Entering a judged quilt show
 

I just entered a quilt into the KC REgional Quilt Show to be mid-June in Overland Park KS. While I'd be thrilled to win a ribbon (or cash prize) I'm not expecting that at all--I just want to "up my game" and want a professional judge's input on what I need to improve. I know many don't like to hear feed back on their quilts, especially helpful criticism. Am I unique on this? If I am does it just mean that I'm not realistic about my quilting abilities (like I said, doubt I'll win anything)?

BTW--the KCRQF judged portion closes in March and right now there are few entries (who knows! maybe I will win something!) as many quilters are still in shut-down thinking about shows. This one will have lots of precautions with Covid but expecting it to be great!

My piecing and quilting will never be good enough for a show. I might could win a "People's Choice" if there was one available.
"lol" But, really, if I wanted to sew and quilt well enough to enter, I would probably take the route you are taking. After all, you won't really know what they are looking for unless you get told and by an expert. Good luck!

in my opinion, quilting should be enjoyable. if doing things to a judge's standards makes quilting work and not fun, then I do not support entering a competition (this is for myself only, other people have different reasons to quilt than I do, and that is totally fine!). if entering a show is part of your growing process and you don't lose the personal reasons you quilt, then go for it! I've heard some judges are real rude and "judge"mental while others are supportive and encouraging. I hope you get the experience you are looking for. would love to see a picture of your winning quilt!

That's awesome to have entered a show! Even more awesome that there is a show. Good luck with your entry. It can be rewarding to hear the judges comments.

OMG...how exciting for you! Please let us know what happens. Hope for ribbon and or $$ for you. I would enter a quilt if I didn't have to put my real name on it...lol That way no one would know it was me! Can you tell I'm a very private person?...lol

Good luck! I think this is a great way to challenge yourself. Every award winning quilter starts with the same steps you are taking. Fingers crossed.... you are likely way better then what credit you give yourself.

How exciting! We all quilt for different reasons and get joy from the way we quilt. My goals from my quilting are similar to yours but so far I have not entered competitions. May you learn lots and have fun.

That’s exciting! I have enjoyed entering shows and getting feedback from the judges. Best of luck and enjoy the experience.

Rob

If I ever entered a quilt show I would want to know how to improve. From what I understand that's what judges do, it's not
a personal attack!

I have entered quilts in our local County Fair as well. I've done pretty good but what I really like is the critique sheet they give you so you can see what you could improve on. Good Luck

How exciting for you! I'm glad you didn't let fear get in your way.

I am one that would like to hear judge's comments. I think -bad or good comments- are a good way to improve one's skills and learn something new. Sometimes we are blind to some of the things judges look for.

Also, 'in person' entries require a bit different skills than 'virtual' or 'online' entries. Online, you also have to be, or need, a good photographer and a good place to set up for photos as well as quilting skills.

Good luck to you :)

How exciting! I completely understand wanting to up your game and looking for professional, objective feedback. After all, every quilter starts out with no experience and has to build skills, and non-juried shows are a great way for quilters at every level to share their work and potentially be recognized. Some people, I know, don't want to enter shows and competitions — it's just not their thing — but for some of us, it's a completely realistic "next step." I wish you all the best for KCRQF and all the shows to come. :)

I have never entered a show but I have lots of friends that do. I am not sure I ever will at this point. There are still no shows around here due to Covid. Good luck! I am in a local group of hand quilters and we do a lot of show and tell ..I think that is enough for me.

I have entered many judged shows. I won several ribbons, viewer's choice, and one Best in Show. Nothing national, only state and local shows. When I made my first quilt I entered it not expecting a ribbon but wanted to see my quilt hung in a show. The judge's opinion was she liked my colors but I needed more instruction about construction. If everyone only entered perfect made quilts we wouldn't have wonderful quilt shows. Sure there will always be the quilts that are amazing, all can't be winners, someone has to hang the ribbons. LOL

Good for you! I can't wait to hear how you do. The only quilt that I would think about sending to be judged was messed up by my grandson He stained the back of the quilt and it did not wash up well. Oh well. I am not that confident in my quilting right now since my last stroke. That has not stopped my quilting fun though just keeps me from even thinking about putting a quilt in any show. You go for it and I want to see you more than place. Now is your time.

I’ve learned a lot by entering the local county fair and attending the judging to hear first hand what they judge said about all the quilts.

I’ve also entered the guild’s show and got about two phrases worth of feedback. 😜

If a quilter isn't open to negative comments (constructive criticism), a judged show is probably not the right venue to show their quilt. Is there such a thing as a non-judged quilt show?

I'm with you. I've thought of entering the show at the county fair. I know that I could never compete with some of those old pros for a ribbon, but I think that it's good to challenge myself once in awhile and I don't know where else I could get that kind of qualified feedback. It's not about ego, it's about learning. Good luck! Please let us know how you do.

The first international show I entered was juried. Just getting accepted was enough for me. Imagine my shock when I won Best of Show! I think competing is great if you go into it with the attitude that all you want is the experience of having your work on display, and getting professional feedback. And, who knows, you might win!

In my case I had been working away for twenty years on my technique so would have been considered an advanced quilter going in. I wasn't active in the quilting community so hadn't even thought about entering a show until someone dared me. It was great affirmation that I was heading in the right direction.

I actually framed Karey Bresehan's judge's notes and have them hanging in my studio 20 years later. It inspires me!


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thanks for all the encouragement! I did enter one into a modern category and seriously thinking about maybe entering another into small pieced. No doubts that I will not win a ribbon, but I do hope to get some positive comments and pointers on what to improve.

Oh, wow...congrats! How exciting and surprising! Inspiring too!

I'm in N. CA too and I have to say that there just isn't much of a quilting "community" here, where I live. We are all so far apart. It just isn't practical to try to meet up regularly. Plus, all of the sewing/fabric stores have closed down. The closest one for me is about 1 1/2 hours away and it's limited.

I really enjoy entering shows. I like seeing my quilts hanging where others can see them.

I also enjoy getting feedback from the judges about my entry.

For juried shows, just getting in is a thrill. Actually winning a National competition was a dream come true! There was no one home when I got the e-mail that my piece had won *something* and that it would be announced the following month at the awards ceremony, but I was so excited I stood up and jumped around my studio with my dog!

The Canadian Quilter's Association is offering Judge's Training and I'm seriously considering it. It is pretty exhaustive but would be something I would love to do.

Watson

My kids were in 4H for a total of 11 years and my son kept pestering me to enter my quilts. I did finally the year after he graduated. It was one of my best quilts. It did not place, but the appliqué that was not stitched down and pealing off got a 2nd place. The critique was mine wasn’t perfectly square and I need to measure my sashing and rows to ensure they were the same. I was stung but took it with a grain of salt. The next year I entered 2 wallhangings and a couch throw that I did just for fun. None of them were my best work, but I entered them for fun. I got a first, second and runner up. My conclusion is I don’t agree with our county judges, but it doesn’t really matter. I like looking at quilt shows, and if everyone is afraid to show their work, there won’t be any shows.