Fair quilt judging. No fair at all.
#31
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
These types of fairs are mostly for the viewing. Many of the viewers are not quilters. If your quilt is there, that's one more quilt to look at. This doesn't have to be all about competition.
#33
I actually think there should really be two types of shows...1) the big fancy 'judged' shows that do really scrutinize your work. And then 2) shows where it's just wonderful to hang your work, everyone gets to see it and you don't have to 'stress' about earning or not earning a ribbon. My quilts aren't 'masterpieces' but I think they are pretty awesome and it's totally fun to hang them somewhere so people can see them!! So perhaps that's what this particular fair needs to do...make it a great place to 'share' but forgo the competition. Maybe they would get a lot more quilts if it was just 'show and tell'! I really think there is room for both without one having to pretend it's something it's not.
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,608
I honestly don't understand competition and "showing" for quilts, particularly at a fair. It doesn't add to my happiness in my work to have a ribbon given it, and it doesn't detract for my satisfaction with my work to see someone else ranked better. So, to me, competition in something I do strictly for fun, makes no sense.
That said, I'm sorry you're disappointed with your fair experience. What would you have wanted to have happen to have felt that it was worth the effort of entering? In other words, what was your most favorable expectation?
That said, I'm sorry you're disappointed with your fair experience. What would you have wanted to have happen to have felt that it was worth the effort of entering? In other words, what was your most favorable expectation?
#35
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,760
Another thread on the same subject, that some may wish to read ............
https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...h-t291633.html
https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...h-t291633.html
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,608
I honestly don't understand competition and "showing" for quilts, particularly at a fair. It doesn't add to my happiness in my work to have a ribbon given it, and it doesn't detract for my satisfaction with my work to see someone else ranked better. So, to me, competition in something I do strictly for fun, makes no sense.
That said, I'm sorry you're disappointed with your fair experience. What would you have wanted to have happen to have felt that it was worth the effort of entering? In other words, what was your most favorable expectation?
That said, I'm sorry you're disappointed with your fair experience. What would you have wanted to have happen to have felt that it was worth the effort of entering? In other words, what was your most favorable expectation?
#37
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,490
A few years ago I entered a quilt in our local fair. A couple of my friends went on opening night and called to tell me there was a blue ribbon hanging on my quilt! I was so excited and raced to see it for myself, hubby in tow with a camera around his neck. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed and deflated I was when I saw 20 blue ribbons hanging on quilts all around mine. And my prize money? A check for a whopping $2.50. More of a slap in the face, really.
#39
At our county fair we have a judge from another area. They judge the quilts and award ribbons accordingly. They have even been known to not award a ribbon for a category if they don't think the entries warrant them. The comment on the quilts and offer suggestions on how to improve things or compliment them. I personally find it extremely helpful to have the judge the quilt and offer suggestions and I certainly don't want a ribbon I don't deserve.
#40
That is so true! How can we help our children deal with disappointments in life (which we all face at one time or another) if everyone is a winner? I've never liked that idea. I can't believe it's now in the quilt world!
I remember when my boys were in sports and of course didn't win every game and were disappointed. It was a valuable lesson. Besides, as my husband lovingly told them "Don't you think the other team wants to win too?"
I remember when my boys were in sports and of course didn't win every game and were disappointed. It was a valuable lesson. Besides, as my husband lovingly told them "Don't you think the other team wants to win too?"
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