In 2007, I undertook a three day judging program with NQA judge Jeannie Spears. A key message I took away from this workshop was how we can all improve our judging skills by viewing as many quilt exhibitions as possible to experience a wide range of quilts, styles and techniques. The Sydney Quilt Show last week was a fantastic opportunity to do just that. I also had the privilege to be part of the support team on judging day and to observe judges reviewing quilts at the judging table.
Confidentiality demands that what happens on judging day stays at judging day but it’s not giving away any secrets to say that quilt judges closely look at the way quilts are finished. Furthermore, sometimes the quality of the finishing treatment can make a difference in ranking otherwise equally wonderful quilts. It’s important that quilt finishes are well executed technically but it’s also critical that the quiltmaker chooses a finishing technique that complements the quilt.
My upcoming Bound to Please Workshop (1 August at Epping) with the Quilters’ Guild of NSW offers you the chance to expand your quilt finishing repertoire and improve your quilts instantly! This workshop covers a range of quilt finishing techniques from the classic continuous mitred binding (without bulges!) to the ever useful pillow case escape hatch; the artful facing finish to informal satin stitch edging; the pop tart finish to prairie points and more.
Bronwyn Gosling joined me in a workshop a while ago where we considered my Favourite Facing Finish which is ideal for gently irregular shaped quilts. Bronwyn utilised this finish on her High Density quilt that she developed in my Scrap Queen Odyssey workshop and was awarded a Judges Commendation in the amateur small/wall quilt category in the 2012 show. Congratulations Bronwyn!