A Nice Surprise

"House of Wonky" 2012

Yesterday, I received a surprise e-mail from Ann Richardson of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. I had entered my quilt, "House of Wonky" in the Small Wonders Challenge as part of this year's show. It was my first time entering a quilt in a show, and the quilt was made in the first couple weeks after I began making quilts. I think it's the second one I'd pieced and maybe the fourth one I'd finished.

The reason why I thought it would be fun to enter was to surprise my mother, who would be here for the show. I sent a picture of the quilt to Ann, and when she saw it she encouraged me to make something for the ManLand exhibit of quilts made by men. So I did, and eventually sent that one along, too.

When I was entering the "House of Wonky" in the Small Wonders Challenge, I noticed there were awards for six categories: Michael Miller challenge; Best Use of 2012 Show Theme "A Patterned Village"; Best Contemporary of Abstract Quilt; Best Use of Color; Judge's Choice; and Viewer's Choice. At the time, I thought, "Wouldn't it be a hoot to win an award and surprise Mom with it?"

There was a reception for the "Small Wonders" quilts in Sisters a few weeks ago, and they announced the winners of the first five categories. I didn't win anything, and thought, "Oh well!" I didn't really need the recognition for myself, and Mom would still be happy and surprised to see my quilts in the show. But there was one more award to be determined- Viewer's Choice.

By now, you've probably figured out where this is going. :) There was online voting, so I posted the link a couple times on Facebook and asked people to vote. When I posted the link, I mentioned Mom would be there and having the quilt in the show would be a surprise...and wouldn't it be fun to get an award to surprise Mom?

I wasn't particularly aggressive about asking people to vote...didn't even post it on my blog because I didn't want Mom to find out I had a quilt in the show...but somehow, it worked. The e-mail I received from Ann Richardson yesterday came with the news that I'd won the Viewer's Choice Award. So, I have to thank everyone who voted, and all those who encouraged me to try making a quilt. It's an honor to receive recognition in my first quilt show, with one of my first quilts - but I'm really happy to add a nice surprise for Mom's first visit to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The quilts will all be offered for sale, and proceeds will go to a local charity.

Mom still doesn't know about any of this, and since she's here in Oregon with me, she isn't checking my blog. She'll find out soon enough, though. What a nice surprise!