Quilt Market - Houston 2010

Well after an uneventful flight I'm here at Market! (Where the quilt shops shop). Having a great time checking out all the new stuff.

Krenik - great threads.

Freckleberry Farm - applique designs.

Judging Guidelines

The purpose of judging a quilt show is twofold: one is to award excellence, and the other is to give critique. Do no confuse ‘critique’ with criticism. A critique is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as ‘a critical analysis or review’. When a critique is written, it should point out the areas in which the quilter has demonstrated success, as well as suggest areas which need improvement.

There are two general methods of judging. The point system and the elimination system.

The point system: points are given on a prepared score sheet something like this:
(The points and categories may be anything you want!)
Visual Impact (40 points) _____ Design (20 points) _____
Workmanship (20 points) _____ Color (20 points) _____
This system may reward more than one blue ribbon!

The elimination system. Each quilt is judged on its own merit, and held or released. The held quilts are then reviewed and the awards given.

What's Involved When Entering a Show

I'm crazy busy getting ready for the International Quilt Show in Houston TX. I can't believe I leave on Saturday, so this post seems appropriate.

People often ask me about what is involved in the jurying process, and I’ll certainly be the first to say that it is a difficult task to narrow the field down to the number of quilts any show can accommodate! Quilters are as diverse as they are talented, so jurors look at a very broad range of styles, both traditional and non-traditional. A few factors considered in making decisions are:

• General appearance: Does the quilt make a neat, clean and tidy first impression?
• Workmanship: Does the piece reflect excellent sewing and quilting skills? Is it flat, square and free of distortion, with all signs of construction invisible?
• Unity: Is there a condition of harmony in which all the parts – the design, colors, fabrics and the quilting – work together, each contributing to the overall effect?
• Wow factor: Does the quilt have that magical, indefinable ‘pop’ that makes viewers gasp in appreciation? Does it have the kind of impact that stays in their minds after they have walked away? This includes, but is in no way limited to, visual impact and whether the quilt successfully delivers the quiltmaker’s message.

Anyone viewing the amazing collection of quilts displayed in any show will certainly appreciate the wealth of talent, artistry and commitment of everyone involved!

Trains, Fabrics, etc.

So I'm home and what am I doing? Visiting a great shop not very far down the road!
Trains, Fabric, Etc., is an excellent source for fabric at very reasonable prices. Donna is very knowledgeable and gives great advice and help. There are many fabrics and samples in the shop, well worth the trip from anywhere. I always enjoy my visit.
Trains, Fabrics, etc. (253) 779-0219
1315 S 23rd St Tacoma, WA , 98405-3425

Capitol Reef National Park

This is my favorite National Park! It comprises 378 square miles of colorful canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths. About 75 miles of the long up-thrust called the Waterpocket Fold, extending like a rugged spine from Thousand Lake Plateau southward to Lake Powell, is preserved within the park boundary. Capitol Reef is the name of an especially rugged and spectacular part of the Waterpocket Fold near the Fremont River.

The one-room schoolhouse, constructed by residents in 1896, also served as a community center. The desks were movable and the community enjoyed dances and box socials in the little building. Residents also held church activities there, as well as in private homes. Women often quilted together and men and boys were especially fond of baseball. "Putting up" foods was not a hobby in Fruita; it was essential for survival through the winter.

Hell's Backbone

Hell's Backbone is not for the faint of heart! ... but it is one of the most dramatic roads anywhere. The road makes a loop connecting Escalante with Scenic Byway 12, near Boulder Utah.

A Balloon Ride

Early morning quiet was the perfect time to take a balloon ride floating high above the desert labyrinths and monoliths in Moab Utah. An adventure story to tell years to come.

In the Desert

Hired a guide with this great Jeep to take us out into the desert. Yes, we followed this ATV up the side of that hill! Woohoo.

Up and down over the hills we go.

It's Sew Moab

What a delight! A quilt shop in this great desert town. Enjoyed a few minutes browsing among the familiar and new things.

Vacation Time

Moab, a city in eastern Utah is known for National Parks, slick rock, uranium mines, movies and tourists. I love it for the sunshine and blue sky! Beautiful vista above Moab Utah.