Urban Inspirations Quilt Show — 2011

What's the best way to get to the show venue?

The show entrance at F.I.T. is located on 28th Street, just west of 7th Avenue. This midtown location is easily reached by every subway, major railroad line, and bus route in the city. We encourage show visitors to use public transportation. For more information, please see the Directions to the Show page.

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Does Amtrak (or New Jersey Transit) give a discount price if I take a train to New York for the show?

No.

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What is the show admission fee?

The admission for the show is $10 per person, $18 for a two-day pass. Children under 5 are free.

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Is there an admission discount for Senior Citizens?

No. We wish we could give discounts to Seniors and Students and other guilds, but in order to keep the regular admission at a reasonable level (and still pay the rent!) we have no discounts this year. Everyone pays the regular show admission: $10 per person, $18 for a two-day pass.

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If I drive to the quilt show, where should I park?

The show entrance at F.I.T. is located on 28th Street, just west of 7th Avenue. This midtown location is easily reached by every subway, major railroad line, and bus route in the city. There is no on-campus parking, but there there are several parking lots in the area of the quilt show. There are three parking facilities on 28th Street east of Eighth Avenue.

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Do you take credit cards for admission?

No. We accept cash only for admission to the show.

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Is there a hotel discount rate available somewhere near the show venue?

We're looking into this, but it is too early to say. Traditionally we have not been able to arrange this, since hotels in New York City need commitments for large blocks of rooms very early.

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Can you help me find and/or book a hotel room?

No. Please check with your travel agent, or look at an online travel site.

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What will a hotel room in New York City probably cost?

Please check with your travel agent, or online. The rates vary tremedously in New York City. It's a popular place and is a lot of fun to visit!

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Can I advertise in the Show Program?

Yes! Our show program is a collector's item — used by our thousands of visitors during and after the show. Our rates are extremely economical. You can Download the Ad Reservation Form. Please note that the deadline for ads is February 4, 2011.

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Can I get food and/or beverages at the show venue?

No. No food or drink is available or allowed at the F.I.T. show venue. There are numerous restaurants, delis and markets in the immediate area, and a map of those will be in the show program.

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Is there a place where I can eat my brown-bag lunch at the show venue?

No. There is no food or drink allowed in the F.I.T. buildings. There are numerous restaurants, delis and markets in the immediate area, and a map of those will be in the show program.

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Is there a place nearby where I can purchase food?

Yes. There are many places to eat and a variety of eateries at various price levels — everything from a light snack or coffee to a full meal — around F.I.T. A listing and a map will be included in the show program.

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My group wants to come in a bus. Is there a place for buses to park?

Charter bus companies know where to park in New York City. If your bus needs to stay on 28th Street while your group is at the show, the driver must stay with the bus.

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How do I find my quilt or my friend's quilt in the show?

We hope to have a master map of the quilts at the information table on the main floor of the quilt show. But please look around! You're sure to find other fabulous quilts and vendors as you explore.

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I saw a beautiful quilt, but it didn't win a ribbon. Why not?

Not all quilts in the show were considered for awards and/or ribbons. Quilts that were considered for awards and/or ribbons were judged on March 5-6, 2010 by two professional quilt judges: Sandra Dorrbecker and Pat Yamin. Some members preferred not to have their quilts judged. If the quilt was not judged by the professional judges, we couldn't give the quilt a ribbon — no matter how wonderful or beautiful the quilt.

For more information about our judges, please visit the Quilt Entry page.

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Are the quilts in the show for sale?

Some of the quilts are for sale. Stop by the Show Information table for a list of which quilts are for sale, and for the quiltmaker's contact information. If you wish to purchase a quilt, you must contact the quiltmaker directly. The guild does not participate in the sale transaction.

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Can I take photographs of the quilts?

Yes. But only for your personal use. Our members have worked hard on their pieces and they deserve to have control over images and/or copies of their work.

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I saw a quilt I'd love to make. Is there a pattern?

Maybe. Contact info@empirequilters.net and we'll forward your question to the quiltmaker. Please be sure to include the name of the quilt and/or quiltmaker in your email. We have a hard time matching up "… that lovely red quilt" with the right quilt.

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Can I vote for my favorite quilt?

Yes! We encourage all show visitors to turn in their votes for the Viewers' Choice award. All quilts are eligible for this award, and it is one of the most coveted awards in the show. Ballots can be found in the show program. Every visitor is allowed ONE vote.

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How do I find a particular vendor?

A listing of vendors and their locations will be available in the show program. The information table on the main floor of the quilt show will know about any last-minute changes.

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Do vendors accept credit cards or checks?

This varies from vendor to vendor. We will have the listing of vendors available before the show. It is best to check with your favorite vendor ahead of time.

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Are tickets or reservations required for the speaker presentations?

No. Your quilt show admission ($10/person/day or $18 for two days) includes entry to the lecture/presentations. The lectures take place in the amphitheaters, and seating is general (open) seating.

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I'm a member of another quilt guild. Do I get a discount on my show admission?

No. We'd love to give discounts to everyone, but we need to cover our expenses (which are considerable). We hope you find the entrance fee worthwhile — and even modest for what you get!

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Are wheelchairs allowed at the show venue?

Yes. The F.I.T. facility complies with the federal ADA requirements, and is handicapped accessible. The show takes place on two floors, and there is an elevator.

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Are strollers allowed at the show venue?

No. Strollers (and any type of wheeled cart) must be checked in the coat room.

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Is there a coat room?

Yes. The coat room is on the main floor of the venue just inside the show entry, on the right.

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Is there a coat room fee?

No. We encourage our show visitors to use the coat room to store their coats and wheeled carts and backpacks. The coat room is manned by Empire Quilters members and you will enjoy your visit to the show much more if you are unencumbered by heavy coats.

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Are there show souvenirs for purchase?

Yes! Guild pins, bags and lanyards will be available for purchase at the information table on the main floor of the quilt show. We also have a boutique filled with items for purchase that have been made by guild members. You'll find quilts and jewelry and cards and art objects and more!

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Can non-guild members shop in the show boutique?

Yes! The boutique is full of items made by guild members. The items are for sale for anyone to purchase! You're likely to find just the right souvenir of the show or of your visit to New York City. Please be sure to save some time to browse in the boutique. Most of the proceeds of the sales go directly to the maker of the item. A small portion goes to th guild to help with show expenses.

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Can I use a credit card in the show boutique?

No. The boutique accepts cash or checks only. There are several ATMs available in the area. Stop at the show Information Table for a map of the locations.

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Where does the money go from purchases in the boutique?

Most of the money goes to the guild member/maker of the item. A small portion goes to the guild to help with show expenses.

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Can I buy tickets for the Subway Series Raffle Quilt at the Show?

Yes. The quilt will be on display and there will be people selling tickets until the winning ticket is drawn (Sunday afternoon.)

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Do I need to be present to win the Subway Series Raffle quilt?

No. The winner doesn't need to be present. We will ship the quilt to the winner. (But wouldn't it be exciting to be there?)

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FAQ Answers: For Guild Members About Submitting Quilts

Am I eligible to submit a quilt to the show?

Individuals who are Empire Quilters guild members, and whos dues for the 2010–2011 guild season are paid-in-full by October 15, 2010 are eligible to submit two (2) quilts and one (1) President's Challenge entry to the show. For more information about joining the guild (we'd love to have you!) please see the Membership page of this website.

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Where can I get a quilt submission form?

Pick up submission forms at a guild meeting, or download a form from this website. See the Show Documents page for a list of all downloadable show documents.

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When and how will I be informed that my quilt(s) are accepted?

This is not a juried show — meaning the guild does not evaluate the quilts that the members submit. No acceptance letters or emails are sent. All quilts submitted by members for the President's Challenge will be accepted and hung in the show. All quilts submitted by members that are indicated as the member's first-choice-to-be-hung quilt will be accepted and hung in the show. If there is not enough room in the show venue to display all of the quilts, then we may not hang the second-choice quilt of the quilter/member. In that case, we will let the quilter know approximately two weeks prior to the show. All quilts that the member/quilter wants judged should be brought to judging day.

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How do I know whether my quilt is considered a "small" quilt or a "miniature" quilt?

"Isn't any small quilt considered a miniature? The answer to this question is no. A miniature quilt is a design that has been reduced in scale. Simply because a quilt is the size required for the category does not make the quilt a miniature. All of the various quilt components — the overall design, quilting design and stitches, binding, embroidery or other surface techniques, or embellishments need to be reduced in scale." Note … This answer comes from the National Quilting Association's website (nqaquilts.org)

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What elements does a small regular quilt have to have to be considered a quilt and not just a block?

A regular quilt can be none, one or many blocks. There are no restrictions in design. A quilt is a quilt if it has 3 layers and is quilted. The piece also needs to be "finished" with a binding or other method of enclosing the edges. Depending on the design, the small quilt is either a Traditional Quilt or Art Quilt or a quilt made with Special Techniques. Refer to the next questions, and see the Quilt Entry Categoies for the various quilt categories.

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What is considered a Traditional Quilt?

A Traditional Quilt is a quilt based on traditional patterns. The construction can be either pieced, or appliquéd or a combination of pieced and appliqué. Please refer to the Quilt Entry Categoies for information on the various quilt categories for this show.

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What is considered an Art Quilt?

Art quilts can be pictorial or abstract. Techniques on art quilts can include photo-transfer digital imagery. Embellished quilts (other than Crazy Quilts) are also considered to be Art Quilts as long as the embellishments have three-dimensional elements (such as beads, buttons, lace, fibers, etc) and the piece draws major impact from the embellishments (i.e. the embellishments are not just subtle additions). Please refer to the Quilt Entry Categoies for information on the various quilt categories for this show.

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What is considered a Special Techniques Quilt?

Yo-yo quilts, cathedral windows quilts, whole-cloth quilts and crazy quilts are all considered quilts made with Special Techniques. Please refer to the Quilt Entry Categoies for information on the various quilt categories for this show.

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What is a Group Quilt?

A Group Quilt is a quilt that was worked on by two or more quilters. For this show at least one of the individuals who worked on the quilt must be a member of Empire Quilters. For this show quilts quilted for payment (money and/or barter) are considered Group Quilts (more than one individual worked on the quilt) and must be entered in this Group Quilt category. Please refer to the Quilt Entry Categoies for information on the various quilt categories for this show.

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What are the required dimensions for an Art Quilt or a Special Techniques Quilt …

All quilts submitted for the show (with the exception of miniature quilts) must be between 25" to 90" wide, and 25" to 96" long/high. Miniature quilts must be between 12" to 24" wide, and 12" to 24"long/high. For additional information, see the Quilt Entry page.

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My quilt has both hand quilting and machine quilting. Which box do I check on the submission form?

A quilt is considered "hand" quilted if it is at least 75% quilted by hand. A quilt is considered "machine" quilted if it is at least 75% quilted by the member quiltmaker. Quilts with nearly equal amounts of both hand and machine quilting can be entered as either hand or machine quilted. Note … quilts that are professionally quilted (for payment and/or barter) belong in the Group quilt category.

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Does my quilt have to be judged?

No. Members are welcome to submit their quilt(s) for hanging in the show without being judged. We encourage members to have their quilts judged. You'll learn a lot and will get tips to improve your quilt making.

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What will the judges be looking for?

The judges will be considering the quilt's General Appearance, Workmanship, Quilting, Finishing, Special Techniques, Color, Design, Quilting Design and Degree of Difficulty. Please see the Quilt Entry page to read details about what the judges will be looking for, or download the judging criteria sheet.

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What awards will be given?

There will be First, Second and Third place ribbons in every category. Honorable Mention ribbons may be awarded. If there are not enough entries in a category, no ribbons for first, second and third place will be awarded. These quilts will be eligible for the Special Awards.

Additionally the following awards will also be presented: Best of Show, Best Original Design, Best Threadwork, Best Pieced Quitlt, Best Hand Appliqué Quilt, Best Machine Appliqué Quilt, Best Hand Quilting (Group Quilts are not eligible for this award), and Best Machine Quilting (Professionally quilted quilts will not be considered for the Best Machine Quilting awards). Please double check these categories.

Each of the two judges will be asked to award a Judge's Choice award and show attendees will be able to vote for Viewer's Choice.

There will be one ribbon awarded for the winner of the President's Challenge, which will be decided by the guild President at the March 5, 2011 guild meeting.

Please see the Quilt Entry page more information about the judging system, or download the awards listing sheet.

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Do I need to have my quilt label covered with muslin for judging day?

Your quilt needs to be labeled on judging day, but you do not need to cover the label. When you submit your quilt for judging, a piece of paper or fabric will be pinned over your label so it will be covered for judging. The paper/fabric will have an identifying number on it so we know what category it is to be judged in and who it belongs to.

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I don't plan to have my quilt judged. Is a photograph still necessary?

Yes. The quilt show lay-out committee requires the photographs to help them determine where to hang the quilts. Photographs are due with the Quilt Submission form on January 8, 2011.

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I don't have a camera. How can I get a photo of my quilt for the submission form?

Ask a friend, or use a disposable camera. Color photographs are required for all quilts.

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My quilt is just slightly over the size limit. Is that OK?

No. Due to space limitations, any quilt that exceeds 93 inches in width or 96 inches in length will not be hung.

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I'm just entering one quilt. What is the entry fee?

The entry fee for one or two quilts is $20.00. The fee is due on Jan 8, 2011 with the quilt submission form (and quilt photograph).

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I want to enter two quilts. What is the entry fee?

The entry fee for one or two quilts is $20.00. The fee is due on Jan 8, 2011 with the quilt submission form (and quilt photograph).

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Do I have to pay a fee to submit a quilt for the President's Challenge?

No. All guild members can submit a President's Challenge quilt. There is no fee for submitting a President's Challenge quilt.

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How do I make a quilt sleeve?

A 4-inch (minimum) sleeve on the back of the quilt is required for each quilt submitted for the show. You can construct the sleeve in whatever method you want, but if you would like some directions, we have this downloadable PDF: How to Make a Quilt Sleeve.

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What's this about a pillowcase cover on your quilt when it is brought for hanging? Is this new?

Yes, this is a new requirement for the 2011 show. Each quilt must arrive for hanging in its own pillowcase cloth bag. The bag must be labeled with your name, phone number and/or email address and the name of the quilt (A picture of the quilt on the pillowcase would be helpful but not required). For complete information about the quilt submission procedure, see the Quilt Entry page.

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I'm submitting two quilts and a President's Challenge quilt for the show. Can I bring all them in one pillowcase?

No. Every quilt must be in its own pillowcase, and each bag must be labeled with your name, phone number and/or email address and the name of the quilt in that pillowcase (A picture of the quilt on the pillowcase would be helpful but not required).

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Do I need to have my quilt in a pillowcase when I bring it for judging?

No.

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FAQ Answers: About Volunteering & Attending

I'm an Empire Quilters guild member. Do I have to pay the show admission?

Yes. Everyone pays the same admission: $10/person/day or $18 for two days.

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I have a quilt in the show. Do I have to pay the show admission?

Yes. Everyone pays the same admission: $10/person/day. or $18 for two days.

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If I volunteer to work in the show, do I need to pay the show admission?

Yes. Everyone pays the same admission: $10/person/day or $18 for two days.

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I am submitting one quilt for the show. How many hours do I need to volunteer?

Four (4) hours total.

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I am submitting two quilts for the show. How many hours do I need to volunteer?

Four (4) hours total.

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I am submitting items to the boutique. How many hours do I need to volunteer?

Four (4) hours total.

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I have quilts in the show and I am submitting items for the boutique. How many hours do I need to volunteer?

Four (4) hours total. Your volunteer hours will be in the boutique, during the hours the boutique is open to the public. Setting up your items in the boutique does not count toward your volunteer hours.

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If I volunteer before the show, how many hours do I need to work during the show?

Guild members with quilts in the show are required to volunteer four (4) hours total. Those hours can be put in during the show or before the show. There are a limited number of jobs to be done before the show (For example: January 8, 2011: collecting submission forms; March 5–6, 2011: judging day). If you put in your required four (4) hours before the show, you do not need to work at the show at all. (But since we can use all the help we can get, we hope all members will volunteer to help out for at least some time during the show.)

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I don't plan to have a quilt in the show. Can I still volunteer?

Yes! We need all the volunteers we can get! Please sign up to volunteer!

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Can I pick when and where I volunteer?

Yes, if you submit your request early. We will be filling job positions on a first-requested, first-assigned basis. The volunteer sign-up form can be picked up at a meeting, or downloaded from the website. See the Show Documents page for a complete list of downloadable documents. Please complete the form with your time/job preferences and get it in as soon as possible. That is the only way to guarantee your preferred time/job.

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What volunteer jobs are available?

Descriptions of the various jobs can be found on the Volunteer page of the website. You can also print the Volunteer Opportunities document.

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How do I sign up for my volunteer hours?

Fill out the Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet and turn it in at a meeting, or mail it in to the address on the form.

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I want to submit quilts for the show, but I will be out of town during the show dates. How do I fulfill my volunteer hours requirements?

There are some volunteer jobs that take place before the show, for example during quilt form submission day (January 8, 2011) or during judging day (March 5, 2011), or helping with other pre-show tasks. You will need to sign up for four (4) hours of volunteer time at during one of these pre-show activities and/or jobs. Note … Pre-show volunteering is a popular request, so get your request in early. We can not give members special consideration for being out of town during the show dates. If you do not schedule your pre-show volunteer time early, there is a possibility that all slots will be filled.

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