Karamarie

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

mindless

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

dkh_memphis

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.

luvstoquilt

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.

Onebyone

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

juliasb

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.

AngelaS

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. 😜

joe'smom

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?

tropit

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.

gillyo

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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