What does the Judge Think? See the Comments from AQS QuiltWeek Paducah

May 12, 2023

If you enter a quilt show, what is the first thing you do when the quilt returns home? If you are anything like me, you go right for the judging sheets. This feedback is one of the reasons I enter shows, and I like to share that feedback with you to do my small part in increasing the transparency in the world of judged and juried shows.

Today I am sharing the judging comments for the American Quilters’ Society Quilt Week Event that recently concluded in Paducah, Kentucky. This is the main AQS show and the only event where they provide judges’ comments.

If you want to hear some of my recent thoughts on quilt judging, check out the post on QuiltCon Judging Results, complete with commentary!

My Quilts From AQS QuiltWeek 2023

Emergence (46″x 61″)

Category: Small Wall Quilts- Movable Machine Quilted

Emergence
Detail of Emergence

Quilting Method:

Movable Machine

Quilting Technique:

  • Decorative Stitching
  • Piecing (Improvisational)
  • Piecing (machine)
  • Quilting (Free-Motion)
  • Quilting (Hand)

Description:

Please note that the description is not included in the show book for this event, but is submitted with the show entry.

Emergence was created from start to finish in 100 days as a countdown to the virtual event, QuiltCon Together. Bright, warm colors evoke joy, and the mix of hand and machine quilting creates a cozy texture while adding visual interest.

Judging Comments for Emergence

String Theory (11″x 11″)

Category: Miniature Quilts

String Theory
Detail of String Theory

Quilting Method:

Stationary Machine

Quilting Technique:

  • Wholecloth
  • Quilting (Walking Foot)

Description:

Inspired by string art, this whole cloth quilt uses ten colors of 12wt thread to create a rainbow effect with matching 50wt thread quilting the negative space. Omitting the fourth corner develops an unexpected focal point in the negative space.

Judging Comments for String Theory

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2 Comments

  • Reply
    Sarah
    May 12, 2023 at 9:10 am

    Thanks for sharing! I also got the comment about striving for less bulk at seam intersections on my quilt that went to Paducah this year — I guess that was something they honed in on!

  • Reply
    Carol Stewart
    May 12, 2023 at 6:18 pm

    I love your quilts! I think the judges must feel they have to give some constructive comments in their reviews. I did not agree with all the comments from the judges ( I feel the quilt creator should have the freedom to express an idea without judgement of a construction method).
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful creations.
    Carol

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