Mentored Judges

For a full list of Judges please click here

Aotearoa Quilters offers the opportunity for members to learn the process of judging and critiquing quilts.

Each year, at our Annual Exhibition, two members are selected for the mentoring programme. One member is also selected for the mentoring programme for the judging of the biennial challenge.

Applications for the mentoring programme are called for in the newsletter prior to the selection of each exhibition. [How do

This is an opportunity to work with experienced judges.

The member attends both the selection process, and the judging day.  Mentorees observe and assist the judges, and act as scribes where required. This process allows close up scrutiny of quilts and the chance to see how quilts are critiqued.

Here are some comments from previous mentorees.

“The judges looked for execution of theme, impact, and at the workmanship of each quilt.  The backs of the quilts were checked to see whether they related to the front.  One or two quilts were moved to another category.”

“It was apparent to me that the judges were able to put aside their own preferences to arrive at a decision that they both agreed with on each quilt.”

Mentoree Janet Ryan shares her experience for the Take Two challenge:

“The judging for this challenge took place in Wanaka and the judge was Sue Wademan. The first thing to do was to take out the quilts that definitely did not fit the criteria or whose workmanship was letting them down.

The remaining quilts were examined both for visual impact, colour choices and balance. Then it was a close up examination of the quilts for technique of appliqué or piecing, quilting and finishing. Sue gave Judith Ross and myself notes to help us know what to look for when judging quilts. Sue was very thorough with her examination and the whole process took several hours with Judith and I taking notes on each quilt which were then sent to the quiltmakers.

It has definitely helped me with my own quilting and I have since judged at quilt shows including Quilts Aotearoa.

I recommend being a mentoree and sharing in the knowledge of other quilters. Even if you never judge a show it will help with your own quilts and you will appreciate just how much effort goes into finding the Best in Show.”