Last week I posted a little catch up on the fair, Julia’s pig Ella, and the purse I made for her. In the comments, Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl, reminded me I hadn’t said anything about the quilts I entered in the local fair. I had originally planned to enter three quilts and that is what I technically signed up for. As I got the quilts out to add the hanging sleeves, I noticed that I had machine stitched the binding to the Positively Floating plus quilt. In all honesty, I can’t remember why I machine stitched that one. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood to stitch the binding down? Usually I kind of enjoy that last bit of stitching on a project. At any rate, it didn’t make sense to enter that quilt because I was fairly sure the judge wouldn’t appreciate a machine stitched binding. Additionally, I had procrastinated on making the sleeves, it was the night before I had to bring them over to the fairgrounds, and I was running short on time. So I didn’t enter the plus quilt.
I did enter the relief quilted THREAD project and the Sweet Tweets baby quilt. I got a second place ribbon on the Sweet Tweets baby quilt.
Third place, the quilt below mine was 2nd place.
I received a third place ribbon on the THREAD project. Now before we all get excited, I will tell you the rest. I am nothing, if not honest, right? This is a very small show – all contained within one room and may 150 entries at most (including all garments, stitchery, knitting and quilts) In the baby quilt category, there were two entries. In the mini quilts of this size, there were three. As my sister Patti wisely told me, the glass is half full – you got a 2nd and a 3rd place. But my logical side says, meh, I got last out of three and 2nd out of two. Either way, I am happy. I think I got over my fear of having someone look at my project and pick it apart (no pun intended!) It was interesting to read the comments. Here is a bit of what the judge wrote:
On the baby quilt: She liked the fabric selection and the fussy cut blocks. She found the quilting design appropriate and noted my stitches were not all the same length. Binding was well done but quilt does not lie flat.
On the relief quilt: Thread play noted and appreciated. Starts and stops should not be visible, addition of quilted thread spools noted and appreciated. Binding needs improvement.
So – it was an interesting experience. I am not a terribly competitive person so usually, I don’t feel compelled to think of the judge’s perspective as I make projects. I suppose if I decide to enter things again, I need to pay more attention to the details.
Yesterday I was having fun making a few bandana bibs for my little grand baby. My son, his wife and the baby got to California yesterday after a few flight delays and weather issues. They are spending time in the Bay Area, about 150 miles from here and will come up here Wednesday. The baby will be working on teething soon which means all of that drooling that comes with it. I thought bandana bibs might be nice for this. The first one is made with a Cotton & Steel print, Panda Bebe, a white flannel backing and a tiny velcro closure. After I made it, I decided it might be a tad bit on the small side.
I took the template and cut it to be a couple of inches longer. The second bib was made with a cute flannel scrap I had and a pink lining. I suspect this one is long enough. They were fun to make and such a quick project. The template I used was from Grey House Harbor, a DIY website with lots of tutorials. It will be fun to see if these fit baby girl when she gets here.
Finally, today Needle and Foot is the sponsor of this week’s podcast at While She Naps. The host and author at this site, Abby Glassenberg, is someone I have long admired. So much so, I wrote a review of her newsletter and podcast a while back. When the opportunity came about to sponsor a podcast, I was more than happy to do so. Abby’s strength lies in the breadth of subjects she covers both in her blog, newsletter and podcast. I hope you will click through and listen to today’s interview with Jamie Chalmers, otherwise known as Mr. X Stitch. His site boldly claims to be the world’s best contemporary needle crafts and embroidery site. You may have noticed that embroidery and cross stitch, among other styles of needle crafts, are trending these days. Jamie’s hugely popular site features “Cute Things, Arty Things, and Rude Things as well as all other sorts of stitchy goodness“. I am looking forward to hearing the podcast today and getting to know more about Chalmers. As added incentive, Needle and Foot will be offering a discount to Abby’s and Jamie’s fans – you’ll need to go over and listen to find out the details though!
Glad you found the bandana tutorial useful! Thanks for the mention. 😊
I was happy to find your template Haley. Thanks for your wonderful work. 🙂
Hi Bernie! I can’t comment on your WP Reader so I had to head over to your website. I just LOVE these little teething bibs – they are adorable and so practical, too. My great-niece or nephew is due in just days, so I am keeping an eye out for all things baby. I will pop over and check out their tutorials. Congrats on sharing your quilts in the fair – I don’t think I would ever have the nerve, so great job! I assume the criticism was constructive which is always nice to hear. ~smile~ Roseanne
Make a few bibs for sure! I doubt a new mama can ever have too many bibs.
As for the critiques – yes, they were constructive. It didn’t bother me to hear the judge’s thoughts at all. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Bernie, thanks for posting the bib tutorial link. I have a baby shower this weekend, so I may try to get some of these made up. So cute! I do read Abby’s newsletter; I think she highlights so many helpful things. So great that you are sponsoring her!
Great idea Wendy. The bibs take about 20 minutes each to make. My biggest decision was whether to put the absorbent fabric on the outside or not. So, I split the difference. One is backed in flannel and the other has the flannel on the front. Seems better to have the flannel on the front for the drooling but the cotton fabrics are so cute! I was happy to use that panda fabric.
Congrats on the ribbons Bernie! I know it’s a small show, but even so, I think it’s great to have people see your work! I know when I saw my quilts hanging up for everyone to see, it made me feel wonderful! I’m not sure I would want the pressure of competing in a big show, for me it’s more about sharing!
Hi — thanks so much. It was a fun exhibit. I volunteered for one shift on Wednesday night. It was an eclectic mix of visitors. I think a large number of them were there to cool off and enjoy the A/C after walking around!! But everyone seemed to appreciate all of the work that goes into the quilts and there were lots of friendly people.
Those bibs are really cute! You can never have too many bibs. Those babies can be really messy, especially when they’re eating. Putting your quilts into a show was a really good start, no matter how many others were exhibited. The judges’ comments sound pretty constructive. I’d love to know what they think a perfect binding is. I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen one!
I am so glad that you gave entering the fair a try. I honestly have found my small local fair to have some pretty tough (although honest and helpful) critiques over the years myself. Enjoy your time with your grand baby. It sounds like you are prepared!
That is interesting. I don’t have anything to compare it to of course since this is the first time I entered anything. But I think it was good to get the feedback. A little helpful criticism is fine. 🙂
You have far more courage than I do Bernie! I tend to take any kind of criticism personally (character flaw!) and would be whining and defensive about any criticism (constructive or otherwise) I received. LOL – my big character flaw! 🙂
The bibs are adorable. Enjoy your time with that precious cutie.
Haha – it didn’t really bother me. I know I am not a very precise quilter and figured it would be an issue in this situation. It doesn’t bother me to see my ‘stops and starts’ with quilting. I guess I should try harder but in all honesty, I am just not that kind of quilter. Take care Linda!!
Swear to God that binding gets me every time. I feel for you.
Some fairs don’t judge you against other entries – the first, second and third ribbons are based on a scoring system, regardless of the number of entries. Congrats on your ribbons!
Interesting — we were invited to watch the judging but I couldn’t make it. So I don’t really know how they judge. Except, I did read comments on my quilts and some others while I worked at the exhibit and there were no numerical scores noted.
Yep – binding is tricky – making sure it is the same width on the front and back. Also, closing the binding end to end can be a challenge to do it well.
I’ve had one of those ribbons out of a small number of entries too. I admit the small number of entries in some contexts, but if I ever make a quilting resume I’ll leave it off. LOL. I know what you mean about the mixed feelings. I’ve found some judges’ comments quite helpful and others make no sense at all. Glad you dipped your toes in. Keep at it.
I like the thread work on Thread.
Thank you Claire. I appreciate your insights. It was a good thing to try. There is always more to learn and to improve upon.
Best —
Bernie
I saw these too….and love the idea of them for teething. 🙂 🙂