Early this morning, the list of finalists was posted for International Quilt Festival’s ‘World of Beauty’ show. For every “yippee!!,” there were an almost equal number of disappointed quilters. For everyone whose quilt made it, heartfelt congratulations! For those who did not receive good news this time, please remember a few things:
- I would bet the ranch that pretty much everyone on the finalist list has been in your shoes. In some cases, multiple times (more on that later).
- You should be proud of yourself for trying. I have several very talented friends (one in particular–you KNOW who you are) who have not yet taken the plunge…but you have put in the considerable time, effort and heart required into your submission. As my mother used to say to me, “the worst thing they can do is say no.” (We will put aside the memory of the boy who actually hung up on me when I called him for a date…)
- Your piece may not have been a fit for this show, but there are many many other shows for which it might be just the ticket.
Once you have submitted enough entries, some patterns tend to emerge. With one exception, every piece I have struggled to create to “fit” a certain exhibit…was rejected. I wrestled with one quilt…tried to make it fit one theme…then entered it in two other major shows, to no avail. This poor piece should be in therapy by now.
By contrast, the pieces I created for the pure love of the subject have fared much better. I did not make them specifically for shows, but to celebrate beloved pets and particularly lovely landscapes. I had fun and they came together easily. While I am delighted that they travelled to national shows, they simply make me happy. (This is not to say that every piece you love will be accepted…but the sting of rejection will barely be felt. Case in point, my little cat who thinks she is a lion, created for the Cherrywood Lion King challenge…she may not have fit that show but she is a successful piece in my eyes.)
So…treat yourself to some chocolate/fabric/both (some inspirational photos shown below ;))…and go create something for the pure joy of it!
neonkittyquilts 
So true; I have almost always placed a “rejected” piece in another show with a better fit.
The sting is still there. My piece also was rejected for the Lion King. But of the six of us who agreed to do it, only 2 of us completed it and one was accepted. So while I am stinging I am so very happy for my friend who was accepted and the fact that I completed it in time makes it a winner!. I will enter my piece in a local show.
Louise, good for you for submitting it! I know it’s not fun…but you really do learn from each time. I have found that by branching out in a few directions in addition to juried shows (submitting articles, teaching, etc), I focus less on any one situation. Hang in there!
I entered a gorgeous Feathered Star into a show in Washington state and was rejected as they said my choice of colors was wrong for the pattern. i was so mad that I entered it in Houston and they accepted it and I got great reviews from the judges who loved the colors. So there!! I may never enter another one but that sure gave me a lot of pleasure.
You GO Lydna!!!
I LOVE it when things like that happen! It only confirms that each rejection is only someone’s opinion! And every “no” gets you closer to the “YES!”