Do you compete in quilt shows?

And do you wonder how winning quilts are selected, and what the judging entails? Sometimes it can be very puzzling, and often we have been left wondering what criteria were used in selecting one or more #1 quilts.

Last week I read two different (and incredibly good) articles on the subject of quilt show judging. Coincidentally, they both referred to the recent Road to California Quilt Show. Reading these two articles is a MUST, in my opinion, for anyone who chooses to compete in quilt shows. And especially if you puzzle over why a given quilt wins over others…

SewCalGal was actually able to observe the judging of this quilt show. Her post on the subject is profound and revealing. It certainly answered questions I had about how this judging process takes place.

Elsie M. Campbell was one of the judges for this show and she, too, shares her insights on the judging process, from the perspective of a judge. Again, a very interesting read.

On a somewhat unrelated note, the other two judges for this show were Joen Wolfrom and Charlotte Warr-Andersen. Seeing their names made me nostalgic (again!). Joen had a fabulous website at one time where she shared some of her fabulous designs, with step-by-step instructions on how to sew them. I’m glad I printed out and kept some of them, as they are now sadly gone. Quite fortunately for us, though, she does have several books out that are easily available.

And with regard to Charlotte… well, let me preface by saying I am not a great fan of wearable quilts. I have made a couple of quilted jackets for my mom and daughter, but purposely kept them very simple. But I remember the first time I saw Charlotte’s work, back in 2003. Now this coat is something I would not object to having in my wardrobe!