- Does NQA sponsor an annual judged and juried show?
- What things could take a quilt out of the competition?
- What happens to a quilt that is entered in an incorrect category?
- Does the NQA show have an "art quilt" category?
- What awards are given at the NQA show?
- Which method of judging, the Point System or the Elimination System, do NQA judges prefer?
- What criteria is used to determine the award-winning quilts at shows, especially when the quilts appear equal? Fall, 2005
- How can I be sure if I'm entering my quilt in the correct category? Winter, 2005
- What do judges consider when evaluating quilting designs? Summer, 2006
Question 1 - Does NQA sponsor an annual judged and juried show?
Answer - NQA has an annual judged show, but it is not a juried show. Any quilter may enter a quilt in an NQA show; entrants do not have to be a member of the organization to enter. The number of quilts that are accepted is limited to the first 350 registered. Three judges certified by the National Quilting Association evaluate the show entries. These judges are the most sought after and respected judges in the quilting world today, and we are very proud of the job they do judging the NQA show.
Question 2 - What things could take a quilt out of the competition?
Answer - One problem would be that the quilt does not have the required 4" hanging sleeve attached. Other reasons could be a quilt that is soiled, not constructed from fabric, arrives after the deadline, or has already been exhibited in a previous NQA show.
Question 3 - What happens to a quilt that is entered in an incorrect category?
Answer - The quilt will be judged and hung, but becomes ineligible to be considered for awards in the category. Entrants should carefully read and understand the categories. If there is any question about which category the quilt should be entered in, the quilter should contact the judging coordinator listed on the entry form for help in making the correct decision.
Question 4 - Does the NQA show have an "art quilt" category?
Answer - Yes. The art quilt category is defined as follows: Quilts created as art quilts, reflecting innovative construction and design techniques, theme or subject matter and/or materials. Quilts must be made of fabric, have three layers, and contain quilting.
Question 5 - What awards are given at the NQA show?
Answer - Places are awarded in each category - First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention. Additionally, these awards are presented:
- Best of Show Bed Quilt
- Best of Show Wall Quilt
- Best Hand Quilting - Bed Quilt
- Best Hand Quilting - Wall Quilt
- Best Machine Quilting - Domestic Machine
- Best Machine Quilting - Mid/longarm Machine
More special awards include:
- Color - effective integration of color and design
- Innovative - imaginative development of a non-traditional pattern
- Representational - noteworthy handling of realistic subject
- Traditional - remarkable achievement in classic patterning
- Viewer's Choice
- Judge's Choice
Question 6 - Which method of judging, the Point System or the Elimination System, do NQA judges prefer?
Answer - The Point System and the Elimination System are both popular judging methods used throughout the country. Although NQA doesn’t officially endorse one method over the other, most of its certified judges seem to prefer the freedom and flexibility of the Elimination System. In fact, that is the method used by the three-person team that judges the NQA Annual Show each June.
Briefly, the Point System uses a predetermined set of maximum point values that must be considered for specific areas of design and construction. For example, no more than 20 points will be awarded for a quilt’s overall appearance, 10 for its use of color, 20 for its design, 10 for the quality of the quilting stitch, 10 for the borders, etc. The number of points usually adds up to 100.
In this method, each quilt is judged on its own merits against the set of points. Problems arise when special or atypical quilts are among those being judged. For example, if the quilt has no borders, it automatically loses 10 points. That would unfairly penalize a quiltmaker who omitted borders to enhance her design. A wholecloth quilt is another example of a quilt that, because of its unitary construction and lack of piecing, might well need its own unique point system to be considered fairly.
The total number of points earned determines the order of ribbon awards. However, there can be ties for ribbons if two or more quilts earn the same number of points. This can be confusing to the participants and the observers. The best part of the Point System is that each quilt is judged on its own merits, not against other quilts.
In the Elimination System, each quilt's strengths and weaknesses are assessed by each judge on either a preferred judging form or the form required by the Show. These open-ended forms usually give the judge a chance to make specific comments on each technique. For example, a comment might read, "Binding thread should match binding." That provides the quiltmaker with useful and instructional feedback that encourages improvement. It is certainly more meaningful than telling her that she scored 8 points out of 10 in the binding category and expecting her to figure out why.
After a complete written evaluation of the techniques, the quilt is held for possible ribbon placement or released from the competition. Each "held" quilt is looked at again, compared to the other quilts in the category, and ribbons are awarded based on how each quilt compared to its neighbors.
No judging system is perfect and there are frustrations in both the Point and Elimination Judging Systems, but most NQA judges find that the Elimination System is faster and offers more of a chance to thoroughly evaluate all the techniques actually used in the construction of the quilt. When taken in the right spirit, the comments on the critique sheet can be a great learning tool for the quiltmaker. Periodically, we all have to be reminded that only the quilt is being judged, not the quiltmaker!
Question 7 - What criteria is used to determine the award-winning quilts at shows, especially when the quilts appear equal?
Answer - The judging is complete and the quilt show finally opens after hours of preparation. Then the inevitable question is asked: "Why didn’t this quilt get a ribbon?" It is easy to understand why this question is asked since there are many reasons why quilts do and do not receive ribbons. Some of these reasons cannot be easily identified when people view the quilts in their categories and the winners of the categories. To understand the answer to this question it is important to know that judges do not award ribbons arbitrarily or because of personal preferences. Ribbons are awarded after all the quilts in a category have been thoroughly evaluated, and each quilt's overall design and workmanship are considered. Awarding a quilt a ribbon is an important decision and a responsibility judges take very seriously. A short review of the judging process will help explain the answer to this frequently asked question and give an understanding of how the final decision to award a ribbon is made.
Quilt shows have categories designed to organize the quilts by styles and techniques in order for the judging to be as equitable as possible. By successfully organizing the quilts, judges are comparing apples to apples instead of apples to oranges; or rather all traditional pieced quilts are in one category while art quilts are in another. Each quilt is given an objective, complete evaluation as it is presented before the judge. Judges are not allowed to be given any special information about the quilt nor is a quilt awarded a ribbon because it has placed at other shows. The quilts are judged with those in the category and since this varies at each show a quilt may win at one show, but not at another show.
While judging the categories judges look at a quilt from a distance to evaluate the overall design, technical skill level required by the quiltmaker to execute the design and the general appearance. Judging the quilt's overall design consists of looking at all the individual design elements and determining whether they have been successfully used together to create an effective, unified piece. During the evaluation of workmanship, judges closely examine the quality of the piecing and appliqué techniques, quilting techniques, embellishments, surface design techniques and edge finishing techniques. Not only is the front of the quilt looked at, but the back of the quilt as well.
When the quilt has been completely evaluated, there may be several reasons why a quilt will not receive a ribbon. For example, the quilt may have a complicated, unified design yet the workmanship techniques may not be at the level required to truly execute the design. During the evaluation the judge may have noted some piecing problems such as multi-seam intersections that do not lie flat or meet accurately; or the quilting may have tension or stitch length inconsistencies; or the edge finishing techniques may need improvement. These are characteristics of the quilt the public may not be able to see since they view the quilt from several feet away. So, they wonder why the quilt did not get a ribbon. This may clarify the confusion when a quilt with a complex design did not get a ribbon, while a quilt with a less complicated yet unified design has placed among the winners.
Also considered with the results of the judge's evaluation is whether or not the quilt has met the show requirements and the individual category guidelines. Quilts have been released from competition because quiltmakers did not closely follow the directions listed on a quilt show entry form. It is unfortunate when this happens because these quilts may have been ribbon contenders. Since quilts released from competition for failing to meet the guidelines may still be displayed with their category, this is another situation when people see a possible winner without a ribbon.
When it is time to award the ribbons the possible winning quilts are looked at again as a group and individually. To award the quilts a first, second, third or honorable mention ribbon, all the information gathered during the quilt's evaluation is considered by the judge. If the quilt exhibits a combination of a successful design with a high level of workmanship the result is an award winning quilt. After further careful consideration the final decision of the order the quilts should place is made, the ribbons are awarded and the accomplishments of the quiltmakers are recognized.
A general understanding of the judging process and the factors considered when evaluating quilts can answer many questions people may have when attending a quilt show. This information also helps to end the mystery of what happens during the judge’s evaluation and when the ribbons are awarded. So the next time the question is asked, "Why didn’t that quilt win a ribbon?" the answer may be found by looking at the quilt from a "judge’s perspective".
-- This article was originally printed in The Quilting Quarterly, (Fall 2005), written by Lynne F. Erbach, NQACJ
Question 8 - In many regional and most national quilt shows, the category the quilt is entered is very important. How can I be sure if I'm entering my quilt in the correct category?
Answer - Deciding to enter a quilt in a regional or national show is exciting. There are a variety of shows to consider. Some shows have a specific theme or focus, while others accept a variety of quilt styles. After selecting a show, the quiltmaker must make the decision as to which category to enter. Show brochures are written with the goal of providing all the information an entrant will need. Reading the show's contest information may appear overwhelming. Included with the contest rules and directions are a variety of category definitions. A quiltmaker should never assume they know a show's rules or categories because these can vary from show to show, and an established show occasionally makes changes. Following the directions exactly is very important because quilts may be rejected or disqualified if any rule is not met. Choosing a category can be a difficult decision if the choice is not obvious. The categories for traditional pieced and appliqué are easily understood; but sometimes there are questions with the art, innovative, pictorial, mixed, miniature, other or miscellaneous categories. After all isn't an innovative quilt the same as an art quilt? What exactly are the other and miscellaneous categories? Isn't any small quilt considered a miniature? A look at frequently used definitions will help to answer these questions.
The art and innovative categories are very popular at shows in response to the work created by today's quiltmakers, fiber and textile artists. Sometimes the quilt has to be innovative to be entered in the art category or there are separate innovative and art categories. The art category can be broken down to accommodate specific styles or include any design that is considered artistic. An innovative quilt design brings something new to quiltmaking such as an idea or method, use of fabrics, embellishments or surface designs. The word "original" is also sometimes used in the art or innovative quilt category definition. To be an original the quilt design must be totally new, never done before. If the words original and innovative are in a definition, the quiltmaker must honestly examine their quilt to be sure they are making the right decision. When a quilt doesn’t meet the definitions, a different category should be considered.
A pictorial design is defined as a recognizable person, animal, plant, place (landscape, cityscape, etc.), or object. For example, a pictorial quilt could be a design with a child holding a puppy in a field of daisies with mountains in the background. If the design is unrecognizable, it is time to look at other categories. As with innovative quilts, pictorial quilts can be included in the art category or there will be a category specifically for this style.
A generally accepted definition for mixed techniques is the use of approximately equal amounts of two major techniques in the quilt design. An obvious example is a design with appliqué and piecing. What would not be a mixed technique is a combination of hand and machine quilting; placement in this category would not be a choice. But what if the quilt has hand and machine quilting, and there are separate categories for these techniques? Then the dominant technique would determine the category.
A wide variety of quilts are entered in the miscellaneous or other categories. As long as the rules and definitions are followed these categories provide quiltmakers an opportunity to enter a quilt that does not meet other category definitions. Possible quilt styles are whole cloth, Crazy Quilts, embroidered quilts, tied quilts, or any style or technique quiltmakers should choose.
Isn't any small quilt considered a miniature? The answer to this question is no. A miniature quilt is a design that has been reduced in scale. Simply because a quilt is the size required for the category does not make the quilt a miniature. All of the various quilt components - the overall design, quilting design and stitches, binding, embroidery or other surface techniques, or embellishments need to be reduced in scale.
I encourage everyone to consider entering quilt shows. There are several ways to make choosing the quilt category less confusing. Being familiar with the general show category definitions listed above is a good beginning. Additional recommendations are to gather information from several shows to help understand rules and category definitions, attend shows and study the quilts in the different categories, and of course talk with other quilters. When the time comes to enter a quilt always carefully read (and reread) the category definitions, understand the show's objectives and closely follow the rules. If there are still some questions, contact the show coordinator when possible. Learn as much as you can and I'm sure you will enter your quilt in the correct category.
-- This article was originally printed in The Quilting Quarterly, (Winter 2005), written by Lynne F. Erbach, NQACJ
Question 9 - What do judges consider when evaluating quilting designs?
Answer - The quilting design is a very important component of the overall design of a quilt. It should complement and continue to unify the fabric design, color, surface textures and embellishments. Many factors are considered when judging the quilting design. These are necessary in order to decide whether the quilting designs are successful or could require additional thought by the quiltmaker.
Judges evaluate the quilting design as an individual element and as it relates to the total design. When the judges are evaluating the quilt design, they are also noting the quilting designs. How does the quilting design effect and relate to the quilt top design? Does the quilting design contribute or detract from the visual impact of the quilt? If there are a variety of designs do they work together to add interest and enhance the total design? Do the quilting designs create movement and texture? Are the designs simple or are they complex? How was quilting used to emphasize the individual fabric pieces such as in a Lone Star quilt? Or if the quilt was made using appliqué techniques, was quilting used on various motifs as an additional design element and to add texture?
Various qualities of the design is closely evaluated. Is the size of the design appropriate for the size of the quilt, and the pieced or appliqué designs? Do the individual designs fill spaces appropriately? Was the design distorted to fill an area? Quilt designs should be proportioned to fit the space for which they are intended. For example, a feathered wreath should not be so small for a block that there is a great deal of empty space surrounding it. Nor should the wreath be so large that the design extends beyond the planned area. Just like Goldilocks, the fit should be just right! Also, the border designs should not be modified or "chopped off" by the binding. If a cable design is used, the design should be centered on the border fabric with equal amounts of distance between seams and the edge of the quilting design. While evaluating borders, it needs to be determined if the corner designs were distorted to fit the space or if the design flows continuously around the corner. When an overall quilting design, such as a pantograph, grid quilting or fans, is used it is necessary to make sure the design is placed equally across the quilt top. To increase the design’s impact and to avoid visual distortion and the appearance of poor planning the design needs to uniformly end at the quilt’s edges. There should not be a complete design on one side of the quilt and a partial design on the opposite side. Consider a straight-set grid; if a full square is on the left quilt edge then a full square should be seen on the other three quilt edges.
Trapunto and background quilting are used to highlight the design motifs and create additional texture. When trapunto is used the quilting design is brought to a new level by introducing another design element. The use of background quilting, such as grids, parallel lines, or clamshells, should be balanced in the same way as an overall design. Stippling and echo quilting are also popular and effective background designs that do not require the same planning as the other designs mentioned.
Of course the quantity of quilting needs to be considered. To avoid distorting the quilt there should be an equal amount of quilting throughout the quilt. So the question needs to be asked if the quilting designs are evenly placed or are there large open areas of fabric on the quilt. Remember the purpose of quilting is more than keeping the three layers together; but, rather a necessary design element required to further unify and enhance the overall design.
Finally, the thread type and color need to be well chosen for the quilting design. This is not always an easy decision given the variety of threads currently available. When choosing the thread it is important to audition different colors to get the desired effect. If the quiltmaker continues to think about creating a uniform design the right choice will be made.
There are many ways to find the perfect quilting design for a quilt top. Don’t rush the process. With time and practice your quilt will have a quilt design that grabs the judge’s and viewer’s attention saying, "Hey, look at me!"
-- This article was originally printed in The Quilting Quarterly, (Summer 2006), written by Lynne F. Erbach, NQACJ
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