Taking the Leap
Every year, other fairs or quilt shows come and go and I’d tell myself “Maybe next year I’ll enter something.” This year, I finally stopped saying maybe and said yes.
Choosing four quilts to enter felt both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. None of them were perfect (is any quilt ever?), but each one told part of my story—explorations of new techniques, experiments with bold colors, and those beloved “just-for-fun” pieces that somehow become favorites.
A Community Event
One of the things that makes the Almonte show so special is that it’s not juried—every quilt entered is welcomed and displayed with equal pride. That spirit of inclusion and encouragement made it the perfect place to show my work for the first time.
Throughout the weekend, hundreds of visitors passed through the show. I had the chance to be part of it not just as an exhibitor, but as a volunteer, helping out with white glove duty. For those who don’t know, that means standing ready—literally wearing white gloves—to help guests get a closer look at the quilts without touching them directly. It was a joy to chat with attendees, answer questions, and witness firsthand how much people appreciated the artistry and effort on display.
An Unexpected Honour
When the votes were tallied for the Viewers Choice Awards, I was stunned to hear that one of my quilts had been selected as Runner-Up. Knowing that visitors had taken the time to vote for my "Bears in the One-Block Wonder" —and that so many connected with my quilt—was a complete and joyful surprise! It’s a feeling I’ll carry with me for a long time
The winner was a beautiful quilt by a wonderful woman I've known for years.
What I Took Away
This first quilt show experience gave me more than I expected:
💪 Confidence. Taking the leap to show my work taught me that you don’t have to be “perfect” to participate.🤝 Connection. From fellow quilters to curious visitors, every interaction reminded me how meaningful this craft can be.🧵 Community. Whether you’re exhibiting, volunteering, or just attending, quilt shows are a celebration of shared creativity and love for the art.
Looking Forward
I’m already dreaming up ideas for the next show. New patterns, new colors, maybe even a new technique or two. I’m so grateful to the Almonte Quilters Guild for hosting such a welcoming, inspiring show—and to everyone who came, voted, and supported local quilting.
To anyone who’s thinking about entering a show: do it. You don’t need to be a master. You just need to be willing to share what you’ve made. You never know who you might inspire—or how deeply you’ll be inspired in return.
