Another HMQS Question! :)

[Norma H.]

Janet - I am close to the NQA show too - I've missed the deadline for this year but would really like to enter something next year. The piece I am working on (well - there are several in the works, it's a matter of which one will be finished in time really) for MQX may go there next year. I really appreciate the advice!

Zarah - I am SO with you about making quilts you like. I am still discovering what works best for me. I go between planning out a spectacular quilt and building one organically and making up each part as I go along. It takes longer - but the latter method I am finding works best for me. If I don't know what's next - I'm more apt to maintain an interest and finish the project...where as if I have a plan to follow it's more like work - drudgery! I've moved beyond bed quilts into this odd area where I am not in the "show quilt" arena just yet but I do think of my quilts as more expressions of art than bedding.

A quilting friend of mine and I were recently chatting about how it becomes frustrating because I grow so much with each quilt that by the time I get anywhere near finishing a project I see all the flaws and I want to pitch it and start over fresh. Really hard to finish things with that philosophy though!!!

I think you're on to something though Zarah with the notion that each show and the judges tastes do play a factor. I tend to be a traditional quilter who dabbles in art and contemporary quilting. I am still finding my voice really.

In any case I am grateful for the feedback and discussion! This was a fun experience and I love knowing that I was a part of something so big!

[Norma H.]

100c8_41f1 by Valerie/Pumpkin Patch Quilter, on Flickr


100c6_368e by Valerie/Pumpkin Patch Quilter, on Flickr

Here's a few pictures of the quilt actually hanging in the show too - I love that it was placed next to this awesome phoenix quilt - the colors compliment each other!

[Norma H.]

Not sure if anyone out there is still checking in on this thread but I have learned so much this way I thought I'd put it out there for others who are curious. I received my quilt back from HMQS today along with judges comments. It is kind of what I expected - although I was shocked not a word on my binding!! That was what I was most stressed about! It was actually the monogram on my whole cloth and I went so far as to embellish it with gold thread which was a big mistake as it made every imperfection stand out rather than hide. I may actually go and remove it before I send it into my local show - it won't change some of the imperfections of the quilting but at least detract from it.

I received mostly very good's although they didn't like the thread embellishing and marked me low on that - but honestly I'm pretty happy with the results!!! The way I see it - you would pay an expert to honestly evaluate your work wouldn't you? Well, I feel like the judges judged my quilt against the same standards that the mega star quilters were judged...so I just kind of feel like it was straight forward in that regard. My quilt was not a show stopper nor the most difficult quilt I've ever made - and it reflected that in the judges remarks. I knew it was a "nice" quilt when I sent it in, and I guess it just reaffirmed that they saw things much the way I did.

Just thought I would share - I may be a loser but I'm a happy loser!! LOL!! It kind of confirmed my thoughts and forced me to re-evaluate how I look at my quilting. When you are thrilled with something it can bes hard to see the flaws, because you love what you have made and you put time and effort into it! But if your ultimate goal is to improve your quilting and do the best job on a quilt you can possibly do - you have to be able to see your flaws without emotion to correct them. This was a very helpful experience and I'm actually really excited about my next entry!!!

In any case - just sharing for anyone lurking around (as I do sometimes!) and interested.

[Betty J.]

I kind of look at competition quilting as competing with myself. The judges comments can be helpful. Attending the shows and seeing the others quilts has been the most helpful thing for me. P.s. You are NOT a loser just cause you didn't get a ribbon!!!!!

[Betty J.]

Hehe Thank you Betty Jo! LOL I'm teasing - I don't think I'm a "loser" for not getting a ribbon - if that were the case there were several hundred of us that were losers!! LOL!! No I just meant, I think that the marks were pretty decent and the comments were right on with what I suspected my issues were. I thought the comments were very helpful.

One thing that did surprise me - only one judge looked over my quilt - there are no initials for the second judge...is this the norm? Do they often divvy up the judges in this manner?

[Betty J.]

It varies by the show. I also had a quilt in the show, but haven't gotten it back yet. It was delayed in transit and is now scheduled to get here on Tuesday. I did not win a ribbon either. Will be quite interested in seeing what the judge(s) say.

[Carol G.]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have entered items at my local county fair, both quilts & cross stitch, & have won ribbons. But there are no judges comments. And the 2 guilds I belong to have shows, but no contest. I am working up to someday enter a quilt in a show that is judged. Your post is encouraging!

I think your quilt is gorgeous! You have inspired me. I have been working to improve my FMQ on my Janome. I could do a small detailed project like this. :-)

[Carol G.]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have entered items at my local county fair, both quilts & cross stitch, & have won ribbons. But there are no judges comments. And the 2 guilds I belong to have shows, but no contest. I am working up to someday enter a quilt in a show that is judged. Your post is encouraging!

I think your quilt is gorgeous! You have inspired me. I have been working to improve my FMQ on my Janome. I could do a small detailed project like this. :-)

These usually go to my inbox so I know there's a comment - I am so sorry for not replying sooner!!!

I think the experience was great. Now that it's been a few months I have had some time to reflect and I've come to a few conclusions.

Know the show. I knew HMQS was a national show but I - HAD - NO - IDEA just how stinking amazing the entrants would be. I was WAY out of my league with this little quilt. I knew they got big names but my lack of research really showed after I saw pictures. I was motivated to show there (more on a whim than anything) because I have clients in the area...but wheew! This was not my most detailed work but I was really in love with the quilt at the time. Now that I have it hanging on my wall at home all I can see are the flaws!! I'm going to remove the metallic stitching which I think highlights the imperfections...and I learned I need to use a little self control when it comes to sparklies. I do like the quilt...I may put it along with a couple of other quilts in our local regional show.

I have a small quilt I've been working on and off on for months that I'm entering to MQX in Springfield. It is juried - I have never entered a juried show before - so my fingers are crossed. I'll post here the outcome of that show.

[Lois B.]

Thanks for your continued reflection. I helps us all learn and perhaps inspire more of us to enter quilts in the future.

[Catherine S.]

Valerie, I think your little quilt is beautiful. A am planning on going to the Springfield show and I will look for your new entry. What is it called so I can find it? A last name would help too. Wishing you lots of luck!

[Catherine S.]

Valerie, I think your little quilt is beautiful. A am planning on going to the Springfield show and I will look for your new entry. What is it called so I can find it? A last name would help too. Wishing you lots of luck!

Thank you!! I did like my little HMQS wall hanging - but I have a better idea of what I need to focus on. It was a great learning experience. My entry for MQX Midwest is small - but I worked my rear off on that little quilt! There are more hours in that baby than some of my largest quilts.

I have two entries submitted to MQX Springfield - a trio of heirloom whole cloth Christmas stockings and a miniature whole cloth called "Emerald Tapestry". If you hadn't guessed - it's GREEN! LOL I have never entered a juried competition so this is all new to me - from what I understand we are to hear if our quilt is accepted by August 25th.

OH - and my name is Valerie Smith! Easy enough to remember I think! I sure do hope you'll share photos of the show too!

[Catherine S.]

I wish you the best and hope to see a prize ribbon on your entries. Yes, I will take and post pictures.
Does anyone else have an entry at MQX Springfield?
I know they are having a special exhibit of Janet's quilts. They are calling it Alphabet Quilt Madness. Can't wait to see all the quilts together. Janet are you going to be there too?

[Nancy R.]

I submitted an entry yesterday. I'll let you know if it gets in. The entry deadline is Friday.

[Lois B.]

Good luck, Nancy!

[Lois B.]

I wish you the best and hope to see a prize ribbon on your entries. Yes, I will take and post pictures.
Does anyone else have an entry at MQX Springfield?
I know they are having a special exhibit of Janet's quilts. They are calling it Alphabet Quilt Madness. Can't wait to see all the quilts together. Janet are you going to be there too?

Thank you! *fingers crossed*

I am sad I will be missing out on Janet's display of quilts...she is fantastic and such an inspiration! I would love to see them all grouped together - I look forward to pictures!