Yes, indeed, Rita, Antonia Hering's quilt,
Dreamtime, won first place for innovative applique at Houston in 2012. Anyone who would like to look at it close-up can view it right here on TQS at [url]see-quilts/zoom-quilts/[/url]. Close-up, It is amazing!
I have no idea how judging/competing works for an individual. At a minimum it seems that she would have had to recuse herself from judging that entire category to avoid any conflict of interest or perception thereof. Perhaps, someone knows how this works?
I have not had much time to comment on all the photos that have come in on FOQ Birmingham but I want to say that I have enjoyed looking at all the photos and so glad you all had a great time meeting up at the show. I, for one, have enjoyed reading about your visit to FOQ!