Nervous about Quilt Show
 

I have to admit I am nervous about our upcoming quilt show. This is the first year I have entered anything to be in a show. We have some people in our guild we really know what they are doing. I am interested in your experiences with entering shows, especially entering a Challenge Quilt.

Just relax. You will get feedback but it is Not mean. Just tells you how you can do better. Good luck.

don't worry! I've entered both my local guild shows and a big, regional one too. Have to admit that I was nervous about the regional shows as judge--but wanted some feedback and it was gentle! The local guild shows are judged by viewers, not judges, and occasionally I'll win a ribbon--but I always view entering a show as a learning experience for me--it challenges me to work on binding, precision, etc. But remember that Every quilter that ever enters a show Always starts as a rookie! (be sure to post a picture if you win a ribbon!)

Relax, enjoy the show, and learn from it! Nobody bites!

I'm rooting for you! Think of it this way - hundreds of quilts are made in your community, but yours has advanced to be displayed. Do post a photo of it hanging at the show - how exciting!

Just enter your quilts for the fun of entering. Not everyone likes the same things so some will like it and some will not. If it is judged, take any comments in stride, good or bad. We all can use some comments. Just have an experience.

I understand your nervousness but am happy that you entered. Good luck!

I think it is fun just to see your own quilt hanging there. If you win, that's a bonus! It's so subjective, you really can't compare your quilt to others when it comes down to what won and what didn't, IMO. In a really BIG show, it comes down to tiny technical details, but in your average show it's much more subjective so just be happy seeing your quilt being enjoyed by all the spectators.

Watson

I have only entered one show in my life. I was afraid they would be stolen. Could not wait for it to be over.

Boston, all you have to do is inquire about the security that will be in place. If you don't like it, don't send your quilt. This is what I do.
When my guild has a show, we provide security to fill in the gaps where there is no security at the venue. Once we had our show in a firehall where every fireman had a key to get in (so they could access the bar room 24/7) so several of us actually slept on the floor in between the quilts each night, in sleeping bags on top of air mattresses. One fireman did wander into the quilt room in the middle of the night the first night, just nosing around. I don't know who was more startled, him or the ladies.

I consider quilt shows just big Show and Tells. The first time I entered, I put my quilts in the Not to be Judged category, since there really isn't a competitive bone in my body. I entered 3 quilts. When I walked around and looked at all of the other quilts, I realized that mine were as good as many of the quilts and that my quilts deserved to be in a judged category. They actually felt left out. That was 6 years ago and I had just learned to quilt. I have entered my quilts in judged categories since then, in the "quilted on a domestic" category, because I quilt my own. I had been told that SITD wouldn't ever win a ribbon. Didn't matter, I just entered anyway. Surprise, I have won ribbons. Last year I won 5. The time before, I won 3.

We have a show this weekend. I really don't expect to win any this year. But ya never know. My 7 quilts will be happy just hanging with the 138 others that have been entered. (Obviously, our show isn't huge, but it still is fun.)

My message I guess is to try not to be nervous. Just have fun.

Dina

[QUOTE=Dina;7909581]I consider quilt shows just big Show and Tells. .. try not to be nervous. Just have fun.QUOTE]

I totally agree. Think about who will be there - other quilts who are looking for inspiration and their families. They will consider you quite brave for entering at all!

Enjoy your show. It's quite a joy to see your own quilt hanging and being admired. I join our show to participate and sometimes, I actually win a ribbon. Don't worry about judges comments. The judges we have usually say something nice then something helpful. Sometimes they are really generic like to trim threads or STID needs to stay in the ditch.

Jump in and enjoy!

Entering a quilt show should be fun. I look at it as a learning experience. Good judges give a good comment or two, then a comment on how it might be improved. Even if I know that one block was wonky, that's something they can say in the comments.
And what one judge says should be changed, the next judge will say that is the best feature on your quilt!
So let it all go and just enjoy looking at everyone's quilt and they will have fun looking at your's

Not to worry, you will see quilts in the show done by members all with different levels of workmanship. I know, I've run a quilt show for over 20 years. Your quilt will be fine, no one is going to rip you apart or judge you. The show is just a place to display the work that we have done. Be proud of your work!

I find it inspiring and exciting that you entered into the show. You are already a winner just by doing it! Congratulations!!!!

Good luck!
I have only entered two quilt shows. It was an adventure for sure because I was the odd ball out with small quilts using reproduction fabrics hand pieced and hand quilted to begin with. I am a big, big fan of Kathy Tracy.
You have to have a thick skin or be a little hard of hearing because of the rude comments from others who fancy themselves to be experts but probably don't have a quilt in the show. I wasn't prepared for it the first time. The second time was a little easier. I plan to enter again because I've learned something new each time. I think it will always make me nervous though.

Claire, thanks for starting this topic. I think it is common for quilters to worry the first time they enter. It gets easier. I believe we quilt to express part of ourselves. We have a creative spark - yes even if we don't think we are creative and it is fun to share. Congratulations on entering.

Thank you all for your encouraging words. If all goes well, maybe I will enter another show or a county fair.

I can understand your apprehension.

I have quilted for a VERY long time, but never had the nerve to enter one in a show. Then Janet-Lee (MQX) had posted that they needed some more pantograph entries. So I nervously submitted my pics... and was accepted!!
I didn't win anything, but just getting accepted into a big show like that was thrilling!! And I got some very helpful feedback from the judges.

I'm hoping to enter two next spring... if I get them finished in time!

Once you get past that first entry... it gets easier.
Oh, and since I didn't attend the show in person, I didn't have to listen to "ugly comments".

If you do attend the show, I suggest that you NOT hang around your quilt... unless you enjoy listening to comments ranging from "oh wow!!" to "ewwww!!"

I agree with letawellman's comment <snip> If you do attend the show, I suggest that you NOT hang around your quilt... unless you enjoy listening to comments ranging from "oh wow!!" to "ewwww!!"</>

It is very much encouraged to stay with your quilt to talk about it with others but I say 'no' when you are new to entering quilt shows.