January 4, 2010 – It’s the deadline for entering the 2010 AQS Quilt Show & Contest in Paducah.  You’ve dreamed about entering a show and this year you’ve made your masterpiece.  Your friends tell you it is wonderful, your family tells you it is wonderful, you even think it is wonderful, but you’re afraid to enter it into a juried quilt show.  Have you ever considered if everyone were afraid, there would be no quilt shows?  Sometimes you just have to put on your “big girl” panties and go for it.   So here you go…10 Things to Know About Entering a Show.

1.  Check the deadline.  The quilt show might be in April, but the entry deadline might be in January.

2.  Read the rules for that particular contest/show.  Every show is different, a quilt that qualifies as a wall quilt in one show, might be a bed quilt in another.

3.  Complete the entry form.  Aside from the obvious name, address, and telephone number, you’ll need to have a name for your quilt, the dimensions of your quilt, and the insurance value of your quilt. Most contests will insure quilts up to a certain value without an appraisal. You may also need the name and contact information for your local newspaper.

4.  Select the category in which your quilt belongs.  Again, check the rules to make sure you enter your quilt where it will be best represented.

5.  Write a descriptive paragraph.  Some shows require a description of your quilt; others want a brief description of your design process.  Be just as creative when writing about your quilt, as you are when you are making it.

6.  Give proper credit.  If you used someone’s pattern or book, or altered an existing design, make sure you give credit to the originator of the design.

7.  Photography:  Two photos are usually required: one of the entire quilt and one a close-up of the quilt.  A photograph can make or break an entry.  You don’t want Grandma Suzie’s shoes peeking out from the bottom of the quilt.  For help in photographing your quilt, watch Episode 205 where Gregory Case (Photo Man) discusses properly photographing quilts and Episode 308 where he shares great tips on what to emphasize in your quilt photos when submitting them for a show.

Photos usually need to be submitted on a CD.  You can do this yourself or have it done for you at a local shop or online.  You can have your photos taken professionally.  Gregory Case would be an excellent choice:  http://www.gregorycase.com/ .  C & T publishing also has a photography service: http://www.ctpub.com/client/client_pages/sites/CT_photoservices.html.

Some shows require that you send a headshot to accompany your entry form.    Generally, they want a picture of you from the shoulders up, against a plain background.  These do not have to be professionally done, but if you feel you might be entering more than one contest, it might be worthwhile to have one made up for you.

8.  Entry Fees:  Most shows/contests require an entry fee.  This can range anywhere from $10 to $40 dollars per quilt.  Some fees are lowered if you are a member of the organization running the show.

9.  Sleeve and Label:  If your quilt is selected, it will require a sleeve and a label.  Read the rules to determine what that particular show requires.  An excellent document on making a sleeve can be found at: http://www.americanquilter.com/documents/shows_contests/sleeve_instructions.pdf  

10.  Shipping:  Once selected, you’ll probably have to ship your quilt unless you live nearby.  Make sure you pack it per the show/contest directions.  Some shows are very specific about packing materials and shipping labels and they may require the use of a particular carrier.  There might also be a return-shipping fee.

You can do it!