Sierra

I don't know if I want to enter anything I make into a "fair" because my technique simply isn't good. But I make some really fun and interesting quilts and when I entered a couple in a quilt show a few years back they took "viewers choice" awards (everyone was given a piece of paper when they paid to go in and got to mark favorites). Mine won in best original art quilt (1st and 2nd place) and first in over all viewers favorite. I'm telling you this because there was apparently no other prizes beyond the viewers' choice. So, if your technique won't get past the quilt police, look for this kind of show. I suspect they seperated it from the county fair because they hold it at the fair grounds and it takes up 3 huge barms!

My problem now (we moved) is that when I go on line to find an upcoming fair (like 2 or 3 months away) I have not been able to find the form or info that tells HOW to enter. I tried with one show and, after it was over, someone gave me an address to apply, and it was NOT the address of the group or the show name! aaaaagh, it's hard getting old and not understanding these new ways of communicating.

Anyone who thinks entering shows or fairs is low class should loosen up and LIVE LOVE LAUGH!

roserips

I would encourage every one to enter there quilts in a local fair, it is a wonderful way to learn more and get positive feedback on what you can learn to do better. I was a 4-H member and then when I had my own family I entered things in the fair. All entries are judged on the Danish judging system that is why all entries get ribbons that you see. As a quilt judge I have refused to judge a couple of quilts since they smelled like old ash trays and I couldn't get near them. I have enjoyed judging and observing the growth in the local quilters that enter the fair I judge at. I still enter quilts in my local fair (not the one I judge at) and enjoy reading the comments the judges give. That is where you can learn and improve your quilting. Those women who made rude comments to you probably are jealous since you most likely got better ribbons than they ever did. Kudos for you and keep up the good work! By the way Judges are trained and have to show a superior knowledge of the subject that is being judged.

Pat M.

About every other year I enter a quilt in our local fair. Sometimes I win and sometimes I loose. It is fun and we meet a lot of new people from different areas. Do not listen to that woman, she is a QUILT POLICE!! Ignore her.

kdid82

I love to go look at the exhibits, but personally I don't want everyone picking up and touching my quilts. At our county fair, they are laid on a table so everyone going by can put their hands on it.

ragquilter

It would be an honor for me to win a ribbon anywhere, be it a big state fair or a small one. I try to live by the if you can't say something nice don't say anything. I think when someone makes a snide remark that the person is needing to feel self-important. So I consider it to be their problem not mine. There will always be someone who wants to rain on your parade, so grab an umbrella!

beadywoman

Bravo for you! Getting a ribbon for your work is thrilling! Ignore the snobs of the world and enjoy the recognition that you have received is what I say. Not all of us are ready or even want to enter our creations in a competition that is on a grand scale. And I bet that those "farm wives" could teach the snobs some great tricks if they were receptive!

gramajo

Some of those old farm wives are beautiful quilters.

Arneatte

So why do they have these show for if it is POOPOO to enter in them. would be a boeing fair to alot of people that enjoy coming to see whats out there.

norwalkgma

If people don't enter local & county fairs they will be no more. I've entered our county fair off and on since my 4H years (I'm now 66!). Have won a few blue ribbons over the years for canned goods & jellies as well as sewing and quilting. This year I shared with DH that I secretly hoped for a Best of Show just once in my lifetime. I entered 5 quilts and all won blue ribbons, but this year I had not one but 3 Best of Shows! I was thrilled and walked on cloud nine for quite awhile. I plan to frame my silver trays and big rosette ribbons and hang them proudly in my sewing room.
Enter - don't let anyone deter you or put you down. Never give up - learn and improve - keep trying. My great niece has asked me to teach her how to quilt and is working on a doll quilt. She wants to enter in the 2013 fair in the Young Exhibitor category. Quilt on!

Waal

I say, "Go For It!" It is fun, and it is also fun to see what others enter at the fair. That is why a lot of people go to the fair. I have entered before and won ribbons as well. It's just a good experience for all involved.