of getting it noticed would be great, many times I forget to look and I miss out.

How do I get on the email list for the contests? TIA