International Miniature Quilt Exchange- IMQE
Crossing borders and cultures with Quilts around the globe.
Purpose
The purpose of the International Miniature Quilt Exchange is to promote quilting across borders and cultures. The exchange allows team members to communicate and connect with each other. The team will then have the opportunity to participate in a juried exhibition which will premiere at the International Quilt Festival in Houston during the Fall of 2018.
How to Participate
To participate, you must be either a free basic member of TheQuiltShow.com or a Star member of TheQuiltshow.com. Willing participants must then join the International Miniature Quilt Exchange Group on the TQS website.
Each exchange team is a two-person team.
Each team will have a number associated with their team.
Quilters from the USA will be paired with an International Quilter on a first come, first served basis (notification by email). It is probable that there will be more USA Quilters than there will be International Quilters.
Time Line and Important Dates
Now through Dec 31, 2017 – Teams will continue to be established through December 31, 2017
Early 2018 – Video tutorial on “How to Photograph Your Quilt” – by Ricky Tims.
March 2018 – Entry Submission deadline will be in March 2018
April 15 2018 – Exhibition quilts are selected for the international exhibit and teams notified.
May 15, 2018 – All selected exhibition quilts must be shipped to USA destination and arrive by May 15 at ARJJ.
Exhibition quilts will remain with ARJJ for exhibition through 2019.
• Fall International Quilt Market and Quilt Festival – October 26 to November 4
• International Quilt Festival, Spring Show in Chicago 2019
• Other venues possible.
December 2019 – Quilts are sent to their final owners.
Why Participate?
1. Promote quilting and international partnerships/teamwork
2. Outreach – connecting quilters worldwide
3. Awareness of cultural differences
4. Awareness of differences in quilt styles and fabrics from around the world.
5. Your quilt possibly featured on an international stage.
Team Guidelines
• Teams may choose to work together to select a common challenge theme, color scheme or technique to work with. This is not a requirement. Team members can also agree to create totally independent works.
• By participating, you recognize that the participants will be at all levels of expertise and may be limited to a wide variety of materials to work with. We consider this to be part of the International Miniature Quilt Exchange experience. The reward for participating is not the quilt you get in exchange – it is the experience of connecting with an international quilter.
• While we encourage each person to put forth their best effort, it is imperative to participate only with the understanding that skill levels vary greatly.
• Refer to criteria and guidelines before making your quilt.
• Do not share images of your quilt in any public forum including social media.
• Do not share your quilt in progress with your teammate. This will be kept secret until the quilts are exchanged.
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Quilt Criteria and Selection
Quilt Criteria
o Quilt Size – No smaller than 18” on any side or greater than 24” on any side (no smaller than 45cm or greater than 60cm on any side). Quilts may be square, vertical or horizontal in orientation.
o Any quilt techniques are accepted
o Quilts may be traditional or artful in nature but should represent a miniature version of a larger quilt.
▪ A large traditional quilt expressed in miniature
▪ Miniature artwork should feel like full scale art, represented in miniature.
▪ For example, a single full scale quilt block, layered and quilted, is not a representation of a miniature quilt.
o Work may be done by hand or by machine and include surface design treatment or embellishments.
o Dimensional elements or embellishments may not raise more than ¼” from the surface of the quilt.
o Quilts must be three layers (top, batting and backing)
o Quilts must be quilted through all three layers.
o Quilts must have an appropriate edge finish, ie, binding, facing, or other appropriate finish. Quilts may not be not framed or mounted.
o Quilts must be labeled with quilt maker, date, location quilt was made at a minimum
o The entire quilt must be the work of only one person.
Criteria for Selection
• Pictures submitted according to the guidelines once submission opens.
• Quilt adheres to Quilt Criteria listed above.
• Selection based on strong design, innovation and workmanship.
• Some selections may be based on stories or relationships developed by team members.
It is probable that there will be more USA Quilters than there will be International Quilters. A list of participants will be maintained based on the date and time members join the International Miniature Quilt Exchange Group and teams will be paired together on a first come, first served basis.
We may not be able to partner all USA participants.
IMQE Quilt Entry and Submission Process
• January of 2018 – Online entry/quilt submission opens
• Entry fee will be $15.00 USD per quilt
• Two photos - a full photo and detail photo - will be required for submission
• An artist’s statement about the quilt and the experience will be required
IMQE Selected Quilts
• Notification of accepted exhibition quilts announce early April 2018
• IMQE team members are responsible for the expense of sending their quilt to TheQuiltShow for the IMQE Exhibits
• December 2019, TheQuiltShow pays for shipping to final quilt owner.
IMQE NOT Selected for the Show
Each member is responsible for sending their quilt to their Team partner.
