Entering quilt shows - don’t give up!

Don’t Give Up: Quilting Success Takes Time

“As you’re pretty, so be wise; Wolves may lurk in every guise.” Charles Perrault, Little Red Riding Hood.

If you’ve ever entered a quilt show and walked away without a ribbon, you know the sting. You poured your heart into every stitch, stayed up late perfecting the details, and still your name wasn’t called. It’s easy to let disappointment creep in and convince you that maybe your art isn’t “good enough.”

But here’s the truth: one show does not define your worth as an artist or the future of your quilting journey.

Quilt shows are subjective. Each judge or eye of the beholder comes with their own perspective, experience, and personal taste. What one set of eyes overlooks, another might celebrate with the highest award. That means a quilt that goes unnoticed in one show could very well shine in another.

Think of quilt shows as stepping stones, not final destinations. Every time you enter, you’re gaining experience—learning how your work looks under the bright lights, how it feels to put yourself out there, and how to keep refining your craft. Each entry is an act of courage.

So don’t let one loss steal your joy. Keep creating. Keep showing up. Because the next time, whether it’s the next quilt show or the one after that, your piece may be the one that stops people in their tracks.

And when that ribbon does come, it will be all the sweeter because you didn’t give up.

Remember your quilts aren’t just about competition. They are stories, memories, and celebrations stitched into fabric. No judge can take that away.

Keep creating! ~ Angela