…although it has little to do with Canada turning 150 (ok, maybe there is a little connection…)! In March and May this year I posted a call for entry to support World Quilt in New England and to represent Canada.
Canadian long-arm quilter Debbie Macleod had accepted the responsibility for a second year to gather submissions, forward images for jurying to Mancuso Show Management for consideration, and then receive the quilts, pack them with great care and send them off to the Mancuso office in Pennsylvania. (Her job is only half done. She will receive the quilts, repack them and return them to their makers in early 2018 when they complete the US show circuit!)
We are always puzzled by how little interest exists among quilters in Canada to put their work out there and possibly pick up some prize money along the way. I have had the honour and privilege of judging World Quilt in 2014 and 2015. At that time I was dismayed at the low number of entries from Canada. Did you know that 10 collective entries provide an opportunity to be eligible for the Best of Country prize?
This year Mancuso added additional support to entrants with a specially designed banner for those of us who made the final cut in the jury process:
Purging, packing, organizing my studio, and a general lack of focus had me neglect my part in sharing that I was juried into the competition.
Today I am humbled and grateful to wake up to an email from Debbie Macleod congratulating me. Wabi Sabi Modern was selected as Canada’s Best Entry.
Wabi Sabi Modern (53″h x 40″w, full view and detail above) was created during the spring and early summer of 2016 as a contemplative exercise in cloth. You may have read about my trials and tribulations regarding straightening the rather distorted quilt. I was so tempted to just walk away at the time. But, with perseverance, determination and careful blocking resulting in a close relationship with this creation, I have grown very fond of this modern quilt.
Part of the contemplative process is to explore, observe ideas and let them go or lean into the challenge when it gets difficult. I am so glad I finished this quilt. I am honoured to have been awarded Best of Country at World Quilt New England 2017, the year Canada celebrates its 150th Birthday.
Thank you, Debbie MacLeod for your encouragement to enter and accepting the organizational responsibilities on behalf of Canadian Quilters.
In closing, I have this valuable lesson to share: Don’t give up! Finish what you start and don’t use distractions to throw you off your path. And, if that is not enough encouragement, I entered this quilt into a notable national show from which it was rejected. Had it been accepted I would not have been able to enter the quilt into World Quilt.
How does the saying go? When one door closes another will open! Opportunties are all around us and all we need is recognize these chances and act accordingly. Start deleting the rejection letters, tear them to shreds and burn them as collecting them will hamper your progress! Turn around and find another cometition or show to enter!
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
Thank You Girls for a wonderful AQC. Best one for me yet😊
LikeLike
That has been the sentiment by many! So glad you made it again this year!
LikeLike
I was lucky enough to see your quilt in Manchester, NH at the Mancuso show on Friday. It is wonderful.
LikeLike
Thanks for your note, Elana! I hope you had a fantastic time at the show!
LikeLike
Congrats, Anna! It’s a great art quilt.
Regarding your comment “We are always puzzled by how little interest exists among quilters in Canada to put their work out there and possibly pick up some prize money along the way.” Somehow I missed that Debbie was doing this for Canada entries. But now that I know, I will definitely watch for the call for entry next year.
LikeLike
Thanks for your note, Terry!
This was Debbie’s second year ad I always posted notices on my blog for it. Do keep your eyes open for the announcements, usually in March of each year.
LikeLike
Way to go Anna! And I am so glad I got to see this wonderful piece in person last June in Toronto! Very inspiring to be sure. See you tomorrow at AQC….so excited again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cindi. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Drive carefully.
LikeLike
Congratulations Anna. You are such an inspiration! The quilt is amazing. I love the shadowing and the movement to it. I took a class with you several years ago and still get inspired from what you taught!
LikeLike
Janet, thank you so much for the note!The shadowing is all in the fabric enhanced by the matchstick quilting. So glad I am still able to inspire even after so many years! Stay in touch! Love to hear what you are up to!
LikeLike
Hi Anna
Your skill has developed so much since we sat side by side at LaConnor taking Velda’s workshop. I am so proud of you. Congratulations!
I think the Country Fairs have encouraged Americans to enter their quilts in shows. We are at the beginning of judged and juried shows here.
LikeLike
Thanks for your note, Vivian. The Velda Newman class was in September 2013 – so very long ago and evokes fond memories. I had just graduated from the City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting course (and was not an accomplished quilter at all)… For me life is all about evolving and building skills through continuous learning.
As to jusdged quilt shows – the US has a good number more than Canada. Mancuso Show Management is an organization I can highly recommend. The way they honour each quilt from receiving to returning it to the maker is stellar. And best of all – they aorganize shows all over your vast country.
LikeLike
How splendid Anna! Warm congratulations on this lovely achievement – a fascinating design undoubtedly meticulously finished. Your words ‘never give up’ have never been more true it seems, but now you deserve a chance to rest on your laurels for a bit!
LikeLike
Judith – thank you so much for your heartfelt note! As to rest… there is so much to do, so much to learn and so much more to explore! See you very soon at AQC.
LikeLike
Congratulations! Glad you grabbed another opportunity to enter instead of being discouraged and giving up. Thanks for sharing the message to persist.
LikeLike
Thanks, Carole. I can honestly say that “giving up” is not found in my creative vocabulary. City & Guilds training teaches you to work through the possibilities, and after 8 years and three diplomas in various disciplines with that type of thinking it becomes firmly engrained in your brain and muscle memory. Sometimes I feel it is a curse… 😉
LikeLike
Anna, that is wonderful! You deserve that recognition so much. I remember this piece and thought it was amazing, guess I wasn’t the only one!!! Still planning to bring out the piece but will check with you before I do so.
LikeLike
Thanks, Linda.
LikeLike
That is one of my favorite pieces. Well done, Anna. I hope you have a great time at AQC.
LikeLike
Thanks, Paige! We will miss you this year at AQC.
LikeLike
I can see why you won Anna! It’s fantastic! Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Maria! I was completely taken by surprise. All the more special! Hope all is well with you and you are enjoying your Yukon Summer.
LikeLike
A well-deserved honour! What a wonderful piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kathy. It was fun to create, full of challenges to finish – but obviously worth persevering!
LikeLike
Hats off to you Anna! A great quilt and a well deserved honour. See you soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kristi! Safe travels!
LikeLike
Congratulations Anna!! What another feather in your cap!! I am super proud of you, I know what a hard year you had in 2016, it is another feat to be able to submit during those tough times… such an inspiration, as per always. hugs always xxx Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Alison. Life is full of challenges and joys. We just have to remember to focus on the good times and push through the tough times, right?
LikeLike
Congratulations Anna. Well deserved. I saw this quilt at CQA last year and thought it was amazing, a lot of work.i was worried there for a while that you were withdrawing from quilting. Hope this makes the sparks fly again.
LikeLike
Marilyn, thanks for your note! Once a creative – always a creative. That is something we cannot stop or ignore – I have always been someone who does not narrow creative pursuits down. In two days I am marking 20 years on the embroidery and quilting scene, after a previous ten years as a spinner, knitter and dyer. Working with cloth will be always be something I pursue but there is so much more that needs to be explored… I know you understand!
LikeLike
Love, love, love this quilt. Well deserved honor for it and for you. I’m looking forward to seeing it in person at Pacific International Quilt Festival this October. Just wish you were going to be here teaching again!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roberta, I wish I could return to PIQF. It is my favourite quilt festival of all times! Mancuso determines who teaches when and where…. and I have not had an invitation to teach in a while. But there are many teachers out there, and it is only fair to give other’s a chance. However, with the new Kantha book I might come back in the not too distant future… the request from an attendee never hurts (hint, hint 😉 )
LikeLike
How gratifying, Anna! Yes, the ‘one-door-closes,-another-door-opens’ idea rings true for me, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It applies to everyone – some of us are just more receptive to the signs… although sometimes the sound is muffled. 😉
LikeLike
Congratulations, Anna. It is a very well deserved award. See you in Muenster.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Eileen! Yes, see you next week Sunday! Where did the time go? Packing is in full swing at our house…
LikeLike
My Congrats to Anna! Well done, see you at AQC
LikeLike
Thanks, Paula. See you Sunday!
LikeLike
Congratulations Anna! That is absolutely wonderful! I love this quilt so much!
LikeLike
Thank you, Helene! I am over the moon.
LikeLike
Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thanks for your note, Pat!
LikeLike