Ask The Experts/Lorry Chwazik

Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts: Lorry Chwazik

Question: Judging Quilts: Visual Impact and Design

A friend of mine was once devastated, and rightly so, upon receiving a judge's comment sheet that accompanied her quilt after a show. Instead of receiving an evaluation that included both positive and constructive comments on her techniques and design, my friend was dismayed to see a single comment boldly scrawled across the page which read "I HATE PINK!!!" Needless to add, no ribbons or awards accompanied my friend's very pink quilt.

Similarly, I once overheard someone commenting on the supposed ease of a quilt judge's job: "I may not know anything about judging, but I know what I like!" In terms of color and design, we all know what we like, but what we like should not be a major consideration in determining the winners at a quilt show. Just because that dastardly judge disliked the color pink, that opinion should not have been a consideration in the visual success of that quilt. (And please be assured that most professional judges work very hard to recognize and then discard personal prejudices in quilting design!) Instead, judges rely on some basic guidelines relating to the evaluation of the factors that contribute to the visual impact of a quilt. although these factors may be a bit more intangible than the ones we use to determine the quality of techniques used in the construction of a quilt, a careful consideration of them in your future quilt projects may make for visually stronger and more powerful quilts.

First things first... remember the impact of first impressions. Imagine a blind date showing up at your door shabby in appearance and, shall we say, funky in aroma. Even if he turned out to be Prince Charming, his best qualities were hidden under a layer of unappealing grime. First impressions count when determining the success of your quilt design as well. Even the most cunning of color choices and cleverest of designs will not show their best if they are covered by a fine layer of pet hair and dirt. Assure the best quality of show readiness of your masterpiece by making sure it is clean and odor-free before sending it off to a show.

Having determined that your quilt is indeed ready for show, the quilt judge is ready to start evaluating the design, that is, the visual and aesthetic aspects of the quilt. The factors used in determining the quality of techniques (or workmanship) used in the construction of your piece will be discussed in the next issue. Also, in terms of miniature quilts, remember that the judge will be adhering to any specifications made in show entry forms, like quilt or block size limitations, or the consideration that a mini might have to look like a scaled-down version of a full sized quilt. In general, the judge will consider at least some of the following factors in determining the success of your design:

All elements of the quilts - blocks, borders, sashings, quilting, etc. - should contribute to its overall theme or sense of unity and should look as if they belong to the quilt.
Does the design provide a sense of interest, evoke a mood or trigger a reaction?
The design should be balanced, that is, there should be an equal distribution of visual weight. Individual elements should be well-proportioned to one another.
The eye should move freely across the surface of the quilt, carried by rhythm and movement in the design.
The use of fabric should be appropriate for the design. Do the color, value, scale, and texture of the fabrics fit the design and showcase individual design elements?
Are the chosen colors appropriate for and complementary to the design? Do the chosen colors "play" well together? Are they carefully placed for maximum impact?
The quality of the workmanship should enhance and not distract from the design. The most stunning of designs will not fare well if the piecing, appliqué, and quilting stitch used to interpret it is sloppy and ill-handled.
The quilting design should enhance the quilt top design rather than detract from it. Has the quilters carefully chosen a design that will complement the motifs on the quilt top? One of the most common "errors" judges see is a thoughtlessly placed all-over quilting pattern that detract from the carefully placed quilt top motifs. Should you choose to use the services of a long-arm machine quilter, work carefully with her to choose a pattern that will complement your quilt top, and then remember to give her credit a co-creator of the quilt!
Also regarding the quilting design, it should proportionally fit the spaces it was chosen to fill as well as be appropriate for the thickness of batting used. the quilting should be of a uniform amount over the surface of the quilt, including borders and sashing. The color and weight of the q2uilting thread, and the stitch size, should complement the design rather than detract from it.

After judging each quilt on an individual basis, a judges will have to look at all quilts in a category to assign awards. When comparing quilts to consider winning placements, a judge's eye is often drawn to something that, like Emeril's cooking, has that certain "BAM!" or punch to it. This most often translates to some sort of personal expression in terms of design. Rather than a carbon copy of a current pattern or a faithful interpretation of a traditional pattern, a judge is often swayed by an individual's adaptation of an established pattern or an original design. Consider the following factors in addition to the ones above when planning an original design:

Does the quilt reflect uniqueness of design, color, fabric, and/or quilting style?
Does the quilt trigger a strong reaction from the viewer?
If a traditional patterns was used, was it adapted in some way to achieve a new look?
Was color, fabric, or construction technique used in a creative, unusual, or new way?
Does the design reflect a personal vision of its creator? Is it successful in interpreting an original theme or opinion?
Does the design reflect an innovative or contemporary look?

As you can see, the job of evaluating the visual impact of a quilt consists of much more than "knowing what I like." Careful consideration of all of these factors in your future design work will only help in creating future show stoppers!

About the Expert:

Lorry Chwazik is an avid quilter, teacher, NQA-certified judge, and contributing writer to Miniature Quilts magazine. Lorry doesn't find a day complete unless she has included some quilt-related activity such as fabric shopping, fabric fondling or counting her many UFO's. For more information on judging or teaching, Lorry can be reached at lchwazik@adelphia.net

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