• • • They said I would be notified before the end of August. And, since August came and went without a word I had dimissed it with a shrug. Now that I have (limited) internet access at work, I checked my e-mails during lunch today. You'll never guess what was waiting for me. I still can't believe it.

I was so excited I had to tell someone. Someone who would understand, so I quickly gave IowaLisa a call because her and I will be going to the show together.

I understand it's just an honor to be accepted and oh believe me I AM.

They picked me! Actually, they picked "Starburst".

When I got home today, the packet was in the mailbox. Here is the press release included.

• • • • • • • •

PADUCAH, Ky -- Waukesha, WI area quilter "ME" has been selected as a semifinalist in the American Quilter's Society Quilt Expo at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa's largest city and the state capital. The competition is offering $42,000 in total prize money.

The quilt represents hundreds of hours of work. This entry was chosen from a field of 261 quilts. From this point on, the quilt will compete against others within its own category. Three quilting authorties will judge this elite group prior to the opening of the expo. The individual quilt receiving the Best of Show award will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

Regardless of how the quilt places in the final judging, it will be displayed along with 217 others at the quilt expo. Entries are from 36 US states and 6 countries. There are five categories in the judged contest.

• • • • • • • •

Can you believe it? I am still shaking. Okay, now I have to read everything they sent and get back to my challenge piece.

Thanks for letting me share. Is anyone going to the show?
I'll be there Friday and Saturday, October 10 & 11.

Just in case you don't remember or haven't seen her, this is 'Starburst'.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jayardi,

This is so exciting!

the quilt is awesome.

Leona

Congratulations Jayardi!! I really wish you the best in the judging...I hope you walk away with the Best of Show Award!!

How exciting! I am so happy for you! That is such an honor! Best wishes for a first prize. I'm sure you feel like a winner, just having gotten this far!

CONGRATS I WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD IT IS A GREAT QUILT!!

What a wonderful honor to be chosen.
What a magnificent quilt.
You know I'll be rooting for you to get the big prize.
hugs,
quiltbea

Contrats! How exciting!
i remember whan Quiltaholic won the angle quilt..and sharon taped the conversation, when they called her!

it must be the same feeling! all giddy inside!
The quilt is beautiful! i am hoping you win the grand prize!

You ROCK girl!!!! Best of Luck in the show, and hope you come home a winner!!!

Stitchn

Congratulations! Your quilt is fantastic! Have a wonderful time at the show.

OH JAYARDI!!!!!!!!

I told you one day I can say "I have a jayardi orginal!'

this is so exciting I am speechless!! I am extremly happy and excited for you!!! I can hardly wait to hear how the show goes!!

Jean,
congratulations sweetheart!!!!! i am shaking just reading that!!!!! I am routing for you, that quilt is a winner for sure!
xoxo

That is a gorgeous quilt. I think it deserves Best in Show. Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to enter something...if I ever finish anything! Wishing you good luck in the competition.

Woo Hoo!!

Well deserved!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a nice honour and you rock! You go girl! You deserve this!!! Awesome!!! Thanks for sharing us with your happy news and surprise news!

• • • Q, I'm pretty sure that won't happen. I've seen what kind of quilts end up in these shows. There's no comparison, but I am still thrilled to be included.

When I first filled out the paper work, I was calculating how much I could win just to dream a little. It would be so cool to win a prize because the State Fair sure didn't pay much.

When I was talking to Lisa, I mentioned the fact that this is the first show in this venue and that they probably just needed extra quilts to fill in. I don't know how many were chosen for my category, but there were 261 submitted for review. That has to say something. I really don't know how I am going to be able to concentrate on anything tonight.

Thank you for the encouragement. I was about ready to give up on contests.

• • • LL, everytime you say that I just burst out laughing. I am so glad you like it. Maybe someday it will be worth something.

Okay - I didn't read your whole post or the others' (I'm excited for you!)....this will be at the Des Moines show? Maybe i'll have to make the trip....the one in Nov?

Wow - you ROCK!! Congrats on a job VERY well done!

KUDOS jayardi!!!

Susan

Congratulations and keep us posted!! We all know you already are a winner!

Ok - I reread your post....my friend mentioned going to the show, but we weren't sure since the show is coming to MNPLS in Nov.....BUT I just may have to make an exception so I can see this beauty and meet the maker!!!

WhooHoo!!! That's so cool.

Okay, why are all of you so surprised? I knew that was a show-stopper the moment I saw it. I'm just glad to know that the judges recognize beautiful work and reward the quiltmaker accordingly.

Jean, I am so thrilled for you. What a tremendous accomplishment. Now, keep entering those shows--ya never know!

Do you see me doing the happy dance for you? (shoudl look like snoopy doing his little dance like the cartoon) YEAH!!!

J, I when I 1st saw that quilt I knew it could win awards!!! It's awesome and you deserve to win the BEST OF SHOW for all your time and hard work you put into it.

I'm pulling for you and will keep my fingers, toes and anything else I can cross crossed for you...lol!!

OMG OMG OMG!!! I am so excited for you! That is truly an honor and i do so HOPE for you, more recognition! ANd we can all say we know you!!!! You are a real talent with an eye to details.