I recently sent a couple of my quilts off to Quilt Con – the first Modern Quilt Guild National Conference for the quilt show there. I’ve never submitted a quilt for a formal juried show and I was nervous but excited. I submitted two quilts into the show and was delighted when they were accepted to be part of the show.
The first was a small applique quilt I made as part of a swap. It’s one of my favorites!
And the second was a Zig Zag Twin size quilt I designed and made as part of a QAL here on my blog.
I wasn’t able to be at Quilt Con myself. The cost was prohibitive for me and I frankly needed that time to sew. But it sounds like lots of people there had a great time. And they helped keep Austin weird. 😉
I couldn’t see my own quilts in the show and lived vicariously through the pictures people took of the quilt show. It was great fun to see all the quilts.
And then, the awards started coming out. It was quickly clear that I was NOT a winner. That’s okay. Seriously. I was fine. I did have some hmm? moments about some of the winners but I chalked some of that up to not seeing the quilts in person. I put that behind me and focused on my current work and the fun time I was having with some quilty friends in Atlanta that weekend instead.
Today I opened the box with my returned quilts from the show, excited to read the judges comments on my quilts. Excitement quickly dwindled to confusion and then to heart ache as I read what they thought of my work.
Let me preface this by saying I do not know who the judges were and I DO NOT think that they were saying anything about me, Angela Pingel. I feel that they were talking about my work. And it’s awfully hard to distinguish that from myself but I’m working on it. I feel no animosity towards the judges…I’m just sharing my experience with my first juried show.
This quilt… a little piece of me for sure, was unoffensive to them but definitely not their cup of tea. They found nothing extraordinary about it and it was described as being “overly personal”.
Confusion. Isn’t quilting about being personal? Isn’t this about taking a piece of ourselves and putting it out there? Is Modern Quilting just graphic images and straight lines at wonky angles? I didn’t think so before this, but now I’m not sure. There was no mention of the detail or work it took to make this. Did I make it look too easy? lol Because trust me. It wasn’t.
So whatever. Obviously not to their taste. So I opened the letter to read about my zig zag quilt. And my heart sank.
They pretty much hated everything about this one. They didn’t like my fabric choices…thought they should be “more special”. They DID NOT like the binding fabric – apparently it cut off the design of the quilt. ??? The quilting did nothing for them. Apparently it did not accent the design of the quilt. And the kicker. They said it had NO VISUAL IMPACT. They said it was not particularly modern (It was in the modern traditionalism category) nor original.
I’ve got to admit. That was really hard for me to hear. I cried a few tears and tried to understand what they would want. I didn’t EVER think that my zig zag quilt had a chance in hell of winning anything. I even joked with friends that I thought my quilt was accepted in order to make it obvious that their quilts should win (I think I was right on that). But I didn’t realize that by entering it I was opening myself to this type of critique. I want to have a conversation with them and explain that the fabrics were deliberately chosen to highlight the pattern and not the fabrics. That the quilting was difficult and done by me on a conventional machine using 17 bobbins. I thought that the juxtaposition of the large pebbles was interesting against the straight lines of the zig zag.
I wasn’t expecting puppies and rainbows but I don’t want to feel like it wasn’t worth their time. Why did they accept it in the first place? But most of all I struggle with the fact that they (whoever they are) have made me ASHAMED of my work.
I’ll recover. I’ll move on, scarred but stronger. It will certainly take a lot for me to ever enter a competition like this again. I’d like to think I can take criticism but maybe I can’t. I don’t have any other experience with juried shows so maybe this is what they are all like. Regardless, they are not the place for me. I feel less like I belong than ever before.
*shutting down the comments so we can all move on. Please feel free to email me if you have further concerns. I’m doing well and I will be happily sewing in the future.*
I love both of those quilts – or, I should say, all of your quilts! You are amazing and talented and I am glad you share your work with the world through this blog. Thank you for inspiring me!
And this is exactly the reason I NEVER HAVE and probably NEVER WILL enter any of my quilts in a show. I enjoy making the quilts I make. The people I make them for love them. My online quilting friends appreciate my work, and their comments mean a whole lot more to me than some snooty judgy quilt police.
I can feel your pain, and send lots of hugs!
that is just poop. I think you (everyone) should be given a right of reply on these things or the chance to ask for further explanation. I would feedback to the organisers, suggesting that they are more transparent in their judging criteria. And I agree with Kristy that good quality feedback should take account of the feelings of the person receiving it – it is best practice in education and should be here too. The MQG board need to be made aware of the upset insensitive and badly constructed feedback causes.
Since I started quilting seriously about 4years ago your creations have been a constant source of inspiration. Your mini quilt is truly one of the most amazing minis I have ever seen. Totally original and meticulous in its detail.
Your zigzag quilt likewise is great. Your use of colour always makes me smile.
I have only entered one quilt competition and the feedback was fair if not exactly wanted I wanted to hear. There really is no place for poorly constructed criticism in competition! I don't think I'd want to belong in a scene that is so negative. Please dust yourself off and move on. your work is awesome and totally inspirational xx
Both quilts are beautiful – especially that mini. "Too personal"? That's 100% RIDICULOUS. I'd think that'd be a REQUIREMENT. Unreal. Keep sewing. You're one of the reasons I've finished six quilts. 🙂
Seems to me that your true jury is right here – supporting, encouraging and loving all that you do and being inspired by your creativity. This may not lessen the sharpness of the words you have read, but those letters should be burned, you should print out all the comments from your blog posts and flickr pics of these two items and keep them instead – they are the story of theses quilts, they are the jury's verdict.
I read your blog all the time but often don't have time to comment. Today I could not let this post pass without saying that the greatest shame of all would be if you allowed those comments to change what you love about your work, to destroy your creative spirit and to stop you entering other shows in future (though maybe research those that provide more constructive criticisms)! Never say never, please!
You have nothing to be ashamed of in your work, absolutely nothing!
I think she had a great idea Ang! Print out all this love and put it up on your wall!
oh, Angela, I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience. I love, love "my" girl quilt, and I love the fact that it is so personal – made just for me with such thought and insight and care. I have seen all the detailed work that went into that quilt, and all the multiple thread changes and the careful sewing around all those little aplique pieces and it is a very finely crafted piece of work.
I frequently get comments on that quilt as it hangs in my little kitchen quilt show.
Clearly the judges had a very specific style in mind, and I would keep in mind that style is just a mix of trends and personal taste. Pick a different group of judges with a different context and taste and you could have got a whole different result – just look how often they appear in swap mosaics. Your work quality is meticulous and your minis are little gems.
They sound like movie critics. I usually don't like movies they like and love the ones they don't. I make quilts for me and my family and friends. I have no desire to let people I don't know decide if I have talent or not. Your quilts are beautiful to me and my hubby thinks they are gorgeous.
Your quilts are gorgeous, and wonderful. Don't let the harsh bitter comments of a few outweigh the many who love your quilts.
Oh, Angela, I want to hug you right now! With all three of the quilts that I sent to QuiltCon, I saw lots of similar feedback, and I feel very much like you do about the whole thing. I honestly think that your quilts are both gorgeous, and I guess the judges just had something very specific in mind and we just weren't it. I'm so sorry that this experience hurt you, I sure hope that with some time and some chocolate that you'll feel much better, but please know most of all that you're not alone, and you do belong! Very much!
I don't know what I can say that hasn't been said by others. Your body of work (and particularly these two pieces) is amazing and inspirational to so many. Your blog was one of the first I bookmarked when I started this quilting adventure a year ago; yours is a skill I aspire to.
I am sorry you (and apparently many others) were treated this way but hopefully the comments here make a difference. Remember, the only judge of your work that matters is how you feel about a project. Smile and sew on!
Angela, I am not one for using curse words but I do believe they exist for a reason: them! Your work is far superior to many of the quilts i saw hanging up at QuiltCon. My roommate and I were dumbfounded by the inclusion of more than a few of them. Please do not let a few people who do not share your asthetic and your talent, like your blog followers do, bring you down or second guess yourself!
This breaks my heart! Having majored in an art subject, I know what it's like to put it all out there only to have someone else tell you that it's all wrong. You just have to give it a couple days and think "who are they to judge me? what makes their opinion more important than mine? what makes their opinion correct?". Story time: An architecture student at GaTech submitted a design as part of a competition through the school to design the top of a building in Atlanta. Their teacher said the design was crap and failed the student. The building owners loved the design and chose it to win. They say that the arch. teacher's office now faces that building to rub in how wrong he was. Is this story true? I don't know, but every single student knows it. Art is subjective. Hold your head high and you'll get your "screw you."
Angela, My heart is hurting for you as I read this. This is why I would personally never have the guts to enter anything in a juried show. I would be so devastated to read soemthing like that it would send me into clinical depression. I think that whomever wrote all of that should be ashamed of themselves. How dare they make you question or stifel your creativity. Art depends on the individual eye of the beholder. What is unpleasant to one is beautiful and pleasing to many other eyes. And as far as types of fabrics used that is such a personal choice it has no validity whatsoever. You keep creating what you want to create and ignore that malarky they wrote you. I think both of those quilts are gorgeous and filled with so many hours of long work. Now Iwonder what the quilts look like that those people that critiqued actually made. Or did they even make any quilts. Keep your head up high and keep on a creating and if some one doesn't like what you create that is their little problem…
I'm so sorry to read this and totally understand how down it made you feel, it upset ME and it's not about my work! I like both your quilts and really LOVE your applique mini, particularly the quilting and thread painting on it.
Try not to let them keep you down for long though. Their opinion only mattered during the show and guess what!? The show is over!
Your hundreds (thousands? I have no idea!) of readers are still here and we're not going anywhere. We want to see more of your beautiful work!
Angela,
What I can say is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is subjective. I love your quilting style and your bog is very inspiring.
Keep the judges comments in perspective with life. They could have given positive feedback but instead focused on the negative.
hello Angela, I love your little scrap quilt and the zigzag, don't bother what the judges say. You have allot of followers who love your quilts, read your blog and get inspired by you.
I'm so sorry Angela. Remeber that this sort of thing is so subjective. I've never put my quilts in a judged show before and I am not sure if I ever will or not. I did, however, major in studio art and it quickly makes you acquire a tough skin and an understanding that what we all like visually is as unique as our work. Try not to take it personally–I know it's not hard not to.
I think they are both great quilts and I would be proud if both of them!!y personal favorite is the girl just because it is so creative!! I love your zig zag quilt too with the great use if color!! I think you are an amazing quilter and you give inspiration to many people!!
I know exactly how you feel. I entered my first quilt show 10 years ago and the feedback was hard to take. I've started to realize that people start to make decisions about their quilts based on how they will be judged. They know that judges like this or that, or take the time to hand knot all their threads on a machine quilt, etc. What I decided was that I don't make quilts for shows, I make them for me and if that's the case, that is the only feedback I need. If I need other feedback, I'll ask for it. I haven't put a quilt in a show since, but I know now that if I did, what I would be opening myself up for.
I agree! Stay true to yourself, keep making your beautiful quilts, sharing your personal expressions through your sewing inspires a lot of people.
I feel like some of the quilts that got ribbons looked kind of conformist, and lacked much creativity.
I'm a newish quilter, still trying to find my quilting "voice", and I have always admired your personal style. That snowball pillow you made was absolutely amazing and you even though FMF fabrics are everywhere (beacause we all love them so much!) you truly made those fabrics sing!
I hope all of the wonderful comments here help brighten your day! You do beautiful work as a quilter, and every time I see you've updated your blog my day gets a little brighter knowing that I get to see a wonderful new masterpiece! Just because your quilts may not be in one judges taste does not mean they aren't beautiful! And as far as the first one being "too personal," I don't know a single quilter who doesn't pour their heart and soul into EVERY quilt they make! And if you're making something for a specific person, why the heck shouldn't it be "overly personal?" Keep your head up and in the words of Dory "Just keep [quilting]!" (Sorry, my daughter is in the Finding Nemo stage!)
GOOD judges will make a positive comment to offset any reasons they gave why your particular entry did not meet their standards for an award. GOOD judges will give you direction as to how your future entries can be improved to be more in line with "what they are looking for". GOOD judges are like good teachers – they build you up, they don't tear you down.
Too bad that show didn't have any GOOD judges, or at least any judges with GOOD communication skills.
Exactly!
I was at QuiltCon. In viewing the quilts it was obvious the judges were looking for something very specific. I agree with the reader above who said it wasn't uplifting. When I go to a quilt show I want to be amazed and inspired, and while a few of the quilts did that, most did not. In particular, I questioned the display of two quilts which prominently used a four letter word I (and many other people who I talked to) find offensive. The whole experience left me cold. I'm sorry that the judges could not find it in themselves to give a positive critique of your work, but know that QuiltCon, for all it was hyped to be, is not the be all end all of quilt shows. The fact that those two (remember, it's just two) people didn't like your work is not indicitive of its value or meaning to others.
I would have loved to see your swap quilt in person it is one of my favorites!
I LOVE the small quilt with the girl and her heart. Any chance you can tell us how you made her(or have I missed it)? As for the chevron quilt, although they are not my favorite, you did a good job on it. I think of Charlie Brown every time I see them. LOL So what DID win? You do a great job, thats why I read your blog, to learn more.
Hi Angela… I just want to remind you that the Modern Quilting movement came about largely through online presence… and you my friend have succeeded in that area time and time again… people LOVE your work and dream of being your partner in a swap… people wait excitedly for your next blog post knowing that it will bring new ideas and perspectives… you absolutely are a successful and vibrant modern quilter and anyone who feels that they can belittle you is not worthy of your thoughts… I didn't see all the quilts as I wasn't there… but I do know, that no matter what, yours are great quilts. Whether they were winners is one thing, but the judges should not have taken that to mean that they should demean everything about them when they weren't winners… big hugs and know that I continue to look up to you as a mentor and inspiration on my own quilting journey!
I have minimal experience with local quilt shows, but have seen similar things happen on a very small scale, where outstanding work goes unnoticed, at the same time that quilts with little appeal are the winners. I think modern quilts are subject to harsher criticism for some reason. You will probably come to realize that these are opinions of just a couple of people, and not of the non-professional quilt judges, who are the "regular" people of the quilting world. When you do that, you'll understand that your work is actually very very important and inspires hundreds in one way or another. Look at all you've accomplished already, and you will know that more success is ahead of you. Whatever you do, keep your style, no matter what the judges said. You are not sewing for their approval.
I love your quilts and always look forward to seeing what you are doing. Don't let this get you down. Everyone has different tastes. I really was not impressed with most of the pictures of Quilt Con on line. I like modern, but did not understand why the winners were chosen.
It's difficult to put your work on display and out for judging by people who have different ideals and aesthetics. That said, don't stop putting your work out there. Many criticize the judges and while their comments were perhaps less than constructive, they were doing a job and looking for specific criteria. Did you make the quilts for the judges? The reason you made the quilts has not changed and someone else's opinion of how these quilts fit or don't fit into a larger exhibit shouldn't change how you feel about your quilts or yourself. If YOU love your quilts, isn't that enough?
Angela – I'm sorry your experience has hurt you and left you feeling like you describe. I hope that these feelings pass sooner than later.
I don't envy the judges or selection committee their job – I am assuming they were judging to criteria – something that can't be easy with any subjective art (or craft) form, but I do feel that the way this was obviously carried out could have been done with a deal more sensitivity towards many of the exhibitors judging by of the early comments and your experience. It is just good manners.
I can't help but feel that knowledge of the judging criteria both in advance for those entering and for the viewers could have shed light on some of the decisions being questioned and prevented some of the shock and hurt. That, with constructive and sensitively delivered feedback seems just good management.
Wow those are harsh comments on the zig-zag quilt, and I have to say, I don't "get" them either. I have only seen pictures but your zig zag quilt fit in very well with many others that hung. If it was neither modern nor original, does that mean none of the others were? If it wasn't modern, why was it juried in?
I'm submitting a quilt to a show soon, and it is juried, but no comments are given. I am a little frustrated by that, because how do you know what judges are looking for? But after reading your comments, it sounds like the comments aren't very constructive- I mean, where do you go from there? There isn't an action you can take, because it sounds like it is all personal preference anyhow. So however my quilt does, I'll know it just didn't fit in with the preferences of the judges.
Opinions…not always worth the two cents offered. But in my eyes, you're a winner!
Angela, I don't comment here often but I've been reading your blog for quite some time because I admire your sense of style and your skillful quilting. It makes me sad to read their criticisms of your quilts, not just because I think your quilts are beautiful but also because it seems so unnecessarily harsh. There's a difference between "constructive criticism" and being overly critical. Your mini is definitely my favorite of the two, and frankly I'm surprised that it didn't win. Many hugs to you. Now get back to that sewing machine and keep creating! You inspire many quilters and we can't wait to see what you come up with next! xoxo
They're both lovely! Try not to take it personally, you know what they say about opinions!
🙁 Besides the fact that your mini is one of the most wonderful little quilts out there, I am really surprised by the judges' comments. I think I had much higher hopes for the group that has emerged as 'The Modern Quilt' people. How many times has the blog world erupted and then settled itself when somebody has tried to point a finger and say – you did it wrong. The end always seemed to come back to the fact that there is no 'wrong'. I find it particularly unsettling that their comments said exactly – and only – just that!
Obviously, you're getting a lot of deserved support in the comments. I'm so sorry that the judges were so rude. It's very hard to not take their comments personally. But, please don't. They acted unprofessionally, so you may totally discount their comments.
Oh, Angela! I loved seeing your quilts IN PERSON at Quilt Con, after having admired them on-line from your blog postings. Your quilts made me smile – and they still do! Just keep on doing what you do so well – sewing/quilting and creating – and sharing! You are an inspiration to many, many people. Don't let those comments get you down.
Ok, my heart kind of hurts for you, I would have been really hurt by their comments.
1. I LOVE the small quilt with the little girl and her thoughts. I think it is very original and well, just lovely. It shows creativeness in design and tons of skill used in making the quilt. It tells a short little story and the colors are great! I wish I were talented enough not only to make something like this but to come up with the idea.
And yes, I agree with you, all quilts are personal, if they are not, then why bother to make them?
2. I really like your Zig Zag quilt, and before I read what you wrote, I thought to myself, boy, that quilt would be perfect for my granddaughter who is not a flowery kind of girl, but a wonderful Tom Boy kind of girl. I was hoping that you would share that quilt in a free pattern, or even a pattern I could buy. I just love it. I really like your choice of fabrics as well, though I was thinking of my granddaughter and thinking of shades of reds too!
I'm amazed that the quilt judges were so "mean" in their comments. I guess, if it were me, that I would have to give them a pass because they must of judged a lot of quilts and their minds must of been terribly jumbled by the time they got to yours. Just because a quilt is not "my cup of tea" doesn't mean that it's not a wonderful quilt… it means that perhaps I don't care for the colors or something else, but it can still be a fabulous quilt. Silly people!
We, your blog readers, are much better judges, and we give both your quilts HUGE Blue Ribbons. 🙂
Just found your quilt along for the Zig Zag, I'm going to make one of these, I just love it! Thanks for all you do!!!
Dear, dear Angela, Wish we could fix this and I absolutely love the design, the sentiment, and the skill/technique in these two quilts. I was at QuiltCon and was among the many attendees who were so delighted to see the little quilt. It is a forever favorite. And, the zig-zag's fabric was not "special enough"? Is there a meter to measure this? Sounds like judges who are very incompetent and I am ashamed for this. As a "senior" modern quilter, I have found the modern movement more accepting and encouraging than the rest of the quilting world. I suppose this shows the modern movement has its problems as well. I am so sorry this happened but happy that you shared this small minded behavior. Please do not give up. You are encouraging and educating so many grateful quilters. Hugs.
Angela, I do not think I have ever commented on your wonderful blog but I could not let this pass. Yes, I am going to tell you all the wonderful things about your quilts. I adore the zig zag. The way you placed your fabrics, perfection.
It is fine for someone to give you consecutive criticism but that was on the cruel side. I have been quilting for 25+ years and I could never make something as beautiful as yours. Let it go. You work is amazing.
Dear, dear Angela, Wish we could fix this and I absolutely love the design, the sentiment, and the skill/technique in these two quilts. I was at QuiltCon and was among the many attendees who were so delighted to see the little quilt. It is a forever favorite. And, the zig-zag's fabric was not "special enough"? Is there a meter to measure this? Sounds like judges who are very incompetent and I am ashamed for this. As a "senior" modern quilter, I have found the modern movement more accepting and encouraging than the rest of the quilting world. I suppose this shows the modern movement has its problems as well. I am so sorry this happened but happy that you shared this small minded behavior. Please do not give up. You are encouraging and educating so many grateful quilters. Hugs.
I adore both quilts and all that you do. This experience makes me not want to go to any organized quilt gathering.
Hi Angela, you don't know me but I stop by your blog from time to time and love to read about your new creations. I'm so sorry to read about the heart wrenching feedback you have received. I have been greatly inspired by your work, in particular the 'daydreaming girl' quilt. I used this beautiful concept as the inspiration for an appliqued frame I made for my sister. Please be encouraged that despite the harsh standards expected of quilt show judges, you are inspiring people to create and quilt – and that is priceless! Please keep creating! Jxo
The first time I found your blog, you were showing the quilt with the little girl. It took my breath away. Enough said.
Angela, what can I add, that hasn't already been shared? There is certainly a lot of love for you and the wonderful work that you do. Juried shows, no matter what they are for, are often times slanted and political. And opinions are like belly buttons… everyone has one. The fact that your quilts ARE personal and filled with your heart, as well as talent, is what has inspired many of us. And when all is said and done, isn't that, what each of us strive for? (((HUGS)) Please shake off the negative comments that are not truly useful and keep following your heart. You certainly have plenty of fans here, I being one of them.
Angela,
I'm sorry you feel that way ;( Please don't let that discourage you from entering your beautiful work. This was one person's opinion and that's it. I loved your quilts and found your appliqué quilt to be a fav. When I got my quilt back and read my critique it said that my color palette was a bit predictable. I wasn't sure how it was predictable, but oh well I love it and that's what matters 🙂 Quilting is a part of yourself and if it makes you happy do it and share it with others. I'm glad I got to see it in person!!
I really love the two quilts your entered. I disagree with the judges completely. I think they have a biased and arrogant attitude. Your work is beautiful and I think judges need to learn how to give constructive feedback not critical feedback.
Angela, Like many others, I am always inspired by your work! Your zig zag quilt is on my "to do" list. I have it "designed" it in EQ7 so that I can play with fabric choices. I have yet to arrive at a set of fabrics that I like as much the ones you used. While your mini is not my style, I still admire it for it's creativity. Your creativity always amazes me.
Makes me so sad that your sense of pride, excitement, & accomplishment over having 2 quilts accepted into the show was almost totally destroyed by the unnecessarily harsh critique. Hopefully, you will soon be able to put their personal opinions into their proper perspective. They are only 2 people & they were, supposedly, comparing what you submitted ONLY to the very SMALL universe of others accepted in the same category. I was & still am surprised that there were only 2 judges for Quiltcon. In the larger universe of quilts, yours shine! They were deemed special enough to be included in the show – hold on to that! Know that you inspire many of your readers on a daily basis & that is way more important than those harsh comments from 2 people at one small moment in time!
Oh geez! If they said this about your lovelies, I can only imagine what is on some other comment sheets. I can understand constructive critique all day long, but how constructive is "too personal"? How is it that the show had multiple old quilts hanging that we're made from the family's clothes, clothing from everyday lives, but yours is too personal? Quilts are personal! We make them to celebrate new marriages, new babies and even to help our friends through rough times. It is labor intensive and time consuming but we do it because we want them to see them and feel loved.
No one belongs because we all see the world different and express ourselves different. You are bold and creative and inspiring. I hope some of these comments will help take the sting off a little.
Do not be ashamed of your work! Someone liked them enough to choose them for the show. I think it would be hard to be a judge, but it sounds like they were looking for specific things (which is not always what modern quilting is). Both of your quilts are beautiful. I know the applique quilt took a LONG time to finish and I love it!