Judging....
Shortly after I started quilting, I was asked to help organize a quilt show in town. I ended up scribing for the judge for that show. Not only did I learn a lot, it sparked an interest. I wanted to know what makes a winning quilt, or why certain quilts are chosen for exhibits.
In 2014, I am became a certified quilt judge through NQA/NACQJ (National Association of Certified Quilt Judges). I see judging as another form of teaching: a way for people to learn about quilting. While judging, I celebrate their achievements and hope that my feedback provides guidance for improvement. Judging quilts is not just about workmanship, it is about design as well. While I have always strived to have my quilts be unique, in the last 10 years I have made a concerted effort to improve my knowledge of design. I continue to look for learning opportunities to develop my eye as well as improve my quilting skills.
Please contact me to check on my availability to judge your show or challenge. More information about judging is available on the NACQJ website: www.nacqj.com
A little more about my philosophy of judging:
Most people see judging as just a way to award prizes. However, the main goal is to further the art/craft of quilting… further the artistry and skill of the quilters, and ensuring that quilts withstand test of time. In awarding prizes or selecting the best, judges need to have a critical eye in order to see differences and sort the good, the better and the best apart. However, when Judges are allowed to make comments they acknowledge achievements in both artistry and skill as well as encourage improvements, thus trying further the knowledge and skill of the maker. I point out this difference because if you see judging as just being critical, you will see everything judges do as negative and that is not it's true purpose.
Shortly after I started quilting, I was asked to help organize a quilt show in town. I ended up scribing for the judge for that show. Not only did I learn a lot, it sparked an interest. I wanted to know what makes a winning quilt, or why certain quilts are chosen for exhibits.
In 2014, I am became a certified quilt judge through NQA/NACQJ (National Association of Certified Quilt Judges). I see judging as another form of teaching: a way for people to learn about quilting. While judging, I celebrate their achievements and hope that my feedback provides guidance for improvement. Judging quilts is not just about workmanship, it is about design as well. While I have always strived to have my quilts be unique, in the last 10 years I have made a concerted effort to improve my knowledge of design. I continue to look for learning opportunities to develop my eye as well as improve my quilting skills.
Please contact me to check on my availability to judge your show or challenge. More information about judging is available on the NACQJ website: www.nacqj.com
A little more about my philosophy of judging:
Most people see judging as just a way to award prizes. However, the main goal is to further the art/craft of quilting… further the artistry and skill of the quilters, and ensuring that quilts withstand test of time. In awarding prizes or selecting the best, judges need to have a critical eye in order to see differences and sort the good, the better and the best apart. However, when Judges are allowed to make comments they acknowledge achievements in both artistry and skill as well as encourage improvements, thus trying further the knowledge and skill of the maker. I point out this difference because if you see judging as just being critical, you will see everything judges do as negative and that is not it's true purpose.