Local quilter named semifinalist in international quilting contest

Judith Robinson's "Farmhouse Road" quilt is among the 411 entries vying for more than $100,000 in prize money at the 2005 American Quilter's Society quilt show and contest at Paducah, Ky., April 20 to 23. In its 21st year, the competition is offering the largest purse in the world for quilting.

Robinson, of Cape Girardeau, has taught at the Sewing Basket in Cape Girardeau for more than 20 years and describes quilting as more than a hobby. "It's my passion. I've always liked to sew. From doll clothes on."

The quilt, entered in a two-person category, was a unique design of Robinson's she started about 11 years ago. "I have no idea how many hours it took because, like all quilters, I have UFOs [unfinished objects] and other projects all going on at the same time."

The American Quilter's Society quilt show and contest draws a crowd of 35,000 quilters, enthusiasts, collectors and vendors annually to Kentucky, and for Robinson it is a favorite. "It's close to home and when I first discovered the show, it was a real eye opener. I went there expecting to see 50 quilts and come home. Instead there were classes, vendors and 400 quilts."

Robinson has been quilting for 22 years and entering shows for about 15 years. "It's good therapy," she said. She started out watching Georgia Bonsteel on PBS and took a lot of workshops. She has made about 200 quilts and even has wedding quilts already made for her three grandchildren.

The "Farmhouse Road" design originated from a bunch of blocks with a four-patch unit and half-square triangles. Robinson uses the Electric Quilt 5 computer quilting program.

"The direction I'd like to go is in art quilts. I'm still fumbling with it," she said. To date, Robinson has created 15 of these original and nontraditional quilts.

Collages and altered books -- personalized journals using old books and a variety of media and paper crafting techniques -- offer ideas and experimentation with design for future art quilts. "Altered books can have a theme and can serve as a form of journaling," she said.

Her advice to those who would like to become quilters is to take a class, buy good quality supplies, don't be afraid to make mistakes and if you're interested in entering shows, just do it. "This spring I entered four shows. I was accepted in two and rejected by two."

This year's contest reflects current trends including bed-sized, large and small wall quilts, handmade quilts and a special youth category.

American Quilter's Society, based in Paducah, has members in every state and 80 countries ranging from amateur to professional, including collectors, appraisers and admirers of the art of quilting. For more information, call (270) 898-7903 or visit www.AmericanQuilter.com.