Innovations 2010
PO Box 58335
Renton, WA 98050
Dear Computerized Quilter
Every year, the Innovations Quilt Show struggles with issues that are raised about the Hands Free (Computerized) Quit Category.
Below is an explanation of how the Innovations Quilt Show deals with the placement of quilts into the Computerized Category:
For many years the Innovations Quilt Show has NOT been the "Computer Police" when it comes to the Hands Free (Computerized) Quilt Show category. If a person voluntarily entered their quilt into the Computerized category, that was fine, but we didn't "seek out" quilts that were computerized quilted (with any system) and move them into that category.
About two years ago there was an issue about this, and last year (Innovations 2009) we were more diligent about moving computerized quilts from other categories into the computerized category. Again, we had issues because a computerized quilter felt she had a better chance of winning against non-computerized quilts.
At Innovation 2010, the policy for the Hands Free (computerized) Quilt Show category is as follows:
You, as the creator of the quilt, can enter your quilt into any category you feel is appropriate for your work. We would like to request that you enter your quilt into the Hands Free - Computerized category, but it is NOT mandatory. We are not going to be the computer police. Also, for Innovations 2010 we are not asking what type of machine was used other than longarm, shortarm, midarm or domestic sewing machine. If you would like to include information about your computerized system, that is fine, but it is NOT required.
For the Innovations 2010 Quilt Show, there is sponsorship for the computerized category and we have added the Kids/Youth Computerized category.
I am aware of how the general public, and many hand guided quilters, feel about computerized quilting. I do know that there is a lot more involved with using a computerized system than most people realize. It is NOT "push a button and go do something else and the quilt is finished when you come back in a few hours". Personally, I have seen some spectacular computerized quilting and I have seen some real garbage computerized quilting.
I do feel that Innovations is a great place to show your work whether it is hand guided or computerized and you can enter your quilt into any appropriate category. Part of the mission of Innovations is to educate the public (quilting and non-quilting) about machine quilting and educating the public about computerized quilting is part of the education process.
If you have any questions about this or would like to make a comment, please contact me at mqinnovations@aol.com
Sincerely,
Cindy Roth
Event Organizer
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