I love this time of year. Not only for the holidays, but also to see what quilts everyone has entered for next year’s QuiltCon show. So far, I’ve been to every show since it began in 2013 and I’ve also had at least one quilt accepted for each show which is always fun to see. I just received word that one of three of my entries got in this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Blooming Wallflowers Accepted
Click here to get the PDF pattern for Blooming Wallflowers
Click here to get the print pattern for Blooming Wallflowers
Kits available – while supplies last
It’s really special to me that this quilt was accepted, because I had originally made a slightly different version (shown below) for a magazine (using my first line, Modern Marks). I entered the first version into the show last year and it was rejected then. I know that the jury changes from year to year and the group of quilts to choose from is always different, so that just goes to show that it’s always worth trying again if you think you have a really great design.
In the updated version (seen above), I still used the same dark Navy from Modern Marks, but paired it with coordinates from Abstract Garden.
Earlier Version – Made from Modern Marks
This version was a “reject” for QuiltCon 2018
Out of the Box Declined
This quilt was such fun to make and I’ll for sure be entering it into other shows. One thing I’ve learned is that my commercial quilt designs I make for patterns and books tend to be a little more on the more “modern traditionalism” side of things which usually has a ton of entries, so I’m never disappointed when one of them doesn’t make the cut. I’ve actually designed a super-modern version of this quilt with much more negative space that I may try to make and enter for next year, so we’ll see what happens!
This quilt was originally made for a magazine to showcase Fandangle Fat Quarters.
I plan to remake it in an upcoming fabric line and re-release the pattern, so stay tuned!
Beaded Lanterns Declined
This one didn’t surprise me at all because all though it’s a dynamic design, it’s still very traditional in the layout and setting. But I still love it since it was easy to pattern and teach. This is the first year that I didn’t have time to make a quilt specifically for the show, but I’m still glad I entered. It’s always fun to be part of the process!!
Beaded Lanterns was made to showcase Fandangle precut strips.
Kits available while supplies last.
Get the free pattern here.
A Plea for Kindness
Before you leave comments online saying “I can’t believe so and so’s quilt didn’t get in” or “what were those jurors thinking, they are crazy!” or anything of that nature, please remember to be kind.
I know that emotions tend to run a little high when everyone gets their notices that their quilts weren’t accepted. However, I always remind myself, it’s just simple math. There were 1750 quilts entered this year, and the show usually only had room for 400. So that means that less than 1 in 4 will get in on average. In other words, 75% of the quilts entered will not make it into the show. But that doesn’t make them “rejects.” I’m sure that if QuiltCon had the room, they’d take as many quilts as they could.
I enter a lot of national shows, most of which are much larger than QuiltCon in terms of numbers of quilts on display. However, they don’t get nearly the amount of entries as QuiltCon does and I never hear negative comments about quilts that don’t make it in. I think it’s because QuiltCon and the MQG have such a large internet presence and we all know how easy it is to make an off-handed comment online. My one request would be to keep things as positive as you can, even if you didn’t get in. I know that the folks working behind the scenes put in untold numbers of hours to make a great show and I’m so thankful for the hard work they do!
In fact, if you’d like to treat yourself to a really inspiring “virtual” quilt show online, be sure to check out the hashtag “quiltconreject” on instagram. It’s a visual feast for sure!
Other Quilt Show Venues
And if you are thinking about entering your quilt into a large national show, here’s a few more that I’d highly recommend:
- Road to California
- MQX (Machine Quilters Exposition)
- UQSM (Utah Quilting and Sewing Marketplace)
- AQS (American Quilter’s Society)
- Mancuso Show Management
- Vermont Quilt Festival
Now it’s time to add a hanging sleeve and label to this quilt so it’s ready to ship!
Christa Quilts 
It’s good that one of the the three were accepted and I expect I’ll see one or more of them at MQX this year.
Christa, I have followed your work for a while, and I love how open and transparent you are about your process. Such good lessons here about taking rejection in stride. It’s no wonder you’re a success and I wish you much more.
Beautiful quilts. I look forward to seeing your quilt at the show.
Congrats on your quilt submissions. Can’t wait to see it in Nashville!
Congratulations Christa on your acceptance of your quilt. I can’t wait to see your ribbon!
Congrats! I can’t wait to see you and your quilt at QuiltCon! Thanks for putting the list of other shows for quilts, I had not heard of a couple and will definitely look into them.
Congrats on your entry pick & although I don’t enter into “Quilt Shows”, I have entered in local agricultural shows & for me it’s all about the fun & excitement of seeing what everyone else is up to as well. Have a lovely Christmas & wishing you well with your impending move. Take care.
Looking forward to seeing you and your quilt in Nashville.
I like both versions Of Blooming Wallflowers! Congratulations on being 1 out of 4. Your comments about being kind is very sweet and thoughtful. Ricky Tims did a funny presentation on “Mrs. Thing” the fuss-budget know-it-all that every quilt guild has. Hopefully kindness is contagious.
Congratulations on your entry acceptance!
No matter what, your quilts are lovely.
Congratulations to you!! All your quilts are lovely and fun and creative!! I will be at QuiltCon (my 1st!) and I look forward to seeing your quilt there!! I entered a quilt for the Michael Miller challenge. It didn’t make it, but I am so happy I entered! There were many “firsts” for me with this quilt, so it’s a win in my mind!!! Congrats again!!!!
I love that Bloomin Wallflowers got in. I bought that pattern and can’t wait to make it.
When I met you at Quiltcon last year,, Christa, you were the friendliest quilter – even doing white gloving. It was so much fun to chat with you.
Laurie
Congratulations Christa!! It’s one of my favorites!
Well, I love your first version, and I also love that you keep your positive outlook. Thanks for reminding us all that we need to be kind.
Congratulations on your entries, and thank you for your positive perspective and encouragement at the end of your post. You model a great way to think about each entry submitted.
Congratulations on being 1 of the 25% lucky entrants. Good luck. I don’t do show quilts and never will except for entering non-judgmental local shows. It is kind of sad when competitiveness interferes with the camaraderie of the quilt community.
Pat
Your quilts are beautiful! Not everyone is picked for teams…. it’s life. You make beautiful guilts for all of us to enjoy! Thank you!!!! And you kindness advice should be spread to all realms!!!!!
I will definitely want the Out of the Box pattern when you re-release it.