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Local quilt show: observations



 
 
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  #21  
Old August 16th 09, 01:34 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
John
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Posts: 711
Default Local quilt show: observations

On Aug 15, 2:28*pm, "Louise in Iowa" wrote:
John - no offense taken here! I went to a quilt show last year where I saw
much of the same as far as machine quilting. On the other hand, at another
show, I saw more examples of machine quilting being done in a manner than
enhanced and complemented the piecing, so that kind of work really is being
done.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it's not always the machine
quilter who chooses the quilting design (this applies to those quilts done
by a "professional"). Sometimes, for instance, the piecer tells the machine
quilter that she wants to spend no more than a certain amount of money. The
quilter then has to determine what kind of design she can use and still make
money. Many times that is an edge-to-edge design or a form of meander. The
piecer would get a more custom-designed quilting job if she wanted (or was
able) to spend more money, but budgets don't always allow for that. Other
times, the piecer specifically requests the kind of design you're
describing - they want something that will hold all three layers together
and nothing more. And, quite honestly, it appears there are piecers who just
don't know/understand that their quilt could be even more beautiful if an
appropriate quilting design were created for it.

In an ideal world, every piecer would have an unlimited budget for the
quilting portion of the project and the machine quilter would find the
perfect quilting design that would show off the piecing and make every
piecer the star of the quilt show!

I'm looking forward to our local show this fall - will be interested to see
if the trend is toward overall designs.
--
Louise in Iowa
nieland1390@mchsi dot comhttp://community.webshots.com/user/louiseiniowa

"John" wrote in message

...

Let me start off with a disclaimer. If any of you are offended by my
observations, then I am sorry. If you derive pleasure from the things
I am commenting on, then go ahead and continue to enjoy them. My
opinions are my own, and "might" coincide with others, or maybe not.
That stated, herein follows a brief recounting of todays visit to the
local yearly quilt show.
Lois and I showed up at the local show and started viewing the
offerings from large bed sized quilts to small wall hangings and items
of apparel. The one thing that struck me, and Lois, was the fact that
the degree of overall quilting by machine was of a singular nature.
This observation applied to about 75% of the quilts. The other 25%
were hand quilted, and this observation does not apply to them. They
were very nicely done.
As to the 75%; I have never seen as large a group of quilts, in my
life, that were done in such a random manner that defied the sewn
seams of the pattern, of the quilt. It is as if the person doing the
quilting, and some of them were "professionally" machine quilted, and
they used that word "professionally", loosely, in my opinion, *was
insensitive to the fact that they were crossing over the seams of the
pattern of the quilt on autopilot in an effort to confuse attempted
artistic random loops and squiggles, in the guise of art, and not
respecting the pattern seams as defining elements of the quilt. Now if
this is the new norm and I am completely out of step with State of the
Art Free motion quilting, then so be it, I am out of step. If you look
at the other 25% of the quilts that were hand stitched. they used
overall quilting in the appropriate seam bordered elements of the
pattern and stayed within the confines of the seams and produced a
quilt that respected the pattern design and complimented that with
area quilting which enhanced the overall appearance. Out of probably
35 Machine quilts, I think there were probably 2 or 3 that met the the
above criteria of respecting the seams, and not going over them
randomey, in an attempt to achieve, I don't know what. It is almost as
if people take a class on free motion quilting and then throw away all
the time honored traditions of using quilting and stippling within
area elements that respect the seam lines of the sewn pattern, and
throw themselves into the process of random placement of the needle on
autopilot. Thank you very much,but I think I will get on the other
bus, on this show.
So there you have it. My personal take on the recent, and not so happy
viewing of the state of the art of Machine quilting, as it pertains to
Knox County, Ohio. And once again, I hope that I have not stepped on
any toes here. Or otherwise raised any hackles.


John


Don't get me wrong. I am not one of the quilt police. If people want
to make things like I have described, then good on them. I hope they
get pleasure out of what they do. If people want to make and enter
things like I described in quilt shows, then good on them. But, and
this is the real defining factor. When they show me those quilts in a
setting that implies that they are looking for opinions. IE; judging
of quilts in the shows, then I will render my opinion as it pertains
to my own choices of excellence. If they hang those quilts in their
houses, and I happen to be asked by them what I think. I will, gently
explain my personal preferences, and why they might differ from
theirs, but I will celebrate, their efforts, and hopefully, show them
a way that might improve their next quilt, technique. That is the
nature of criticism. It is sometimes difficult for the recipient to
accept that criticism, but if you can't stand the heat, stay out of
the quilt judging at the quilt show. I am sometimes judged by hand
quilters as not being a "real quilter" because I machine quilt. In
return, I state that I am not a "real Quilter". I am a, "real machine
quilter". I don't think there is a hierarchy in quilting, only bad
technique, machine and hand. Even that applies only to things that
are of a showpiece nature. If you are making a dog bed quilt, I don't
think it matters to the dog, if it gets four paws or one paw in the
dog bed judging contest. What matters is that it is warm and comfy. If
it is entered in a quilt show, then you better be prepared for
suggestions or criticisms.

John
Ads
  #22  
Old August 16th 09, 01:52 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Roberta[_3_]
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Posts: 2,545
Default Local quilt show: observations

Different strokes for different folks!
I've been "guilty" of doing an all-over design now and then, when I
think the quilt calls for it. Lots of mine are scrappy. Sometimes
there's too much going on in such a quilt, and an overlay of, say, a
variegated monochrome thread in an interesting stipple pattern helps
pull everything together. (Akin to covering a painting with a color
glaze, for example.)
But you're right, sometimes it seems like everybody is suddenly doing
the same thing, like lemmings over the cliff, regardless of what the
quilt needs.
Roberta in D

On Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:25:39 -0700 (PDT), John
wrote:

Let me start off with a disclaimer. If any of you are offended by my
observations, then I am sorry. If you derive pleasure from the things
I am commenting on, then go ahead and continue to enjoy them. My
opinions are my own, and "might" coincide with others, or maybe not.
That stated, herein follows a brief recounting of todays visit to the
local yearly quilt show.
Lois and I showed up at the local show and started viewing the
offerings from large bed sized quilts to small wall hangings and items
of apparel. The one thing that struck me, and Lois, was the fact that
the degree of overall quilting by machine was of a singular nature.
This observation applied to about 75% of the quilts. The other 25%
were hand quilted, and this observation does not apply to them. They
were very nicely done.
As to the 75%; I have never seen as large a group of quilts, in my
life, that were done in such a random manner that defied the sewn
seams of the pattern, of the quilt. It is as if the person doing the
quilting, and some of them were "professionally" machine quilted, and
they used that word "professionally", loosely, in my opinion, was
insensitive to the fact that they were crossing over the seams of the
pattern of the quilt on autopilot in an effort to confuse attempted
artistic random loops and squiggles, in the guise of art, and not
respecting the pattern seams as defining elements of the quilt. Now if
this is the new norm and I am completely out of step with State of the
Art Free motion quilting, then so be it, I am out of step. If you look
at the other 25% of the quilts that were hand stitched. they used
overall quilting in the appropriate seam bordered elements of the
pattern and stayed within the confines of the seams and produced a
quilt that respected the pattern design and complimented that with
area quilting which enhanced the overall appearance. Out of probably
35 Machine quilts, I think there were probably 2 or 3 that met the the
above criteria of respecting the seams, and not going over them
randomey, in an attempt to achieve, I don't know what. It is almost as
if people take a class on free motion quilting and then throw away all
the time honored traditions of using quilting and stippling within
area elements that respect the seam lines of the sewn pattern, and
throw themselves into the process of random placement of the needle on
autopilot. Thank you very much,but I think I will get on the other
bus, on this show.
So there you have it. My personal take on the recent, and not so happy
viewing of the state of the art of Machine quilting, as it pertains to
Knox County, Ohio. And once again, I hope that I have not stepped on
any toes here. Or otherwise raised any hackles.

John

  #23  
Old August 16th 09, 03:05 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Nann
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Posts: 173
Default Local quilt show: observations

There's a recent book about machine quilting that describes three
styles for each of the sample quilts: dragger, show-stopper,
heirloom. Or something like that. (I don't have the book and I don't
recall the title.) The point is that the complexity of the quilting
can differ for the intended use of the quilt. A baby, little-kid, or
even a college student's quilt may be a dragger. That Baltimore Album
or Dear Jane that took three years to piece will be an heirloom.

That said, I've seen too many quilts in magazines (I haven't been to
that many shows) that have a large all-over meander. I understand
that such a style may be due to budget. But for a pretty top with
some design complexity, just "gitterdun" (get her done) is a shame.

I have likened professional quilting to bronze casting, sort of: art
with an assist. That Rodin or Remington sculpture was not hewn out of
a block of bronze. The sculptor created it in clay, a mold was made,
and the bronze was cast by a foundry. When I have a quilt
professionally quilted I add the longarmer's name or company to the
label.

Nann
  #24  
Old August 16th 09, 03:35 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Taria[_2_]
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Posts: 447
Default Local quilt show: observations

'dragger'. That is pretty cute Nann.
Taria

"Nann" wrote in message
...
There's a recent book about machine quilting that describes three
styles for each of the sample quilts: dragger, show-stopper,
heirloom. Or something like that. (I don't have the book and I don't
recall the title.) The point is that the complexity of the quilting
can differ for the intended use of the quilt. A baby, little-kid, or
even a college student's quilt may be a dragger. That Baltimore Album
or Dear Jane that took three years to piece will be an heirloom.

That said, I've seen too many quilts in magazines (I haven't been to
that many shows) that have a large all-over meander. I understand
that such a style may be due to budget. But for a pretty top with
some design complexity, just "gitterdun" (get her done) is a shame.

I have likened professional quilting to bronze casting, sort of: art
with an assist. That Rodin or Remington sculpture was not hewn out of
a block of bronze. The sculptor created it in clay, a mold was made,
and the bronze was cast by a foundry. When I have a quilt
professionally quilted I add the longarmer's name or company to the
label.

Nann



  #25  
Old August 16th 09, 03:36 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Taria[_2_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 447
Default Local quilt show: observations

Are you looking for craftmanship doc?
Taria
"Dr. Zachary Smith" wrote in message
...
I'm very familiar with the eternal battle between traditionalists &
purists and innovators & radicals. That said,

1. I had no idea something like this would be such a big deal, but
then I hadn't really thought about it because I hadn't been aware of
it.

2. I now have something else to look for/at/critique at the local show
coming up.

3. I think I now better understand the concept of "quilt police".

My own observation (probably a "duh" to most folks here...) is that
there are two aspects to quilting; an artistic aspect and a (oh, crap
I can't find the right word...) the skill and accuracy of physically
crafting the quilt. IOW, one might have an imaginative and
artistically brilliant design with regard to shapes and colors, yet
the quilter can't seam to sew a straight line, get corners to meet, or
quilt it without skips, loops, and other catastrophes. OTOH, one
might be a master sewer, quilt with perfection, but have no sense of
color or proportion. (Am I making sense?) This is just one other
reason I can think of that one might have someone else do the machine
quilting. Should it bar that particular artist/crafter from entering
a piece in a show? I don't know, but it falls under #2 above. I
don't think there is a cut & dry answer. YMMV.

Doc



  #26  
Old August 16th 09, 04:06 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Polly Esther[_5_]
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Posts: 3,814
Default Local quilt show: observations

I like Nann's word 'gitterdun'. I think I'll keep it. Polly

"Taria" wrote in message
...
'dragger'. That is pretty cute Nann.
Taria

"Nann" wrote in message
...
There's a recent book about machine quilting that describes three
styles for each of the sample quilts: dragger, show-stopper,
heirloom. Or something like that. (I don't have the book and I don't
recall the title.) The point is that the complexity of the quilting
can differ for the intended use of the quilt. A baby, little-kid, or
even a college student's quilt may be a dragger. That Baltimore Album
or Dear Jane that took three years to piece will be an heirloom.

That said, I've seen too many quilts in magazines (I haven't been to
that many shows) that have a large all-over meander. I understand
that such a style may be due to budget. But for a pretty top with
some design complexity, just "gitterdun" (get her done) is a shame.

I have likened professional quilting to bronze casting, sort of: art
with an assist. That Rodin or Remington sculpture was not hewn out of
a block of bronze. The sculptor created it in clay, a mold was made,
and the bronze was cast by a foundry. When I have a quilt
professionally quilted I add the longarmer's name or company to the
label.

Nann




  #27  
Old August 16th 09, 04:12 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Dr. Zachary Smith
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Posts: 708
Default Local quilt show: observations

Hi Taria,

That's close, but I know there's a better word for exactly what I was
trying to say - it eludes me still... drat.

After reading a few more opinions this morning, it occurs to me that
another reason for the quilting in question may be that the quilter
may be masterful with piecing and stitching, but at a loss for exactly
what to do quilting-wise (I've faced that issue myself) and how long
should someone be expected to leave the project on the UFO shelf until
they figure out the "perfect" way to quilt it?

John,

If you're not the quilt police, you're doing an oustanding job of
impersonating one. ;-)

Doc

On Aug 16, 10:36*am, "Taria" wrote:
Are you looking for craftmanship doc?
Taria
"Dr. Zachary Smith" wrote in ...



I'm very familiar with the eternal battle between traditionalists &
purists and innovators & radicals. *That said,


1. I had no idea something like this would be such a big deal, but
then I hadn't really thought about it because I hadn't been aware of
it.


2. I now have something else to look for/at/critique at the local show
coming up.


3. I think I now better understand the concept of "quilt police".


My own observation (probably a "duh" to most folks here...) is that
there are two aspects to quilting; an artistic aspect and a (oh, crap
I can't find the right word...) the skill and accuracy of physically
crafting the quilt. *IOW, one might have an imaginative and
artistically brilliant design with regard to shapes and colors, yet
the quilter can't seam to sew a straight line, get corners to meet, or
quilt it without skips, loops, and other catastrophes. *OTOH, one
might be a master sewer, quilt with perfection, but have no sense of
color or proportion. *(Am I making sense?) *This is just one other
reason I can think of that one might have someone else do the machine
quilting. *Should it bar that particular artist/crafter from entering
a piece in a show? *I don't know, *but it falls under #2 above. *I
don't think there is a cut & dry answer. *YMMV.


Doc- Hide quoted text -


- Show quoted text -


  #28  
Old August 16th 09, 07:32 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 167
Default Local quilt show: observations

If I do a quilt that will be used gently, I will do fancy quilting. If
it is a wall hanging, same.
If it it utilitarian, meant to be used and sometimes used hard, it
will get tied, or simple overall quilting.
If it is a "kick-around-drag-around" for use by a baby or one of my
picnic throws, it gets tied.

Ginger in CA
On Aug 16, 7:35*am, "Taria" wrote:
'dragger'. That is pretty cute Nann.
Taria

"Nann" wrote in message

...



There's a recent book about machine quilting that describes three
styles for each of the sample quilts: *dragger, show-stopper,
heirloom. *Or something like that. (I don't have the book and I don't
recall the title.) *The point is that the complexity of the quilting
can differ for the intended use of the quilt. A baby, little-kid, or
even a college student's quilt may be a dragger. *That Baltimore Album
or Dear Jane that took three years to piece will be an heirloom.


That said, I've seen too many quilts in magazines (I haven't been to
that many shows) that have a large all-over meander. *I understand
that such a style may be due to budget. *But for a pretty top with
some design complexity, just "gitterdun" (get her done) is a shame.


I have likened professional quilting to bronze casting, sort of: *art
with an assist. *That Rodin or Remington sculpture was not hewn out of
a block of bronze. The sculptor created it in clay, a mold was made,
and the bronze was cast by a foundry. *When I have a quilt
professionally quilted I add the longarmer's name or company to the
label.


Nann- Hide quoted text -


- Show quoted text -


  #29  
Old August 16th 09, 09:22 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Pat in Virginia
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Posts: 3,644
Default Local quilt show: observations

Just because a quilt is on display does not mean we should be standing there
critiquing it. Well, maybe in Ohio a quilt show means the quilters are
looking for opinions from the people who attend. In my guild, here in
Virginia, the quilts are hung for the enjoyment of the viewers! There is a
"Viewer's Choice" ballot, so the viewers do get a chance to 'judge'
discreetly. That doesn't mean they should be publicly criticizing the quilts
while at the show, although they probably discuss the work with a few
friends, when away from the show. We do not hire judges to rate the quilts.
Even if we did, that does not mean it is open season on voicing opinions in
the venue, which your note seems to imply.

PAT in Virginia


"John" wrote in message . .
Don't get me wrong. I am not one of the quilt police. If people want
to make things like I have described, then good on them. I hope they
get pleasure out of what they do. If people want to make and enter
things like I described in quilt shows, then good on them. But, and
this is the real defining factor. When they show me those quilts in a
setting that implies that they are looking for opinions. IE; judging
of quilts in the shows, then I will render my opinion as it pertains
to my own choices of excellence. If they hang those quilts in their
houses, and I happen to be asked by them what I think. I will, gently
explain my personal preferences, and why they might differ from
theirs, but I will celebrate, their efforts, and hopefully, show them
a way that might improve their next quilt, technique. That is the
nature of criticism. It is sometimes difficult for the recipient to
accept that criticism, but if you can't stand the heat, stay out of
the quilt judging at the quilt show. I am sometimes judged by hand
quilters as not being a "real quilter" because I machine quilt. In
return, I state that I am not a "real Quilter". I am a, "real machine
quilter". I don't think there is a hierarchy in quilting, only bad
technique, machine and hand. Even that applies only to things that
are of a showpiece nature. If you are making a dog bed quilt, I don't
think it matters to the dog, if it gets four paws or one paw in the
dog bed judging contest. What matters is that it is warm and comfy. If
it is entered in a quilt show, then you better be prepared for
suggestions or criticisms.

John


  #30  
Old August 16th 09, 09:24 PM posted to rec.crafts.textiles.quilting
Maureen Wozniak
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,090
Default Local quilt show: observations

On Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:58:11 -0500, John wrote
(in article
):




2. If I paid to have it quilted, I wouldn't enter it into a show.


Just out of curiousity, why wouldn't you put it in the show. The only show I
enter quilts in is our guild's show. It's not a show with professional
judges rather viewer's choice. Which of course means David and my non
quilting friends vote for me in any category unless there is an absolute
stunner.

I've had one quilt quilted by someone else and had no problem putting it in
our local show (with credit to the quilter, of course) It's an opportunity
to show my work. I know it's not Paducah-quality, but I still like to
occassionally have things on display.

Maureen

 




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