First, Mary uses her own group of letters "DWQBB"--for design, workmanship, quality, backing and binding, when viewing a quilt for judging. The time usually given to judge a quilt is only three minutes each, so by using these points of reference she can quickly cover all areas and give the quilt a subjective view.
When asked for some of the some commonly reasons for points off in judging is how the quilt hangs (uneven borders), cut off points, hanging threads, threads showing through the quilt top, poor pressing causing poor quilting or puckers, color of sewing thread showing on top of quilt and shadowing of seams (seams pressed to light and shadowing through the quilt top).
On borders and bindings, the biggest faults are that the width of borders must be even. Using a low-cost fabric or low-quality muslin on the back of the quilt is disappointing. Try to use the best quality fabric you can afford to add to the value of the quilt. You invested a lot of time and effort into your quilt and while the back of the quilt might not count for judging, your work will be hopefully passed down to others and should be your best work. If you are using multiple miter corners on your quilt, be sure they are all in line for judged quilts.
A good quality binding adds to the quilt. Be sure the corners are 90 degrees square and miter corners SHOULD be stitched down on either the front or back of quilt (depending if you use a standard back-sewn binding or a backing binding brought to the front). Use tiny, tight stitches. While you might use 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" double fold bias binding, Mary says the binding doesn't need to be the same width on the front and the back. Another question brought up is what the judges think of using a constrasting binding instead of matching the binding to the last border on the quilt top. Mary says the latter will conceal and blend much better.
Another tip Mary shared with us is that it is easier to learn to hand quilt with a poly or poly-down quilt battting rather than a cotton. And never use a #2 pencil to mark your quilt tops or any pieces that might show later (such as applique). She suggests you use a water-erase marker. However, the key to COMPLETELY remove it from your quilt top is not to just blot it off the top as what happens is that once your needle penetrates the marked fabric the color will migrate into the quilt batting. Just blotting the top will not remove it and it could darken the fabric below. The secret is to dip the area in water and blot to dry or wash the entire quilt in cold water.
When asked about the judging on home and longarm quilting, they are viewed the same. Does the quilt design add value to the quilt? Is it balanced and appropriate to the blocks/quilt top? While Maine Quilts doesn't have a catagory for it, some quilt shows have a special judging for quilts done with longarm-computer guided quilting. As more quilting advancements develop in the future, it's possible the judging will be modified.
For the judged quilts, judges appreciate a nice matching label to correspond to the quilt pattern.
For art quilts, be sure any trims are secure, whether sewn or glued, be unbroken and no signs of loose threads. With art quilts or any wall hangings or mini quilts, be sure to size your bindings in accordance to the size of the project.
I brought up the question on applique and how that is judged. Between needle-turn, raw edge or satin stitched, they are all judged the same. With that being said, the degree of difficulty and use of design IS judged.
Mary says that everyone should enter a quilt for judging at least once. Several reasons why are to...
--Inspire others--It's fun to see your quilt at a show!
--Feedback--Take it with a grain of salt or take it to heart. Remember this is one to two people's opinions!
--Awards--The reward is showing all your hard work!
Mary's favorite is "Judges Choice"--she loves to find that quilt that really "speaks to her" on a quality or emotional level. This is especially nice for her to judge as she must be totally professional and objective when judging the rest of the quilts and this is her opportunity to embrace her favorite quilt!
But Mary's most important words of wisdom and the reason more quilts are disqualified from judging is that the person entering the quilt didn't read the entry rules and entered the quilt in the incorrect catagory.
