Big stitch is a form of hand quilting. It is widely accepted now. Just be sure the sts are straight and even.

Also....get all the information about entries and categories and how the quilts are judged. It would also be interesting to know how they select judges and the judging criteria.

You betcha! That's a whole year of great ideas :)

I've entered the NC State Fair numerous times and there are always a lot of entries in the various categories. My bargello won Honorable Mention and last year Blooming Nine Patch won The Golden Needle Award. Two years ago an original design that was spectacular didn't win anything. I believe it's just who likes what on any given day.