Judging

Professional experience : 
I successfully completed the internationally-recognised Quilt Judging course run by the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles in 2008 and have since continued my training with a programme of professional development. 
Since then I have judged widely in the UK and in Europe. 
​
​UK competitions include :

• Bletchley Park Quilt Exhibition (2012)
• Loch Lomond Quilt Show (2010)
• Quilts in the Garden quilt show (2009)
• Festival of Quilts in Birmingham (2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
  
• Jersey Eisteddfod (2019) 

International assignments include :

• Royal  Dublin Society Crafts Competition, Eire (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)  
• Associacion Española de Patchwork Festival in Sitges, Spain (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014).
• Quiltkoping, Lidkoping Sweden (2018)

 
I was also a member of the jury panel for :

• On the Edge : exhibition by Contemporary Quilt UK (2012)
• Diversity in Europe : EQA exhibition  (2010)
• Quilts in the Cathedral : QGBI exhibition in Lincoln Cathedral, UK (2010)
• Quilters' Guild Region 10 exhibition at St Anthony’s Hall, York, UK (2010)

QGBI quilt judging course : 

This internationally renowned course has helped to develop a standard of quilt judging across Europe and the current course involves students from all over the world, including Australia and Russia. It is currently seen as setting the framework for many European competitions.
.
The 2-year course is essentially a self-study distance-learning programme, guided by experienced and well known quilt teachers and judges with the aim of developing the student’s judging skills through completion of six modules. Each module is allocated three months for research, practical work and write-up and illustration. Work is then submitted to the tutor for feedback and assessment.

Since 2014 I have been a tutor for many UK and international students on the judging course, following on from serving 3 years as the chair-person of the QGBI judging committee (2009-13).  Further course information can be obtained from
quilt-judging
​

Philosophy of judging : 
 
Judging is a challenging activity demanding both mental and  physical commitment as every quilt maker deserves to be given considered, fair and objective feedback on their work. 

• There is never quite enough time to examine every quilt in the depth one would like, but I have found with experience that quality in design and execution always rises to the surface.
• Advances in technology now enables judges and organisers to check on quilters' statements for more about inspiration sources used.

I am always surprised that quilt makers frequently fall short on giving themselves the best possible chance of being amongst the awards.

• not checking the full requirements of the competition organisers
• a quilt which doesn't hang perfectly straight
• wobbly edges from too generous binding
• stray hairs from faithful pets
• seams which show through pale fabrics

 
What is the strangest quilt I've judged?  A group of life-sized patchwork hares with ceramic feet was so quirky but a very innovative entry to one competition.