I agree this is a fascinating thread! We all have such different opinions, and I'm sure we all grow and learn and change our minds as well. Recently I was able to see a number of quilts made by a neighbor of mine that I'd never seen before. This year she won several major awards with a quilt that is absolutely stunning. Up close it is even more amazing and the amount of creativity, mastery and accomplishment were very evident. It was the first time a quilt made by a Vermonter won Best in Show at the Vermont Quilt Festival. She combines piecing, paper piecing, applique and extensive embroidery. Follow this link to see Celestial Sedona: http://vqf.org/files/Contest%20Winne...polito1-w9.jpg Whatever you do yourself, or whatever you like, you have to admit it's amazing.

I find it interesting that some people that don't like machine embroidery quilting DO like computerized quilting on their quilts. One and the same in my book. Embroidery designs is another topic. But a machine embroidery design quilt is just that--a quilt made with machine embroidery--just another facet of today's quilting world.

Bottom line is, before you join ANY exchange know 2 things: 1. Know the rules of the exchange and 2. Be prepared to be accept someone else's interpretation of those rules. The only way to have things done your way is for you to do it.

I don't think I do; "amazing" means something different to me. While I appreciate the effort that went into it, the result just looks garish.