Did you have this professionally quilted? I would be asking my quilter about this...since I quilt, I can say this :) Most quilters press before the quilting, so this would have been pressed to the border. Certainly we see it before the quilting.

I think it might prevent it from winning a ribbon...sorry to say. But really that would depend upon the show - how large it is. It is a beautiful quilt - and you did an amazing job.

It may be one you end up just enjoying...but on the other hand, if you do enter it once, you'll know based upon the comments. I would have to think twice about the quilter...

Just my thoughts....

So much depends upon a judge's guidelines. From one county fair to another, I have noticed a huge difference of opinion of what constitutes a winner. But without a doubt, I would enter this beautiful workmanship and if there is another quilt that tops your quilt--so be it. Exhibiting and sharing is part of the overall experience of quilting. Good Luck.

I love it and would be proud of it and when I enter
things in shows, I mostly want constructive criticism
so I can improve. I don't take it as a negative
when they tell me something so I would enter it....if
they don't notice, then you know its not a big thing.
Great job!

Unless you are set on getting big prize money, I'd say put it in a show and see. They may notice it, they may not. They may notice it and put you down a notch on your score. But it is so pretty, I would definitely try.

I say show it. It's beautiful and if you hadn't told me where to look I never would have noticed it.

I also would enter it and let the judges decide.

Maybe I'll try my county fair. I'll think about it. I was looking at the AQS show in Knoxville and the special category of the theme of the show, "Galaxy of Stars."

I think this quilt is beautiful. Would you share the name of your longarmer?
I'm afraid the shadow may well cost you a ribbon, and that's a tragedy. I know if you enter a large show they will spot that right off. You know how they are about even a stray thread that shows through.
Don't be disheartened though. This quilt looks like an heirloom to me.
'Just a thought...have you thought about just naming the quilt something like "Faint Blue Line"? Imply that you intended for it to be there!

Oh my, a AQS show.....yes, they will spot it immediately. I agree with one writer above, work with the problem and name it, especially if you have a baby boy about to be born in the family (this would signify that he is in development and could be his quilt) or a death in the family and the blue line boxed everyone in sadness. Now I would not in any event, embroider or applique said name or date on the front of quilt because some consider that defacing a quilt. This still is one beautiful quilt. Congrats.

It takes a talented quilter to develop a brand new technique. I think you should call it 'shadowing'. Write a book on shadowing techniques, and before you know we'll all be doing it! It just makes me feel queasy that this absolutely gorgeous quilt could be deemed as 'having a flaw'. It is far too beautiful in its entirety to let that shadow detract from it. In fact, it should go on the cover of your new book. I will buy a copy.