Tips for quilt show entry?
 

I was thinking it might be fun to make a quilt just to enter in a quilt show.

The requirement is: Hand-Quilted Bed Quilts – Quilt made using traditional techniques and 100% hand quilted. Must be larger than 287 inches in perimeter.

What exactly does "traditional techniques" mean? Would a whole cloth count??

I am awful at binding and making a hanging sleeve. Is that part of the judging?


I've never even been to a quilt show.. what tips do you have for a first time entry????

Hand quilted doesn't mean hand pieced. You can use a machine to piece it but it has to be hand quilted. A whole cloth is fine. Binding is the biggest part of quilt judging from what I've seen. It's the first thing looked at. I wouldn't let that stop me from entering if I felt my binding wasn't perfect. A hanging sleeve is a must for most big quilt shows. It's usually not judged but don't make it sloppy.

Generally, yes, everything about the quilt is judged including the binding and the hanging sleeve. While you say you are "awful", this is a perfect opportunity for you to improve your skills and practice. Then do your best!

There's a lot of interpretation in terms when it comes to quilt shows.
What is traditional to one ... is not traditional to another!

The best guidance anyone can give you is to go back to the Chairperson of the show and ask your questions.
Know what you want to ask and be specific.
Don't assume anything!

You may be able to garner the quilting score card. Maybe not.

To me, seeing my quilt hanging at a show is the prize!
Yes, it's nice to win, but I also know that I can't win every time.
And I know that it is only the opinion of Judge(s) on that day.

Sometimes I learn more from my self-judging and seeing the differences between my quilt and the others in the class. Sometimes too, there are opportunities to discuss with other quilters and learn tips that can help improve my skills.

No matter what ... I highly recommend your moving ahead with your thought ... and make your quilt to enter!

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

Boy, don't know what wouldn't count as a traditional technique in hand quilting. Big stitch? Saishiko? Only wreaths & feathers??
The sleeve must be made using the specifications provided by the show or the quilt will be rejected.
Also, I will tell you that for some reason or another, binding is one of the primary things the judges look at. Is it full? is it even? Is it finished by hand? Did you use a ladder stitch? Are the corner folds all stitched. Sheesh.

And ......... is it straight and flat?
are the corners square?

Please don't let all this deter you from entering your quilt. You will learn so much. I speak from experience, I entered several before I ever won. It's a great learning experience. Just do your best and go on from there.

A whole cloth quilt sure does count as traditional. I've entered a few shows and I've never had the sleeve critiqued, so just follow the show's direction and do your best to make sure it's straight so the quilt hangs well.

As for the binding, everyone thinks it's a big deal in judging, but it's not the whole deal. The Vermont Quilt Festival uses a point system and they only give 5 points out of 100 possible for binding.

I hope you do enter, and I hope you find it as much fun as I do - there's something wonderful about seeing your quilt hanging with all the others.

Janet

Thanks all! It sounds awesome! It will be the one for next year (or the year after.. or the year after?!) I just want to have fun with it and not pressure myself!

Also from what I hear, make sure its photographed well

I think the first thing you should do is attend a quilt show. This will allow you to examine all the quilts in the different categories. Some shows will even have a category for "first time entry". Some people think this is just for the younger quilter, but normally that is a separate category in itself. The "first time entry" category is for someone like you who has never entered a show. Quilt show categories can vary between shows but I'm sure there's one for you. I have learned the most from judge's critiques by entering shows. Good luck. It will be fun.