2017 PIQF Recap Part 2: 2 Day Introduction to Quilt Judging Seminar

Here is a continuation of my Pacific International Quilt Festival adventures...with me enrolling in a 2-day

Introduction to Quilt Judging Seminar with Pat Harrison, an NACQJ Certified Judge from Rhode Island.  

Quilt Judging Resources Provided by Pat Harrison

My initial goal for taking the class was to gleam some insights about the judging process and criteria to guide me when entering my own quilts into juried/judged shows.  However, I came away with a whole new appreciation for certified Quilt Judges!!

The two days were absolutely fascinating and I learned so much from Pat!!  In addition to some very informational presentations about design, color, quilting and fashion, we also participated in some hands-on activities to familiarize ourselves with the various roles that Judges fulfill.  We discussed ethical dilemmas as they relate to the NACQJ Code of Ethics.  We were each tasked with identifying and evaluating 40 samples of quilting blocks, techniques and quilting!  This ran the gamut from crazy quilting to traditional pieced blocks to molas, sashiko and computerized quilting designs!!  We also participated in two mock Judging sessions, using quilts made by our fellow students.  We practiced how to layout the quilts, fan them, evaluate each quilt on both design and technique, provide comments and ultimately recommend which quilt should proceed to the next level of judging.  We were not allowed to use the words:  No, Not, Never or Nice!  Instead we had to practice providing more meaningful and effective praise and feedback on each of the quilts we evaluated.  I am proud to say that my quilts fared pretty well in these mock judgings!

Pat provided insights as to the lengthy and rigorous process to become a certified through NACQJ:  prior experience with quilt judging as either a judge, scribe or aide; submission of a research paper answering 31 Written Judging Problems, shadowing experiences and finally a panel interview and mock judging evaluation!  Typically the process takes 3-5 years!!  After observing Pat model the judging process and provide feedback, I really admired her style, positive appraoch and professionalism!!  It helped reassure me that Certified Judging is very deliberate, objective and focused on helping the maker create spectacular quilts!!    

Pat also highlighted the advantages of hiring a NACQJ Certified Quilt Judge for Quilt Guild/County Fair Quilt Shows:

• They are objective and well-trained in recognizing and judging a wide array of quilt making styles and techniques.
• They can assist with the planning phases of the quilt show including developing the judging criteria and method that best meets the needs and goals of members/participants.
• They provide a wonderful personal/professional development opportunity for those volunteers that assist with the judging process as either a scribe and/or aide, as they get to experience first hand what is involved in quilt judging (which is strictly confidential as all volunteers sign a Confidentiality Agreement).
• They provide customized feedback to each quilting that provides recognition and confidence building as well as identifies helpful pointers with the goal of skill building--ultimately making for better quilts!!
• Opportunity for engagement of attendees to discuss the worthiness of the ribbons awarded.
• And as a result, a judged show is often better attended!!!

I highly recommend this seminar and hope Pat will offer it again next year at PIQF as it was wonderful!!!  There is still so much to absorb, reflect and consider!!  Oh the possibilities!!!  

Many thanks to Pat Harrison for sharing her wisdom and insights about the Certified Judging Process and Program, as well as to my fellow students for a really fun and informative 2 days!!