This and that........

I have arrived home today after a few days away. It seems like months since I have been anywhere and been gone for more than a day. Sometime ago I was asked if I would be one of the three judges for the  SA Quilters Guild Festival of Quilts. I was initially hesitant to say yes, but decided that there was no point to me being on the Judging Panel if I refused this chance. But, I have to say, it was good that I have been too busy during the last few months to think and stress about it. I have judged before at a country level, but not a state show. But having served on the Valuation Panel for a few years now, I felt like I had the knowledge to do this. There are usually 2 local, and one interstate judges. Jenny Bowker, Sue Wege and I had the task yesterday of judging the quilts, and it was a long, and tiring, but fantastic day.
I know we are all "quilt judges" when we go to a quilt show, and even when we read magazines, or see quilts on the internet. I will admit to going to exhibitions and looking at the quilts, and wondering as to why this one got a prize and that one did not! There are quite a few different categories, and some quilts may not be put up for judging. And when the quilts are mostly of a high standard it makes the job more difficult too. And you need to put your personal preferences to the side look at the overall quilt. All I can say is that I have a new appreciation for the job of  judges. Thankyou for the opportunity to judge and to Sue and Jenny for a great day. We had a lovely "get to know each other" dinner one evening as well. Click on Jenny's name above and read about her amazing life as a quilter. Her quilts are amazing and she travels the world teaching.
Sue lives in the Barossa Valley and we travelled to the city together. I have family living in the same town, so it was a good chance to catch up with them as well. I squeezed in a little time with Miss Bridie, who is growing so quickly, and had the following photo taken at the end of my long day.

We will be off to the city again in a few days to attend the quilt show and look at the wonderful quilts on display. And coming up soon is the "hen's" weekend for the bride to be. The wedding of DD3 is only a month away, and then the year is almost over!!  Lots to happen in the house renovation project and I can see half way to 2016 already!!

Thankyou to all those who have given me some ideas for the competition. I have had quite a few emails as well as comments on the blog. I shall extend this until Sunday evening so keep them coming.

Blessings, From Jude