There are "official" definitions as noted by Holice, recognized by a formal organization process, and must be known for certification. There are many more informal definitions, which perhaps for your own purpose, as noted, fit the bill. Some of these used and are often seen in other threads here on the QB. Eg. when someone asks what is "modern quilting"? "low volume"? "traditional" etc. And each time, many different interpretations are put forth ... and sometimes those may even conflict among themselves ... and with the "official" ones. Another example, by going to many of the "modern quilt websites" (guilds and otherwise), you will see different interpretations of what a "modern" quilt is.

SallyNeckvatal has presented quite a detailed list of questions. Ones were there is no simple answer, as depending on the reason for the sourcing of the info, we might have different answers.

What category was the 2009 blue-ribbon quilt of Sally's pictured? Beats me! Maybe that's the problem here...

I'd say there is no real answer as there could be many crossovers in categories. Maybe traditional if you only used those quilt blocks the way they have been used for years - but then you can quilt them in myriad ways so would that change the category?

If the definition of a quilt is 3 layers of fabric sewn together in a certain way - what then is this?
I make 2 small quilts and quilt them. Then I put a sweatshirt pattern on the quilt, cut out and use those quilts for front and back of the shirt. The arms are still 3 layers of fabric, but quilted with fancy machine stitches.

I have a traditional quilt with traditional quilting, I have an "art" quilt on the sleeves, and I have a garment.

Many embroidery machines can quilt in the hoop - what does that fall under?

If this was spurred by a run-in with the "quilt police" then they need another way to judge quilts if it isn't apparent which category. You can't compartmentize everything.

Wow. Interesting discussion. I have no answers for you mostly because I am not interested in lables. I just do what I love and patterns that interest me. I hope you find the answers to you quesstions. Good luck.

As a old woman who comes from a family of quilters my answers are my thoughts only and may not be what you are looking for, Traditional to me are the patterns my grandmother and mother used to hand piece in the 30's and 40's that were handed down from their mothers and grandmothers. In my mind the contemporary is the newer patterns that have come out in the 50's forward. The modern in my mind is the use of blocks, circles, cubes and shapes to create the pattern.Art quilts I love to make are cutting fabrics to make a picture or work of art from fabric. As for quilt shows I no nothing about putting one together I just enjoy seeing the beautiful work done by other quilters.

I have been wondering,though- for a show - how would/could one make the categories 'level playing fields'? And with so many styles - some with what appear to have several things going on at one time - where would one enter the item? Or if it didn't 'fit' exactly, would the person just take it back home and not show it?

I have not entered shows - but from what I've read - it seems like an entrant needs to get the rules/guidelines - and THEN make the quilt/item to fit the category.

(Makes me think of 'teaching to the test' - rather than teaching so the students learn how to think and reason on their own.)

And - also - how would/could one verify that an entrant's information is completely factual or a critical fact or two has either been omitted or stated inaccurately?

As far as 'judging fairly' - I would think that workmanship standards would be fairly consistent - how are the bindings put on, are the points pointy, etc. - and that - I would hope - that Judges A, B, and C would be pretty much in agreement on that.

As far as appeal - are judges biased? I've seen some quilts that I thought were very attractive from a distance - and not so well made - and vice-versa.

I would guess that judging a quilt show is a bit like judging figure skating.

Meaning...very subjective. :)

about nr. 4.

I am sure just as some artists are more knowledgeable and prefer modern art, others prefer impressionistic, others renaissance art, like Da Vinci, etc. They are going to be biased towards their preference.

If a judge really loves "modern quilting", they will naturally prefer that type of quilt and they can't help it. The same goes with traditional, contemporary or art. I think they should be each in their own category. I don't think that an art quilt and a traditional Wedding Ring are apples = apples. I think they are more like like apples=oranges. Both fruit, but definitely different.

But in truth, I am a nobody and my opinion really doesn't for anything. So, while it is my opinion, in the big world of quilting, it is nothing.

I suppose that a judge could learn to judge fairly each kind of quilt, but I would think that they would be better at one or the other.

Another example
.......... An Irish Chain is a traditional pattern .....
though if one is made with modern styled prints in way out colours
.......... is the resulting quilt still considered traditional?



Re shows/fairs ... yes, read/study the classes and the specs
... and know the definitions specific to that show.

Do Not Assume!

WE ARE ALL SOMEBODY--JUST BECAUSE WE DO NOT HAVE A FAMOUS NAME DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE NOBODY. Justflyingin-- you have some very nice quilt tops that you make- I would have to say you are a very good person who takes the time to make and donate so others may have. I am sure there are a lot more who do the same. So I do not consider anybody nobody because we all are somebody. Some just know more and do more than others. All depends on what sparks your passions and your life.