Comments from the Judges at Island Threads

Karen Fail, Virginia Koster and Eileen Dyson, judged the quilt show. Here is what Karen said at the awards ceremony.

Congratulations to every member of the Tasmanian Quilting Guild. Every quilt in the show is a testimony to the maker’s creativity - their use of colour, their design, the execution of new techniques and traditional excellence.

The quilts as a collection show a great variety of design and style, which is always important in a quilt show. Visitors do not want to see the same style of quilt as they walk around the show – they want to see new and innovative work. Several of the winning quilts were exceptional, making the task of choosing the Best of Show difficult. While this is a problem for the judges, it is a very good outcome for the standard of the show.

It is important as judges to suggest ways of improving presentation of quilts when a show is judged. I would encourage every entrant to make sure their quilt is clean – no animal fur, no dirt at all on any quilt. If your bindings are not flat, then practice making them flat. If you are not sure how to do that, then ask a friend, take a lesson or read some instructions. One judge suggested that the corner of each binding be secured by no less than six tiny stitches and this is a good standard to aim for. The back of the quilt is important. There must be no tears or mends in the back of the quilt. And machine quilters need to make sure the back of the quilt is as neat as the front so finish off those threads carefully.

Finally, I think it is wonderful to reflect that women are still making stunning quilts and incorporating innovative ideas. We saw examples of new techniques, the use of crystals, words on quilts to express ideas, overlayed fabrics, hand-dyed fabrics and the influence of Japanese fabrics. And it is always comforting to know that in the great traditions of quiltmaking, quilts are still being made as gifts, to create something beautiful, as a challenge, to use exciting fabrics, to express humour and to make pictures of Tasmania, the beautiful island state.