Sunday evening I received word from the AQS Show in Paducah my quilt “Z is For Zinnia, C is For Cosmos” had received an award: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or honorable mention. But…I couldn’t find out which until Tuesday evening after the awards ceremony took place in Paducah, KY. I entered the category Wall Quilts–First Entry at Paducah. I had a hard time trying to decide between this category and one that related specifically to my theme–landscape. After going to the show six times in a row when I was a contributing editor to American Quilter magazine to interview makers and write about their quilts, I knew what a smorgasbord this category could be from traditional to art and ranging from hand to machine techniques. Where might I do better, I wondered? Well, without a crystal ball, I had no idea and decided to enter the First Entry category, because this option is only available once.
This afternoon I had an appointment. When I returned home, I turned on the awards ceremony in Paducah that was in progress. The announcer had just gotten to the major awards. As soon as the ceremony ended, I checked the AQS website for the list of winners. When I came to my name next to first place I screamed so loud I surprised myself. Then I raced downstairs to tell my partner Mike. I’m surprised at how excited I was. At the same time, I received an e-mail from the current editor-in-chief of American Quilter magazine requesting information about my quilt for the magazine’s next issue. It feels so strange to be on this side of the equation as the interviewee. Whoo-hoo is all I can say!
AQS Paducah
, I could have more easily decided. I ultimately chose to enter First Entry since this is a one-time option.
